How to Get In Komodo Island

While most visitors enter Komodo National Park (KNP) through the gateway cities of Labuan Bajo in the west of Flores or Bima in eastern Sumbawa, the departure point for your trip is actually Denpasar, Bali. By Air: Indonesia Air Transport (IAT) Depart : Everyday DPS - LBJ : 10.00 – 11.30 LBJ - DPS : 12.00 – 13.30 Price: Y CLASS : IDR 751.000 H CLASS : IDR 696.000 Q CLASS : IDR 641.000 (NON REFUND TICKET) Trans Nusa Airlines (TGN) Depart : Everyday DPS – LBJ : 10.00 – 11.50 & 13.00 – 14.20 LBJ – DPS VIA BMU (BIMA) : 12.05 - 12.35 BMU-DPS : 12.50 – 13.45 LBJ – DPS : 14.35 – 15.15 Price Y CLASS : IDR 761.000 L CLASS : IDR 651.000 M CLASS : IDR 541.000 By Land: The gateway cities of Labuan Bajo and Bima are connected to Denpasar, Bali by overland buses. By Sea (ferry): Travel time: approximately 36 hours The gateway cities of Labuan Bajo and Bima are also connected to Denpasar, Bali by inter-island ferry. Contact the Indonesia Sea Transportation Company (PELNI) at Jalan Raya Kuta No. 299, Tuban - Bali (Tel: 0361 - 763 963) to reserve a seat on the KM. Tilong Kabila, which departs Benoa Port, Bali bound for Bima and Labuan Bajo Benoa-Bima-Labuan Bajo  Fortnightly (every two weeks) on Saturdays: 09.00-20.00 (next day). One-way ticket (as of 10/6/06) from Rp. 143,000.00 - Rp. 435,000.00 Labuan Bajo-Bima-Benoa  Fortnightly (every two weeks) on Thursdays: 08.00-11.00 (next day). One-way ticket (as of 10/6/06) from Rp. 143,000.00 - Rp. 435,000.00 Note: the ferry schedule and ticket prices may change with or without prior notice By Sea (live-aboard): Komodo National Park is serviced by a wide range of live-aboard boats, with return packages to Komodo National Park from a variety of departure points, including Bali, Lombok, Bima and Labuan Bajo Prices (as of 10/6/06) are ranging from USD 230.00 - USD 295.00 / person / night. From Gateway Cities to Komodo National Park (KNP) You can easily organize a shared boat charter by local boat from either ports at Labuan Bajo or Bima (Sape) to the two major points of access in the Park: Loh Liang (on Komodo Island) or Loh Buaya (on Rinca Island) Charter price (as of 10/6/06) - excluding meals, KNP entrance fee etc: Labuan Bajo: KNP: Rp. 750,000 - 1,500,000 per boat / day Bima (Sape): KNP: Rp. 1,500.000 - 2,000.000 per boat / day Note: the charter prices may change with or without prior notice

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More About Komodo National Park

LOCATION :

Komodo National Park lies in the Wallacea Region of Indonesia, identified by WWF and Conservation International as a global conservation priority area. The Park is located between the islands of Sumbawa and Flores at the border of the Nusa Tenggara Timur (NTT) and Nusa Tenggara Barat (NTB) provinces. It includes three major islands, Komodo, Rinca and Padar, and numerous smaller islands together totaling 603 km2 of land. The total size of Komodo National Park is presently 1,817 km2. Proposed extensions of 25 km2 of land (Banta Island) and 479 km2 of marine waters would bring the total surface area up to 2,321 km2

HISTORY :
Komodo National Park was established in 1980 and was declared a World Heritage Site and a Man and Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO in 1986. The park was initially established to conserve the unique Komodo dragon (Varanus komodoensis), first discovered by the scientific world in 1911 by J.K.H. Van Steyn. Since then conservation goals have expanded to protecting its entire biodiversity, both marine and terrestrial.
The majority of the people in and around the Park are fishermen originally from Bima (Sumbawa), Manggarai, South Flores, and South Sulawesi. Those from South Sulawesi are from the Suku Bajau or Bugis ethnic groups. The Suku Bajau were originally nomadic and moved from location to location in the region of Sulawesi, Nusa Tenggara and Maluku, to make their livelihoods. Descendents of the original people of Komodo, the Ata Modo, still live in Komodo, but there are no pure blood people left and their culture and language is slowly being integrated with the recent migrants.
Little is known of the early history of the Komodo islanders. They were subjects of the Sultanate of Bima, although the island’s remoteness from Bima meant its affairs were probably little troubled by the Sultanate other than by occasional demand for tribute.

DEMOGRAPHICS :
There are presently almost 4,000 inhabitants living within the park spread out over four settlements (Komodo, Rinca, Kerora, and Papagaran). All villages existed prior to 1980 before the area was declared a national park. In 1928 there were only 30 people living in Komodo Village, and approximately 250 people on Rinca Island in 1930. The population increased rapidly, and by 1999, there were 281 families numbering 1,169 people on Komodo, meaning that the local population had increased exponentially. Komodo Village has had the highest population increase of the villages within the Park, mostly due to migration by people from Sape, Manggarai, Madura, and South Sulawesi. The number of buildings in Kampung Komodo has increased rapidly from 30 houses in 1958, to 194 houses in 1994, and 270 houses in 2000. Papagaran village is similar in size, with 258 families totaling 1,078 people. As of 1999, Rinca’s population was 835, and Kerora's population was 185 people. The total population currently living in the Park is 3,267 people, while 16,816 people live in the area immediately surrounding the Park.

EDUCATION :
The average level of education in the villages of Komodo National Park is grade four of elementary school. There is an elementary school located in each of the villages, but new students are not recruited each year. On average, each village has four classes and four teachers. Most of the children from the small islands in the Kecamatan Komodo (Komodo, Rinca, Kerora, Papagaran, Mesa) do not finish elementary school. Less than 10% of those which do graduate from elementary school will continue to high school since the major economic opportunity (fishing) does not require further education. Children must be sent to Labuan Bajo to attend high school, but this is rarely done in fishermen’s families.

