Komodo Island
A small island of 280 square kilometres,
Komodo located between the island of Sumbawa and Flores. The
island is almost all hill and barren except for palm trees and
some wood, but it is famous for its giant lizard which are
considered the last of their kind remaining in the world today.
To many modern naturalist, East Nusa Tenggara is so particularly
interesting, because of this unique species, called the Komodo
Dragon. Called "Ora" by the local people, Komodo
"Dragon" (Varanus Komodoensis) is actually a giant
monitor lizard. Growing up 3 to 4 meters in length, its ancestors
roamed the earth up to about half a million years ago.
Komodo live on carrion of goats, deer, and
even the carcasses of their own kind. They are wild and move with
their bodies raised on their four legs.
At two fixed locations, visitors can watch
their behaviour. The Komodo National Park includes the waters
around Komodo island, Rinca and some other tiny islands in the
group. The park is 59,000 hectares large.
Such giant lizards have also been found
around Manggarai, Riung, Ngada and even in the northern areas in
Ende regency.
Komodo is now a nature reserve being part
of a national park. It is home to a number of race bird species,
deed, and wild pigs, which are prey to the lizard as well. The
only human population on the island is at the fishing village
called Komodo who supplement their income breeding goats which
are used to feed the lizards.
The Komodo is protected by law and though
they are considered harmless, it is advisable to keep them at a
distance.
To see the lizards in the day time, baits
have to be set in the hinterland where local guides are
necessary. The sea surrounding the island offer vistas of sea
live, crystal clear waters, and white sandy beaches. The only
accomodation available is in simple guest houses in the fishing
village.
It is advisable to carry food supplies. The
best time to visit the island is between March and June and
between October and December. Komodo is accessible from the sea
only. From Kupang, fly to Labuanbajo, from where it is about 3 -
4 hours by boat to the island.
This page
hosted by 
Get your own Free Home Page