One of New 7 Wonders of Nature, Komodo National Park, a group of islands between Sumbawa and Flore Islands in the Indonesian Archipelago, covers a total area of over 200,000 ha. It was founded in the 1980s to protect the Komodo Dragons the world’s largest lizard, seen only here. This UNESCO heritage site is an environmental hot spot that also protects other land and marine species and its unique natural environment. While experiencing total well being packages at COMO Shambhala Estate Bali, it is possible to visit Komodo National Park for an extraordinary nature experience.
The park’s landscape of white sandy beaches, rugged terrain, bays, inlets, sheer cliffs and changing vegetation are a part of its attraction. It’s hot, dry climate and grasslands that cover large areas is the ideal habitat for the Komodo Dragons. Other land based fauna includes Timor deer, wild boar, water buffalo, crab eating macaques, civet cats, 12 species of tropical snakes and several hundred species of birds among others. The reefs beneath the clear blue waters around the park is rich in marine life and attract whale sharks, sun fish, eagle rays, manta rays, dugongs, dolphins, whales and turtles among other species. The park has been of interest to evolutionary biologists ever since the Komodo Dragons were discovered in 1910.
Visitors can get to the island via flights from Bali and Kupang and daily boat transfers from Sape. The holistic rejuvenating therapies offered at the Bali luxury spa resort of COMO Shambhala Estate compliments the unique nature experiences. Overland journeys are also available from Flores. The best way to spy dragons is to trek along designated trails on the islands some of which are quite arduous. Visitors are advised to carry a stick to scare away inquisitive dragons. Basic accommodation is available on the larger islands as well as eco style accommodation in ranger’s houses on Komodo Island. Many stay on board boats. Flores island offers a secluded peninsular for divers and snorkelers.
Pushpitha Wijesinghe is an experienced independent freelance writer. He specializes in providing a wide variety of content and articles related to the travel hospitality industry.