HEALTH :
Most of the villages located in and around the Park have few fresh water facilities available, if any, particularly during the dry season. Water quality declines during this time period and many people become ill. Malaria and diarrhea are rampant in the area. On Mesa island, with a population of around 1,500 people, there is no fresh water available. Fresh water is brought by boat in jerrycans from Labuan Bajo. Each family needs an average of Rp 100,000.- per month to buy fresh water (2000). Almost every village has a local medical facility with staff, and at least a paramedic. The quality of medical care facilities is low.

SOCIO-CULTURAL AND ANTHROPOLOGIC CONDITIONS :
Traditional Customs: Traditional communities in Komodo, Flores and Sumbawa have been subjected to outside influences and the influence of traditional customs is dwindling. Television, radio, and increased mobility have all played a part in accelerating the rate of change. There has been a steady influx of migrants into the area. At the moment nearly all villages consist of more than one ethnic group.
Religion: The majority of fishermen living in the villages in the vicinity of the Park are Muslims. Hajis have a strong influence in the dynamics of community development. Fishermen hailing from South Sulawesi (Bajau, Bugis) and Bima are mostly Moslems.
The community from Manggarai are mostly Christians. Anthropology and Language: There are several cultural sites within the Park, particularly on Komodo Island. These sites are not well documented, however, and there are many questions concerning the history of human inhabitance on the island. Outside the Park, in Warloka village on Flores, there is a Chinese trading post remnant of some interest. Archeological finds from this site have been looted in the recent past. Most communities in and around the Park can speak Bahasa Indonesia. Bajo language is the language used for daily communication in most communities.

TERRESTRIAL PHYSICAL ENVIRONMENT :
Topography: The topography is varied, with slopes from 0 – 80%. There is little flat ground, and that is generally located near the beach. The altitude varies from sea level to 735 m above sea level. The highest peak is Gunung Satalibo on Komodo Island.
Geology: The islands in Komodo National Park are volcanic in origin. The area is at the juncture of two continental plates: Sahul and Sunda. The friction of these two plates has led to large volcanic eruptions and caused the up-thrusting of coral reefs. Although there are no active volcanoes in the park, tremors from Gili Banta (last eruption 1957) and Gunung Sangeang Api (last eruption 1996) are common. West Komodo probably formed during the Jurasic era approximately 130 million years ago. East Komodo, Rinca, and Padar probably formed approximately 49 million years ago during the Eocene era.
Climate: Komodo National Park has little or no rainfall for approximately 8 months of the year, and is strongly impacted by monsoonal rains. High humidity levels year round are only found in the quasi-cloud forests on mountain tops and ridges. Temperatures generally range from 170C to 340C, with an average humidity level of 36%. From November through March the wind is from the west and causes large waves that hit the entire length of Komodo island’s west beach. From April through October the wind is dry and large waves hit the south beaches of Rinca and Komodo islands.

TERRESTRIAL ECOSYSTEMS :
The terrestrial ecosystems are strongly affected by the climate: a lengthy dry season with high temperatures and low rainfall, and seasonal monsoon rains. The Park is situated in a transition zone between Australian and Asian flora and fauna. Terrestrial ecosystems include open grass-woodland savanna, tropical deciduous (monsoon) forest, and quasi cloud forest.
Due to the dry climate, terrestrial plant species richness is relatively low. The majority of terrestrial species are xerophytic and have specific adaptations to help them obtain and retain water. Past fires have selected for species that are fire-adapted, such as some grass species and shrubs. Terrestrial plants found in Komodo National Park include grasses, shrubs, orchids, and trees. Important food tree species for the local fauna include Jatropha curkas, Zizyphus sp., Opuntia sp., Tamarindus indicus, Borassus flabellifer, Sterculia foetida, Ficus sp., Cicus sp., ‘Kedongdong hutan’ (Saruga floribunda), and ‘Kesambi’ (Schleichera oleosa).

TERRESTRIAL FAUNA :
The terrestrial fauna is of rather poor diversity in comparison to the marine fauna. The number of terrestrial animal species found in the Park is not high, but the area is important from a conservation perspective as some species are endemic.. Many of the mammals are Asiatic in origin (e.g., deer, pig, macaques, civet). Several of the reptiles and birds are Australian in origin. These include the orange-footed scrubfowl, the lesser sulpher-crested cockatoo and the nosy friarbird.
Reptiles: The most famous of Komodo National Park's reptiles is the Komodo Dragon (Varanus komodoensis). It is among the world's largest reptiles and can reach 3 meters or more in length and weigh over 70kg. Click: the komodo dragon
Other than the Komodo Dragon twelve terrestrial snake species are found on the island. including the cobra (Naja naja sputatrix), Russel’s pit viper (Vipera russeli), and the green tree vipers (Trimeresurus albolabris). Lizards include 9 skink species (Scinidae), geckos (Gekkonidae), limbless lizards (Dibamidae), and, of course, the monitor lizards (Varanidae). Frogs include the Asian Bullfrog (Kaloula baleata), Oreophyne jeffersoniana and Oreophyne darewskyi. They are typically found at higher, moister altitudes.
Mammals: Mammals include the Timor deer (Cervus timorensis), the main prey of the Komodo dragon, horses (Equus sp.), water buffalo (Bubalus bubalis), wild boar (Sus scrofa vittatus), long-tailed macaques (Macaca fascicularis), palm civets (Paradoxurus hermaphroditus lehmanni), the endemic Rinca rat (Rattus rintjanus), and fruit bats. One can also find goats, dogs and domestic cats.
Birds: One of the main bird species is the orange-footed scrub fowl (Megapodius reinwardti), a ground dwelling bird. In areas of savanna, 27 species were observed. Geopelia striata and Streptopelia chinensis were the most common species. In mixed deciduous habitat, 28 bird species were observed, and Philemon buceroides, Ducula aenea, and Zosterops chloris were the most common.

