Komodo Island A small island of 280 square km, Komodo is located between
the islands 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 lizards, which are considered the last of
their kind remaining in the world today.
To many modern naturalists, 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 to 3 to 4 meters in length, its ancestors
roamed the earth up to about half a million years
ago.
Komodo lives on carrions of goats, deer, and even the
carcasses of its own kind. 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. 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 lizard as well..
To see the lizard in the daytime, baits have to be set in
the hinterland where local guides are necessary. The sea
surrounding the island offers vistas of sea life, crystal
clear waters, and white sandy beaches.
The only accommodation available is in simple guesthouses
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. Fly to Labuhan Bajo, from
where it is about 3-4 hours by boat to the island.
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