Vinca
Vinca Deluxe Phinisi
Kelor Island, Komodo: a short steep hill near Labuan Bajo
Updated 10 October 2026
Kelor is a small hilly islet about an hour by boat from Labuan Bajo, with a short, steep climb of 15 to 30 minutes to a bay viewpoint. It is the first stop on the 2D1N and 4D3N, and the last morning on the 3D2N. It is not a dragon site.
What Kelor is, and what it is not
Kelor is a small hilly islet close to Labuan Bajo, about an hour by boat. A short climb leads to a viewpoint over the bay, and the path is steep and dry. It is a warm-up on one route and a send-off on another.
It is not a long trek. The climb takes 15 to 30 minutes, which is shorter than Padar and much shorter than the Komodo walk. It is not a dragon site, and nobody should expect wildlife. It is also not a place with much energy left at the end of a trip, which is how the 3D2N uses it, so treat it as a gentle farewell.
The path is a scramble in places, and sturdy shoes make it a pleasure. Sandals make it a chore.
- Best window
- morning
- Time ashore / in water
- 15–30 min
- Difficulty
- moderate
- Tide
- Not tide-dependent
- Busiest months
- July, August
What it is not: short steep hill, not a long trek · not a dragon site · often the last stop of a trip, so do not expect to have energy left for much more
What you see and when to go
The reward is a bay view: the bay below, the shape of the coast, and the next islands lined up behind it. It looks best in morning light, when the sun is lower and the haze is thin.
The stop is also used for swimming and paddleboarding. On the 3D2N brochure, the last morning is listed as a free activity at Kelor: trek, swim, paddle board or relax. That is a loose plan, and the guide shapes it around the time left before the drop-off.
Crowd months are July and August. The island is close to the harbour, so it is often a first stop for day boats too, and a morning arrival in high season may share the path. Go early or go in October.
Real photo from a KEXI trip · 8 photos
How our routes use Kelor
On the 2D1N, Kelor is the first stop on day one, with a sail of 50 to 70 minutes from the harbour after the 09:30 pickup. It is followed by lunch, a snorkel at Manjarite, and Kalong at sunset. On the 4D3N, Kelor follows Manjarite and lunch, again on day one.
On the 3D2N, Kelor is the last morning: breakfast, a free activity at the island, then the sail back to Labuan Bajo, about 50 to 70 minutes. Drop-off is planned for late morning, between 11:00 and 12:00.
The 1D day trip does not use Kelor. It is a Padar, Pink Beach and Komodo day. That makes Kelor a feature of the longer routes, where the distance from the harbour is part of the plan.
| From | To | Minutes | Confidence |
|---|---|---|---|
| Labuan Bajo | Kelor | 50–70 | Verified |
| Labuan Bajo | Kanawa | 60–90 | Operating range |
| Labuan Bajo | Sebayur | 90–120 | Operating range |
| Kelor | Manjarite | 30–60 | Operating range |
| Manjarite | Kalong | 50–70 | Operating range |
| Kalong | Padar | 180–240 · Overnight run | Operating range |
| Padar | Pink Beach | 60–90 | Operating range |
| Pink Beach | Komodo | 30–60 | Operating range |
| Komodo | Manta Point | 30–60 | Operating range |
| Manta Point | Taka Makassar | 20–30 | Operating range |
| Taka Makassar | Siaba | 60–90 | Operating range |
| Siaba | Kanawa | 60–90 | Operating range |
| Rinca | Kalong | 30–60 | Operating range |
| Taka Makassar | Padar | 120–180 · Overnight run | Estimate |
| Sebayur | Manta Point | 60–90 | Estimate |
| Kelor | Labuan Bajo | 50–70 | Operating range |
Heat, tide and the last-morning problem
Kelor is not tide-dependent. Heat and path condition are the practical caveats. The climb is exposed, so a hat and water matter, and a wet path in the rainy months from December to March is slippery.
The last-morning problem is timing. A flight that leaves after 14:00 on the final day works with an 11:00 to 12:00 drop-off, and a flight earlier than that does not. The open-trip note says to book flights after 14:00. If your flight is earlier, tell the desk before the deposit, since we cannot reorder the route to fit.
If the sea is rough on the way back, the sail takes longer and the captain may shorten the activity. Kelor is the stop that gives, so that the drop-off does not.
Fixed dates, mostly Mondays and Fridays. Not every Monday or Friday runs.
FAQ
How hard is the Kelor climb?
Moderate and short. It takes 15 to 30 minutes on a steep, dry path, ending at a viewpoint over the bay. Sturdy shoes help, and a hat helps more in the midday sun. Most guests manage it without difficulty, and it is a lot easier than the 25 to 45 minute Padar climb.
How far is Kelor from Labuan Bajo?
About an hour by boat, with the leg listed as 50 to 70 minutes. It is the closest stop on our routes, which is why it opens the 2D1N and 4D3N and closes the 3D2N. The leg time is the one we verified.
Is Kelor worth stopping at?
It is a short, pleasant climb and a good bay view, but it is not a headline stop. Guests who want one big reason for the trip choose Padar, Komodo or Manta Point. Kelor is the stop that makes the routes fit the clock, 50 to 70 minutes from the harbour.
What flight time works with the 3D2N drop-off?
Drop-off on the 3D2N is planned for 11:00 to 12:00, and the open-trip note advises flights after 14:00 on the last day. The 2D1N returns between 18:00 and 19:00, and the 1D at 20:00. Check the route before you book a flight, and tell the desk if it is earlier.
Can we paddleboard at Kelor?
Yes. The 3D2N brochure lists the last morning at Kelor as a free activity: trek, swim, paddle board or relax. There are two stand-up paddleboards, shared by every guest, so ask the guide early. Drop-off in Labuan Bajo follows, planned for 11:00 to 12:00.
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