MARINE PHYSICAL ENVIRONMENT :
The marine area constitutes 67% of the Park. The open waters in the Park are between 100 and 200 m deep. The straits between Rinca and Flores and between Padar and Rinca, are relatively shallow (30 to 70 m deep), with strong tidal currents. The combination of strong currents, coral reefs and islets make navigation around the islands in Komodo National Park difficult and dangerous. Sheltered deep anchorage is available at the bay of Loh Liang on Komodo’s east coast, the South East coast of Padar, and the bays of Loh Kima and Loh Dasami on Rinca.
In the North of the Park water temperature ranges between 25 – 29°C. In the middle, the temperature ranges between 24 and 28°C. The temperatures are lowest in the South, ranging from 22 – 28°C. Water salinity is about 34 ppt and the water is quite clear, although the waters closer to the islands are relatively more turbid.

MARINE ECOSYSTEMS :
Indonesia is the only equatorial region in the world where there is an exchange of marine flora and fauna between the Indian and Pacific oceans. Passages in Nusa Tenggara (formerly the Lesser Sunda Islands) between the Sunda and Sahul shelves allow movement between the Pacific and Indian oceans. The three main ecosystems in Komodo National Park are seagrass beds, coral reefs, and mangrove forests. The Park is probably a regular cetacean migration route.

MARINE FLORA :
The three major coastal marine plants are algae, seagrasses and mangrove trees. Algae are primitive plants, which do not have true roots, leaves or stems. An important reef-building algae is the red coralline algae, which actually secretes a hard limestone skeleton that can encrust and cement dead coral together. Seagrasses are modern plants that produce flowers, fruits and seeds for reproduction. As their name suggests, they generally look like large blades of grass growing underwater in sand near the shore. Thallasia sp. and Zastera spp. are the common species found in the Park. Mangroves trees can live in salty soil or water, and are found throughout the Park. An assessment of mangrove resources identified at least 19 species of true mangroves and several more species of mangrove associates within the Park's borders.

MARINE FAUNA :
Komodo National Park includes one of the world's richest marine environments. It consists of forams, cnidaria (includes over 260 species of reef building coral), sponges (70 species), ascidians, marine worms, mollusks, echinoderms, crustaceans, cartilaginous and bony fishes (over 1,000 species), marine reptiles, and marine mammals (dolphins, whales, and dugongs). Some notable species with high commercial value include sea cucumbers (Holothuria), Napoleon wrasse (Cheilinus undulatus), and groupers. 

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About The Komodo Dragon

“The Komodo dragon, as befits any creature evoking a mythological beast, has many names. It is also the Komodo monitor, being a member of the monitor lizard family, Varanidae, which today has one genus, Varanus. Residents of the island of Komodo call it the ora. Among some on Komodo and the islands of Rinca and Flores, it is buaya darat (land crocodile), a name that is descriptive but inaccurate; monitors are not crocodilians. Others call it biawak raksasa (giant monitor), which is quite correct; it ranks as the largest of the monitor lizards, a necessary logical consequence of its standing as the largest lizard of any kind now living on the earth…. Within the scientific community, the dragon is Varanus komodoensis. And most everyone calls it simply the Komodo.” Claudio Ciofi

The Komodo dragon is an ancient species whose ancestors date back over 100 million years. The varanid genus originated between 25 and 40 million years ago in Asia. The Komodo descended from this species and evolved to its present form over four million years ago.

The Komodo is long lived (as are most of the larger reptilian species) with an estimated life expectancy of over 50 years in the wild. In keeping with its longevity, the Komodo matures late in life, becoming sexually viable at five to seven years, and achieving maximum body density in fifteen years. Komodos are sexually dimorphous, which means males are bigger than females. The largest recorded specimen was 3.13 meters in length and was undoubtedly a male. Females rarely exceed 2.5 meters in length. What is perhaps more important, is that the characteristic bulk is achieved by older dominant males in clearly delineated territorial areas. As an adult Komodo can consume up to 80% of its body weight in one gorging, weight is a highly variable factor, and is largely dependent on the most recent feeding. A typical weight for an adult Komodo in the wild is 70 kilograms.

Komodo dragons are first and foremost opportunistic carnivores, and predators second. Although the Komodo can sprint briefly at 20 kilometers an hour, it does not chase down game as do thelarger mammalian predators. The Komodo is a stealth predator, which lies motionless and camoflouged alongside game trails for the unwary, which tend to be the very young, the old and the infirm. In an attack, the Komodo lunges at its victim with blinding speed and clasps it with the serrated teeth of the jaw. Prey are rarely downed in the initial attack unless the neck is broken or caratoid artery severed. The more likely outcome is escape, followed by death a few hours or days later from septicemia introduced by the virulent strains of bacteria found in the saliva of the Komodo dragon (the Komodo survive primarily on carrion and ingest the bacteria when feeding).

The Komodo has two highly developed sensory organs – the olefactory and the Jacobson’s - which allow the dragon to detect rotting carcasses from distances as great as 10 kilometers. The yellow forked tongue isconstantly being flicked in and out of the mouth, “tasting the air”, and inserted into the Jacobson’s organ located in the roof of the mouth. The individual tips are highly sensitive and are capable of discriminating odors in the magnitude of millionths of a part. Using the information garnered, the dragon wends in a seemingly random, winding path which becomes straighter the closer it approaches to the carrion. The Komodo is typically a communal feeder and any number of dragons might arrive at the site of the carcass.

Socialization occurs during feeding at carrion sites, as does mating. The abdomen is slashed first and the intestines and stomach contents scattered. Young juveniles roll in the fecal matter to mask their scent from aggressive adults, which attack and sometimes kill juveniles during feeding. The dominant male feeds until sated, followed by other dragons in order of size. While the dominant male is gulping down hindquarters and ribcages, the braver dragons chance foraging a few scraps. Virtually the entire carcass is consumed in the process– head, fur, hooves and bones. After feeding, the Komodos become quiescent and approachable while their digestive tracts are converting the food into fat energy stored in the tail.

Between the months of May and August, mating occurs at and around feeding sites. As males outnumber females in a ratio of nearly four to one, the dominant male must fend off other suitors before mating. Males will engage in slashing, biting and bipedular rearing onto the tail, until the dominant male is acknowledged by displays of subservience and the vanquished flees. The female is forced into a prone position while the male tongue flicks her body, and in particular, the fold between the torso and the rear leg close to the cloaca. With Komodos, the male hemipenes are located here as are the female genetalia. Once prone, the male mounts onto the back of the female and inserts one of the two hemipenes into her cloaca , depending on which side he is perched. The month of September is when a clutch of 15-30 eggs is buried in a nest dug with the powerful claws of the female dragon. A typical nesting site is in the composting vegetative mounds of the maleo birds which are indigenous to Komodo.

