Mount Rinjani National Park in Lombok

The Only Eco Park in Indonesia – Rinjan National Park Lombok
The park covers an area of 41,330 ha on the northern part of Lombok. Named after Indonesia’s second highest volcanic peak outside of West Papua, the peak of Gunung Rinjani (3,726m) dominates the landscape. Within the crater is the spectacular Segara Anak lake and the still-active volcano Gunung Baru (2,363m).

It is surrounded by a further 66,000 ha of Protection Forest and covers the three administrative district of West, East and Central Lombok. The park ecosystem is in the transitional zone between Asia and Australia (Walaceae zone). Average rainfall is about 3,000 mm annually.

Gunung Rinjani is rich in a variety of flora, fauna and vegetation types. On the south western side of the mountain is the most eastern extent of primary rainforest in Nusa Tenggara. This gives way to monsoon forest and drier climate in the east, and savannah in the north east. Notable flora includes the everlasting edelweiss flower (Anaphalis viscida), tiger orchid (Vanda sp.), alang-alang grass (Imperata cylindrica), cemara trees (Casuarina trifolia and Casuarina ocidentale).

Mt. Rinjani, one of the over 40 National Parks throughout Indonesia, was established in 1997. It is valued and protected for its spiritual as well as natural values, and is worshipped by thousands of Balinese as well as Sasak pilgrims. Hot springs near the crater lake are sought after for their healing powers.

Over 20 villages surround Rinjani and there are many routes up the mountain, but the main access is from Senaru in the north and Sembalun Lawang to the east. The challenging three-day Rinjani Trek route from Senaru to the crater rim (Plawangan), down to the stunning crater lake then on to Sembalun Lawang, is considered one of the best treks in South East Asia. Those heading for the summit usually prefer to start in Sembalun Lawang.

The village of Senaru is the main gateway to Gunung Rinjani National Park, the most popular start point for the three day Rinjani Trek up Indonesia’s second highest volcanic peak (3,726m). For the people of Lombok, Sasak and Balinese alike, the volcano is revered as a sacred place and the abode of gods. Within the spectacular crater, the Segara Anak Lake is the destination of many pilgrims who place offerings in the water and bathe away disease in the nearby hot springs.

A model for ecotourism in Indonesia, the community-based activities are focussed on the Rinjani Trek Centre in Senaru, the most popular starting point for the tough trek. Developed with New Zealand Government assistance since 1999, the Rinjani Trek Centre embodies under one roof (satu atap) the unique partnership of the National Park, tourism industry and local communities that has been forged to manage and protect the Rinjani mountain environment.

Lombok Islands : Surfing Paradise

Lombok has a great variety of waves that work on all swell and wind conditions. It’s right next to Bali, yet far less crowded. 

The book tells you where to stay cheaply close to the best fun waves, and where to go when the swell gets up and you’re ready to tackle hollow overhead barrels. Lombok’s Gili Islands offer a peaceful escape for a bit of snorkelling and partying too.

Lombok has been an ideal surfing destination for years. Surfers, especially those that come to Indonesia to surf and are prepared to venture further than Bali, which is being, consumed by its own crowds, will discover Lombok rewarding beyond all expectations.

Lombok surfing is less crowd and its good starting point to search secrete spots on east of Indonesia as its neighbor island is Sumbawa where you will find super suck, Yoyo’s or Lakey pipe in Dompu region.

This island, which measures about 80 kilometers north to south and about 70 kilometers east to west, is a much drier and tougher island than generally verdant Bali. This is perhaps why the Sasak (most of population’s ethnic group) name for Lombok is Bumi Gora, which literally means “The Dry Farmland”. The most awesome physical attraction on Lombok is Indonesia’s tallest volcano, the 3726 meter high Gunung Rinjani.

Lombok’s waves, most of which are concentrated on the island’s West Coast and along a south coast ragged with bays, beaches and dramatic headlands. You wont find as many surf spots on Lombok as you can ride on Bali, but they are usually less crowded and physically more beautiful as natural locations. One particular place, known to locals as Bangko-Bangko (but to surfers the world over as Desert Point), is one of the world’s premier left hand surf spots when it’s working. This impulsive, but perfect and long point break requires a swell of good direction and size to fire, but given those requirements it more than produces the barelling goods. Desert starts off small at the take-off, then, as it winds down the reef, the wave will increase in size and barrel on down the line. There are other waves in this southern region and even some in the Gilis, though normally on solid swells.

