Kelimutu National Park

The topography of Kelimutu National Park varies from gently rolling hills to more mountainous relief.

Some of the plants that grow in the Park area are kayu mata (Albizia montana), kebu (Homalanthus giganteus), tokotaka (Putranjiva roxburghii), uwi rora (Ardisia humilis), longgo baja (Drypetes subcubica), toko keo (Cyrtandra sp.), kayu deo (Trema cannabina), kayu bu (Casuarina equisetifolia), kelo (Ficus villosa), and ampupu (Eucalyptus urophylla).

The Park provides habitat for at least 19 restricted-range bird species including the near threatened Flores green pigeon (Treron floris), Wallace's scops owl (Otus silvicola), chestnut-backed jungle flycatcher (Rhinomyias oscillans), bare-throated whistler (Pachycephala nudigula), little minivet (Pericrocotus lansbergei), russet-capped tesia (Tesia everetti), thick-billed white-eye (Heleia crassirostris), crested white-eye (Lophozosterops dohertyi), golden-rumped flowerpecker (Dicaeum annae), Flores monarch (Monarcha sacerdotum), flame-breasted sunbird (Nectarinia solaris), and Flores hawk-eagle (Spizaetus floris).
The four endemic mammals include two montane rodents: Bunomys naso and Rattus hainaldi.

Not only does it have high biodiversity, this Park is also the location of a unique natural phenomenon-three different-coloured lakes at the peak of Mt. Kelimutu (1,690 m asl.). The first lake is named Tiwu Ata Mbupu (lake of people spirits), the second is named Tiwu Nuwa Muri Koo Fai (lake of young people spirits), and the third is Tiwu Ata Polo (lake of fortune tellers spirits). The first and second lakes are situated close together, while the third lake is about 1.5 km to the west. The colour of the water in each lake is different and the colours change from time to time, particularly that of Tiwu Nuwa Muri Koo Fai Lake: twenty-five years ago, its water changed colour twelve times. Thought to be caused by the volcanic activity of Kelimutu, it has also been suggested that the changes in colour are due to refraction of the sun's rays, microbiota in the water, dissolution of chemical substances, and the reflection of the colour of the lake walls and bottom.

The nature riches of the Park are complemented by its cultural heritage. Traditional houses, dances, and weaving are still in evidence among the local people. The art of producing the highly complex patterns in the woven cloth is very interesting. Great skill and imagination are involved and the production process is different from other ikat weaves in Indonesia.

Lake Twu Ata Mbupu dan Tiwu Nuwa Muri Koo Fai

Interesting locations/attractions:

Mt. Kelimutu: the peak of Mt. Kelimutu is the best place to view the three lakes.
Moni: thermal springs, waterfalls, and ikat weaving.

Best time of year to visit: July to September.

How to reach the Park: Kupang-Ende, about 40 minutes by plane; or Bima-Ende, about 90 minutes by plane. From Ende, proceed to the nearest village, Desa Koanara: this takes about 3 hours (93 km). Then on foot from Desa Koanara via Desa Koposili-Desa Manakuko to Kelimutu Lake, about 2.5 hours.


Office: Jl. Achmad Yani 34
Ende Flores, East Nusa Tenggara
Tel. : +62-381-22478

Designated : Minister of Forestry, SK.No.279/Kpts-II/92,
a total area of 5,000 hectares
Gazetted : Minister of Forestry, SK. No. 675/Kpts-II/97,
a total area of 5,356,5 hectares
Location : Regency of Ende (Province of East Nusa Tenggara)

Temperature 25° - 31° C
Rainfall 1,615 - 3,363 mm/annual
Altitude 1,500 - 1,731 m asl.
Geographical location 121°44' - 121°51' E; 8°43' - 8°48' S

Read More..

Laiwangi Wanggameti National Park

Laiwangi-Wanggameti National Park represents all forest types in Sumba, including alpine forest which is not common in Sumba.

This Park has a species diversity of high value, in particular at an altitude of 800 m asl. Among the species of flora are jambu hutan (Syzygium sp.), pulai (Alstonia scholaris), beringin (Ficus sp.), kenari (Canarium oleosum), kayu manis (Cinnamomum zeylanicum), honggi (Myristica littoralis), suren (Toona sureni), taduk (Sterculia foetida), kesambi (Schleichera oleosa), and hangkang (Palaquium obovatum).

This Park forms the habitat for wild animals such as the long-tailed macaque (Macaca fascicularis fascicularis), wild pig (Sus sp.), Timor python (Phyton timorensis), and red junglefowl (Gallus gallus). It has the main population of the red-naped fruit dove (Ptilinopus dohertyi), and several other bird species such as the Sumba green pigeon (Treron teysmannii), Sumba button quail (Turnix everetti), yellow-crested cockatoo (Cacatua sulphurea citrinocristata), purple-naped lory (Lorius domicella), Sumba flycatcher (Ficedula harterti), Sumba cicada bird (Coracina dohertyi), and apricot-breasted sunbird (Nectarinia buettikoferi). In addition, there are about 43 species of butterfly, some of them are endemic like the halipron birdwing (Troides haliphron naias), Elimnias amoena, Sumalia chilo, Ideopsis oberthurii, and Athyma karita.