The gestation period for the eggs is eight to nine months. Hatchlings, which average 40 centimeters in length and weigh 100 grams, emerge from the nest in April and immediately scramble up the nearest tree to avoid being eaten by the adults. There are plenty of small lizards, insects and mammals in the canopy after the brief rainy season in January and February to sustain the juveniles until they descend to the forest floor roughly a year later. This period of change between an arboreal and a terrestial habitat, when the juveniles are a meter in length, is a time fraught with danger. The juvenile Komodo is just too bulky to safely ascend many trees, and not big enough to outrun a ravenous and determined adult. Cannibalism is a fact of life for this species, and perhaps is an evolutionary response to the harsh, arid climate of Komodo.

Prey species for the dragon on Komodo island include deer, boar, wild buffalo, the maleo bird, snakes, reptiles and small mammals. On Rinca, the monkeys and wild horses found there are also constitute prey, as do the goats raised by the local people. On the odd occasion people are also attacked by the Komodo dragon. There have been eight recorded instances of attacks on humans since Komodo has become a national park, almost all of which occurred on Rinca.

Park Facilities
The Komodo National Park administrative offices are located in Labuanbajo in west Flores. An information center and travel agents where transportation to and from the Park can be arranged are also found in Labuanbajo. The majority of tourists to the Park pass through the Loh Liang ranger station nestled in the sweeping arc of Slawi Bay on Komodo island. This is the largest facility in Komodo National Park with bungalows and rooms, a restaurant and a dormatory for the park rangers. The most popular tourist activity is a hike to the Banugulung viewing area, a two-hour roundtrip level walk that originates from Loh Liang. Hikes to other areas of Komodo are also possible, and vary from one to two days: Gunung Ara, Poreng, Loh Sebita, Gunung Sata libo, Soro Masangga. On longer walks overnight accommodation can be arranged at ranger posts at Loh Sebita and Loh Genggo. For certified divers there is a compressor and diving equipment available for hire at Loh Liang as well as masks and fins for snorkellers. Handicrafts made in the nearby village of Komodo are for sale at the arrival jetty.

The entrance ticket to Komodo National Park costs Rp 20,000 and is valid for three days. It is easily renewable, so a prolonged stay in the park is possible. There are two ranger stations which provide spartan accommodation for tourists: Loh Liang on Komodo and Loh Buaya on Rinca. The charges are minimal and start at Rp 30,000 per room. Be advised that everything is basic, including beds, communal toilets and food availability. Fortunately most travellers are not deterred by the limited facilities, accepting this as a part of the Komodo experience. Advance booking for accommodation are not accepted.

The hiking on Rinca is less strenuous than that on Komodo, and has the added attraction of viewing the wild horses and monkeys which are not found on Komodo. On Rinca wild buffalo are more common and easily seen as well. On the north side of the island, behind Rinca village, is a large cave with a resident bat colony. Rangers at both Loh Liang and Loh Buaya are readily available to lead walks, and are knowledgeable about the local fauna and birdlife.(more info)

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Yes, Komodo Listed as New7Wonders!

Komodo listed as finalist in new7wondersThe struggle of Indonesian people in the campaign to include Komodo as one of the seven wonders of the world seems not in vain. In the interim results released on www.new7wonders.com, Saturday (11/12/2011), Komodo is listed among the six other winners.

In its website, the New7Wonders mentioned, the results of this calculation can still be changed in line with the ongoing factual computation, including the calculation of voting via sms in each country that has not completed yet.

Previously, the voting officially closed on Friday (11/11/2011) at 11:11:11 GMT. The result is the first tally of voting via the website. Besides Komodo, there are six other wonders of the world, namely the Amazon, Halong Bay, Iguazu Falls, Jeju Island, Puerto Princesa Underground River, and Table Mountain.

They also emphasized, the composition of the seven winners in the site today is not based on rankings, but in alphabetical order. Thus, the information obtained so far, which of the seven wonders of the world who obtained the highest score.

It was mentioned, the official announcement New 7 Wonders winners will be conducted in early 2012 in an official ceremony. Meanwhile, the current process of validation and verification of an independent party on the results of voting either through websites or sms are on going.

Indonesia’s Komodo National Park includes the three larger islands Komodo, Rinca and Padar, as well as numerous smaller ones, for a total area of 1,817 square kilometers (603 square kilometers of it land). The national park was founded in 1980 to protect the Komodo dragon. Later, it was also dedicated to protecting other species, including marine animals. The islands of the national park are of volcanic origin. 

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Komodo National park Dive sites

Lohwenci
A good variety of hard and soft corals, plenty of fish life and other marine creatures can be found at this site. This site is a pleasant, relatively current-free dive just north of the ranger station where there is a small white sandy beach and a group of low, black rocks sitting on the reef. The entry point is just off the small white beach. The dive continues towards the ranger station with the reef at left.  

The Alley
This area is marked with very large giant trevally, sharks, beautiful coral and a high diversity of other invertebrate life in relatively shallow water between 5-20m depth. Sometimes lots of manta rays may be seen feeding between September and January each year. The tiny rocky islands in this southern Komodo bay are great for snorkeling and diving, with even if there are no mantas. Only little damage has been done to the corals in this area and the damaged corals seem to be recovering rapidly. The best diving entry point ison the northeastern side of a rock located near a coral mound that is submerged 3-5m below the surface The temperature of the water can drop to the low 20°C range and this site tends to be current-prone.  

German Flag
From September to January high densities of plankton attract many large manta rays that can normally be seen swimming on the surface along the shores and rocks along southern Komodo Island. The nearshore water is quite shallow (5 - 20m deep) and is composed of large rocks and boulders that shelter huge malabar grouper, potato cod, napoleon wrasse, schools of surgeon fishes and red snappers. Cooler water from the upwellings off the south coast provide a nutrient-rich environment in this area. There is usually current at this site and a drift dive is usually the best way to go .  
depth.  

