Komodo Island

Komodo Island is a small island of 280 square Km, Komodo island is located between the island of Sumbawa and Flores. Komodo island is almost all full and barren except for palm trees and some wood but it is famous for its giant lizards 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, Komodo Lizard called 'Ora" by the local people. Komodo Dragon (Varanus Komodoensis) is actually a giant monitor lizard species. Komodo Lizard growing up to 3 to 4 meters in length its ancestors roamed the earth up to about half a million years ago. Komodo live on carrions of goats, deers, and even the carcasses of its own kind.

The only human population on the island is at the fishing village called Komodo too 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. Komodo is now a nature reserve being part of a national park. It is home to a number of rare bird species, deer, and wild pigs, which are prey to the lizards as well. To see Komodo lizards in the day time, baits have to be set in the hinterland where local guides are necessary. The sea surrounding Komodo island offers visitors of sea life, crystal clear water, and white sandy beaches. The best time to visit Komodo island is between March and June, and between October and December.

Komodo island is accessible from the sea only. Fly to Labuan Bajo or Bima than continued by boat to Komodo island. Labuan Bajo is a little town inhabited by fisherman, lies at the extreme western part of Flores. The town serves as a jumping off points for the trip to Komodo island. From Labuan Bajo to Komodo island will be taken around 3-4 hours by boat and from Bima to Komodo island will be taken around 4-6 hours by boat. From Denpasar to Bima and return, there is daily flight serving this sector while from Denpasar to Labuan Bajo and return the flight is seldom to fly and some time cancel without prior notice. We strongly recommend you to visit Komodo island via Bima. For overnight in Komodo, we suggest to overnight on boat for safety reason than overnight on ranger house in Komodo island.