Komodo : Pre Historic Dragon

The Komodo dragon (Varanus komodoensis) is a species of lizard with its roots going all the way back to the dinosaurs, inhabits the islands of Komodo, Rinca, Flores, Gili Motang, and Gili Dasami, in the center of the Indonesian archipelago. A member of the monitor lizard family (Varanidae), it is the largest living species of lizard, growing to an average length of 2 to 3 metres (6.6 to 9.8 ft) and weighing around 70 kilograms (150 lb). An adult Komodo dragon usually weighs around 70 kilograms (150 lb), although captive specimens often weigh more. The largest verified wild specimen was 3.13 metres (10.3 ft) long and weighed 166 kilograms (370 lb), including undigested food. The Komodo dragon has a tail as long as its body, as well as about 60 frequently-replaced serrated teeth that can measure up to 2.5 centimeters (1 inch) in length. Its saliva is frequently blood-tinged, because its teeth are almost completely covered by gingival tissue that is naturally lacerated during feeding. This creates an ideal culture for the virulent bacteria that live in its mouth. It also has a long, yellow, deeply-forked tongue. Their unusual size is attributed to island gigantism, since there are no other carnivorous animals to fill the niche on the islands where they live, and also to the Komodo dragon's low metabolic rate. As a result of their size, these lizards, along with symbiotic bacteria, dominate the ecosystems in which they live. Komodo dragons are carnivores, carrion-feeders, and cannibals. Although Komodo dragons eat mostly carrion, they will also hunt and ambush prey including invertebrates, birds, and mammals.

Komodo dragon was the driving factor for an expedition to Komodo Island by W. Douglas Burden in 1926. After returning with 12 preserved specimens and 2 live ones, this expedition provided the inspiration for the 1933 movie King Kong.

It is neither permitted nor advisable to do any tours without local guides. The Komodo Dragons are dangerous when they attack. Komodos are extremely dangerous if close enough. They can run faster than humans, so best not approach if necessary. Jumping into water doesn't help either, as they can swim faster than humans, can dive, and can also swim against strong currents. In fact, sometimes Komodos are found on neighboring islands, suspected of swimming there. Their saliva is poisonous and will require immediate medical treatment, and their jaws can mean instant death. It may also charge at its victims. It's tail is equally deadly and may be swung dangerously, knocking victims off their feet. That’s the challenge in Komodo Island.

Location of Destination
Komodo National Park is located between the islands of Sumbawa and Flores, at a distance of 200 nautical miles to the east of Bali (Nusa Tenggara Islands (Lesser Sunda Islands), Province of Nusa Tenggara Timur, Republic of Indonesia).

Route to Get Destination
By plane to Sukarno-Hata Airport (Jakarta). Then by domestic flight about 1 hours and 50 minutes from Sukarno-Hatta Airport (Jakarta) to I Gusti Ngurah Rai Airport (Denpasar, Bali Island). Or by international direct flight to I Gusti Ngurah Rai Airport (Denpasar, Bali Island).
Then by regular flights from Denpasar to Labuan Bajo (in Flores Island) about 2 hours, then by inter-island ferry to Komodo Island approximately 4 hours.
Or by plane from Denpasar to Bima (in Sumbawa Island) about 90 minutes, then travel overland from Bima to Sape approximately 3 hours, then by inter-island ferry from Sape to Komodo Island approximately 4 hours.
Or travel overland and ferry from Denpasar to Komodo Island approximately 2 days.

Most visitors enter Komodo National Park through the gateway cities of Labuan Bajo (In the west of Flores Island) or Bima (In eastern Sumbawa Island)

Best Time to Visit
March to May, after the rainy season

Accommodation for Traveller
In Labuan Bajo : The Golo Hilltop Hotel, The Eco Lodge
Best way to stay overnight at the park is to rent a local excursion boat and sleep on deck. Anchored just off shore from the park.

Others
Rangers’ house, restaurant and information centers are located on both Komodo and Rinca Island.