Lombok Surf Breaks
Desert Point
As with many waves in Indo the tides plays a big role at Deserts. At high tide it can appear 2-3′ and quite fat….then as the tide goes out it begins to fire often turning into 5-6′ left hand pits. The reef is quite shallow and booties are a must. The rip is very strong here and it can hold up to a 10ft swell. A serious wave…but serious fun once you get it wired.

Southern Lombok
Note: In mid to late season it can be impossible to go this way as wind and swell make it too dangerous – it is at the Captain’s discretion as to the best and safest route.

Belongas Bay
A long bay with lots of potential. Mainly best in the early seaon before the winds become too strong. Several rights and left setup depending on the size and direction of the swell.

Selong Belanak also know as Mawi
Mawi needs at least 3 foot of ocean swell to work. Some swells will offer a left and right hand peak and can probably handle up to 6′. This break is not so tide dependant but can get very very sucky at low tide. It is a beautiflly scenic spot and worth a walk on the beach. Keep and eye out for moneys on the headland.

Kuta Beach
Kuta is about the only place along the south coast offering accommodation and restaurants – a good spot to stop for a bit of party action! The bay offers a left reef break that is best at 4-6′ but sometimes to be a bit sectiony. There is a right there also but it is inconsistent although there are stories that in the right swell and wind conditions it can be epic.

Grupuk Bay
A nice bay setup with a left one side and right the other and a peak in the middle. On bigger swells the bommie is also rideable. The right hand point is probably the pick with long bowling waves. Watch the bommie for indications of the sets….don’t get caught inside otherwise it is a long long paddle!

Ekas
Another nice bay setup which requires a fair bit of sell to turn on. Outside Ekkas is long left with some fast hollow sections. Inside Ekkas is right but needs more swell to break. Best at mid tide.

The Gili Islands - Lombok Indonesia

The Gili Islands (Indonesian:Tiga Gili [Three Gilis], Kepulauan Gili [Gili Islands]) are an archipelago of three small islands — Gili Trawangan, Gili Meno and Gili Air — just off the northwest coast of Lombok, Indonesia.

The islands are a popular destination for Western tourists looking for a remote island experience. Each island has several small resorts, usually consisting of a small collection of huts for tourists, and a restaurant. Most local inhabitants live in the hilly interior of the island. Automobiles and motorized traffic are prohibited on the islands by local ordinance, so the preferred method of transportation is bicycle or the horse-drawn carriage called a cidomo.

Diving in and around the Gilis is also popular, although the prices are fairly high due to local cartel activities. The name “Gili Islands” is a bit of a misnomer, because Gili simply means “small island” in Sasak.

GILI TRAWANGAN
Gili Trawangan is the largest of Lombok’s Gili Islands and is the only one to rise significantly above sea level. It is 3km long and 2km wide with a population of about 1000. Of the Gilis, Trawangan has the most tourist facilities; the pub Tîr na Nôg claims that Trawangan is the smallest island in the world with an Irish pub. The most crowded part of Trawangan lies on the eastern side.

On Gili Trawangan (as well as the other two Gilis), there are no motorized vehicles. The main means of transportation are bicycles (rented by locals to tourists) and cidomo (a small horsedrawn carriage). For traveling to and from each of the Gilis, locals usually use motorized boats and speedboats.

The Gili islands are renowned not only for their friendly inhabitants but the total tropical island paradise feeling that they have. The white coral beaches, the warm and inviting waters all invite to snorkeling, sun bathing and of course diving. The diversity of aquatic life is astounding and just off the shores you can find turtles, sting rays, reef sharks, baracudas, and a myriad of small and large fish.

Some of the first inhabitants of Gili Trawangan were from Sulawesi who are fishermen and farmers. Previously Gili Trawangan was covered in forest and deer lived on the island.

GILI MENO
Gili Meno is the middle of Lombok’s three Gilis. It has population of about 300, mainly concentrated on the center of the island. The main income of the population comes from tourism, coconut plantation and fishing. On the west side of the island there is a small shallow lake that produces salt in the dry season. Until a few years ago there was also a small production of seaweed on the reef at the north end of the island. It has swimming beaches all around the island, as well as an impressive bird sanctuary.

