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Ideal duration: 3-4 Days
Best Time: April to December Read More
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Komodo National park of Indonesia is a protected wildlife and marine life area of a group of islands scattered between the islands of Sumbawa and Flores. The endangered species of Komodo Dragons are found here and nowhere else in the world. Apart from the giant lizards, the islands are home to a diverse species of flora and fauna and vibrant marine life.
The National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage site and also is a part of the Coral Triangle. There are several resorts in the national park and many activities are popular such as scuba diving, snorkelling, swimming, and boat tours. The national park is putting more and more emphasis on marine-based eco-tourism.
The three main islands Komodo, Padar and Rinca along with 26 small ones covering a total area of 1,817 square kms both land and sea make up Komodo National Park. The Komodo National Park was established in 1980 to protect the endangered Komodo Dragons in the area but with the expansion of the protection plan, the diverse marine life also began to thrive in the area.
The Savannah vegetation is suitable for the Komodo Dragons to survive and even flourish as a species. But due to the increase in human population and illegal poaching activities of the local Timor Deer which is a preferred prey for the Dragons, the ecosystem of the National Park is under threat.
Loh Buaya
Loh Buaya is the place on Rinca Island where you can spot the Komodo Dragon Lizards in their natural habitat. Just a couple of hours away by boat from Labuan Bajo. You are required to be accompanied by a tour guide at all times and they will show you around the island. You can also engage in trekking and hiking explorations here.
Pink Beach
The pink beach's characteristic color comes from a microorganism called 'Foraminifera' that are washed up on the shore along with the water from the corals. It is also a safe place for novice divers and adventure explorers to witness the diverse marine life.
Manta Points
Named after the schools of Manta Ray that are spotted here, Manta Points are spots where these creatures can be spotted in a group. Located just off the Komodo Island, tourists can also engage in scuba diving or free diving explorations here.
Komodo National Park
Visiting the Komodo National Park is, of course, an important activity as you visit the Komodo Islands or the National Park area. The entry to the national park incurs a charge but here you can see some stunning wildlife such as the eponymous Komodo Dragon Lizard.
Stargazing
Since the islands are devoid of any pollution in order to protect the wildlife, stargazing is a popular and fun activity to engage in. It is said that on a clear day one can easily see a part of the Milky Way Galaxy.
Rangko Cave
Colourful, astonishing and spectacular, Rangko caves can only be visited by hiring a boat that can go and explore the caves from inside, It is highly recommended that you keep a track of the high and low tide timings and ensure that you visit during the low tide to truly witness the colourful beauty.
Kelor Island
Among the most popular spots to witness the rich marine life of the Komodo Islands and National Park, Kelor Island is best seen by engaging in a Scuba Diving Exploration.
The vegetation of the National Park is Savannah vegetation characterized by hot and dry climate. Cloud forests appearing only in certain areas of the Park and provide habitat to endemic flora. Mangrove forests appearing in the bays of the three main islands make up for the coastal vegetation.
On the Northeast coast of Komodo, the coral reefs are rich and extensive. There are around 1,000 species of fish, some of them are whales, sharks, manta rays, dolphins, seaturtles, clown frogfish, octopus, sponges and more.
Compared to the marine-life, the diversity of terrestrial life is not high but is significant in preservation as they are endangered. There are several species of snakes found here including Russell’s viper, Timor Python, Javan spitting Cobra and many more. Mammals found here include the Timor Rusa Deer, Water Buffalo, Wild Boar, Crab-eating Macaque and more.