Laiwangi-Wanggameti was declared as a National Park quite recently, and therefore has very few facilities for visitors. However, there is a homestay managed by the local community.

Kakatua Jambul Kuning (Cacatua sulphurea)
Around the Park there are many ancient graves carved with motifs of horses, buffalo, men and women. These ancient graves indicate the social status of the bereaved family.

Best time of year to visit: March to June, and October to December.

How to reach the Park: Kupang-Waingapu, about one hour by plane, then Waingapu-Watumbaka-Maujawa-Melolo-Kanagar, about 2 hours by four-wheel drive, and proceed on foot to the Park (the villages of Wanggameti, Tana Rara and Tabundung).

Office: Jl. Perintis Kemerdekaan, PO Box 1014
Kupang 85228, East Nusa Tenggara
Tel. : +62-380-832211

Designated : Minister of Forestry, SK.No. 576/Kpts-II/98,
a total area of 47,014 hectares
Location : Regency of East Sumba (Province of East Nusa Tenggara )

Temperature 26° - 31° C
Rainfall 1,900 mm/year (on average)
Altitude 0 - 1,225 m asl.
Geographical location 120°00' - 120°22' E; 9°58' - 10°11' S

Read More..

Manupeu-Tanah Daru National Park

Manupeu-Tanah Daru National Park covers some of the last remaining lowland monsoon forest in Sumba. Most of the forest areas of this Park are on steep slopes which rise from sea level up to a height of 600 metres.

This Park has a high species diversity, with some 118 species of plant including suren (Toona sureni), taduk (Sterculia foetida), kesambi (Schleichera oleosa), pulai (Alstonia scholaris), tamarind (Tamarindus indica), kemiri (Aleurites moluccana), jambu hutan (Syzygium sp.), cemara gunung (Casuarina sp.), and lantana (Lantana camara).

There are 87 species of bird, including seven endemic species like the yellow-crested cockatoo (Cacatua sulphurea citrinocristata), Sumba hornbill (Rhyticeros everetti), Sumba green pigeon (Treron teysmannii), Sumba flycatcher (Ficedula harterti), Sumba cicada bird (Coracina dohertyi), and apricot-breasted sunbird (Nectarinia buettikoferi). The Sumba hornbill and the yellow-crested cockatoo are the rarest and are threatened almost to the point of extinction.

In addition, there are about 57 species of butterfly, including seven endemic species like Papilio neumoegenii, Ideopsis oberthurii, Delias fasciata, Junonia adulatrix, Athyma karita, Sumalia chilo, and Elimnias amoena.

Air Terjun Matayangu

Manupeu-Tanah Daru has only recently been declared as a National Park, and as such has limited facilities for visitors. The only available facility is still in the form of a homestay which is managed by the local community. Most visitors to the Park come for recreation after touring the cultural attractions on the island of Sumba.

Interesting locations/attractions:

Matayangu waterfall: 40 metres high, this waterfall is located in Waimanu Village and attracts a lot for visitors.

Cultural attractions in Sumba include the following:
Waikabubak: located close to the Park, this area has many ancient carved graves. The graves are a symbol of the social status and health of the local community (Kadung Tana, Watu Karagata, and Bulu Peka Mila).
Lemboya, Kodi-Gaura and Wanukaka: the religious attraction of Pasola is both fascinating and nail-biting to watch: several people riding colourfully decorated horses, trying to unseat each other at high speed. The attraction is held in Lamboya and Kodi in February, and in March in Gaura and Wanukaka.

Best time of year to visit: March to June, and October to December.

How to reach the Park: Kupang-Waingapu, about one hour by plane, and then Waingapu-Lewa-Waikabubak by car, about two hours; then proceed to the Park (Langgaliru, Katiku Loku and Watumbelar Villages).

Designated : Minister of Forestry, SK.No. 576/Kpts-II/98,
a total area of 87,984.09 hectares
Location : Regencies; West Sumba and East Sumba (Province of East Nusa Tenggara)

Temperature 25° - 32°C
Rainfall 2,000 mm/year (on average)
Altitude 0 - 600 m asl.
Geographical location 119°29' - 119°53' E; 9°35' - 9°53' S

Office: Jl. Perintis Kemerdekaan, PO Box 1014
Kupang 85228, East Nusa Tenggara
Tel. : +62-380-832211

Read More..

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.

Padang Savana Habitat Komodo

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

Read More..