Indonesia is the world´s largest archipelago, stretching across three time zones along the Equator, and including some 17,000+ islands. Indonesia is undoubtedly the dream destination for those who love rainforests, landscapes formed of mountains or fields, exotic culture, distinct traditional architecture, wildlife, open and friendly people and amazing diving.
Located in the province of East Nusa Tenggara (NTT) lay the two islands: Flores and Komodo. While Flores Island is the gateway to the Komodo National Park, the Komodo Island is a part of the Komodo National Park.
Indonesia forms part of the so-called Coral Triangle, the global centre of marine biodiversity. The straits separating the islands in East Nusa Tenggara have some of Indonesia’s finest coral reefs such as in Komodo National Park, while wildlife on land includes the famous Komodo Dragons.
Just 1-hour flight from Bali located between the island Sumbawa and Flores lays the Komodo National Park with its three main islands, Komodo, Rinca, Padar, and numerous smaller ones, all of them of volcanic origin.
The flora and fauna here are some of Indonesia’s finest.
The dry climate has triggered specific evolutionary adaptation within the terrestrial flora that range from open grass-woodland savanna to tropical deciduous (monsoon) forest and quasi cloud forest. The rugged hillsides and dry vegetation highly contrast with the sandy beaches and the blue coral-rich waters. (source: website whc.unesco.org)
The Park inhabits one of the richest marine environments including coral reefs, mangroves, seagrass beds, seamounts, and semi-enclosed bays. More than 1,000 species of fish, some 260 species of reef-building coral, 10 types of dolphins, 6 types of whales, green turtles and various types of sharks and stingrays are living in Komodo National Park.
Manta Rays are spotted in Komodo National Park all year around. Between 1,000 and 1,200 individual mantas have been identified in Komodo. Throughout January to March divers have chances to spot huge families of manta rays in Komodo. While the visibility might drop – as manta rays need plankton – the water temperatures remain at around 27-28°. During these months there might be less tourists as it is rainy season in Komodo.
Just when the rainy season finishes and all hills are covered in lush green from April to June, the waters clear up, and divers might experience colder waters (approx. 26°) and an amazing view of the Park.
The dry and nicely hot weather during July to September brings more visitors to Komodo National Park. In July and August, there is a pleasant wind breeze which offers a great cooling down in the evenings.
When the hills get dressed again in warm golden and brown colours in October, the water gets bit blurry, and the currents slow down, the Manta Rays come back in groups. Until December when it is the transition time from dry season to rainy season, divers enjoy warm water temperatures up to 29°, less tourists and a beautiful landscape around.
Komodo´s landscape and the wild population are the criterions that made Komodo National Park UNESCO World Heritage Site.
It is also the only home to Komodo Dragons. These giant lizards, existing no-where else in the world, are of great scientific interest, especially for their evolutionary implications. It is the largest living species of lizard, growing to an average length of 2 to 3 meters. The species is the last representative of a relic population of large lizards that once lived across Indonesia and Australia. (source: website whc.unesco.org)
In our opinion, no matter the season of the year, there is always a good reason to visit Komodo National Park.