Crinoid Canyon
Many kinds of small invertebrate life can be found here on very colorful walls carpeted in featherstars. This site is located in a small cove just outside the southern entrance of Loh Dasami on the island of Nusa Kode, almost directly opposite Yellow Wall. The diving entry point is just south of the cove then continues along the wall in a counter-clockwise direction. Best to start the dive at 25 m depth and then continue swimming back and forth up along the wall to the surface. This is a easy dive location with no current and is good in the early morning as it catches the morning sun.  

Nusa Kode
The south western tip of Kode island is characterized by large, coral-encrusted boulders and huge groupers. Amongst the boulders are some of the largest reef fishes residing in the Park such as gigantic potato cod and malabar grouper. Schools of large red snapper are normally prevalent. Diving entry is west of a small island at this site. Swim down to a depth of about 10 m and follow the ridge, which juts out in a southerly direction. Swim along the crest of the ridge and down to a max of 50 m depth.  

Pantai Merah/ Pink Beach
There as a great variety of fishes here and also a good selection of critters such as leaf scorpionfish, blue ribbon eels, crocodile fish, nudibranchs, and more. Visibility varies but is best during falling tide. This is the most frequently visited site in the Park for snorkeling and diving. Snorkeling is excellent from the beach and there is a very good dive around a small area of reef around a steep rocky wall which is visible from the surface of the water at low tide. This site is also a very good night dive and offers excellent macro-photography opportunities. Several mooring buoys are stationed at this site.  

Batu Tiga
An excellent “big fish” dive. Large boulders in deeper water to the west offer excellent habitat for grouper and other creatures. Mantas, giant trevally and other pelagic fishes are frequently seen here. Most of the coral growth is stunted as a result of the strong prevailing currents. Batu Tiga is without a doubt one of the most current-effected sites in Komodo and is tricky to dive. A rocky reef is situated southeast of Tanjung Kuning in Linta Strait and extends below the surface up towards Komodo Island. The best diving entry is at the northeastern side of the three rocks. Swim counter-clockwise until reaching some big boulders at 33 m depth. After exploring the area around these boulders turn around and swim back, keeping the reef to your right.  

Karang Makasar
This site is for snorkling only, please don’t dive here as it will disturb the manta rays. The reef does not have much in the way of coral or fish life however this location is manta ray aggregation site. The best way to find the mantas is to cruise along the eastern face of the reef until you see them on the surface. The best time is during rising tide. Sometimes there can be between 40 to 50 mantas.  

Batu Bolong
The top of the reef is covered in colorful corals, invertebrate life and thousands of brilliant reef fish. Along the steep walls in deeper water many large fishes including sharks, napoleon wrasse, giant trevally, dogtooth tuna, and large schools of rainbow runners can be observed on almost every occasion. Batu Bolong is a tiny rocky outcropping in the strait between Tatawa Kecil and Komodo Island. The reef is undamaged due to strong currents and steep dropoffs, which are difficult conditions for local fishermen to use dynamite or cyanide fishing techniques. This site is one of the top diving locations in the Park but it can only be dived around slack tide when the current is not too strong. 

Tatawa Kecil
Rocks, caves and beautiful coral gardens grace the reef on the western side of the islet. Many coral reef fishes including large groupers, snappers, sweetlips, trevally and sharks can be seen. Amazing numbers of anthias swim amongst colorful fields of branching corals. Dugongs have been spotted here and manta rays are often seen on the southern side of the island. This small rocky islet southwest of Tatawa Besar Island is an egret nesting site and a fantastic snorkel and dive site when the current is not too fast. Large or inexperienced groups should only attempt this site around slack tide.  

Tatawa Besar
Good reef fish life and an endless field of orange soft corals. Mantas are often seen in this area. A good drift dive starts at the northwest tip of the island and runs along the western side in about 15- 20 m of water. A similar drift dive is also possible along the north coast of the Tatawa Besar from the same entry point. This site is a good dive option if the current is too strong at Tatawa Kecil or Batu Bolong.  

Sabolan Kecil
This is another good site within easy reach of Labuanbajo. On the west side of the island there is a small white sandy beach. At the northern most point of the beach where the sand meets the rocks is the best point to enter. The reef slopes down to sand and there is a patch reef isolated from the islands fringing reef . The Water clarity is usually good and so is the dive. Once you have seen the patch reef you can return to the fringing reef slope to finish your dive.  

Sebayor Kecil
Large boulders shelter groups of giant trevally, whitetip reef sharks, coral trout, snappers and emperors. The northwestern corner of Sebayor Kecil is one of the better dive sites near Labuanbajo. A small reef extends northwest from the island where it drops off to greater depths along the northern coast of the island. A few hundred meters from the shore there are some large boulders with notable fish life. Currents can be quite strong at this site.  

Gililawa Laut
Always a great dive site to see fish but does not have much to show in terms of hard corals. Behind a very large rock on the corner of the reef is a drop-off covered in boulders and many holes in between with hidden animals. Excellent grouper sightings, especially in October and November during spawning aggregations. There are usually many golden trevallies, snappers and sometimes huge napoleon wrasses. The site is located on the northeastern tip of Gililawa Laut. The best time to dive this site is when there is a slight current just before or after slack-tide.  

Castle Rock
Curious batfish as well as schooling barracuda, trevally and mackerels swim at 30- 40m depth. At approximately 20m depth there is excellent soft coral growth and numerous seafans that host pygmy seahorses. The top of the rock is a good, calm place to explore during safety stops. This site usually has excellent visibility but is prone to strong currents. The current usually flows eastwards and is much stronger at the surface than in the deeper water. However, the top of the rock, which is approximately 3 to 4m deep, also offers shelter from the current; hence the name “Castle Rock”.Recommended dive entry point is in blue water approximately 50m up-current from the shallowest point of the reef.  

