Land of the komodo dragons
The Komodo Marine National Park in West Flores is still an untouched natural wonder. The island’s sparse human population are concentrated in small villages along the shores. The most famous inhabitants are the Komodo dragons (varanus komodensis), giant lizards that are protected in the Komodo National Park. Called the dragons of the east, a komodo may reach up to 3 meters in length and weigh 150 kg. these descendents of dinosaurs may lay up to 30 eggs at a time.
Generally calm, the water around Komodo may have the occasional strong up and down drifts due to a complex currents pattern. Given its location, the waters surrounding Komodo Island range from the warm Pacific Ocean in the north to the cooler, invertebrate-rich waters of the Indian Ocean in the south, creating an ideal environment for a rich marine life. In the island’s surrounding waters, beautifully intact reefs are abundant with coral and fish species, turtles and marine mammals.
Many people also come to Flores to visit a rare natural wonder, the multicolored crater lakes of Mount Kelimutu. At 1.640 meters the lakes’ colors are constantly changing, from blue, turquoise, green, burgundy to black.
In Lamalera on Lembata Islan, fishermen hunt for marine mammals using traditional tools, such as small rowboats and hand-thrown harpoons.
Flores is a predominantly Catholic region. Every easter the people of Larantuka hold a colorful Easter Procession, a tradition heavily influenced by the Portuguese who once occupied the region during the days of Spike Trade.
With an average 200 ft and an outstanding display of marine habitat, Flores is a haven for divers, snorkelers, photographers and marine biologists. With up to 40 m visibility, the coral reefs of Flores Sea are among the best in the world and beautifully preserved.
Neighboring Alor Island is famed for its remarkable beaches and underwater splendor. Alor Sea Park is even considered one of the top five in the world.
Timor is East Nusa Tenggara’s biggest island, where the provincial capital, Kupang is located. The region is rich in culture, beautiful scenery and amazing wildlife. Semau Island in Timor offers spectacular sunsets and exceptional snorkeling in crystal-clear waters.(photo: solocybercity.wordpress.com)
