Raja Bintang 01
Raja Bintang 01
Kelor: the first stop, a short hill and a reef
Updated 4 November 2026
Kelor Island is the first stop on day 1 of Raja Bintang 01's three-day plan, about an hour by boat from Labuan Bajo. A short, steep hill leads to a viewpoint over the bay. Sturdy shoes help, and the whole boat costs IDR 78,000,000 (≈ USD 4,785).
A low hill, a first reef
Kelor is a small hilly islet, about an hour by boat from Labuan Bajo, and it sets the tone for the trip: short, steep and quickly done.
- Arrival: the harbour behind you and the first warm wind on the deck.
- At the stop: a short climb of about 15 to 30 minutes on a dry, steep path to a viewpoint over the bay.
- Leaving: the view, and the first swim of the trip where the plan allows.
Snorkelling gear is included in the fare. The welcome drink and the cold towel come on boarding, long before the hill.
Shoes for a low hill
The path is steep and dry, and sturdy shoes help far more than they look as though they should. Bring a hat and water. The climb is short, but it is the first walk of the trip, and legs that spent the morning on a plane notice it.
It is also the best test of the group. If anyone struggles on Kelor, tell us before Padar, and we say plainly what the rest of the route asks. Padar is longer and steeper, and Komodo Island is a longer walk on dry ground.
Leave the large camera bag on the boat. The viewpoint is small, and a hand free for the rail is worth more than a second lens.
Real photo from a KEXI trip · 8 photos
A first stop, not a beach day
Not a beach day: a short stop to stretch the legs. Kelor is not a dragon site, and the hill is steep rather than long. It works as a first stop because it is close to the harbour, and a group that has just boarded does not need more.
The viewpoint is small, and a party of sixteen takes turns for photographs. Come for the bay below it, and for the stretch of legs before the long second day. Nothing here is a highlight, and nothing here is a trial.
Kelor opens the first day
Kelor opens day one of the three-day route, ahead of Manjarite and the sunset at Kalong. The two-day route also begins here, before the dragon walk on Rinca. The whole boat costs IDR 78,000,000 (≈ USD 4,785) for up to 16 guests.
Pickup runs from 09:30 to 12:00 on the open trip, and the private charter hour is set with your flights. Ask for dates and we confirm the plan in writing. The captain decides the order of the first day with the weather.
If your party lands late in Labuan Bajo and misses the boarding window, tell us at once. A taxi boat to catch up with the boat is at the guest's own expense, so ask us before the day what it would cost.
FAQ
Is Kelor worth it on a phinisi trip?
As a gentle start, yes; as a highlight, no. The harbour is barely behind you and the wind is warm, there is a short, steep climb to a viewpoint over the bay, and a first swim follows where the plan allows.
How long do we stay at Kelor?
The captain sets the time ashore on the day, with the tide and the weather. The climb takes about 15 to 30 minutes, and the rest of the stop follows the day plan. Ask us for the plan on your date and we confirm it in writing.
Can children or older travellers manage Kelor?
Children who walk well manage it, and so do most adults. The path is steep and dry, so sturdy shoes matter. Anyone with a heart or mobility condition should tell us before booking. The viewpoint is optional, and the boat waits at anchor.
Check availability — Raja Bintang 01
Raja Bintang 01 sails with its own crew; Komodo Explorer sells the cabins and the whole boat, and arranges your booking, payment and pickup.