Crystal Rock
A very colorful dive with excellent soft coral coverage. Clouds of anthias and schools of yellow-ribbon sweetlips are always encountered while frogfish, moray eels and scorpionfish are commonly seen. There is a small mound northwest of the rock where different species of fish school seasonally, including tuna and mackerel. An excellent dive usually worth doing twice. This name of this site is from the very clear water surrounding it. The top of the site is exposed at low tide. This site is prone to currents, which usually flow eastwards. Best time to dive is during slacktide.  Darat Passage North, 

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East Nusa Tenggara: Lake Kelimutu

A. Brief Information

Lake Kelimutu, part of Kelimutu National Park, is situated on the peak of Mount Kelimutu which is at an altitude of 1.631 meters. Kinds of flora that you can find there are Kesambi (Schleichera oleosa), casuarinas tree (Casuarina equisetifoia), and Edelweiss. Moreover, types of fauna living around the lake are deer (Cervus timorensis), pig forest (Sus sp.), red jungle fowl (gallus gallus) and hawk (Elanus sp.).

B. Distinctive Features

There are three backwaters in the lake which tend to turn their colours. For instance, the water in one of those, change from red to bottle green then someday it can be pink and in another backwater, the water turn from bottle green into light green. The last one, the water can change from deep brown into azure.

C. Location

Administratively, Lake Kelimutu is located in three sub-districts, Detsuko, Wolowaru, and Ndona Sub-district. It is in the district of Ende, East Nusa Tenggara Province, Indonesia.

D. Access

Taking air transportation from Kupang, the capital of East Nusa Tenggara Province, to Ende District, it will be approximately 40 minutes to reach the destination. When you have arrived at Ende City, continue the journey by public transportations to Kaonara Village, about 93 km away or 3 hours. Then you must continue the trip to the location by walk for around 2,5 km.

E. Ticket Price

From February 2008 up to now, the entrance ticket of the lake is IDR 3.000. However, on weekend, the entrance ticket will be IDR 5.000.

F. Accommodation and other Facilities

Shelters, wide parking area and lodgements are some supporting facilities around the location. Hopefully it could make your vacation in the location comfortable. 

Source:www.wisatamelayu.com

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East Nusa Tenggara: Mount Inerie

A. Brief Information

Mount Inerie, at an altitude of 2.245 meters, had ever erupted in 1882 and 1970 on dry season, during June to August. The west side of the mount‘s slope is dominated by thick forest while the east side of the mount is not converted into farming land. Most of the forest in the area of Mount Inerie are situated at 1.000 – 1.500 meters above the sea level.

B. Distinctive Features

You can see the entire panoramic view of Bajawa City, on the north-west, which is covered with slight mist above the city. On the south of the mount, the blue sea of Sawu lies in the slope of the mount.

There is a myth about a big stone located in the south of the mount. The big stone is believed as a materialization of Jaramasi and his horse. Jaramasi, jara means horse and masi is a name of a man, is assumed as the guardian knight of Mount Inerie.

C. Location

Mount Inerie lies in Bejawa Sub-district, Ngada District, Flores Island, East Nusa Tenggara Province, Indonesia.

D. Access

To reach the destination, you can take air transportation from Kupang to Ende, in Flores Island. Having arrived at Ende City, you can continue the trip to Bajawa for about 61 km away. From Bajawa, go to the location by public transportation to the location, around 15 km southwards.

E. Ticket Price

Free

F. Accommodation and other Facilities

In Bena Village, you can find some inns for you who want to spend more days around the location.

Source:www.wisatamelayu.com

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East Nusa Tenggara:More About Komodo Island

A. Brief Information

In 1908, a unit of Netherlands army reported that they saw a dragon looking like a monster in southern island of East Nusa Tenggara Province. Knowing the news, Lieutenant Steyn van Hens Broek, a functional administrator of the Netherlands, wanted to prove it. Then, he prepared a unit of army whose office was in Flores to sail to that island. 

Having arrived there, Lieutenant Steyn and his crew saw giant lizards which length was up to two meters. Steyn could kill one of those giant lizards and brought it to his office in Ende City. Then, this giant lizard was photographed and the picture was brought to Peter A. Ouwens, a director of Zoological Museum and Botanical Garden in Bogor. This was the first documentation of a giant lizard named Komodo. Therefore, in 1910 the Netherlands named the island as Komodo Island.

The result of that photography was published by a national daily newspaper of Netherlands in 1912. This publication made Komodo Island visited by the researchers, missionaries, and tourists. Realizing that Komodo was a special rare animal in 1915, the Netherlands government issued a rule about protection to this animal from hunting and killing.

As the name, Komodo Island is an island which is known as the original habitat of Komodo (Varanus Komodoensis). The local people calls this animal as Ora. Until present day, Komodo still becomes a pride because it becomes a source of income for local people from the tourists who visit the island.

B. Distinctive Features

In this island, tourists can see Komodo which is the biggest lizard species around the world, with length of the body up to 3,13 meters and weight up to 165 kilograms. The tourists also can see several activities of this rare animal, such as the Komodo copulate which always happens between May until August; Komodo which is eating deer, goats, and pigs; and see Komodo which is sun-bathing on the road and on the branches of trees in the morning. 

In 1980 the government made Komodo Island as the Komodo National Park to protect Komodo from extinction. Six years later, in 1986, this national park was accepted as the World Inheritance Site by UNESCO. This national park consists of two big islands. They are Rinca Island and Padar Island surrounded by several small islands. The total wide of this national park was 1.817 kilometers square.

C. Location

Komodo Island is an island located in the western area of East Nusa Tenggara Province bordered to the West Nusa Tenggara Province. Administratively, this island is included in the Komodo Sub-district, West Manggarai District, East Nusa Tenggara Province, Indonesia.

D. Access

From Kupang, the capital of East Nusa Tenggara Province, tourists can go by plane to Ende, a city in Flores Island. The journey is continued to Labuhanbajo City for ten hours by minibus. From the city located in the most western area of Flores Island, the journey is continued to Komodo Island by speed boat for about two hours.

E. Ticket Price

The foreign tourists are charged US$ 5 per person for one day, and local tourists were charged IDR 25,000 per person (March 2008).

F. Accommodation and other Facilities

In this island, tourists can find international resorts, several cottages provided by local people, and restaurants as well. 

