260 miles from Kupang
It just does not get much more beautiful than Palau Padar. Whether coming from Labaun Bajo in the north or from Sumba or Kupang in the south, approach from direct south on a dead north heading. Coming from Labaun Bajo, Komodo or Rinca island north to south start to turn to port to round the bottom of the island on a medium distance off before lining up on the north / south entry course. The are two potential anchorages in the northwest corner of the Bay.
Anchorage H1 is the most scenic and best if no strong southerly swell. Anchorage H2 at 8°40.551S, 119°33.454E is better suited if there is some SE swell entering the bay. Once in the bay, approach to both anchorages is unobstructed clear passage to 10-30 metres on sand.
In the SE trade wind season, wind bullets and gusts sweep hard down off the island’s saddles, making for great small boat sailing in calm water.
There is a small local jetty in the southwest pocket of the H2 anchorage bay, marking the start of two well-worn walking trails to the hillock tops for breath-taking views of the local topography.
Most beaches inside Padar Bay are deserted and beautiful, with only high tide access due to the fringing reef extensions problematic due to the ocean scape of the whole region.
