Located between the islands of Sumbawa and Flores 

in the East Nusatenggara

province,  sits the vast and impressive Komodo National Park.. The Komodo National
Park encompasses a total of 29 volcanic islands (including the 3 major islands Rinca,
Padar and Komodo) and is home to approximately 2,500 Komodo Dragons and
other terrestrial fauna such as various species of reptiles, birds, and mammals. The
park’s terrain is uniquely diverse, consisting of a mountainous hillside, tropical rain
forests, grass-woodland savannah, and pristine white sandy beaches that harbor rich
marine biodiversity. The marine environment in the Komodo National Park is one of
the world’s richest in flora and fauna and is still relatively undiscovered.  The 2,000
km2 park (which includes protected land and water), is recognized as a global
conservation priority area and has an array of natural attractions. 
For the first time travelers to this wonderful piece of Indonesia, here are 10 tips to
help you explore this great National Park.
 
1 | The Komodo Dragons

Approximately reaching 3 meters in length and weighing over 70kg, the Komodo
Dragon (or otherwise known as Varanus Komodoensis), is the world’s largest lizard
and reptile. The dragons are identified by their massive size, flat heads, bowed legs,
long thick tails, and fork-shaped tongues. Komodos can run and swim up to 20kph
and have an excellent vision where it can see objects from 300m away. A fierce
predator, these reptiles are carnivores and can eat 80% of their weight in one
feeding. The Komodo can consume very large prey such as water buffalo, deer,
carrion, pigs and even humans. It has a unique way of killing by biting its prey -
especially when it is a large water buffalo, - surrounding it in a group then wait
patiently until the poison in its saliva has slowly killed its victim.  After which it
completely shreds apart and devoured with bones and all.  If the prey escapes, it will
usually die within 24 hours due to the poisoning of the blood that comes from the
venomous and bacteria-ridden saliva.

Only found in the world within the Komodo National Park and the surrounding Flores
island, these Jurassic and majestic creatures are the park’s star attraction. Although
awesome to see, visitors are urged to keep a distance and exercise caution.  Always
be accompanied by a ranger and follow all the ranger’s instructions when in the
proximity to these dangerous lizards, although they may look pretty docile,

2 | Climate and Geography

 Image by Shane Dallas

The climate in the Komodo National Park is one of the driest in Indonesia. The
national park experiences little to no rainfall for approximately 8 months of the year
and is heavily impacted by monsoonal rains. Daily temperatures during the dry
season between May to October average around 40. Due to this dry climate, the land
is rough with stony hills and plant species are limited to grass, shrubs, orchids, and
trees. In contrast, the marine area has a rich and colorful landscape. The national park
falls within the Asia Pacific Coral Triangle and is full of a variety of seagrass beds,
colorful coral reefs, and dense mangrove forests.

3 | Land and Marine Fauna

Aside from the magnificent Komodo Dragon, The Komodo National Park is the
habitat of various other land and sea creatures. Visitors can witness these intriguing
animals roaming freely in their natural outdoor settings.

Terrestrial fauna that can be found here includes a diversity of reptiles, mammals,
and birds. This includes but isn’t limited to 12 snake species, 9 lizard species, various
frogs, the Timor deer (the main prey of the Komodo), horses, water buffalos, wild
boars, the endemic Rinca rat, fruit bats, the orange footed scrub fowl and over 40
species of birds.

The marine fauna is astonishingly diverse and includes over 1,000 fish species, 70
types of sponges, 10 types of dolphins, 6 types of whales, dugongs, green turtles and
various types of sharks, huge manta rays, stingrays, marine reptiles and crustaceans
and occasionally migrating whales.

4 | Dynamic Diving Sites

Komodo National Park conveniently sits in the heart of the Asia Pacific Coral Triangle
and is home to one of the world’s richest marine environments.  Divers, scientists,
and photographers from around the world come to this national park to experience
the astonishing biodiversity which can be found in one of the many dive sites – the
larger islands of Rinca, Komodo, and Padar, together with the smaller islands that
surround them, make up at least 100 world-class dive sites.

The area is famous for its fierce currents, riptides, and whirlpools which bring in rich
nutrients from the depths of the Indian Ocean to create ideal conditions for
thousands of species of tropical fish and corals to flourish.      

Diving sites range from challenging blue water current dives with a chance of
glimpsing manta rays, sharks and dugongs, to low visibility muck dives where divers
can discover rare invertebrae closer shore.

