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Click above map to
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Approximately a third of
the park is taken up by the islands of
Komodo, Rinca, Gili Mota, Nusa Kode and
Padar, while the rest is marine territory
consisting of coral reefs, sea grass beds,
mangrove, and semi-enclosed bays. The 1,817
km² Komodo National Park established in 1980
was listed by UNESCO as a World Heritage
Site in 1986 and lies in the famous Coral
Triangle the global heart of marine
biodiversity.
From the ranger station in
Komodo we can arrange walks and hikes to the
beautiful hills with a spectacular view to
the valleys and the bay, accompanied by a
local guide for safety and comfort.
There are over 1000 different fish-species
in Komodo's waters, some 260 species of
reef-building coral, and 60 types of
sponges. Dugongs, sharks, manta rays, whales, dolphins, and sea
turtles also call it home.
The park is also a sanctuary for almost 280
animal species including the buffalo, wild
pigs, orange-footed scrub fowl, an endemic
rat and the Timor deer which can be seen on
Game walks.
It is also home to the Komodo dragon,
found nowhere else on earth. Komodo dragons
are the largest member of the monitor lizard
family. They grow over 50 years to 100kg and
can reach almost 3m from head to tail tip.
To raise their body temperature they bask in
the sunlight during the day and then they
burrow into the ground at night to
maintain it. They
stalk, ambush and devour wild dear, pigs,
buffalo and even horses so watch your
hands!
Unfortunately it might be your last chance
to see these fascinating creatures. Whereas
only seven years ago there were 3,300 of
them, there are now only approximately 1,100
dragons left in the park on Komodo Island,
Rinca and Gili Motang.
The period between April
and December is very dry with the coolest
months (July/August) maintaining an average
of 30°C. January to March is rainy season,
but unlike the rest of Indonesia, Komodo has
no torrential showers and is relatively dry
and sunny all year round. Scuba activities
are affected by the weather in certain areas
at specific times but diving is possible all
year round. A visit in high season between
April and December is recommended
The reefs lies within the
protected boundaries of the national park,
the south of the islands have been kept
relatively safe from dynamite fishing
though some shallow reefs between Flores and
the northern region are still in the process
of recovery from this destructive
practice. Luckily the affected area covers
only around 15% of the entire archipelago,
and the steep drop-offs and current-swept
points still offer excellent diving.The
waters can be decidedly cool and the seas
not always calm.
Diving Season &
Information
Our Diving season in this area is April till
September
Depth of diving: 5 - >40m
Visibility: 5 - 30m
Currents: Can be very strong - up to
8 knots
Surface Conditions: Mild to rough
Water Temperature: 20 - 29°C
Experience Level: Beginner - advanced
Number of dive sites: >35
The isolated island of Komodo is some 400 km
from Bali. Flights are available almost
every day from Bali via Labuan Bajo on the
island of Flores or Bima on Sumbawa.
April to August
The Mutiara Laut sails along
the Dragon Islands and takes you on a
cultural journey to the National Park of
Komodo, Flores and Sumba
Departure port:
Bali or Labuhanbajo (Flores)
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