The remote and archipelagic Komodo National Park, Flores, is blessed with pristine waters, scenic archipelago, and clear sky. Its enchanting wildness is making it a magical place to catch a sunset. If you always take delight in watching a sunset, here are our recommendations of six best sites in Komodo to bathe in the golden moment and watch the sun fall to the ocean.
A Very Pink Sunset at the Pink Beach
The Pink Beach is arguably the most popular destination in Komodo National Park after the Komodo Dragon itself. No one can have a fulfilling holiday here and missing this rare rosy-hued shores. It’s one of the only seven pink beaches in the world. During the daylight, the beach sparks in a glimmer of pink, but the color becomes more apparent when the twilight beams. It’s also less crowded during the evening as most travelers come during the midday for some suntanning and snorkeling, and they usually don’t stay very long. Having a sunset in Padar Island is like licking the crème de la crème; you get to enjoy an empty beach with a spectacular sunset backdropped by dreamy pink sands. It’s so surreal.
A Glowing Sunset at the Marvellous Padar Island
Perhaps one of the most famous sunset spots in Komodo National Park, Padar Island, will not disappoint. Climb the jagged hills and get into the hilltop, where a spectacular view of Padar’s four crescent beaches and the surrounding islands await. Sit between the bushes and wait until the sun glides down. Immerse in the spectacle of the fiery sun leaving strikes of reds and purples as the undulating grassland basks in the last rays of the sun.
A Romantic View from Bukit Cinta
The Bukit Cinta—literally translated as Love Hill—is one of three vantage points in Labuan Bajo. It sits not too far away from the Komodo Airport in Labuan Bajo. In just a short hike, you will arrive at the peak, facing the Flores Sea. Choose your favorite spot to watch the giant red orb in the sky, dips below the ocean waves.
A Wild Sunset at Kalong Island
You might think that all sunset looks the same, but nothing is quite like a Kalong Island sunset. As the dusk approach and the sky begin to change colors to hues of violet crimson, hundreds of huge flying foxes spring out from the mangrove roost, flying and screeching in search of their evening meals in the neighboring island. Sunset at Kalong Island gives you a feeling like witnessing a NatGeo Wild show in real life. It’s one of those magical moments where you will appreciate nature on its wildest beauty.
Labuan Bajo’s Landmark: the Dermaga Putih
The private-owned Dermaga Putih is frequently featured in travelers and influencers’ social media for its exquisite and elegant, all-white design. The bridge dock belongs to a private restaurant that opens at night, but they allow public visitors to snap pictures at the remarkable bridge. Experience the Dermaga Putih at its best during the golden hours; bathing white piers and fence in a soft pink and orange haze. As dusk approaches, the lights along the dock start to light up dimly as the sun begins to sink on the horizon. This tender moment is best to enjoy with your loved ones.
Anywhere from the Comfort of Your Komodo Liveaboard, Really
One of the best ways to explore the richness of Komodo National Park is undoubtedly by sailing with Komodo liveaboard for a few days. And among those days, you have the chance to soak up in magnificent sunset—and sunrise—at sea. Picture yourself sitting quietly at one of the deck, where you can hear the water gently waving by as the cruise pass by. You breathe the fresh air of the ocean and watch silhouettes of birds as they fly in the distance while the sky is stained in red-orangey hues by the setting sun. It’s gonna be one of the finest moments in life you’ll want to treasure forever.
