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.
Komodo (Varanus komodoensis)
Office: Jl. Kasimo, Labuan Bajo
West Flores 86554, East Nusa Tenggara
Tel. : +62-385-41004 or 41005
Fax. : +62-385-41006
E-mail: tnkomodo@indosat.net.id
Website: http://www.komodonationalpark.com
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