GILI AIR
Gili Air is the smallest of the Gilis and it’s closest to the Lombok mainland, making it popular with honeymoon couples and travelers seeking a quiet retreat. It has population of about 1,000 and administratively lies in the West Nusa Tenggara province. The island offers excellent snorkeling and SCUBA diving off its east coast, and turtles can be seen along the coral reef.

Gili Meno, the central island, is home to only a few hundred residents. The most quiet and least exploited island of the three, makes Gili Meno also the most attractive. Drinking water is brought in from Lombok. The sources of the island only bring in salt water which is hardly good enough to bath in. Just inland is a big salt lake, which is separated by small dykes for salt mining, which takes place in the dry season (May until October). The dry times are sometimes marked by cholera on the island. The rest of the year there are malaria musquitos; don’t forget tablets and a musquito net.
The hotels and bungalows are located along the southeastern coast. They offer a nice view over Gili Air and Gunung Rinjani in the east. The best place for snorkling is the northeastern coast, near the Blue Coral Bungalow, which has it’s name from the blue-colored corals just offshore. The reef offers a big variety of coral spiecies and small, colorfull fish.

How to Get There:
In the Gili Islands, there is no shortage of small local boats willing to transport you, from island to island and back to the mainland. None of boats has any kind of safety equipment and the waters around the Gili’s can be choppy. Regardless, they are a handy form of transport and make exploring the islands easy.

There are regular shuttle services from Bangsal on the main island of Lombok, stopping at all islands. The trip takes about 15 minutes to Air, 30 min to Meno and 45 min to Trawangan. Around Rp30-40,000 one-way, or Rp70,000 if including land transfer from Senggigi. Avoid traveling to Bangsal as captains will wait until the boat is full of passengers before setting off. Book a trip with Parama instead, which will travel to and from the islands no matter how many people they have.
Alternatively, the Gilis can be visited on a day trip from Senggigi, in which case you’ll get your own little boat and crew to take you around. The trip across take 1-2 hours each way and is quite scenic, if a little bumpy when the waves are high. Available from any travel agent, figure on Rp400,000 for a tour for two.

Note:  that the sea is calmest in the morning and all transport stops running in the afternoon, well before dark.

Get Around
In a rare display of foresight, all forms of motorized transport are banned from the islands: your only choice is horse-drawn carts, known as cidomo, which are used even to shuttle around diving gear. However, as the islands are only a few km in diameter, it’s entirely possible to just walk instead.

Sea and Do
There are no sights as such on the islands themselves, but the excellent snorkeling and diving all around is a major draw. Sea turtles are also common, especially around Turtle Point just north of Gili Meno. You can rent masks and fins off the beach, or contact any of the numerous dive shops to arrange snorkeling or diving at choice spots nearby.

Gili Trawangan is the largest of Lombok’s Gili Islands and is the only one to rise significantly above sea level. It is 3km long and 2km wide with a population of about 1000. Of the Gilis, Trawangan has the most tourist facilities; the pub Tîr na Nôg claims that Trawangan is the smallest island in the world with an Irish pub. The most crowded part of Trawangan lies on the eastern side.
Generally, Gili Trawangan can be reached by public boat from Bangsal Harbor (located in the northwest coast of Lombok) for a cost of less than IDR 10,000, taking about 40 to 50 minutes. If you wish to arrive in more comfort the dive centre Blue Marlin Dive, Dream Divers and Dive Indonesia offers speedboat transfers and pick ups from the airport. They will pick you up at the airport in air-conditioned comfort and drive you to Teluk Nara Bay where the speedboat will be waiting for you. The price varies on the number of people. This speedboat journey is 10 minutes to Trawangan.

A typical room (two-bed room with air-conditioner) costs from as little as IDR 80,000 to as much as IDR 700,000 per night, the majority being around IDR 200,000. For those who want to travel cheaply, there are lots of bungalows rented for around IDR 50,000 only, and there are as many cheap eateries and bars around the island as are posh and expensive ones. Top accommodation includes Kelapa Luxury Villas, Villa Ombak and Villa Almarik.

