Komodo National Park is great for scuba diving and other water sports. But more than that, it is also a wonderful place to visit for leisure. One of the reasons for this is that the marine park area has beautiful beaches. The two most well-known of them are Pink Beach and Long Beach.
Deciding which island to visit on your holiday on can be tricky if you’re heading to Komodo and only have a few days in your schedule. Both beaches are great, but each has something different to see, leaving you torn on where to spend your time. In this article, we’ll break down what makes each beach unique so you can choose the perfect spot for your next adventure.
The Differences of Pink Beach & Long Beach
Geographical Difference
Pink Beach is located in Komodo Island, while Long Beach is located in Padar Island. Google Maps named both locations as “Pink Beach”, but locals call the one on in Padar Island as “Long Beach” or “Pantai Panjang”.
The Difference in The Coloration of the Sand
Though both share the same name, Pink Beach on Komodo Island has a brighter pink, somewhat close to red. That is why it is called “Pantai Merah” in the local language: “Red beach”. However, the Long Beach on Padar Island has a softer pink colour.
Different Activities and Attractions
Pink Beach Komodo
Pink Beach on Komodo Island is a popular stop for snorkelling and relaxing on the shore. The underwater world just off the beach is vibrant, with coral reefs that host a variety of tropical fish, making it an excellent spot for snorkelers of all levels. The beach itself, with its brighter pink hue and soft sand, is perfect for sunbathing or taking that iconic Komodo photo. Since it’s a popular snorkelling stop in many liveaboard itineraries,, it’s often included in diving excursions as well.
ALSO READ: 9 Best Komodo Dive Sites to Visit in 2025
Long Beach Padar
Long Beach, located on Padar Island, offers a more adventurous setting. Although the beach has a subtler pink shade, it makes up for it with the epic backdrop of Padar’s rugged terrain. While snorkeling and swimming are still possible here, what truly sets this spot apart is its proximity to the famous Padar Island viewpoint. A short boat ride and a hike take you to one of Indonesia’s most photographed landscapes. It’s a must for photographers and anyone looking to combine beach time with exploration.
Whether you’re diving in the coral-rich shallows of Pink Beach or trekking Padar’s iconic ridgelines after a visit to Long Beach, both destinations promise a unique slice of the Komodo experience.
ALSO READ: Padar Island: Hiking, Diving, and Losing Yourself in Komodo’s Raw Beauty
Accessibility Difference
You can reach both Pink Beach and Long Beach by boat, starting from Labuan Bajo. However, the route to Pink Beach is shorter due to its closer proximity. Furthermore, they are remote and unpopulated, so you will need to pack essentials like snacks, water, and sun protection before leaving Labuan Bajo.
Occasionally, small temporary vendors may set up in Long Beach; however, if you want to grab a cold drink or a cup of instant noodles. For sustainability reasons, however, we recommend you take anything you need in with reusable containers.
We recommend checking up with your travel organizer before going to see if they provide everything or if you will need to arrange it yourself.
Usually, going to Long Beach on Padar or Pink Beach on Komodo is included as part of an itinerary by your travel agencies. On our Ultimate Komodo liveaboard trip, our itinerary also allows you to visit Pink Beach on Komodo Island, and we do a dive site just off the beach too. Interested? Check out our Ultimate Komodo itinerary.
Pink Beach vs Long Beach: Quick Comparison
| Feature | Pink Beach (Komodo Island) | Long Beach (Padar Island) |
| Location | Komodo Island | Padar Island |
| Local Name | Pantai Pink (kadang disebut Pantai Merah) | Pantai Panjang |
| Sand Color | Brighter pink, hampir kemerahan | Lebih lembut, pastel pink |
| Best For | Snorkelling, berenang, santai di pantai | Fotografi, trekking, eksplorasi |
| Underwater Life | Terumbu karang dangkal dengan ikan tropis berwarna-warni | Bisa snorkeling, tapi bukan spot utama |
| Crowds | Lebih ramai (sering jadi stop liveaboard) | Biasanya lebih sepi |
| Nearby Highlight | Coral reefs langsung dari shoreline | Viewpoint ikonik Padar Island |
| Travel Time from Labuan Bajo | Lebih dekat | Sedikit lebih jauh |
| Overall Vibe | Santai & family-friendly | Dramatic & adventurous |
Frequently Asked Questions
What causes pink beach?
Well, there is actually more than one cause. One of the contributing causes is fragments of red coral skeletons, particularly organ pipe coral, which is vibrant red in colour and found in surrounding reef areas. These corals break down into tiny fragments that are washed ashore.
However, the primary source of the pink colouration comes from microscopic marine organisms called foraminifera. These single-celled creatures have red and pink shells made of calcium carbonate.
Which Pink Beach should I visit?
We recommend that you visit both beaches instead of picking one. Each of them are unique, and doing it will allow you to experience Komodo to the fullest.
Do You Visit Pink Beach on Your Komodo Liveaboard?
Absolutely, and we do far more than simply stop there.
On our Ultimate Komodo Liveaboard itinerary, Pink Beach on Komodo Island is one of the highlights. Arriving by liveaboard means you experience the beach at the best time of day, often before or after the day-trip crowds, giving you a more exclusive and relaxed atmosphere.
However, the experience extends well beyond setting foot on the shore.
We snorkel or dive directly off Pink Beach, exploring the coral-rich waters just metres from the sand.
We combine the visit with a sunrise or early-morning trek on Padar Island to reach its iconic panoramic viewpoint.
We also include guided ranger treks on Rinca or Komodo Island to see the Komodo dragons in their natural habitat.
And, of course, you return each evening to the comfort of your floating boutique hotel.
This is the advantage of exploring Komodo by liveaboard. There is no rushing between islands and no fixed return deadlines, only seamless transitions between adventure and relaxation.
At La Galigo Liveaboard, each journey is designed to balance exploration, diving, trekking, and downtime, so you experience Pink Beach and beyond as part of a complete Komodo adventure rather than a checklist stop.
If you are looking to see Komodo properly, in comfort, at the right pace, and with carefully curated experiences throughout, a liveaboard journey makes all the difference.
Final Thoughts
Pink Beach on Komodo Island and Long Beach on Padar Island each reveal a different side of Komodo National Park.
If you are seeking vibrant snorkelling and that iconic bright pink shoreline, Pink Beach delivers. If dramatic landscapes and panoramic viewpoints are more your style, Long B,each paired with Padar’s ridgelines, is difficult to surpass.
The truth is that you do not have to choose.
The best way to experience both beaches without rushing is by exploring Komodo by liveaboard. Travelling by boat allows you to move seamlessly between islands, arrive at the right times of day, and combine beach visits with trekking, snorkelling, and world-class diving, all within one carefully designed journey.
With La Galigo Liveaboard, Pink Beach and Long Beach are not isolated stops on a packed schedule. They are part of a balanced adventure across Komodo National Park, where each day flows naturally from sunrise treks to coral-rich dives, and evenings are spent relaxing on deck beneath the stars.
If you want to experience Komodo beyond a quick day trip and truly enjoy both Pink Beach and Long Beach at the right pace, a liveaboard journey makes all the difference.