Bunaken National Marine Park

Bunaken National Marine Park is one of the most spectacular marine park in the world. It attracts scuba divers from all over the world to visit. The park covers a total surface area of 890.65 km squares, 97 per cent of which is overlain by sparkling clear, warm tropical water. The remaining 3 per cent of the park is terrestrial, including the five islands of Bunaken, Manado Tua, Montehage, Nain and Siladen.

The waters of Bunaken National Marine Park are clear (up to 35-40 m visibility in summer dry season), refreshing in temperature (27 to 29 °C). The area supports some of the world's highest levels of bio-diversity. Pick any of group of interest - corals, fish, echinoderms or sponges - and the number of families, genera or species is bound to be astonishingly high. Seven of the eight species of giant clams that occur in the world, occur in Bunaken. The park has around 70 genera of corals. Nearly 70 per cent of all fish species known to the Indo-western Pacific, are found

A snorkeler or diver in the vicinity of Lekuan or Fukui may spot over 33 species of butterfly fish and numerous types of groupers, damsels, wrasses and gobies. The gobies, smallish fish with bulging eyes and modified fins that allow them to attach to hard surfaces, are the most diverse but least known group of fish in the park.

Activity for visitor in Bunaken National Marine Park include swimming, snorkeling, diving (most diving takes place near Bunaken and Manado Tua, because of their many excellent sites), beach-combing (especially at low tide when the reef top is accessible), or fishing (only outside off the park boundaries).

Location of Destination
Bunaken National Marine Park is located about 15 km north off beach of Manado, the capital of North Sulawesi Province, Sulawesi Island, Republic of Indonesia.

Route to Get Destination
By plane to Sukarno-Hata Airport (Jakarta).
Then by domestic flight about 2 hours from Sukarno-Hatta Airport (Jakarta) to Hasanuddin Airport (Makassar).
Then by domestic flight about 75 minutes from Hasanuddin Airport (Makassar) to Sam Ratulangi Airport (Manado).
Then by boat about 30 minutes from port of Marina Nusantara Diving Centre (Manado) to Bunaken National Marine Park.

Best Time to Visit
May to August

Accommodation for Traveller
Within Bunaken Nation Marine Park : Siladen Resort & Spa, Lorenso's Homestay, M.C. Dive Bunaken, and Bunaken Village Resort.

Others
There are some dive shops can arrange intro dives and Open Water Diver courses. All dive shops in the park are affiliated with resorts.
The park also offers outstanding snorkeling.

Komodo National Park

Komodo National Park was established to conserve the unique Komodo dragon (Varanus komodoensis) and its habitat. However, over the years, the goals for the Park have expanded to protecting its entire biodiversity, both terrestrial and marine. Komodo National Park had been declared a World Heritage Site and a Man and Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO, both indications of the Park's biological importance.

Komodo National Park includes three major islands: Komodo, Rinca and Padar, as well as numerous smaller islands creating a total surface area (marine and land) of 1817 km squares (603 km squares of it land). The islands of the national park are of volcanic origin. As well as being habitat of the largest known lizard, the world famous Komodo Dragon, Komodo National Park provides refuge for many other notable terrestrial species such as the orange-footed scrub fowl, an endemic rat, Sunda deer (Cervus timorensis), wild buffalo (Bubalus bubalis), wild boar ((Sus scrofa), the macaque monkey (Macaca fascicularis), and wild horse (Equus qaballus). Moreover, the Park includes one of the richest marine environments including coral reefs, mangroves, seagrass beds, seamounts, and semi-enclosed bays. It consists of forams, cnidaria (includes over 260 species of reef building coral), sponges (70 species), ascidians, marine worms, mollusks, echinoderms, crustaceans, cartilaginous and bony fishes (over 1,000 species), sea turtles, and marine mammals (dolphins, whales, and dugongs). Some notable species with high commercial value include sea cucumbers (Holothuria), Napoleon wrasse (Cheilinus undulatus), and groupers.

