Raja Ampat : Enjoy the real underwater paradise

Raja Ampat or "Empat Raja" is a name that is given for these islands. A name that comes from local myth. Four main islands are Waigeo island, Salawati island, Batanta island, and Misool island as producer of ancient rock painting.

The underwater lovers around the world come to Raja Ampat to enjoy the best underwater scenery in the world. Two days before, when you're in Bali which full of hustle wrapped with art and culture. If you're the true traveler, Raja Ampat is a place that must be visited whatever the reason. When you arrive by plane in the bird head of Papua island (New Guinea), get ready for the great adventure that can't be forgotten. Start your trip by diving in the most beautiful underwater. Explore the vertical sea walls and also feel the challenge when you dive in. Surely, it will be the personal experience that can't be forgotten in Raja Ampat.

Raja Ampat Islands

Region of islands in Raja Ampat is very wide, about 4,6 millions hectare of land and sea. Raja Ampat is a house of 540 types of coral, 1.511 species of fish, also 700 types of molusca. The richness of biota has made Raja Ampat as living library for collection of coral reefs and marine biotas in the world's most diverse. According to the report of The Nature Conservancy and Conservation International, there are 75% of world marine species live in this amazing islands. 

"I was like a five-year-old, seeing a reef for the very first time. I was awestruck, held by the incredible power of this richest reef. We must, with all available resources, preserve the beauty of Raja Ampat. This may be the last frontier."

(Michael Aw, taken from www.iriandiving.com)

When you arrive in Raja Ampat, the happiness will be felt fastly. People will praise their Lord's name as a sign that they're awestruck also as a admiration form of God's creation. You also will find some people that are silent as a sign that they're very impressed with a piece of paradise that is thrown to the sea, where the sea looks like a great glass. Very clear !!

“"Di sini bagus!” says from the friendly local guide of  tourist travel agent in Raja Ampat. It means that the visitors has arrived in one of the best dive site in the world. The tourist agent also has a side job as a fisherman if they are not working. The fisherman is very familiar with domestic and international tourist, they're very friendly especially if they're given candies. It can be considered as a form of courteous and able to make them smile.

The fishermen in Raja Ampat usually eat snacks while chatting each other. They will swap funny stories while they eat areca nut as their snacks. In everythings include natural similarity, culture and history, fisherman community of Raja Ampat has resemblance to the Moluccas.

                     

"I love the people, I love the diving, it's super! I've never been for a second time to the same dive destination but now I'm thinking about going back for the third time! Should I say more?"

(Peter van Dalen,  taken from www.iriandiving.com)

What Activties You Can Do?

Raja Ampat islands is amazing natural phenomenon with the rich natural biodiversity. There are 1.320 fish species in Raja Ampat ; has 75% of all coral species in the world (10 times the number of coral species that is found in whole Caribbean) ; 600 species of coral recorded, 5 species of rare marine turtle, 57 species of Mantis Shrimp ; 13 species of sea mammals ; 27 species of fish that can be found only in this area.

An amazing marine scenery from the all sides will give you a cue that photographing is one things that can't be missed. Natural condition of Raja Ampat is very unique and different as it has endemic ground structure, marine biodiversity, coastal ecology, aso its culture. Combined with residents tradition and their local wisdom, this is one of the perfect beauty in the world.

Please choose some activities below or maybe you can try it all.

• Diving to see shipwrecks.
• Sailing
• Canoeing
• Explore the island by boat
• Visiting red birds of paradise
• Enjoying the beauty of the Karst islands around Wayag island. 
• Exploring the bat cave 
• Make your own wood sculpture guided by an Asmat craftsman.
• Fishing with traditional Papuan techniques.
• Trekking to discover waterfalls.
• Feeding the cuscus
• Snorkeling

In Raja Ampat, you also can see "sea ghost", located in the east side of Waigeo, in front of Urbinaspoen village and Yesner village. There is a unique and interesting phenomenon and only can be seen at the end of year. The phenomenon is a light comes from the sea and surround the surface, lasted for 10 to 18 minutes. The local people call it as "sea ghost". The phenomenon is more than just beautiful sunset view and can be seen from the boat (Don't forget to record it by your camera)

In the west side and north side of Waigeo, you can see traditional show of bamboo flute usually called as "suling tambur". The traditional show is usually staged during religious festival, every Independence day of Indonesia on 17th August, and when the visit of the important leaders. If you're interested with Anthropology, the traditional show must be in your holiday schedule or in separated agenda.

