LABUAN BAJO, Indonesia – A Chinese tourist collapsed near the summit of Padar Island on Sunday, prompting rescue personnel to respond at one of Indonesia’s most demanding and recognizable trekking destinations.
The tourist, identified as 41-year-old Han Zhiwei, reportedly lost consciousness and experienced temporary body stiffness after reaching Post 5, the highest point along the southern trekking route on Padar Island.
Padar is famous for its panoramic viewpoints.
Reaching them, however, requires climbing steep hillsides under tropical heat with little shade.
“A foreign tourist from China experienced fatigue and temporary body stiffness at Site Padar Selatan, Post 5,” said Rawuh Pradana, head of the forestry police unit at Komodo National Park Authority.
Rescue Teams Responded at the Summit
Officials said park personnel stationed in the area immediately assisted the tourist and provided first aid before helping him descend safely.
Authorities say Han’s condition improved after receiving treatment.
Park officials said they were unable to confirm whether the tourist had any pre-existing medical conditions.
“We did not obtain further information regarding medical history,” Rawuh said.
The Trip Continued
What happened next surprised even rescue personnel.
Rather than ending the trip, Han asked to continue.
According to park officials, the tourist later boarded the speedboat Lacoco and continued visiting destinations inside Komodo National Park, including Long Pink Beach and Loh Liang on Komodo Island.
“After recovering, the tourist requested to continue the trip,” Rawuh said.
One of Indonesia’s Most Photographed Treks
Padar Island has become one of Indonesia’s most recognizable tourism icons, attracting visitors from around the world seeking the island’s dramatic viewpoints and rolling landscapes.
But the climb can be physically demanding.
Steep inclines, limited shade, and tropical temperatures can quickly exhaust visitors unfamiliar with the conditions.
For now, authorities say Han has recovered.
And a trek that briefly turned into an emergency ended with the tourist continuing his journey across Komodo National Park.