Heri Sisworo
Mankind are always fascinated by dragons virtually from the start of its history. Each civilization has its own image of dragons though all of them are mostly fictional legends. Indonesia, though, have a real life dragon roaming and ruling an entire island and more. The Komodo dragon is the ultimate kings of the Komodo Island in East Nusa Tenggara.
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Komodo National Park is the designated safe haven for the dragons, as well as the rich marine life in the area. That’s right, this park offers much more than Komodo dragons. Wonderful beaches and pristine diving spots are abundant within the park. This place could offer you the adventure of your lifetime.
Komodo the Dragon
Needless to say, the main attraction in this area is the dragon itself. Komodo is the largest lizard and reptile in the world. With a size than can reach 3 meters long and 70kg in weight, komodo are very dangerous and intimidating.
All tourists must be under the supervision of trained guide when entering the islands that has komodo population. Not only in Komodo Island, these carnivores also roams several other islands nearby such as Padar and Rinca Island.
It’s Not Just Komodo in Komodo Island
Komodo Island is the main home of the giant lizard, but it’s much more than that. This island is home to 12 snake species, 9 lizard species, more than 40 species of birds, various frogs, deer, horses, wild boars, water buffalo, and many more. Aside from that, Komodo Island also has a beautiful pink beach.
The color is a result of the degradation of red coral combined with pristine white sand. This is one of only seven beach with glowing pink tint in the world. This beach is the thin line between the blue oceans with green hills on the island.
Pristine Diving Spots
This park is also part of the Asia Pacific Coral Triangle, meaning that it is rich in underwater life. Marine biodiversity in the coral triangle is exceptionally high, including in this park. You can dive to find colorful reefs with many species of fish swimming along. That’s not all though. In some part of the park, you can find manta rays, whale shark, and even the elusive and endangered dugongs.
Light Hike and Amazing Landscape
Komodo National Park has one of the driest climate in Indonesia. With little rainfall, there are not many vegetation that can survive here. Grass, small trees, and shrubs dominate the islands vegetation, creating a nice green rocky spikes against the blue sea around it.
To fully enjoy the spectacular view, you need to hike a little to get to a vantage point. The most popular hiking trek is at Padar Island that will give you a n obstructed view to the branching peninsula at the tips of the island.
How to get There and What to do in Komodo Island
The whole park is easily accessible via Labuan Bajo, the main hub of these islands. This city is accessible by air and sea, offering lots of domestic flights daily from many cities in Indonesia. From Labuan Bajo, you can charter a boat to go to Komodo Island and many other islands here.
Domestic tourist only need to pay IDR5000 to enter the park while international tourist have to pay IDR150000 to 225000. Other smaller activities will cost somewhere between IDR5000 to 25000 per person. The most convenient way to explore this park is on liveaboard. Next