Most of the Park is dry, rugged and hilly, a combination of ancient volcanic eruptions and more recent tectonic uplift of sedimentary seabeds. The irregular coastline is indented with rocky headlands and sandy bays, many framed by soaring volcanic cliffs. Komodo island alone is 35km long and 15km wide, and is mountainous on a north to south axis, with an average altitude of 500-600m. The highest peak is Satalibo (735m) in the north. Most of the island is lontar palm savannah with remnates of rainforest and bamboo forest at higher elevations. On Rinca the land rises gradually from the north coast to a plateau that ends at Mount Dora (667m) in the south. The rugged south coast is very sheer as a result of volcanic activity in the distant past, as evidenced by the crater bay in which Nusa Kode nestles.

The under water live and its ecosystems have been well known as the best diving site in the world. The water of Komodo National Park is very ideal place for many kinds of sea activites. It's just like the missing paradise for the underwater world lover. It has many excellent dive spots. It's vibrant color and exotic life will enchant divers and snorkelers.

Location of Destination
Komodo National Park is located between the islands of Sumbawa and Flores, at a distance of 200 nautical miles to the east of Bali (Nusa Tenggara Islands (Lesser Sunda Islands), Province of Nusa Tenggara Timur), Republic of Indonesia.

Route to Get Destination
By plane to Sukarno-Hata Airport (Jakarta). Then by domestic flight about 1 hours and 50 minutes from Sukarno-Hatta Airport (Jakarta) to I Gusti Ngurah Rai Airport (Denpasar, Bali Island). Or by international direct flight to I Gusti Ngurah Rai Airport (Denpasar, Bali Island).
Then by regular flights from Denpasar to Labuan Bajo (in Flores Island) about 2 hours, then by inter-island ferry to Komodo Island approximately 4 hours.
Or by plane from Denpasar to Bima (in Sumbawa Island) about 90 minutes, then travel overland from Bima to Sape approximately 3 hours, then by inter-island ferry from Sape to Komodo Island approximately 4 hours.
Or travel overland and ferry from Denpasar to Komodo Island approximately 2 days.

Most visitors enter Komodo National Park through the gateway cities of Labuan Bajo (In the west of Flores Island) or Bima (In eastern Sumbawa Island)

Best Time to Visit
March to May, after the rainy season

Accommodation for Traveller
In Labuan Bajo : The Golo Hilltop Hotel, The Eco Lodge
Best way to stay overnight at the park is to rent a local excursion boat and sleep on deck. Anchored just off shore from the park.

Others
Rangers’ house, restaurant and information centers are located on both Komodo and Rinca Island.

Tanjung Puting National Park

The Tanjung Puting National Park is a conservation area that protects a large variety of plants, animals and their associated ecosystems. The Park has several ecosystem types such as lowland tropical rain forest, dryland forest, freshwater swamp forest, mangrove forest, coastal forest, and secondary forest. It is the largest and the only protected area in South East Asia that provide breeding grounds for a wide population of waterfowl.

The Tanjung Puting National Park was established primarily for the protection of the Bornean Orangutan (Pongo pygmaeus). The orangutan of Kalimantan has dark reddish fur and no tail. As they get older, the adult males cheeks flesh out, resembling cushions. The older they get, the bigger these cheek flanges grow, giving them a fierce look. When this area become a national park, Tanjung Harapan moved to the other side of the Sekonyer River (across the original area). The original width of the park was 3,000.4 km². In its new location, it increased to 4,150.4 km².

Tanjung Puting occupies most of the peninsula between Teluk Kumai and the Seruyan River. The peninsula is low lying and swampy with a spine of dry ground which rises a few feet above the omnipresent swamp and consists of varied habitats. The Park is drained by several black water rivers that flow from the northern and eastern regions into the Java Sea. At the mouth of these rivers and along the sea coast are found Nipa/mangrove swamps. Mangroves teem with animal life. Tanjung Puting also includes tall dry ground tropical rain forest, primarily tropical heath forest, with a canopy of 40 meters with emergents exceeding 50 meters in height, seasonally inundated peat swamp forest with peat in layers two meters deep, open depression lakes formed by fire, and open areas of abandoned dry rice fields now covered with elephant grass and ferns. The tropical heath forest which is called kerangas in parts of Borneo , is only found on very poor, typically white-sandy soils and is characterized by medium-sized trees.

