Komodo Island is administratively an area of Komodo District, West Manggarai Regency, and has a straight border with West Nusa Tenggara Province. Komodo Island along with several surrounding islands i.e. Rinca Island, Motang Island, Padar Island and other small islands are included in the Komodo National Park area. So, the Komodo National Park area is in the Nusa Tenggara Islands cluster.
Komodo dragon is the species of giant carnivorous lizards, aka meat eaters, which are native animals in the islands of the Komodo National Park area. If you are in this place then you will be able to watch the Komodo dragons who are eyeing their prey in many locations. You need to know that there are more than 2,000 Komodo dragons living in the wild on this Komodo Island. So, it is very important to always be with the ranger or guide if you are tracking for your safety.
Komodo Island and other islands in the Komodo National Park region were decided by UNESCO as a world heritage site in 1986 because Komodo dragons can only be found in this region. The wilderness with grasslands, tropical rainforests and beaches is the original habitat of this endangered carnivorous giant lizard species.
Award for seven of the best natural attractions in the world, New Seven Wonders of Nature has been obtained by the Komodo National Park area. Komodo Island succeeded to get the most votes along with six other tourist attractions namely the Amazon Forest, Halong Bay, Iguazu Waterfall, Table Mountain, Puerto Princesa Underground River and Jeju Island. This is based on the research of the experts and also the results of voting by them.
Komodo is a species of giant carnivorous lizard that can reach 100-165 kg with a length of about 2-3 meters. Varanus Komodoensis is the scientific name or latin name of this Komodo dragon. Whereas "Ora" is the name given by local residents. The physical characteristics of the Komodo dragon are having a large body with scaly skin, sharp nails, and having two forked tongues. Komodo is known to be very fond of preying on deer, buffaloes, horses, pigs, ferrets and monkeys.
Tracking
Tourists on Komodo Island tour can not only meet the Komodo dragons but also will be able to meet the other animal’s inhabitants of this island such as deers, horses, monitor lizards, various types of birds, snakes and much more. Tracking is one of the popular ways to enjoy tourism in the Komodo National Park area. Along with tracking, tourists will be able to see animals inhabiting Komodo Island Indonesia.
Some advantages by tracking:
1. Climbing Mount Ara which has a height of 538 meters above sea level.
2. Passing water hole. Water hole is the place where Komodo drink and have a rest. Tourists will be able to see the Komodo dragons taking shelter under the trees around the water hole and drinking there.
Tourists can choose four tracking lines from short, medium, and long until to adventure. The length of this tracking path is 1 - 8 km depending on the type chosen. If long and adventure options are chosen, tourists will enjoy tracking through beautiful forests, rivers and hills. As for short path, they will end their tracking on the hills with awesome bay views. However, those four tracking lines will pass the water hole so tourists will not be confused which route to choose.
A ranger i.e. a Komodo dragon handler and also as a guide, will accompany tourists in Komodo tour. Along the tracking path chosen, the ranger will always accompany tourists. Tourists will be provided by ranger with sticks with two ends which are made from certain types of trees. This stick can be used as a weapon to weaken dragons. Use the tip of a forked stick to press the Komodo dragon's neck only if the komodo attacks. Komodo will be weak and stop attacking.
Komodo Island Diving and Snorkeling
The underwater area on Komodo Island Indonesia and also on other islands in the Komodo National Park is known as one of the best diving locations in the world. Imagine that you would be able to meet 70 species of sponges, 386 types of coral reefs and seaweed which are home to thousands of species of fish, green turtles, dolphins, and others. Watch the beauty of the marine life by snorkeling or diving in the underwater area on Komodo Island and also on the other islands in the Komodo National Park area.
According to many divers, here are 3 of the best locations for diving in the underwater area of Komodo Island:
1. Samsia Stone: Divers can play with turtles and various species of small fish here while traversing a series of streams of water. Therefore, Batu Samsia is one of the favorite locations for divers.
2. Toko Toko: Palace of stones in water is a nickname by divers for this location. Various species of small, colorful fish swim among the colorful coral reefs as well. This is what divers will greatly enjoy at the Toko Toko.
3. Crystal Rock: Why is this location also a favorite spot for divers? This is because they can meet various species of fish such as Parrotfish, Barramundi Cod, fish frogs and others.
The divers must take into account several factors when diving in the underwater area of Komodo Island. These factors are wind direction, current strength, water temperature and season. These factors are good and friendly at March till December, making the best moments when getting Komodo Island diving.
Komodo Island Pink Beach
Pink Beach is a very unique beach location on Komodo Island because it has pink beach sand. This pink color comes from coral flakes mixed with beach sand. When the sand is wet with sea water, the pink color will look even sharper. This pink beach on Komodo Island is one of the seven pink sand beaches in the world. The underwater around Komodo Island Pink Beach is one of some favorite locations for snorkeling and diving because of the beauty of marine life there.
Transportation
Komodo Island can be reached by air, land and sea transportation or a combination of them. All of those transportations reach Komodo Island from Bali:
1. Air: Komodo Island flights are from Denpasar to Labuan Bajo. After that the journey continues by ferry to Komodo Island.
2. Sea: The journey starts from Tanjung Benoa, Bali to Labuan Bajo. Then the journey continues by ferry to the island of Komodo.
3. Land: Available bus routes Denpasar - Labuan Bajo. The bus will cross by ferry to Labuan Bajo. Then the journey continues by using the ferry again to Komodo Island.
Live on Board
Live on Board is a transportation option to Komodo Island and at the same time staying overnight on a boat for several days. Usually, the provided facilities are bedrooms, dining and toilets. Usually Live on Board participants can also dive with groups and guides. The location of the ships departures are available in Bima, Lombok, Bali and Labuan Bajo.
Komodo Island Accommodation
Generally, hotels in Labuan Bajo are the main choice for tourists. However, there are still many other lodging alternatives, namely:
1. Rented boats: Rented vessels generally also provide beds, toilets and meal packages. Tenants can not use this boat only to get around but also to stay overnight, of course.
2. Komodo Island Hotels.
3. Ranger House of Komodo Island: Usually tourists can ask for a homestay at the Komodo Island ranger's house. However, the electricity supply is limited which will be extinguished at 10:00 p.m.
Helpful Tips
Throughout traveling in the Komodo National Park area, you should consider the following important things:
1. Komodo is very sensitive to movement and sound. Therefore, avoid noise and move suddenly.
2. Komodo can smell the scent of blood from a distance of hundreds of meters so women who are menstruating must report their condition to the ranger so that the ranger can pay more attention.
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