Diving in the Komodo National Park will bring you to the heart of the most dynamic
marine environments in the world.

Because of the strong currents that can carry divers right into the wide-open Indian
Ocean, as well as the huge sea mammals passing here, visitors are strongly advised
to engage reputable and experienced diving operators and avoid those that lack
basic safety measures.  

5 | Hiking up Padar Island

Image by Rob Mulally

The breathtakingly beautiful landscape on Padar Island is second to none. This island
is the perfect place for a scenic hike and spectacular photos. As you ascend one of
the many grassy hills, you will be swept away by the surrounding gorgeous green,
white and blue hues. The vantage point from the tallest peak will give you a stunning
view of four crescent-shaped sparkling beaches and an abundance of photos to
make your family and friends green with envy. A hike up the main peak of this
mountain will approximately take 2 to 3 hours. Be prepared and bring comfortable
shoes, clothing, water, and sunscreen as the sun can get scorching hot.

6 | Pink Beach on Komodo Island

Image by Shane Dallas

Due to the degradation of red coral in combination with the pristine white sand, this
unique and charming beach got its name. Also known as Pantai Merah, Pink Beach is
one in seven in the world to have a glowing soft pink tinge. The panoramic views of
the luscious green hills, pristine turquoise waters, luminous pink sand, and azure blue
skies will surely take your breath away.
Pink Beach also offers some spectacular snorkeling and diving spots. The pristine
marine landscape is densely decorated with a vast variety of biota. The underwater
garden is home to hundreds of species of soft and hard corals and reefs bustling
with various species of marine fauna.

As Komodo Island is still inhabited by the Komodo Dragons, visitors should exercise
caution on the beach and in the water. It is highly recommended to come here with
an authorized guide or ranger.

7 | The traditional village on Mesa Island

Image by Luke Marlin

Mesa Island is the perfect destination for visitors to get a glimpse of the traditional
life led by the remarkable sea gypsies (otherwise known as the Bajau people). This
laid back fisherman village has a population of approximately 1,500 residents and
visitors can witness locals engage in their daily tasks such as drying cucumbers,
processing shell fish and preparing various seafood. The residents of Mesa Island are
very friendly and children often flock to greet new faces. Visitors will also be able to
see the charming traditional stilt houses that hover above the sand and shoreline.

8 | Snorkelling at Kanawa Island

Image by Skye Gilkeson

Visitors come to Kanawa Island to relax, swim and experience the fabulous snorkeling
spots. The visibility of the water is crystal clear and it is even possible for visitors to
see the prolific sea life from above the water. Snorkelers can begin their underwater
adventure right from the jetty as the sea is very calm and strong waves are protected
by the surrounding coral reefs. Be prepared to be mesmerized by the colorful schools
of tropical fish, mystical corals and unique marine fauna such as stingrays, dolphins
and turtles.

The island has weak phone and internet reception and transactions on this island is
strictly on a cash basis. Visitors to this island are encouraged to bring an adequate
amount of cash to cover all necessary expenditures.

9 | Sunset at Kalong Island

The name of this unique island, Kalong, comes from the local language for giant
flying fox bats. The bats, which are the main attraction of this island, create an
enthralling sunset spectacle unlike any other. As the day approaches dusk, visitors
are invited to witness thousands of these mystical creatures migrate from the island
to the backdrop of awe-inspiring sunset hues. The resounding flutter and noise of
these bats as they escape the mangrove forest and soar into the sunset will leave a
hauntingly beautiful lasting memory.
10 | Komodo spotting on Rinca Island

Due to the purposely undeveloped nature of this island and sparse foot traffic, Rinca
Island is the perfect spot for those looking to catch a glimpse of the exotic Komodo
Dragon. Visitors will disembark on the dock of Koh Kima and be taken to the
campsite of Loh Buaya, where sometimes Komodo Dragons can already be spotted.
A trek across the island will show dense forest give way to grassy fields and a few
scattered watering holes where the Komodo Dragons hunt for prey. If fortunate
enough, visitors will be able to see other terrestrial fauna such as the wild water
buffalos, Timor deer, wild horses and various species of tropical birds.

Due to the fierce nature of the Komodo Dragon, visitors who come here must hire
the service of an experienced ranger. Prepare cool clothing and sunscreen as the
climate on Rinca Island can be quite dry and very hot.