Navila Liveaboard
Navila Liveaboard
Kelor: a short, steep hill to begin the voyage
Updated 3 November 2026
A Kelor Island short trek from a private phinisi is a dry, steep hill, with 15 to 30 minutes of effort and a view of the bay at the end. With 50 to 70 minutes of sailing from Labuan Bajo, Kelor becomes the first landing on the overnight routes. Sturdy shoes help.
The first hill of the voyage
Close to Labuan Bajo lies Kelor, a small hilly islet that opens the overnight routes. Boarding is followed by a sail of 50 to 70 minutes, and the legs are stretched within a few hours of the harbour.
The reward is a viewpoint over the bay, reached by a short climb. No long trek and no dragons: Kelor is a hill with a view. It is a hill with a view, climbed early, which makes it a gentle opening for a party that has just come from a flight and a car.
Every overnight route opens with Kelor on day one, whether 2D1N, 3D2N or 4D3N. A private 3D2N can place it on the last day instead, and the captain agrees the order with you and the weather. Either way, it is the shortest climb of the nine.
Climb time and gradient in plain numbers
The table gives the climb as 15 to 30 minutes, with a difficulty of moderate. The path is steep and dry from the first step, so the effort is spent early, and the viewpoint ends it.
The climb is short and suits a wide range of walkers, and a party with children or older relatives should plan for the upper end and rest on the way.
Sturdy shoes matter more than fitness. The surface is dry and loose in places, and the way down asks as much care as the way up. Bring water, wear a hat and keep both hands free. The park package covers the island; it is settled apart from Navila's price unless your written quote includes it.
Real photo from a KEXI trip · 8 photos
Taking grandparents and toddlers up Kelor
Kelor is the climb on the route that mixed ages manage best, because it is short and the party can stop at any point and still have had a walk. Nobody has to reach the top.
For grandparents, the advice is to start slowly, to choose shoes with grip and to let a family member walk beside them. The cruise director can tell the party at the foot of the hill how the path looks that day.
For toddlers the steep stretches are the difficulty. A child aged 0 to 2 pays no fare when a parent or guardian is aboard. Ask us before booking, and we say what the park and the boat allow. A party can split, with half climbing and half waiting on the beach.
Kelor against Padar for tired legs
Both are viewpoints and both are climbed in the early part of a voyage. They differ in length and in hour.
Kelor takes 15 to 30 minutes and is climbed in daylight on the first day. Padar asks 25 to 45 minutes of you to reach the main viewpoint, and more for the ridge above; on the overnight routes you climb it before dawn on the second morning. For a guest with weary legs, Kelor is the lighter of the two, and Padar is the one to plan for.
If only one climb is manageable for your party, tell us. Padar is the famous view, but Kelor gives a view of the bay near Labuan Bajo for less effort. The party can climb Padar only as far as it likes on the second morning, or skip it for a slow breakfast on deck.
FAQ
Can toddlers and grandparents climb Kelor?
Many can, since the climb takes only 15 to 30 minutes and the party can stop at any point. The path is steep and dry, so shoes with grip matter. Ask us before booking about very young children, and tell the cruise director about any difficulty with walking.
Do I need to be fit to climb Kelor?
No special fitness is needed. The difficulty is moderate and the climb is brief, but it is steep from the start. A guest who walks at a gentle pace and rests when needed reaches the viewpoint. Water and a hat are worth carrying.
Is Kelor safe to climb in sandals?
Sandals are a poor choice. The path is dry and steep, loose in places, and slippery on the way down. Wear closed shoes with grip. The park package covers entry to the island, and we advise bringing shoes you are happy to get dusty.
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