Paintings palm

In Timolol, you will be amazed with its cave. You can see big paintings of human and animal palms. It's painted by cave occupant from prehistoric era. Meanwhile in the north of Waigeo, you can also study the history by visiting cave from World War II era, the place for bunkers of dutch and japanese troops. Sometimes, local people over there dance the war dance that can be seen. Also a waterfall in Salawati, a view that can't be missed.

Meanwhile, there is an exotic island named Ayau island which consist of small islands in Karang Islands where its seabed has white sand and connect one island to another island.

Also there are unique sandy islands, local people call it "Zandplaat", a place of unique habitat of local vegetation. You can see mothers and her kids catch sea worms.

South Waigeo become favorite destination of diving enthusiasts. When you here, don't forget to visit Kabui Bay which has many karst islands, skull cave, and historic site of Raja Ampat in Kali Raja. You can see various types of bird in Yenwaupnor village and Sawinggrai village, Salay dance in Saonek, and woven craft in Arborek. In Arborek, you can dive again and witness a group of stingrays swim. In Sawandarek, white sandy beach with sea duck and beautiful corals should be visited. Moreover, there is a traditional village where you can walk around and enjoy unique atmosphere.

You can also dive in the west of Waigeo, Batanta, and Kofiau. Potential of tourist destination is the right place to be visited by house boats. Coral island (karst) in Wayag Islands has interesting natural object to be enjoyed.

Usually, the divers will be joined with travel tours and stay in diver resort during the visit to Raja Ampat. To access dive sites, you can contact the travel agents that can be found in Sorong. Some travel agents also offer tour options from the boat such as :

1. Tour from the boat surround Raja Ampat.

2. Dive in Raja Ampat

3. Raja Ampat.

From Sorong, there are two types of boat : speed boat and long boat. The speed boat can transport 15 passengers, needs one hours 40 minutes, the fare is Rp 2.000.000,00. By long boat, it can transport 10 passengers, needs 2 until 3 hours, the fare is Rp 1.200.000,00. You need to know that sometimes the fare can change depend on situation.

You can rent small boat if you want to explore more free. The islands in Raja Ampat has 4 mountainous main islands and hundreds small island around it that can be explored.

Moreover, Raja Ampat has many corals which are beautiful natural phenomenon. There are various unique faunas like birds of paradise, red birds of paradise, and cuscus. For the type of flora, you can see orchid, palm tree, and many more.

Try to do trekking by surrounding the island to find hidden beauty like waterfall and ancient cave.

For shopping, many divers say that the best gift from Raja Ampat is the story about your travel during your time in Raja Ampat. Surely, you have to show good photos. However, if you want the real gift in physic form, you need to give them gift that can be bought like :

• Sculpture of Asmat
• Traditional clothes
• Traditional music instruments
• Flute
• Tambur (traditional drum)

The goods are usually sold in souvenir shops in various cities in Papua. It will ease you to don't bring many goods from Raja Ampat. You can buy woven crafts in Arborek if you visit the village in Raja Ampat.

How To Go There?

If you fly from Jakarta which need 6 hours by plane from Sorong and stop in Manado. Or, you can follow diving tour in Bali and fly from there. In Sorong you can get almost all your needs here, though its price is more expensive because of remote location.

Usually only the marine lovers that will come to Raja Ampat. You don't need to be an expert in diving to follow the diving tour, because of travel agent provide tour for the diver and non-diver.

Ship always depart everyday from Sorong to Waisai, mother city of Raja Ampat regency in Waigeo island. The ship depart from Sorong at 13.00 o'clock, travel from Sorong to Waisai needs 1,5 hours until 2 hours. The ship back to Sorong from Waisai at 11.00 o'clock. Also available speedboat in Sorong to be rented.

