Gammara Phinisi
Gammara Phinisi
Kelor, a short hill to begin with
Updated 3 November 2026
Kelor Island short hike: this small hilly islet is about an hour by boat from Labuan Bajo and the first stop on day 1 of Gammara's 3D2N route. The climb takes 15 to 30 minutes, short and steep, to a view over the bay. No dragons.
The hill that opens the first afternoon
Kelor is a small hilly islet, about an hour by boat from Labuan Bajo harbour. That distance is why it is the first stop: you board between 10:00 and 11:00, and the hill is the first thing the boat reaches.
A short climb leads to a viewpoint over the bay. The path is steep and dry, and sturdy shoes help. It is not a long trek, and the whole stop fits comfortably into the first part of day 1.
Kelor is not a dragon site. There are no dragons here. The view is the only reward, and for many couples it is the first proper look at the park from above.
Kelor is a way to stretch your legs before the boat sails on to Manjarite and Kalong. The climb sits early on day 1, so you do not have to save your energy for it.
Steep for minutes, not hours
The climb takes 15 to 30 minutes. We rate it moderate, because the gradient is real, but it is short. A fit pair in trainers has time for photographs at the top.
Take small steps on the loose, dry path, and keep a gap between you and the next person so that no dust or stones fall on them.
Wear a hat. Carry water, because the path is dry. It is short. Go slowly, stop when you like, and let the other person set the pace on the way down, since steep dry paths are harder going down than up.
The hill is a warm-up for Padar the next morning. If your legs cope with Kelor, they will cope with the first half of Padar, though Padar takes longer.
Real photo from a KEXI trip · 8 photos
Kelor's hill with a toddler or a grandparent
The climb suits fit legs in good shoes. Slower legs can skip it, and that is a fair choice. Nobody is required to reach the top. Good shoes and a calm pace matter far more than speed.
A grandparent can wait on the beach or on the boat, and the rest of the party goes up. The same holds for a small child who is too young for a steep path. Children from 3 years pay full fare under our terms, and those aged 0 to 2 travel free.
Carry a toddler only if you are sure of your footing. The loose surface is hard on a person holding a child.
A wait does not spoil anything, because the stop is short. The boat leaves when the group is back.
Kelor beside Padar: which for tired legs
Both are climbs. Both end in a view. Kelor takes 15 to 30 minutes and Padar takes 25 to 45 minutes to the main viewpoint, with the upper ridge longer. Kelor is the shorter of the two.
Padar is the bigger view and the harder start. It comes before sunrise, in the dark, on a loose path. Kelor comes in daylight, on the first afternoon, with fresh legs.
If tired legs force a choice, keep Padar for the sunrise and give up Kelor. Tell us before the trip and we will confirm in writing that the route allows it.
Tell us how you walk and we will say which of the two to keep.
FAQ
How long is the Kelor Island climb?
Between 15 and 30 minutes to the viewpoint over the bay. It is short and steep on a dry path, and sturdy shoes help. It is not a long trek, and it is not a dragon site. Slower walkers can skip it and wait below.
Is Kelor easier than Padar?
Yes, in length: 15 to 30 minutes against 25 to 45 minutes for Padar's main viewpoint. Kelor is in daylight on day 1, while Padar is climbed in the dark before sunrise. If you can only keep one, most couples keep Padar for the sunrise.
Check availability — Gammara Phinisi
Bookings for Gammara Phinisi are made with the Komodo Explorer team in Labuan Bajo.