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, ccrystal 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 Labuan Bajo, from where it is about 3-4 hours by boat to the island.
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KOMODO ADVENTURE TOUR ( via LABUAN BAJO )
Duration : ( 04 days / 03 nights )
DAY 01: LABUAN BAJO - ARRIVAL
Upon arrival, Meeting service at the airport, lunch at local restaurant. Afternoon sightseeing to Batu Cermin Cave, top Waringin for witnessing sunset, back to hotel - dinner and overnight.
DAY 02: LABUAN BAJO - KOMODO ISLAND
After breakfast, by boat to Komodo island for about 4 hours. Arrive Komodo check in at Ranger's House, free until lunch. Afternoon bush walk to Banunggulung to see the dragon habitation, continue to Komodo village, back to Ranger's House for dinner and overnight.
DAY 03: KOMODO ISLAND - LABUAN BAJO
After breakfast, visit Rinca Island the natural habitat of dragon, Bidadari island for bathing, strolling or swimming. Lunch on board. Continue to Labuan Bajo - dinner and overnight at hotel.
DAY 04: LABUAN BAJO - DEPARTURE
After breakfast, free programme until transfer to next destination.
End of Tour Program
Note: The above itinerary can be reverted into the last day in Bima
(Day 03 Komodo - Bima, Day 04 Bima - Departure)
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Sail from Bira to Komodo island by RIMA traditional Sailing boat :
Day 01 : Bira, South Sulawesi - Selayar Island
Today your sea adventure starts aboard "Ratu Rima", under the massive sails of a true traditional sailing phinisi Schooner. Travel time varies with wind conditions, but estimated sailing time to our first destination, Selayar Island, is 6 hours. Your accommodations aboard Ratu Rima are very comfortable, wide berthed dorm style accommodations. Meals are prepared aboard the vessel and are included in the cost of this special cruise program. On Selayar Island, time is given for snorkeling and some island exploration.(One lunch, one dinner)
Day 02 : Selayar Island - Takabonerate
Our departure from Selayar for our next destination, Takabonerate, will be in the very early morning. With an estimated sailing time of 10 hours, our arrival is scheduled for mid-day. Takabonerate is the second largest coral atoll in the world. This massive collapsed volcano supports one of the world's finest coral reef systems and is the breeding ground for many species of sea turtles. With an afternoon and evening overnight stop, time is allocated for snorkeling or diving in one of Indonesia's more desirable dive destinations.(One breakfast, one lunch, one dinner)
Day 03 : Takabonerate - Labuan Bajo, Flores (Komodo)
This morning Ratu Rima will depart the coral atoll of Takabonerate for the island of Flores and the port of Labuhan Bajo, the nearest to Komodo National Park. The estimated sailing time on this sector is 30 hours. Those passengers interested in the operation of this traditional sailing ship are welcome to participate in the watch schedule with the crew.(One breakfast, one lunch, one dinner)
Day 04 : Labuhan Bajo, Flores (Komodo)
Ratu Rima is scheduled to arrive in Labuhan Bajo around mid-day, allowing passengers time to select accommodations for the start of their visit to the Nusa Tenggara region of the Indonesian Archipelago.
(One breakfast, one lunch)