Flights from Jakarta / Bali to Sorong which later will be connected with flight from Makassar or Manado which is provided by : 

1. Merpati
2.  Express Air
3.  Batavia Air
4.  Lion Air
5.  Wings Air
6.  Silk Air
7.  Garuda Indonesia
8.  Pelita Air

Travel Tips and Accommodation

Nowadays in Sanoek Monde, there is a harbour where 3 resorts (Batbitiem, Waiwo, and South Waigeo) over there are under construction, the resort are located at Nyandebabo island. However, during the construction isn't finished, you can stay in some these places :

• Sorido Bay, famous with its coral reef
• Kri Eco Resort, traditional resort built on the sea.
• Encampment island.
• Boathouse (Many travel agents provide it)

For travel tips, please read the tips below.

• On October or November is a very right moment to visit Raja Ampat because the sea is calm and perfect for your camera.
• Please bring underwater camera or water resistance wrapper. Use your underwater photography skill because take some photos under the sea isn't easy but also it's a remorse if you miss it.
• Bring sunblock, sunscreen, and hat also comfortable T-shirt for the beach weather.
• Bring some insect repellents and anti-malarial drugs. 

Wanna come to Raja Ampat and get your perfect holiday there? Collect some information accurately. You can also get the information in the office of Dinas Pariwisata Raja Ampat.

Office of Dinas Pariwisata Raja Ampat

Waisai village, South Waigeo regency

Contact number : (+62) 81344422779

Or visit : www.gorajaampat.com

More information about Raja Ampat and another tourism objects in Indonesia especially in Papua, please visit Wonderful Indonesia

May be useful and thankyour for your visit :)

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Barong Dance : The traditional and sacred dance from the island of Gods

Barong dance is one of Balinese dances that include in the cultural heritage of pre-Hindu besides Sanghyang dance. Barong word comes from word of "bahruang" means bear, a mythological animal which has magical power and it's considered as the protector.

History of Barong dance

There are many versions about the history of Barong dance. But the meaning are same, about togetherness. According to Wikipedia, Barong is character in Balinese mythology, whereas in Java called as Barongan. Barong / Barongan is the king of the spirits also Barong symbolize of good. Also Barong is the enemy of Rangda in Balinese mythology. Banas Pati Raja is a spirit that accompany a child in their life. Banas Pati Raja is believed as the spirits that drives the Barong. As the protector spirits, Barong is always displayed as a lion. The traditional dance in Bali that describe the battle between Barong and Rangda is very famous and always be staged as tourist attraction. 

Barong singa is one of five barong form. In Bali, every part of Bali island has spirits as the protector in every land, forest and everywhere. Every Barong that represent certain region is described as different animal such as tiger, snake, wild boar or dragon. The form of Barong as a lion is very popular and comes from Gianyar.
Ubud, located in Gianyar is the famous tourism object. In Calonarang or other balinese dances, Barong use its witchcraft to defeat Rangda, its enemy.

There are some who tells that Barong comes from a battle between two powerful nobles from Bali and Blambangan. Both are Minak Bedewang and Alit Sawung. Without clear causes, both are involved in great battle. They are fought relentlessly until a very long time. No one got hurt. They used form of tiger and garuda, a very terrible embodiment. Both fought very powerful. Though attacking each other, both  never got hurt, they still strong

Then a strange sound appear from the sky. The sound without appearance is reminding to stop the battle and asking for peace from both sides. At the end both terrible embodiments was merged become one embodiment. Since the time, the community of Using has barong form as the symbol of togetherness. Believed, Barong can cast out evil influence, diseases, and any danger. Up to now, Barong dance and Barong itself is very sacred. Before be danced, Barong must be given a special ritual. If don't, Barong will be more dangerous for the dancer and people over there. Barong dance also don't carelessly to be danced. It's staged especially for village salvation. Mystical value of Barong is always guarded. They who has a chance to be a Barong dancer are only from certain people that can be known naturally.

