Komodo National Park, Protected national park in Lesser Sunda Islands, Indonesia
Description
Komodo National Park is a protected area in the Lesser Sunda Islands, Indonesia, that encompasses three main islands and numerous smaller islets. The landscape shifts between dry savannas, mangrove forests, white sand beaches, and steep volcanic slopes that drop down to the coastline.
History
The Indonesian government created the protected area in 1980 to preserve the largest living lizards on Earth and their natural habitats. UNESCO recognized the natural value of the area in 1991 and added it to the World Heritage list.
Culture
The rocky slopes and dry grasslands support deer and wild boar populations that serve as prey for the monitor lizards, creating a natural balance in the ecosystem. Local fishermen share the coastal waters with these reptiles and have learned over generations to secure their nets and respect the animals.
Practical
Visitors travel by boat from Labuan Bajo and follow a ranger who shows safe paths and monitors encounters with the monitor lizards. The walks lead over dry hills with limited shade, so early morning hours are most comfortable for exploring.
Did you know?
The waters around the islands host more than a thousand fish species, 260 coral species, and provide shelter for sea turtles and manta rays. The currents between the islands bring nutrient-rich water that creates exceptional biodiversity below the surface.
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Pink Beach
8.4 kmBatu Monco
18.9 kmCube Rock
2.6 kmTaman Nasional Komodo
1.6 kmCystal Rock Dive Site
23.4 kmKomodo boat trip 2nd stop for snorkelling and lunch
27.3 kmCrystal Bay Dive Site
22.8 kmPengah Kecil
14.2 kmSiaba Besar
12.8 kmPink Beach
4.7 kmBatu Balong Dive Site
14.6 kmTatawa Besar Dive Site
17.3 kmSiaba Kecil Dive Site
14.6 kmSebayor Kecil Dive Site
20 kmScuba Junkie Komodo
25.8 kmTrekking
3.7 kmTaman Nasonal Komodo
16.9 kmPink Beach
591 mBats
21.9 kmKampung Rinca
23.3 kmSandy Island
11.7 km1st stop
22.3 kmStrawberry Rocks
24.4 kmDiving Beach
12.2 kmPink Beach
4.5 kmPink Beach
3.6 kmBlack Sand Beach
4.1 kmFlying Fox Island
21.7 kmDiscover hidden gems everywhere you go!
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