Trawangan has more of a “party” atmosphere, than Gili Meno and Gili Air, with all-night parties that rotate amongst a group of venues each night. The largest of the parties takes place on a monday night at Blue Marlin and a Wednesday night at Tir Na Nog. While during the day, the popular activities for visitors are scuba diving (PADI certified), snorkeling (mainly along the northeastern coastline), kayaking and surfing. There are also stalls that offer horseback riding as a pastime activity. As small as the island, you can circle the island with a bicycle within only 45 minutes. Path along the way is very sandy which makes it more difficult to pedal your bicycle.

On Gili Trawangan (as well as the other two Gilis), there are no motorized vehicles. The main means of transportation are bicycles (rented by locals to tourists) and cidomo (a small horsedrawn carriage). For traveling to and from each of the Gilis, locals usually use motorized boats and speedboats.

The Raja Ampat Islands

The Raja Ampat islands are a truly natural phenomenon with enormous biological diversity. The amazing marine landscape means that underwater photography should be on the top your list during your stay.

However with Raja Ampat’s natural conditions, high endemic level of land, sea biodiversity, coastal ecology, and local culture & tradition the islands offer more than just amazing landscapes to photograph.

So you may also consider:

•    Wreck diving
•    Sailing
•    Kayaking
•    Exploring the islands by boat
•    Visiting the Red Bird of Paradise
•    Enjoying the Karst islands around Wayag Island
•    Exploring the bat caves (literally, not the Dark Knight variety)
•    Make your own wood sculpture guided by an Asmat artisan
•    Fishing using traditional Papuan techniques
•    Trekking to discover waterfalls
•    Feeding couscous
•    Snorkeling
•    Watching The Sea Ghost

 

On North and West Waigeo, you can see a traditional bamboo flute (suling tambur) performance. This traditional performance usually takes place during religious festival, on Independence Day, (August 17th), and during visits from important officials or leaders. If you are interested in anthropology, this is something to definitely consider in your agenda.

In East Waigeo, particularly in front of Urbinasopen and Yesner villages, there is a very interesting and unique natural phenomenon, which can only be seen every year-end. A light comes out from the ocean and wanders around on its surface for about 10 – 18 minutes. After that, it disappears and can only be seen again at the following years-end. Local inhabitants in both villages call this phenomenon the “Sea Ghost”. This is more than just a sunset view, overlooking from your liveaboard.

 

In Tomolol, you'll be amazed by the caves in the area, where you can see paintings of huge human palms and animals which were painted by ancient cave dwellers. While on North Waigeo, you can also take in some history with a visit to the World War II caves where the Dutch and the Japanese army built bunkers. The locals will sometimes perform a war dance. There is also the ever-flowing waterfall of Salawati, which is a sight you should not miss.

In addition, there are also exotic locations such as the Ayau islands consisting of small islands on a very large atoll. Many islands in this archipelago have white sands with a large seabed connecting one island to another. But there are also islands with unique sands that the local community calls “zandplaat”, which are a unique habitat for local vegetation. On these islands, mothers and children of local tribes collectively catch sea-worms (insonem).

For diving enthusiasts the favorite destination is usually South Waigeo. But while you are here, why not take the chance to visit Kabui Bay with many karst islands, goa tengkorak (cave of skulls), and the historical sites of Raja Ampat in Kali Raja. You can see a variety of birds in Yenwaupnor and Sawinggrai village, the Salay dance in Saonek, and plaited handicrafts in Arborek. In Arborek, visitors can dive and watch groups of stingrays. In Sawandarek, there's a white sand beach with sea ducks and beautiful corals. In addition, there is a traditional village where you can walk around in and enjoy the unique slow paced atmosphere.

You can also dive in West Waigeo, Batanta, and Kofiau. These potential destinations are great places to visit by houseboats. The Karst islands in Wayag, especially, have very interesting natural attractions to enjoy.

