Called "ora" by the local people, Komodo dragon
(Varnus Komodoensis) is actually a giant monitor lizard.
Growing up to 3 to 4 meters in length, its ancestors roamed
the earth up to about half a million years ago. Komodo lives
on carrions of goats, deer, and even the carcasses of its
own kind. The only human population on the island is at
the fishing village called Komodo who supplement their income
breeding goats which are used to feed the lizards.
The Komodo is protected by law and though they are considered
harmless, it is advisable to keep them at a distance. Komodo
is now a nature reserve being part of a national park. It
is home to a number of rare bird species, deer, and wild
pigs, which are prey to the lizards as well. To see the
lizards in the day time, baits have to be set in the hinterland
where local guides are necessary.
The sea surrounding the island offers vistas of sea life,
crystal clear waters, and white sandy beaches. The only
accommodation available is in simple guest houses in the
fishing village. lt is advisable to carry food supplies.
The best time to visit the island is between March and June,
and between October and December. Komodo is accessible from
the sea only. Fly to Labuan Bajo, from where it is about
3-4 hours by boat to the island.
Lasiana Beach
An ideal tourist recreation spot, where the beach faces
westward to watch beautiful sunsets.
Camplong
A lovely community about 45 km from Kupang with regular
market days and a natural swimming pool, where traditionally
people bathe, do their laundry, and sosialize. Camplong
is also c forest reserve where some scarce animals, such
as deer (Cervus Timorensis), parrots, monkeys, etc. in
the reservation, are protected.
Semau Island
Thirty minutes by boat from Kupang and is certainly worth
it to stay there one whole day. No noise and uncrowded
is what this island place stands for. lt is a holiday
village for everyone and a good place to relax as it offers
a haven for those from the city. The surrounding waters
is a paradise for snorkeling swimming, and other water
sports. Barbeque on the beach is desirable, Bamboo cottages
are available right on the white sandy beaches.
Maumere
A port town on the northeastern coast of Flores and a
stopover on the way to Ende or to Larantuka.
It is well connected by air with Kupang, Denpasar, and
Ujung Pandang, and noted for its good beaches. The bay
of Maumere is considered the best diving spot (Floras-Marine
Resort ) as it promises extremely rich marine life. The
resort- is a paradise for all divers, underwater photographers,
and for everyone interested in marine biology.
Ledalero museum at the outskirts of Maumere has an interesting
collection of ethnological objects from the region. Visitors
are welcome but advance arrangements should be made. Ledalero
is also a name of a major catholic Seminary from where
many of Florinese priests originated.
Ende
This town contains the home in-exile of former and first
Indonesian president, Soekarno, while in banishment during
the early period of nationalist movements in 1936. The
house has been repaired and is today a museum.
Kelimutu Lake (Three-colors-lake)
East Nusa Tenggara's natural wonder and one of Indonesia'a
most mysterious and dramatic sights that can be found
on top of this mountain, some 66 km from Ende, or 83 km
from Maumere. It has a unique and spectacular view on
its three crater lakes with their respective colours.
The colours, however, have changed continually since the
eruption of Mount Iya in Ende in 1969.
The surrounding villages are good places serving as bases
for visits to Kelimutu, particularly those who wish to
have a more leisurely pace and en joy the views along
the road between Ende and Maumere, or spend more time
in Kelimutu. Those little villages are also known for
their excellent weaving-all hand-made, still using natural
dyes.
Labuanbajo
A lime town inhabited by fishermen, lies at the extreme
western part of Flores. The town serves as a jumping-off
point for the trip to Komodo Island. lt is a beautiful
area for water skiing, wind surfing, fishing, and many
other marine activities. Pede Beach is an ideal place
to do all this and from where sunsets are beautifully
visible.
Larantuka
A little port nestled at the base of a tall hill at the
eastern end of Flores, from where Solor, Adonara, and
Lembata island ( the small islands near by) are visible
across the narrow strait. An old Portuguese cultural heritage
like the Easter Procession is held in this town, and worth
seeing.
Lamalera Whale Hunting
Lamalera on Lembata Island is a whaling village. The months
of May to September make up the whale hunting season for
the people of Lamalera. Using simple traditional tools
as small row boats and the handthrown harpoons, the hunters
sail out to hunt these giant creatures of the sea. The
catch is either consumed or sold.
Waikabubak
A neat little town in Western Sumba, full of old graves
carved in motifs of buffalo- horns, man-heads, horses,
nude men or women symbolising social status or the wealth
of the people.
Right in the capital city of Waikabubak, you can see the
following tombs: Kadung Tana, Watu Karagata, and Bulu
Peka Mila. Tarung village, an important ceremonial centre,
is located on top of a hill, just a half kilometre to
the west of Waikabubak.
There are several megalithic tombs. The front of many
traditional houses are decorated with huge water buffalo
horns from the animals sacrificed during rituals of years
gone by.
Anakalang
The village is about 20 km from Waikabubak with its large
graveyard Ithe largest megalithic tombs in Sumba ). The
tombs are always with unusual carvings. Anakalang is the
site of the "Purung Takadonga Ratu", an important
mass mariage festival held every two years, on a date
determinated by the full moon.
Pasola
The most exciting ritual western of Sumba is to be witnessed
right here. Where else in the world can you see colourful
horsemen trying to kill each other.
The ceremony is in February in Lamboya and Kodi, and in
March in Gaura and Wanukaka. The main activities start
several days after the fullmoon and coincide with the
yearly arrival to shore of strange, multihued seaworms.
East Sumba
Although perharps 40% population of East Sumba follows
the "merapu" religion as their brothers in the
western part the out ward manifestations are not nearly
as spectacular of frequent.
This region 14 better known for its "ikat" weaving.
Near Waingapu, Kuta Beach is a Good. place to relax, and
further down coast, near Baing (125 km from Waingapu),
there is great surfing at Kalala Beach. The waves are
best from December to May
