Padar Island

Padar may look like any other run-of-the-mill tourist hotspot upon arrival at the foot of its mountainous terrain, but there are countless reasons why visitors and locals alike keep returning to this now uninhabited island, which was once home to the elusive Komodo dragons.

The island’s peculiar claw-like shape isn’t its only quirk; its unparalleled uniqueness lies within the tri-coloured sand of the three turquoise bays surrounding the island. One beach comprises pristine white sand whereas the other two boast charcoal black and cotton candy pink sand.

This rare amalgamation is attributed to remnants of dark volcanic material and pulverised red coral blended with white sand, and to capture this remarkable phenomenon, one must venture on a labourious and steep hike up towards a vantage point.

The sunsets and sunrises from atop Padar are just as phenomenal, and though there are stairways in place, those up for an extra challenge often wander off the beaten path for an experience unlike any other.