Source:www.wisatamelayu.com

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East Nusa Tenggara: Pantar Strait Sea Park

A. Brief Information

Pantar Strait that is the separation of Alor Island and Bantar Island is only visited by more and less 100 foreign tourists to dive in the sea park in a year. Such amount is just a small, out of target, considering that the enormous potencies on it. When the economic crisis hit Indonesia, there were only 187 divers came to the location and in the next year, noted that only 109 divers come to the location.

Maritime Tourism in Pantar Strait Sea Park offers beautiful scenery under the sea. It lures many divers from all over the world to come for enjoying its panoramic views. Pantar Strait Sea Park encompasses Alor Besar waters, Alor Kecil Waters, Buaya Island, Kepa Island, Ternate Island and Pura Island.

B. Distinctive Features

Around 26 diving spots are found in the location. Those diving spots are: Half Moon Bay; Peter`s Prize; Crocodile Rook; Cave Point; The Edge; Coral Clitts; Baeylon; The Arch; Fallt Line; The Pacth; Nite Delht; Kal`s Dream; The Ball; Trip Top; The Mlai Hall; No Man`s Land; The Chatedral; School`s Ut, and the deepest one is Shark Close. The last one is the most interesting spots regarding there are many tame sharks so you are not necessary to be afraid of them. Gray dolphin, which is regarded as threatened with extinction can be found there.

C. Location

Pantar Strait Sea Park lies in the district of Alor, East Nusa Tenggara Province, Indonesia.

D. Access

You can reach the location by ferryboat from Kupang for about 12 to 13 hours with the direction to Larantuka. The journey then is continued to Kalabahi harbor using wooden boat for approximately an hour. From kelabahi harbor, you can directly enjoy the beauty of Pantar Strait Sea Park.

E. Ticket Price

Free

F. Accommodation and other Facilities

There are many inns, restaurants, guides` services and souvenir peddlers around the destination. 

Source:www.wisatamelayu.com

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East Nusa Tenggara: Liang Bua Cave

A. Brief Information

There is an assumption that Liang Bua Cave was shaped about 190.000 years ago. It is based on the result of laboratory research on the sediment at the south corner of the cave. It was shaped since the water stream from a river penetrating the surrounding hills. At the end, after a long run, those rocks shaped the formation of sedimentary rocks.

An archaeological excavation had ever been conducted by National Archaeological Research Centre in cooperation with University of New England in 2001. The result of the excavation was announced on October 28th, 2004 stating that hobbit fossil was discovered in the location. Such discovery then increases the visitors to Liang Bua cave.

B. Distinctive Features

Liang Bua Cave is one of the most important archaeological sites in the world. A fossil of Homo Floresiensis, which is 100 cm tall and 25 kg weight was discovered. It is assumed that the fossil is not taller than a five-years old boy. This fossil, whose the skull is just the same as a lemon fruit, is believed that such species lived about 13.000 years ago, together with giant lizards/ komodo and pigmi elephants. 

C. Location

Liang Boa Cave is located in Flores Island, Liang Bua Village, Ruteng Sub-district, in the district of Manggarai, East Nusa Tenggara Province, Indonesia.

D. Access

You can take air transports to reach the destination from Kupang City to Ende City, in Flores Island for about 1,5 hours. Then you must continue the trip to Ruteng City by public transportations for approximately 4 hours. From Ruteng Sub-district to Rampassa Village, the travel can be accessed by public transports or approximately 13 km away.

E. Ticket Price

Free.

F. Accommodation and other Facilities

Around the location, you can find restaurants or inns intended to offer you comfortable visit. 

Source:www.wisatamelayu.com

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East Nusa Tenggara:Camplong Forest Area

A. Brief Information

Camplong Forest Area is a forest conservation that is inhabited by various floras and faunas. The area is situated on the slope of Mount Fatuleu in East Nusa Tenggara Province. In the location, you will find a pond and a natural water spring enhancing the fresh atmosphere around this site. Multifarious floras, such as red woods, pines, palms, and eucalyptus, and faunas such as apes, squirrels, cuscus, and birds, are deliberately kept from extinction there. In addition, weekend is the right time to visit the location along with your family or friends.

B. Distinctive Features

Camplong Forest Area is a resident for numerous endemic faunas such as timor deer, olive-shouldered parrots, and black-backed fruit-doves. Besides, this forest area is also preservation for kinds of crocodiles and snakes. Endemic floras like cendana wood (Sanatalun Album) are also available there as well.

To some extent, you likewise will see an artificial cave that was made when Indonesia was under the rule of Japanese colonial government. According to the available data dealing with the history of the cave, Japanese troops used to hide inside the cave when they got retaliatory attack by Indonesian soldiers.

C. Location

Camplong Forest Area can be reached at Soe City, Fatuleu Village, Kupang District, East Nusa Tenggara Province. It is about 46 kilometres from Kupang.

D. Access

You can take public transport leading to Soe City by approximately IDR 7.000 for its cost. However, it will be IDR 100.000 for taking taxi to reach the location.

E. Entrance Ticket

The entrance ticket is IDR 3.000.

F. Accommodation and other Facilities

For accommodation services, you can easily find some lodgements around the location with reasonable prices. 

Source:www.wisatamelayu.com

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East Nusa Tenggara: Customary Ceremony of Reba

A. Brief Information

Intended to deliver the admiration and gratitude for their ancestors, the customary ceremony of Reba is conducted by Ngada people. It is also proposed to evaluate the whole aspects of societal being of Ngada people for a year ago. Through this ceremony, people ask for guidance from religious scholars so that they could live better in the next year. The ceremony is usually held on the first month of new year.

It is celebrated by turns in different places every year. The ceremony is started by su‘i uwi that is taken place a day before the celebration. At the night of su‘i uwi day, foods and beverages banquets are offered for the participants until the sun is going to rise. At morning, all of the guests attending to watch the ceremony are offered with geta kau bhagi ngia, mami utu mogo. Kaa si papa vara, ini su papa pinu, kinds of dishes offered for the guests. As the main dishes is cassava, regarding that the local inhabitants exalt cassava as neverending food resources. That is why, Ngada people never lack of foods.

