TOUR AROUND KOMODO

Komodo Island and neighbouring Rinca are between Sumbawa and Flores, approximately 500 kilometres east of Bali. The shape of the island is very irregular, its 340 square kilometres spread over a number of peninsulas and promontories. The dry hills, which rise to 735 metres, sprout skinny lontar palms. The plankton rich seas around Komodo and Rinca support amazing reefs and a range of large marine life, including whales and dolphins.

There is just one village on Komodo and approximately 600 islanders cling precariously to the eastern shore. They make their living by fishing at night from graceful, twin-hulled catamarans.

The Komodo dragon is found only on the islands of Komodo, Padar and Rinca, and parts of western Flores. Locally called ora, the dragons are most numerous on Komodo, which together with nearby Rinca has been set aside as a National Park. There are many walks - along designated trails and always accompanied by a ranger - through dragon's territory. The views of the emerald blue seas and coral reefs off Komodo, especially from Mt. Ara are incredible. The snorkelling and swimming around Pantai Merah - "Red Beach" - east of Loh Liang and Pulau Lasa, an island near Komodo village, are superb.