Get Around

Before going to a dive spot, you'll need to obtain a permit from the local Papua police station. You will need to bring your passport and three (3) copies of the passport page with the Indonesian Visa. The diving organizers can help you with these formalities

From Sorong, there are two type of boats available; Speed Boat (40 minutes - 1 hour boat trip, carries 15 passengers and costs Rp2 million/US$208.55); Long Boat (2-3 hour boat trip and could carry 10 passengers for the cost of Rp1,2 million/ US$126). Please note that all rates are subject to change without notice

You may rent a small boat if you wish to stop and make personal discoveries along the line of the beaches. As the Raja Ampat Islands have four mountainous main islands and hundreds of small islands in their vicinity, you may want to take this opportunity to explore. In addition, the Karst area is a beautiful and original natural phenomenon, as it has various unique flora and fauna as its attractions e.g., Bird of Paradise (Cenderawasih) Botak, Red Cenderawasih, Maleo Waigeo, Kus-kus, orchids, palm etc. You can also trek around the islands to find hidden beauties, like waterfalls and ancient caves.

Riung 17 Islands Marine Park-Flores

Riung village, on the coast north of Bajawa, offers beautiful coral gardens in the Seventeen Island National Reserve, as well as thousands of flying foxes.

The National Park, Pulau Tujuhbelas (Seventeen Islands), in fact has more than 20 islands, but, in a gesture of patriotism, the number was declared to 17, to conform to Indonesia's Independence Day, August 17.

The biggest island is Pulau Ontoloe which is hilly, covered with short grass and a few trees, and fringed with mangroves. On the north coast of Ontoloe Island, the large fruit-eating bats called flying foxes mass in which the mangrove tress.

Riung is a small fishing village on the north coast of Ngada district, which gives access to the 17 Islands Marine Park. Some of the islands have beautifully white, sandy beaches, and offer great snorkelling with good reefs and interesting sea life. Boats can be arranged from every hotel in town, and there are several dive masters in Riung to take you on interesting dives. If snorkelling or diving is not your thing, fishing and swimming in the crystal-clear waters is another option.

 

A visit to Flying Fox Island gives you the opportunity to see these animals as they fly when the sun sets.

Another attraction further along Riung's coast are the giant lizards, although it is quite rare to actually see one. These lizards are more brightly coloured than the Komodo Dragons. The population of Riung is a mixture of Islamic Buginese and Catholics from the hinterlands. Corn and rice of catholic farmers are added to the fish of the Islamic fishers. Both religions are live in harmony in Riung. The farmers export copra, coconuts, dried fish, tripang and tuna. The women weave typical sarongs of the Riung-area, with yellow and red flowers on a blue-black background.

There are also noted that Komodo dragons are hiding in a cave near the Damu Bay, but Indonesian representatives of the WWF never confirmed it really were Komodo Dragons that were hiding there. A dragon, of unknown species, was found in the environment of the cave in 1991 and now lived in a cave of the KSDA. They will show you the captured dragon for a small fee. You can buy chicken eggs to feed the animal.

call this number for good public transportation +62 381 22117 ( Bina Karya Bus Transportation)

Rinca Island-Komodo Dragon

The tiny, sweltering Rinca Island, just off the coast of Flores, Indonesia is a rough and tumble little place full of wildlife, poisonous snakes, and of course – the Komodo Dragon.

Lesser known of the islands in the Komodo National Park, most people head to Komodo Island on tours looking for the dragons.  The crowds make it difficult to spot Komodos in the wild and I’m not a fan of socks-and-sandals tour groups, so I made my own way to Rinca for adventure.

In 2008, a group of scuba divers found themselves stranded on Rinca after they were swept away from the boat by vicious currents.  They survived by eating shellfish but found themselves being circled by hungry Komodo Dragons.

The sun-scorched Rinca Island is the perfect habitat for such a strange animal. Many species of poisonous snakes, including cobras, inhabit the island as well as wild pigs, buffalo, deer, and eagles.

To get there you have to brave some of the most dangerous currents in Indonesia on a boat that barely floats and probably should have sank years ago.  Unless you hire one of the more expensive tour boats, don’t expect there to be any life saving equipment on board.

Once there, I was the only tourist on the island at the time and had a one on one experience with my guide.  We were able to leave the trails and found dozens of dragons out in the bush doing their thing and even slept on the boat deck under stars – something that would have been difficult on Komodo Island.

To reach Rinca, you must first get to the village of Labuanbajo either by a short domestic flight from Bali, Lombok, or take the popular  multi-day boat package.

