Komodo National Park
Komodo National Park covers three large islands: Komodo, Rinca
and Padar, and 26 small islands. There are 11 small mountains or
large hills, the highest
being Mt. Satalibo (" 735 m asl.).
The dry and barren condition of the Park has produced a certain
uniqueness. The expanse of savanna, limited water sources and a
relatively hot temperature
is indeed the preferred habitat of an ancient animal species, the
Komodo dragon (Varanus komodoensis).
Most of the Park area is savanna with the fan palm (Borassus
flabellifer) as the dominant characteristic plant. Other plants
include rattan (Calamus sp.),
bamboo (Bambusa sp.), tamarind (Tamarindus indica), kepuh (Sterculia
foetida), bidara (Ziziphus jujuba), kesambi (Schleichera oleosa),
and mangrove
(Rhizophora sp.).
Besides the Komodo dragon, the Park is also a habitat for deer (Cervus
timorensis floresiensis), wild pig (Sus scrofa), Asian wild dog (Cuon
alpinus
javanicus), wild horse (Equus qaballus), wild buffalo (Bubalus
bubalis), dugong (Dugong dugon); 259 species of coral and 1,000
species of fish, 6 species
of whale, 10 species of dolphin, as well as turtles and several
species of snake, birds and sharks.
Komodo National Park is a national asset and it has received
technical assistance to manage it to international standards. It has
been declared by UNESCO
as both a Natural World Heritage Site and a Biosphere Reserve.
This Park is frequently visited by international tourists, who often
describe it as being like another world. Open plains stretch as far
as the eye can
see, with the silhouette of occasional fan palms standing out
starkly against a background of mountains. The vista of parched and
barren savanna is broken by the calls of birds and wild horses, while under the harsh rays of
the sun, giant reptiles bathe in the clear blue waters of the Flores
sea. It is an
unforgettable experience.
Interesting locations/attractions:
Loh Liang: the main entrance gate for those who want to observe
wildlife in monsoon forest bordering on white sand beaches. Sites of
cultural interest.Pulau Lasa, Pantai Merah, Loh Bo and Sebita:
diving and snorkelling facilitated; there is a dive shop, and
glass-bottomed boats are available.Banu Nggulung: observing animals.
Best time of year to visit: March to June, and October to December.
How to reach the Park: Denpasar-Mataram-Bima by car, 2 days; then
proceed by public transport to Sape. From Sape, the Park is reached
by ferry. Or Denpasar-Labuan Bajo by plane (twice a week), then
proceed to the Park by ferry or speedboat.
Declared : Minister of Forestry, in 1990
Designated : Minister of Forestry, SK No. 306/Kpts-II/95,
a total area of 173,300 hectares
Location : Regency of Manggarai, (Province of East Nusa Tenggara)
Temperature 17° - 43° C
Rainfall 800 - 1,000 mm/year
Altitude 0 - 735 m asl.
Geographical location 119°22' - 119°49' E; 8°23' - 8°50' S
Park Office: Jl. Kasimo, Labuan Bajo
West Flores 86554, East Nusa Tenggara
Tel. : +62-385-41004 or 41005
Fax. : +62-385-41006
Related resources
National park in Bali and Nusa Tenggara:
- National Parks in Indonesia
- Bali Barat National Park - Cekik, Gilimanuk
- Gunung Rinjani National Park - Lombok Island
- Manupeu-Tanah Daru National Park - Kupang
- Laiwangi Wanggameti National Park - Sumba Island
- Kelimutu National Park - Flores
