For anyone not familiar with it – Komodo Island is the beating heart of Indonesia. Because of that if you embark on an Indonesian cruise, Komodo Island will definitely be a part of your itinerary.
A place where raw nature meets rich culture; it boasts endemic wildlife, natural wonders and hosts the most beautiful pink beach, Komodo truly is one of the most thrilling locations that you can visit in this world.
Here is a list of things to convince you why you must visit Komodo Island.
Komodo National Park
Komodo National Park spreads throughout 29 different volcanic islands, one of which is Komodo Island.
It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and it is listed as one of the 7 New Wonders Of Nature. Some of the Indonesia cruise packages include a thorough exploration of the park throughout a couple of days with specific tour guides for each activity.
A cruise around all three major and several small islands will make for the best way to really experience the wildlife, beaches, and all the amazing beauties of the magical Komodo National Park.
The Park has undoubtedly the most amazing landscapes and crystal clear white sand beaches in Indonesia, due to the contrast between the lush greenery and the amazing patches of the savanna.
Because of the very dry climate, The Komodo National Park is filled with orchids and other rare plant life suitable for its climate.
The islands in the Park are surrounded by sparkling turquoise water, under which you can find vibrant and marine-rich coral reefs. The Park is within the limits of the Asia Pacific Coral Triangle, which means diving there is an absolute must.
The Park was originally opened with the sole reason to protect the Komodo Dragon, although it has a very vast array of terrestrial fauna.
You could book a day tour on a speed boat with snorkeling included so that you could see both Komodo Dragons on the island and the beautiful marine life under the water:
Komodo Dragon
The most exciting thing you can do on Komodo Island is to spot the largest lizard on earth – the Komodo Dragon!
With more than 3 meters in length and over 80 kilograms in weight, these reptiles look like something out of the “Dinosaur-Era” or “A Jurassic Park” movie.
Although they are a sight to be marveled at, they’re also quite dangerous. So watch your proximity to them. These predators are carnivorous and they hunt and eat water buffaloes and deer on the island.
They paralyze their prey with their toxic saliva. Komodo Dragons are free to roam the island and you can usually find them in packs of 3 or 4.
Pink Beach
The crown jewel of Komodo Island is the unique Pink Beach. There are only a handful of natural pink sand beaches around the world, and Komodo Island’s Pink Beach is definitely the prettiest one.
Also known under the name Pantai Merah, the sand got its color from reddish shells from microorganisms that live in the coral reefs.
When these shells touch the crystal clear white sand they turn it pink. It’s a very rare natural phenomenon that will absolutely leave you breathless.
The beach itself is surrounded by a rich green forest on one side, and a vast blue ocean on the other. Once you are there, you should either snorkel or dive because the coral reefs there are one of a kind.
Visiting Pink Beach isn’t like visiting any other beach. It’s an experience in which you’ll bear witness to the marvelous creations of nature.
Amazing Marine Life
The Komodo National Park is home to over 100 world-class diving spots due to its colorful coral reefs and rich marine life. And most of the diving spots are around Komodo Island.
As said before, Komodo Island is within the parameters of the Asia Pacific Coral Triangle. This fact alone attracts scientists, researchers, photographers, and marine life enthusiasts from all over the world.
We recommend that you do as much diving as possible while visiting Komodo Island. Why? Because every single time you do it – it will be a whole other experience.
The underwater landscape is so remarkable and varies from site to site. You will encounter thousands of different types of fish and sea animals and be guaranteed to have the time of your life.
Make sure you don’t miss Batu Bolong Reef. It is proclaimed to be one of the most thrilling diving spots in the whole world.
It’s not located on Komodo Island but you can take a short boat ride and go to the beach of Batu Bolong where you can sunbathe on water formations or simply enjoy a swim.
Manta Point
On the channel connecting the Indian and the southwest Pacific ocean, there is a spot that many manta rays perceive as home. The spot is only a couple of hours off the shore of Komodo Island.
There are boat tours that offer diving or snorkeling activities. Just 10 meters down from the surface there is a gorgeous coral reef that is full of nourishments that manta rays need to function.
Described by others who have done it, diving among and so close to these majestic creatures is a life-changing experience.
The manta rays are first scared of people, but once you get relaxed the magic begins. They’ll circle around you and then you can swim together.
Local Food
It’s no secret that Indonesian cuisine has some of the tastiest and finger-licking dishes in the world. But what you probably didn’t know is that Komodo is a small, little, gourmet spot where locals make food that literally feeds your soul.
Feast on freshly caught seafood in Baccala Bajo made by decades-old recipes passed down from generation to generation. Have brunch and some french pastries at Cafe Melijo and get some local fast food at Bajo Bay Fishermen’s Club.
The locals also make their own alcoholic drinks, like vodka. You can try out different tropical cocktails made with it, while you enjoy the view of the ocean in Paradise Bar.
Komodo Village
Though very small, visiting the Komodo Village is an unforgettable experience for any visitor.
You will have the opportunity to observe the everyday life of the Komodo people which mainly revolves around fishing and carving. Its people are Muslim and they have a little handbuild mosque that you can also visit.
Don’t hesitate to communicate with the villagers, they are open to showing their ways to the world.
They’ll explain why their homes are built the way that they’re built and how they keep themselves and their homes safe from Komodo dragons. You can even get an invite to go fishing with them.
Komodo Island is a part of The Komodo Islands. Other than Komodo, there are two other big islands that you should definitely pay a visit to – Padar and Rinca.
Padar Island
That being said, if you are visiting Komodo Island, you also mustn’t miss Padar Island. Padar Island is a beautiful piece of land, perfect for hiking.
The whole island is shaped like the letter “X” and you can climb right onto the center of it. Once on top, the views are out of this world. We recommend hiking before sunset or sunrise just to add some extra exotic color to the picturesque panoramic in front of you.
Padar Island is also perfect for beach camping. The island is uninhabited so the night sky is crystal clear. You can spend a night under the Milky Way, something that most people are unable to do throughout their entire lives.
If you are a rock enthusiast or you just want to float in a cave’s pool – don’t miss the Goa Batu Cermin Cave.
Filled with salty-rich waters, this cave is a definite must-visit. There are a couple of other caves that you can wander into naturally when you are taking a relaxing stroll around the island.
Another thing that should be on your list to do in Padar is visiting the Cunca Waterfall, also known as The Goddess Waterfall. Take a day to explore these hidden treasures, where you will feel like you stepped out of reality and walked in a tropical dream.
Rinca Island
While we are on the topic of dreams – have you ever had that dream where you are surrounded by all kinds of beautiful animals while sitting in a forest with luscious greenery all around you?
That dream is a typical day on Rinca Island. The smallest among the three, Rinca Island is definitely the cutest. That is why Rinca Island is the literal inspiration for many video games.
Once you step foot on the island, you are immediately greeted and surrounded by all types of animals including wild pigs and buffalos.
Of course, you can also do some diving there. There are a couple of more secluded and less crowded diving spots on Rinca Island.
You can also spot Komodo Dragons there and go on some amazing hikes. Rinca Island is known to be the more relaxed and comfortable sister to Komodo Island.
Take the rest of the day to just lay on some of the beaches there and soak in that warm Indonesian sun.
