"Komodo" The Real Wonder of the World

Komodo National Park is a conservation area and international tourism destination in Indonesia, located in West Manggarai regency, East Nusa Tenggara.

What are the main attraction of this national park? Imagine a prehistoric creature that was able to survive until today, the Komodo. The animals looks quiet and lazy, but do not be fooled because it has run very fast, so people need to be careful not to become prey.

Komodo National Park area of 1817 sq.km (land 603 sq.km) that lie in the Sape Strait, is the region of West Manggarai, East Nusa Tenggara. There is two islands in the region namely Komodo and Rinca, which is habitat for remaining ancient animal dragons.

Initially the Government of Indonesia promote this region in the contest and selection into the "New Seven Wonders of Nature" program, but after reconsideration Office of the Ministry of Culture and Tourism appealing the decision on Monday, August 15, 2011,

"After this decision was made, the Komodo National Park is no longer a part of the campaign of the “New Seven Wonders of Nature” held by the New 7 Wonders Foundation," said Minister of Culture and Tourism, Jero Wacik.

New Seven Wonders of Nature program organized by the New 7 Wonders Foundation in 2008 conducted openly through a voting mechanism on the site www.New7Wonders.com.

No need to hesitate to come to this region which supported the giant lizard dragons in real it has become a wonder of the world, without the need to go through the selection, as evidenced by the recognition of UNESCO in 1991 which places the Komodo National Park as a world heritage, so that the Government of Indonesia prepare this region as international tourism destination.

These animals can be seen directly in the open environment, the forest ranger will help tourists how the best to approach these animals, after selecting the desired trekking paths. Travelers would have to be cautious given the dragons are wild animals and cannibals.

A ranger said, dragons have poor eyesight, but they have strong hearing and smell. If chased by dragons, you should run a zig zag manner, this is confusing the animal, because it can only run in a straight line.

"It's horrible being chased by this dragons, but proud to have the experience," said a tourist there.

How to get there:
Using the Fokker F-50 from the Ngurah Rai Airport, Denpasar, Bali destination to Komodo Airport, Labuan Bajo, East Nusa Tenggara. Then toward the pier of Labuan Bajo by motor boat (liveaboard, speedboat or small wooden boat) to the Island of Komodo, preferably a group in order to reduce costs.

Attractions:
1. Komodo Island
a. Adventure to an ancient animal nature watching dragons directly
b. Coastal and marine attractions
c. Local crafts

2. Lodging
a. Better stay in Labuan Bajo with various pricing options ranging from hostels to five-star hotels

3. Labuan Bajo
a. Trip to Batu Cermin Caves
b. Welah - watching thousands of snakes at Snake Palace
c. Sanogoang - Cunca Wulang Waterfall
d. Caci Dance Arts in East and West Manggarai

Come and see the dragons, be prepared to be hunted!

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(Various sources /Images Setiadi Darmawan)