Once in Labuanbajo, you can book passage to the island either at the sprawling Gardena hostel or by taking your chances down on the waterfront by talking to the boat captains.  Their English is limited to non-existent, but a little patience can save you a lot of money.  The cost can be around US $40 for the 3 hour ride, so it is wise to hook up with some other travelers.

Try to find out up front if there is a “boat docking fee” which is pretty much a way to make some fast Rupiah at the end of the trip.

You will need to buy a 3 day pass to the National Park which costs US $15. The money goes to conservation of the area and a pass is required to visit any of the islands or do some diving.

On the island, there is a small canteen in the camp offering drinks and snacks, but take your own food and water with you.  Leave your food at camp, you don’t want anything that smells edible in your pockets!

It is strictly forbidden to enter the forest without a guide and even though I always prefer to do things my own way, this is one place where you need a guide!  You will be required to pay for an entrance ticket and a guide as soon as you step onto Rinca Island – the total is about US $15.

A normal group tour is only 1 – 2 hours, but in the heat that is about all that you will be able to handle.  Be sure to carry more water than you think you will need, it is unbearably hot in the bush.  If you think a group is too large, wait for the next one or negotiate your own way with a guide, a tip can go a long way.

There are a handful of sluggish dragons that hang around the camp waiting for food or trash, but these hardly count as proper Komodo sightings.  Even still, give them lots of room and never feed them.

Some groups only spot a couple of dragons in the wild but we were lucky enough to find over a dozen, many hidden in tall grass and easy to step on.  At one point, we found ourselves partially surrounded on accident – so pay attention, these things can run down and tear a full grown buffalo to pieces so no doubt could really ruin your day!

The Cobra snakes  are responsible for far more fatalities, but luckily they can’t handle the heat of the day and are only active at night.  Keep an eye out for their shed skins in the forest.

After your trek, find out if you can sleep on the deck of one of the boats.  The stars are magnificent and its a great way to spend some time with the interesting locals.  There is limited bungalow accommodation on the island, but it was empty when I visited in May.

Getting to and finding the Komodo Dragons on Rinca Island is an Indonesian adventure that you will never forget – these protected creatures are one of the most interesting encounters you will have in the wild!

Komodo Dragons Island

Real dragons spurt no fire, have no need to fly and cast no magic spells.

And still, one look from them might render you speechless. These komodos, the real life dragons, are a sight indeed. Gigantic, the lizard-like creatures are about two or three meters in length. They can easily weigh about 165 kilograms. Despite of their sheer size and appearance, they are not active hunters. What makes them intimidating is the fact that they are a patient predator. In the wild, they stalk a victim, usually a weak or injured one.

One bite and that’s what it usually takes. After following the victim for a while, sometimes up to several days’ time, the komodos will devour the dying prey.

The Komodo Dragon (Varanus komodoensis) is an endangered species which can only be found in the Komodo National Park (KNP) in East Nusa Tenggara (NTT). Because of the unique and rare nature of this animal, its habitat – KNP – was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1986.

The park includes three major islands, Komodo, Rinca and Padar, and numerous smaller islands together totaling 603 km2 of land. The total size of Komodo National Park is presently 1,817 km2. Proposed extensions of 25 km2 of land (Banta Island) and 479 km2 of marine waters would bring the total surface area up to 2,321 km2.At least 2500 Komodos live in this area. Large dragons are usually three meters long and weigh up to 90 kg. Their habitat has beautiful panoramic views of savannas, rain forests, white beaches, beautiful corals, and clean blue seas. In this area, you can also find horses, wild buffalo, deer, wild boar, snakes, monkeys, and various types of birds.

KNP has a rich and amazing underwater sea biotica. Divers claim that Komodo waters are one of the best diving sites in the world. It has fascinating underwater scenery. You can find 385 species of beautiful corals, mangrove forests, and seaweeds as a home for thousands of fish species, 70 types of sponges, 10 types of dolphins, 6 types of whales, green turtles and various types of sharks and stingrays.

Komodo National Park is currently voted as one of the finalists for the New 7 Wonders of Nature campaign held by the New 7 Wonders Foundation. Please support Komodo National Park to become the New 7 Wonders of Nature by voting here.