The history of Balinese barong dance (the first version)

According to Hasnan Singodimayan, a local humanist, the art of Barong Kemiren tells about a beautiful girl named Ja'rifah that is protected by a large animal with bad face named Barong. "Barong is very loyal to its master so it is considered as a symbol of heroism," Hasnan said. The art of Barong Kemiren is similar to Barong art in Bali. The resemblance according to Hasnan is very reasonable because of the cultural proximity that always affect in the relationship history between Bali and Banyuwangi. The different is, physically, the size of Balinese barong is bigger and doesn't has wings. According to Hasnan, there are  various versions about the history of Barong Kemiren. Some call that Barong isn't original art of Java, but from Bali. This art is brought and developed by Balinese citizens that is forced to stay in Banyuwangi because of chaos in Bali.

The history of Balinese barong dance (the second version)

Another version tells that Barong art comes from China then it was brought into Java at Majapahit era. There is similarity between Barong and Chinese lion dance, which develop at Tang Dynasty era from 7th century to 10th century.

The history of Balinese barong dance (the third version)

Barong dance is balinese typical dance that comes from pre-Hindu civilization. The dance describe about the battle between good (Dharma) and evil (Adharma). Form of good is acted by Barong, two dancers by using costume of four-legged animal, whereas the form of evil is acted by Rangda, a sinister and terrible figure  with two canines in its mouth. There are several type of Barong dance that is usually staged in Bali island like Barong Ket, Barong Bangkal (pig), Barong Macan (tiger), Barong Landung. However, among three barong dance types, the most frequently staged is Barong Ket or Barong Keket. 

Costume of Barong Ket generally describe about the blend between lion, tiger, and ox. On its body is decorated with skin ornaments, pieces of mirror glass and also completed with feathers from fibre of pandan leaf. Barong is acted by two dancers (Juru saluk or Juru bapang), one dancer take the front position to move the front legs and head, whereas the second dancer take the rear position to move the back legs and Barong tail.

At a glance, Barong ket is not much different from Barongsai that is staged by Chinese community. The difference is located in the story, where the barong dance tells the battle story between Barong and Rangda that is completed with other figures like Kera (Barong friend), Dewi Kunti, Sadewa (son of Dewi Kunti), also the followers of Rangda. Rangda as the mother of Erlangga (The king of Bali in 10th century) was damned by Erlangga's father because she practiced black magic.

After become a widow, Rangda called all evil spirits and devils in jungle then she came to Erlangga, her son. The battle happens, but Rangda and her army wass too strong and Erlangga have to asked Barong help. Barong came and the battle happens again. Rangda magic made all Erlangga army want to suicide. They stabbed their body and chest with poisonous kris. Barong succeed to protect Erlangga army so they're immune from sharp kris. At the end, Barong won, and Rangda ran away.

Barong mask and Rangda mask are sacred masks, and before they bring it out, pemangku (the leader of Hindu ceremony) attend to sprinkle them with holy water, which is takken from Mount Agung, and moreover, several offerings also be presented.

Barong dance nowadays

In its development, Barong in Bali is not only manifested in the form of four-legged animal but also in the form of two-legged animal. Barong types in Bali is devided into several forms as noted above. 

A. Barong ket (ketet). You can see this one in many places in Bali and it's the most frequently staged also has complete dance movement. Barong ketet is the blend between tiger, lion, and ox. The body of Barong is decorated by skin ornaments, pieces of mirror glass, and its feathers made from pandan fibers, or crow feathers. 

To use it in every religious ceremony or some shows, it needs two dancers that is called as Juru saluk or Juru bapang. These figures generally describe about the battle between good and evil where this theme always almost become the basic on every art attractions in Bali. Gambelan (traditional music instrument) that is used to accompany the dance is Gambelan bebarongan which use pelog as its barrel. In some place, the dance is accompanied by Gambelan semar pegulingan. 

B. Barong Bangkal. Barong Bangkal means old big pig where Barong Bangkal looks like an ordinary bangkal (pig) or usually called as Barong celeng or Barong bangkung.

Barong Bangkung usually use Gambelan batel as music instrument where, in religious ceremony or some shows, it's very seldom to use figure and Barong bangkal is usually staged  from one place to another place or sometimes it's only staged to get around the village.

C. Barong Asu. Barong Asu resembles a dog especially at its mask and it's very sacred. Located in Pura Puncak Dawa Baturiti, Tabanan regency. 

