Pink Beach (Pantai Merah) on the east coast of Komodo Island is one of the few pink-sand beaches in the world — the unusual colouration comes from red coral fragments mixed into the white sand, giving it a warm rose tint that is particularly vivid in the early morning light.
The snorkelling just offshore is among the best in the park: the reef begins within a few metres of the beach and the diversity of fish and coral is exceptional. Currents can be strong; stay inside the bay. Most day trip itineraries from Labuan Bajo include a stop here, so it is busiest in the late morning. Arriving early or staying after the day-trippers leave gives you the beach nearly to yourself.