Tanjung Puting National Park is divided into four areas, each highlighting a different set of natural resources.
First, Camp Leakey. Camp Leakey area is devoted to the research and rehabilitation of adult orangutans. It is suitable for witnessing pre-wild or wild orangutan rehabilitation. Other species that can be seen in this area include the Owa-owa, White-head eagle, Sesep Madu bird, and – the bird of paradise - rhinoceros hornbill bird (Enggang and Rangkong).
Second, Tanjung Harapan. Tanjung Harapan area was developed for ecotourism, and hosts the information center, guest house, watch tower and camping ground. By traveling along the edge of the river, visitor can see the nipah formation, screw pine and bog forest. Hiking and bird watching are so attractive here.
Third, Pantai Sungai Cabang. Pantai Sungai Cabang area is located alongside a white sand beach. The working and maintenance huts are located here, along with guest houses, an information center, shelter, watch tower, camp ground, dock and various other tourist activities.
Fourth, Pondok Tanggui. Pondok Tanggui area is home to pre-wild and adolescent orangutans. It hosts various kinds of animals like deer, pig, the rangkong bird, Raja Udang bird and Sesep Madu bird. During journeys from Tanjung Harapan to Pondok Tanggui, one passes through the habitats of the bekantan monkey and the estuarine crocodile (Crocodylus porosus dan Tomistoma schlegelli).

The types of plants that can be found in Tanjung Putting National Park is ulin (Eusideroxylon zwageri), jelutung (Dyera costulata), meranti (Shorea sp.), ramin (Gonystylus bancanus), gaharu, kayu lanan, keruing (Dipterocarpus sp), tengkawang (Dracomentelas sp.), Pandanus, Castonopsis, Dacrydium, Imperata cylindrica, Lithocarpus, Schiima, Hopea, Melaleuca, Dyospyros, Beckia, Licuala, Vatica, Tetramerista, Palaquium, Campnosperma, Casuarina, Ganoa, Mesua, Dactylocladus, Astonia, Durio, Eugenia, Calophyllum, Crinum sp., Sonneratia, Rhizophora, Barringtonia, Nipah (Nypa fruticans), Podocarpus, and Scaevola. While the bottom layer to plant forests consist of the types of rotan and anakan trees.

In addition to various species of reptile and bird that is unique, Tanjung Putting National Park is inhabited by various species of mammals. Among them is the best known species that makes the National Park best known, orangutan (Pongo pygmaeus), bekantan (Nasalis larvatus) - a large monkey which is found only in Borneo, long tail macaque (Macaca fascicularis), maroon leaf monkey (presbistis rubicunda), Agile gibbon (Hylobates agilis), grey gibbon (Hylobates mulleri), and Malayan sun bear (Helarctus malayanus). The types of large mammals such as kijang sambar, deer (Muntiacus muntjak), kancil (Tragulus javanicus), and wild lige (Sus barbatus) can be found in this area. In fact, several species of mammals such as water cow (Dugong dugong) and dolphins (the locals call it as Pesut) seen in the waters around the Park area.

Furthermore, the living fauna can be found in the Park is fortune-bringing and highly endangered dragon fish known as the Arwana (bony-tongue).

Location of Destination
Tanjung Puting National Park is geographically located between 2°35’–3°20’ LS dan 111°50’-112°15’ BT.
The Park is located in Kotawaringin Region, Province of Central Kalimantan, Borneo Island, Republic of Indonesia

Route to Get Destination
By plane to Sukarno-Hatta Airport (Jakarta). Then by regular domestic flight about 40 minutes from Sukarno-Hatta Airport (Jakarta) to Ahmad Yani Airport (Semarang, Central Java). Then by domestic flight about 1 hour from Ahmad Yani Airport (Semarang) to Iskandar Airport (Pangkalanbun, Central Kalimantan), or by ship approximately 20 hours from Semarang to Pangkalanbun.
Then by car from Pangkalanbun to Kumai approximately 3 hours. Then by motor boat from Kumai to Tanjung Harapan approximately 1 hour, from Kumai to Camp Leakey approximately 2 hours.

Best Time to Visit
April to November

Accommodation for Traveller
There are saveral good hotel in Pangkalan Bun and many of them over inexpensive price if you want spend a night at Pangkalan Bun.