Carnaby
Carnaby Phinisi
Kelor Island as the first stop
Updated 26 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 opens day 1 on both Carnaby boats. It is not a dragon site, and sturdy shoes help on the dry path.
A short climb with a bay view
Kelor is a short steep hill, not a long trek, and it is not a dragon site. Do not expect wildlife. The reward is the view of the bay from the top.
The climb takes 15 to 30 minutes on a dry, steep path, and the islet lies about an hour by boat from Labuan Bajo. It is a first walk, not a test. The stop is on day 1 of Carnaby 1's 2D1N, 3D2N and 4D3N, and on day 1 of Carnaby 2's 3D2N.
Park entry is never part of the fare: IDR 250,000 for foreign guests, IDR 50,000 for Indonesian guests on weekdays, per person. Guests who skip the climb lose nothing from the booking.
- Best window
- morning
- Time ashore / in water
- 15–30 min
- Difficulty
- moderate
- Tide-dependent
- 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
The warm-up for a big group
A group of 14 strings out between 15 and 30 minutes, and a group of 21 strings out a little further. The fast walkers wait at the top, and the slowest arrive when the first photos are done. Plan 45 minutes for the whole stop.
Kelor tells you who your climbers are before the long day 2, when Padar asks for 25 to 45 minutes uphill and the Komodo walk runs for up to two hours. Older guests and children who find it hard know to skip Padar, and the others know they can manage it. The Padar page covers the next climb.
Real photo from a KEXI trip · 8 photos
Why Kelor opens the trip
It sits about an hour from the harbour, which makes it the first natural stop after boarding and lunch. A swim at Manjarite follows, and Kalong closes the day.
The first walk also puts the group in the same rhythm. Everyone changes into walking shoes, everyone carries water, and everyone takes the same photo. The captain can change the order with traffic, weather and tides, as the 3D2N page notes, and Kelor sometimes moves to the end of the afternoon.
Shoes, water and a shaded wait
Sturdy shoes help on the steep, dry path, and water belongs in every hand. Shade is thin on the way up, so a hat is useful. Guests who skip the climb wait on the boat or at the beach. A dry towel and a spare shirt wait for the climbers when they come down.
The climb is optional for every guest. The comparison page compares the two boats, and the charter page prices a whole-boat group.
FAQ
How long is the Kelor climb?
15 to 30 minutes uphill on a steep, dry path to a viewpoint over the bay. A whole stop, with the wait for the last walkers and the photos, takes about 45 minutes for a group of 14 or 21.
Is it suitable for children?
Children who walk steadily manage it, and it is optional. Children under 3 travel free with a parent or guardian on a booking. The path is steep and dry, so closed shoes and a parent within reach matter more than the length of the climb.
Is Kelor the first stop?
Yes on the published routes: Kelor opens day 1 after boarding and lunch on Carnaby 1, and on Carnaby 2 it follows the optional stop at Bidadari and the snorkel at Manjarite. The captain can change the order on the day with traffic and tides.
What should we bring?
Closed shoes, a hat, a bottle of water and a light layer. The climb is short but steep, and shade is thin. Phones and cameras fit in a small bag, and the backpack from the packing list is the right size.
Check availability — Carnaby
Carnaby is published and booked by PT Komodo Explorer Indonesia, a booking partner for Carnaby 1 and Carnaby 2. The boats belong to their owner.