KOMODO NATIONAL PARK, voted as one of the “New Seven Wonders of Nature” in 2011, encompasses a spectacular array of diversity. A stark contrast is found between the desolate and rugged volcanic islands straight out of King Kong (the films were inspired by American millionaire W Douglas Burden’s expedition here in 1932) and the seemingly endless displays of diversity underwater.
The park includes the three larger islands Komodo, Padar and Rinca; and 26 smaller ones, with a total area of 1,733 sq. km. The national park was founded in 1980 to protect the Komodo dragon, the world’s largest lizard, found on all three of the large islands. After discovering that the park held much more than met the eye on land, the national park was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1991. Now guests flock to see the both the dragons and incredible marine life.
LABUAN BAJO serves as the springboard for any trip to Komodo National Park. Once a sleepy fishing village, this town now offers a host of new restaurants and accommodation and is currently ranked as the fastest growing regency in Indonesia. If you are willing to explore the surrounding areas of Flores, you will be rewarded with incredible landscapes, cultural experiences and a glimpse into a rarely explored Indonesia.