Getting There
Labuan Bajo is your entry point to the Komodo National Park. From Komodo airport in Labuan Bajo, you can take a rented car, bemo public transportation, or motor taxi to Labuan Bajo seaport. or you can call this number (+62 381 22117) Bina Karya for good public transportation

From there, you can take a motorboat to KNP (you can choose to go to Rinca or Komodo Island). When the weather is good, it will take two to three hours to travel to Loh Buaya on Rinca Island and about four hours to Loh Liang in Komodo Island.

Getting Around
Your feet will be your trusted companion on this island. Good thing most people never leave home without them. When you wish to see these animals in their natural habitat, you have to walk to the hills nearby (paths have been designated). On Komodo Island, you have to climb Mount Ara (538 meters above sea level) for three to four hours. On Rinca island, you have to trek for about one and a half hours. If you are lucky, you can see Komodos attacking prey, fighting, or even employing their mojoes along the way, as illustrated by this picture on the left. If that’s too wild for you, you can try to spot a group of deers, buffaloes or wild horses.

To Do
You can see and do many things here. It is amazing to see Komodo dragons up close in their native habitat. On Rinca Island, you can see Komodos lying down outside the homes of national park rangers, or “parking” near the officials’ homes. Previously, to find one, you had to “offer” a goat to attract the Komodo, but now this practice is no longer allowed.

If you don’t see a dragon, Rinca and Komodo have beautiful sceneries with white beaches, mangroves, savannas and blue waters. During the dry season, these savannas and hills have dried grasses.

You can also egage in other activities such as diving and snorkeling. You can take a cruise ship or fishermen’s boat in the persuit of these activities. There are diving points highly recommended to visit which include Merah Beach, and Batu Bolong and Tatawa islands. If you want to see thousands of bats, you can stay overnight in a motorboat on Kalong Island waters (near Rinca Island).

To Stay
Similar with those available in Loh Liang (Komodo Island), Loh Buaya (Rinca Island) also has simple guest houses offering few rooms. A luxurious hotel with limited capacity is currently being built in Loh Liang. Most tourists visiting Rinca Island don’t stay overnight (they come from Labuan Bajo and stay in the hotels in Labuan), while those coming to Komodo Island usually stay in their rented motorboats. Nearly all motorboats have cabins and bed rooms. Large motorboats usually have good bed rooms.

To Eat
In Loh Liang, the KNP management (PT Putri Naga Komodo) owns a restaurant. No restaurant is available in Rinca Island, though. There is only one kiosk selling drinks and snacks. If you stay in a guest house, you will have food available with your stay. If you take a rented motorboat, your rental usually includes meals (but you have to confirm it when negotiating the rental price).


To Buy
At the reception in Loh Buaya and Loh Liang, there are souvenir shops selling t-shirts with komodo pictures on them and wooden komodo statues. There’s not yet a shop selling a t-shirt saying, “I went to see the Komodo Dragons and all I got is this lousy T-shirt.” So that’s a potential market for you.

Tips

* Don’t walk alone. It is best to walk around with a ranger or guide.
* Don’t disturb or feed komodos. Despite slow and lazy movement, this animal can suddenly turn aggresive and move fast.
* When trekking, please take a stick with you. Komodos are usually afraid when threatened with a stick.
* Please wear shoes. Komodo, Rinca, and Padar islands have 12 types of snakes and three of them are poisonous, namely green snakes living on trees, cobras and russel’s viper who live on the ground in holes on the savannas.
* Women having their menstruation must report to a guide or ranger for special attention. Komodos have a very strong sense of smell and may turn agresive when they smell blood.
* Please bring along your insect repellant because this area has many mosquitoes who’ll be excited at the prospects of having fresh blood.
* Most lands on Komodo and Rinca islands are savannas which are prone to fire during the dry season so smoking and making fires are prohibited.

Mount Kelimutu-Flores Island

Kelimutu Lake on Mount Kelimutu, Ende, Flores has three smaller lakes located next to it. 

The lakes appear to have different colors that change over time due to volcanic activity which started million years ago. In the entire world, this color changing phenomenon only occurs at Kelimutu.

Presently, these three lakes have black-green color in the far east lake, green in the middle lake, and black in the west lake. Previously, the far east lake was red and the middle lake was blue.

