Komodo Island is a small island in East Nusa Tenggara province. It is found within the Lesser Sunda Islands and is famous for being home to the endemic Komodo dragon as well as to a number of incredible wildlife species, both on land and in the water. This fascinating island falls within the Pacific Ring of Fire and is therefore of volcanic origins. Gazing at the giant brown and green volcanic mountains, emerging from where the Indian Ocean and the Pacific Ocean meet, is an awesome and awe-inspiring experience of a lifetime.
How to get there
Komodo Island is a small island in East Nusa Tenggara province. It is found within the Lesser Sunda Islands and is famous for being home to the endemic Komodo dragon as well as to a number of incredible wildlife species, both on land and in the water. This fascinating island falls within the Pacific Ring of Fire and is therefore of volcanic origins. Gazing at the giant brown and green volcanic mountains, emerging from where the Indian Ocean and the Pacific Ocean meet, is an awesome and awe-inspiring experience of a lifetime. How to get there Traveling around Komodo Island can be relatively easy, but to get to Komodo, you first need to travel to Bali and then to Labuan Bajo by either plane or boat, and finally to Komodo Island by boat. By air A couple of local airlines fly from Bali to Labuan Bajo on Flores Island. Labuan Bajo is the best and closest base point foreembarking to Komodo Island. Both Indonesian Air Transport (IAT) and Trans Nusa Airlines (TGN) offer daily flights to Labuan Bajo. By water Taking a ferry from Bali to Labuan Bajo may excite budget travelers to the area, but don’t get too excited just yet. Ferries serving this route usually take around 36 hours – though that does mean saving on accommodation for one night. Another thing to be aware of is that the trip can be treacherous. It is a long, long journey through shallow and rocky waters. So, unless you’re an avid traveler, this is not a recommended option. On a positive note, it is much cheaper than flying and it can all be part of the adventure. It is also important to remember that these ferries leave Bali every two weeks for Komodo National Park, so make sure to plan your arrival to Bali well in time for your departure.
From Labuan Bajo
The only way of getting to Komodo Island from Labuan Bajo is by boat, unless you can afford a helicopter. The boat ride usually takes around 2 hours. Another option is to charter a boat in Labuan Bajo and have your own private cruise around Komodo Island. This is an ideal way of making sure you get to see exactly what you want, discover the archipelago and also have a chance to snorkel in the stunningly crystal clear waters surrounding the island. If you’re a scuba diver, you can go out on a dive boat and travel around Komodo. Climate Komodo’s climate is most certainly tropical. During the rainy season from December to March, you’ll see between 79-100 centimeters (31-39 inches) of rainfall. The rest of the year is usually dry and arid. During the rainy season, the air temperature varies between 24-31 degrees Celsius. Throughout the dry months, the temperatures range from 25 to 34 degrees Celsius. Water temperatures fluctuate between 27 to 30 degrees Celsius, providing the perfect environment for swimming, snorkeling and diving all year round.
Best time to visit
Komodo Island is a tropical island that has two seasons, wet and dry. December to March is rainy season. If you’re planning a trip during these months, it may be a good idea to check if certain boat/ferry companies are running, as some choose to close shop through these months. April to June marks the end of the rainy season, when the plants flourish and the island comes alive with color. If you’re a diver and hoping to dive with whale sharks, then this is the time to visit. The weather during this period is a bit cooler, and you might experience a rainy day here and there. July to August is high tourist season. The island is usually full of tourists and the weather is extremely hot. September to November is usually the best time to travel to Komodo, as it still has fabulous weather, just fewer tourists.
Scuba diving
If you are a scuba diver, why wouldn’t you dive in one of the most beautiful dive locations in the world? Diving in the Komodo marine reserve is pretty much possible all year round. However, March through to October is the best time for optimum diving conditions. The best season for diving with the majestic manta ray is during the rainy season from December to March. Be sure to do some research and contact dive companies if you’re planning a trip during that time, as some dive boats do not go out during rainy season. Underwater visibility is at its best from November through January.
Liveaboards
If you’re an avid diver hoping to explore all that Komodo has to offer, why not hop on a liveaboard? Not only is this a great way to view the island from the water, you also get to visit some of the most beautiful dive sites in the world. The well-known Arenui Dive Boat was built in 2007 and is a 43-meter luxury phinisi, a traditional Indonesian schooner. This liveaboard offers trips during the perfect diving seasons for Komodo and Raja Ampat – that is, the best diving conditions available. The MS Wellenreng Dive Boat is another liveaboard option on a 22-meter phinisi that sails around thousands of Indonesia islands, including Komodo, Alor and Raja Ampat. Snorkeling Snorkeling around Komodo Island is as spectacular as you could imagine. With brightly colored coral and an incredible array of marine life, it should come as no surprise that nearly all of the dive companies offer snorkeling trips to this area. However, it is important to note that anyone going out snorkeling should be a strong swimmer, as conditions can change quite quickly.
There are a few options for snorkeling at Komodo Island: you can choose to snorkel as part of a group and select one of the many dive companies on the island, or you can choose to stay on a liveaboard and snorkel from there. Or you can charter a boat and sail around the island, picking the best spots to jump off the boat and snorkel with your friends and family. If you do choose to go snorkeling with a dive company, make sure that they go to Pink Beach (see below), as this is where some of the best snorkeling can be had. Popular areas When visiting Komodo Island, there are a few sights that must be on your list.
Pink Beach
Pink Beach is one of seven pink-sand beaches found throughout the world. If you’re traveling to Komodo, you simply must not miss one of the true natural wonders of the world. Microscopic animals called Foraminifera produce the red pigment in coral. When the minuscule red coral fragments mix with the white sand, it forms a light pink color that gives the beach its name. Komodo National Park Komodo National Park is a must-see. It was founded in 1980 to protect the world’s largest lizard, the Komodo dragon, and in 1991, it was declared a UNESCO World Heritage site in order to protect marine life and other local creatures. The park was also selected as one of the New7Wonders of Nature. Make sure you do not miss this fascinating place. Hiking If you are an avid hiker, there are a couple of mountains on Komodo Island that you should not miss. These include All Satalibo and Regata Hill; both epic hikes that provide an amazing viewing point to look out over the island. They also make for fantastic photo opportunities. The island landscape is stunningly beautiful, so if you like to become one with nature, make sure you don’t miss these incredible hikes.
Pink Beach
Articles Source : https://www.thejakartapost.com/travel/2018/06/05/essential-travel-guide-to-komodo-island