During the ceremony is going on, the dancers acting while holding sau (swords) and tuba (colorful canes decorated with mohair) will offer you with amazing performance from the dancers. The musical instruments that are played during the ceremony are made of coconut shells and gourds. For the resonance cavity, those are made of goat skins. In addition, the pick scrapers for the musical instrument on the ceremony are made of wax-rubbed woven threads.

B. Distinctive Features

The Customary Ceremony of Reba is commonly celebrated in three to four days, starting by Church inculturation mass headed by local priest, before the dances and the overtures called O Uwi are performed. That is a combination of local culture and religion in Ngada District.

Outside of the church, the atmosphere is merrier when every attendant is offered with a glass of local arrack named tua ara. That is the tradition of Ngada local people which is not merely a wonted party where people hanging around laughing every where, but in more specific, it is intended to deliver the happiness (gaja gora) of local people for the coming of new year by maintaining religious nuance.

C. Location

For you who want to watch the ceremony, you can easily find it in every sub-district, in the district of Ngada, Flores Island, East Nusa Tenggara Province, Indonesia.

D. Access

Just take air transpots to reach the destination from Kupang to Ende. Having arrived at Ende City, you can continue the trip to Ngada District for about 61 km away by public transportation.

E. Ticket Price

Free

F. Accommodation and other Facilities

You can find several hotels in Ngada District and some restaurants offering typical foods of Ngada City. Some travel agents are ready 24 hours for you who want to go to other tourism destinations there. 

Source:www.wisatamelayu

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East Nusa Tenggara: More About Waikabukak, Menipo Island & Semau Island

Waikabubak

A neat little town in Western Sumba, full of old graves carved in motifs of buffalo-horns, man-heads, horses, nude men or women symbolizing social status or the wealth of the people. Right in the capital city of Waikabubak, we can see the following tombs: Kadung Tana, Watu Karagata, and Bulu Peka Mila. Tarung village, an important ceremonial center, is located on top of a hill, just a half kilometer to the west of Waikabubak. There are several megalithic tombs. The front of many traditional houses are decorated with huge water buffalo horns from the animals sacrificed during rituals of years gone by.

Menipo Island

Menipo Island is not shown in any geographical map. It is only 571 hectares large or 7,328 meters long and 700 meters wide. It is separated from Timor Island by a narrow strait. Menipo Island is part of Enoraen Village, Kuarasi District, in Kupang Regency. This island is occupied by various kinds of animals, such as Timor deer (Cervus Timorensis), wild pigs, turtles, alligators, bats, small birds, pigeons and turtle- doves. It is a popular place for recreation on weekends and holidays. One can go fishing, snorkeling, swimming or surfing.

Semau Island

Thirty minutes by boat from Kupang this island is certainly worth to stay one whole day. No noise and uncrowned is what this island stands for. It is a holiday village for everyone and a good place to relax as it offers a haven for those from the city. The surrounding water is a paradise for snorkeling, swimming, and other water sports.

Barbecue on the beach is desirable. Bamboo cottages are available right on the white sandy beaches. This unattained island paradise is well worth stop over. The surrounding crystal - clear waters offer exceptional snorkeling and swimming. Bamboo bungalows are available right on the white sandy beach, and you can barbeque your freshly-cough dinner while enjoying a spectacular sunset.

Source:www.indonesia-tourism.com

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East Nusa Tenggara: More about Maumere,Labuan Bajo & Larantuka

Maumere

Maumere is a port town on the northeastern coast of Flores and a stop over on the way to Ende or to Larantuka. It is well connected by air with Kupang, Denpasar, and Ujung Pandang, and noted for its good beaches. The bay of Maumere is considered a good diving spot (Flores Marine Resort) as it promises extremely rich marine life. The resort is a paradise for all divers, underwater photographers, and for everyone interested in marine biology.

Ledalero museum at the out skirts of Maumere has an interesting collection of ethnological objects from the region. Visitors are welcome but advance arrangements should be made. Ledalero is also a name of a major catholic Seminary from where many of Flores priests originated.

Labuanbajo

On the west end of Flores is the picturesque little town of Labuanbajo. A little town inhabited by fishermen, lies at the extreme western part of Flores. The town serves as a jumping-off point for the trip to Komodo Island. It is a beautiful area for water skiing, wind surfing, fishing, and many other marine activities. Pede Beach is an ideal place to do all this and from where sunsets are beautifully visible. Labuanbajo (on the western tip of Flores) is a town often used by tourists, from where they can visit Komodo and Rinca. Labuanbajo also attracts scuba divers, as whale sharks inhabit the waters around Labuanbajo. Scuba divers from around the world come here to dive the rich waters between Komodo and Flores, some choosing to stay on expensive liveaboard dive boats. Most of them pick up their passangers at the dock in Labuanbajo, or at the airport and then bring them to the boat.

Larantuka

Larantuka is a neat clean seaport with a beautiful view. Everything is within walking distance except for the pier where the boats leave for Timor (4-5 km from town). Even that is a pleasant walk if we do it early enough before it gets too hot. A little port nestled at the base of a tall hill at the eastern end of Flores, from where Solor, Adonara, and Lembata islands (the small islands near by) are visible across the narrow strait. An Old Portuguese cultural heritage like the Easter Procession is held in this town, and worth seeing. Flores people are very outgoing and friendly. Their bemos are brightly painted with murals on the sides and their radios are blasting the latest tunes. Lots of Catholic churches line the roads with a few mosques sprinkled in. Larantuka is a pleasant little town on the Far East end of Flores. There is a harbor in town and another one a few kilometers away where the ferryboat leaves to Kupang and Rote in West Timor. The boats going to Alor leave from the one in town. There are a number of tuna boats at the docks. They have a big square platform on the bow where fishermen line up with bamboo poles line up flipping hooked tunas.

There are 6 to 8 water jets that spray a steady stream of water on the surface to attract the tunas and then baitfish are tossed in driving the tunas into a feeding frenzy. These are not the big yellow or bluefin tunas but the smaller ones about 2 feet in length. They are often seen for sale by roadside vendors along the road from Maumere. There are some New Orleans style cemetaries along the beach on the way. They are well maintained and very colorful. These people put a lot of work into them.

Source:www.indonesia-tourism.com

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