The local community considers these lakes a sacred place, where the souls of the dead lie. The name Kelimutu itself was derived from the word ‘keli’, means ‘mountain’, and ‘mutu’, means ‘boil’. The East lake is also called “tiwu ata polo” or lake for evil spirits, while the middle one is called “tiwu nua muri koo fai” or lake for young souls, and the west lake is called “tiwu ata mbupu” or lake for elderly and wise peoples souls. Lake Kelimutu and its spectacular panorama are now a very popular tourist attraction.

Getting There

Kelimutu is situated in Koanara village, Wolowaru sub-district, Ende Regency, about 66 kilometers from Ende city and 83 kilometer from Maumere City. Moni is a village at the foot of Mount Kelimutu. It is the gate to Lake Kelimutu. The distance between Moni and Kelimutu is 15 kilometers.

You can take a motor taxi, car or public transportation to take you to a parking lot before Kelimutu peak. Buses plying the Ende-Maumere route will pass Moni. From there, you must walk 30 minutes along the mountain side.

Or you can call this number +62 381 22117 (Bina Karya) for good public transportation.

Every day, there are flights from Denpasar and Kupang to Maumere. To Ende, daily flights only come from Kupang. If you are interested in making a long trip in Flores, you can start from Maumere in the west and visit Kelimutu, Ende, Bajawa, Ruteng and lastly Labuan Bajo (Komodo) or vice versa if starting from the east.

Getting Around

Kelimutu area is surrounded with forest containing floras that are scarcely found in Flores area. Other than pines, there are also casuarinas, red wood and edelweiss. Pine forest grows well in this side of Kelimutu Mountain. The other side of the mountain is dried land with highly unstable sand and soil. Local community believes that Kelimutu Mountain is sacred and donates fertility to the nature nearby.

Visitors can only walk around Lake Kelimutu but not all areas can be explored because some are dangerous and therefore restricted. From Moni to Kelimutu, if you like to go trekking, there is a path which is shorter than the car access route.

Distance from Moni to the top is about 12 kilometer (km). The distance to the parking lot by motor vehicle is 11 kilometer, and then visitors will climb on foot through the pathway for 30 minutes.

To Do

Morning is the best time to witness the beauty of Kelimutu Lake. Close to the midday and at evening the scenery of Kelimutu Lake is blocked with thick mist.

Other than the scenery of Kelimutu Lake, visitors can enjoy Flores’s hilly topography from the peak of Mount Kelimutu, during a sunny day. Or the beauty panorama at Kelimutu National Park. There’s the Conservation, containing pines and casuarinas trees which are sights for sore eyes.

Tired of hearing car horns? Listen to the chirp of birds inhabiting Kelimutu National Park. Or feed the many long-tail monkeys in the forest to the south.

Kelimutu area’s also adorned with cultural wealth like traditional houses, traditional dances and woven clothes of Flores. In addition, there are hot water sources, waterfall, and tradition settlements that you can visit along the way.

The best time to visit is July to September. But if you missed that period, you can witness a local tradition in mid-October when the community offers livestocks for paa loka (religious offerings).

To Stay

The nearest hotels are located in Moni. Hotel Flores Sare , Arwanti Homestay, Hidayah, and Sao Ria Wisata are favorite hotels for tourists. You can also stay at Moni settlement managed by locals with overnight staying tariff 250.000-Rp 400.000 per night or local government cottage with tariff Rp 5.0000-Rp 650.000. Those who cannot get any lodgings in Moni usually sleep in their cars.

To Eat

There are no restaurants in Kelimutu. The nearest restaurants are in Moni. So bring along enough food and drinks, preferrably in containers you can bring back home. That way, you can fit any resulting litters in the container as well.

To Buy

Local inhabitants usually sell local woven fabrics in the parking lot at the mountain side of Kelimutu.

Tips

* Lake Kelimutu is often covered in fog. When the sun rises, fog seldom comes making it the best moment to see this lake.

* The best time to visit is July and August. Hence these are also the peak months for visiting. Usually, hotels in Moni are booked two months in advance for this period. So make sure you book earlier.

* If you come during the rainy season or late afternoon, you should pray that nature will be on your side.

* The temperature here is very cold and sometimes windy, therefore, it is best to bring along your jackets.