D. Barong Gajah. Barong Gajah resembles an elephant, very sacred and one of them is located in Singapadu village. 

E. Barong Macan. Barong Macan resembles a tiger where in every shows, it's danced by two dancer. Sometimes accompanied by dance drama like Arja and Barong Macan usually use gambelan batel as their music instruments. 

F. Barong Landung. Barong Landung is different with another Barong that has been mentioned above. The form of Barong landung resembles an ancient human with two legs.

Generally, Barong landung is made in pairs, consist of Ratu Lanang (Barong landung in male form) and Ratu Luh (Barong landung in female form). The form is high and large (like ondel-ondel in Jakarta). Face of Ratu Lanang is very terrible. The face is black and its teeth is out whereas face of Ratu Luh looks like old chinese woman.

In some place in Bali, Barong Landung is also equipped with other types of Barong landung such as Mantri, Baluh, Limbur, and many more. In some shows, Barong landung take some figure like Arja figure (especially in Badung, one of regency in Bali) and accompanied by gambelan batel. 

G. Barong Blasblasan. Barong Blasblasan also called as Barong kedingkling. Barong blasblasan is one of Barong form where its dancer only use masks of Wayang Wong with figure that is taken from Ramayana story, generally tells about battle scenes. Barong blasblasan is usually staged on Galungan and Kuningan (two of several religious holy days in Bali) and usually, the dancer are children. It's accompanied by Gambelan batel and some use bebarongan (Gambelan batel that is equipped with reyong)

Moreover, there are another type of Barong  generally like Barong brutuk located in Trunyan village (a small village located in the east side of Lake Batur). Barong brutuk use feathers made from banana leaf, which has been dried named 'kraras' and it's highly purified by Trunyan community over there.

Yap, that's the history about Barong dance and its development until now. May be useful and thankyou for your visit :)

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National Park of Togean Islands : Meet with endemic fauna of Sulawesi, ocean tribe & colorful coral reefs

A series of beautiful islands float on the sea, protect a bay named Tomini Bay. The region is a transition zone of Imaginary Line of Wallace and Weber, provide the natural wonders that shouldn't be missed. Be prepared to explore the greatness of Celebes and see directly one of tribe who inhabits the ocean, named Bajoe tribe. 

Yap, this is Togean Islands, a national park by an area of 292.000 acres (sea area) and the land area is about 70.000 acres. The location that is not too isolated and far of city's life has became alluring appeal for the enjoyer of natural landscape beauty and the diversity of marine biotas. 

This Islands is cluster of small islands that transverse in the middle of Tomini Bay. There are more than 60 islands here, several are famous like Malenge island, Una Una island, Batukada, Talatakoh, Walekodi, and Waleabahi island. 

In Togean Islands you can see mangrove forest and the vast seagrass or usually called as "nambo" where it become a food source of dugong as a sea mammals. Several species of rare turtle also inhabits this area such as green turtle (Chelonia mygas) and hawksbill (Eretmochelys imbriocata) that make this beautiful beach as a place to foraging and breed.

In Togean, there are 33 types of mangrove that consist of 19 types of true mangrove and 14 types of associate mangrove. The 33 types of mangroves is grouped in 26 genuses and 21 familia. Also, there are several various types of animals that inhabits the forest with their own uniqueness. 

Under the sea that so amazing, you can meet pilot whales, giant clam (Tridacna gigas), and lola (Trochus niloticus), giant stingray, coral shark, and big eye trevally fish, and of course the colorful coral reefs. There 4 types of coral reef such as barrier reef, patch reef,  fringing reef, and atoll. Also there are 35 species of butterfly fish (Chaetodontidae) that live around it also as a indicator of the coral reef's health.

In the deeper marine area, you can find more than 262 types of coral reef, 596 fish types, and 555 types of molusca. Very incredible !!

Meanwhile on the land live endemic faunas of Sulawesi that is protected like tangkasi (Trasius sp.), cuscus (Ailurops Ursinus), deer (Cervus timorensis), and coconut crab (Birgus latro). There are also monkey togean (Macaca togeanus), lizard togean (Varanus salvator togeanus), and wildboar togean (Babyrousa babirussa togeanensis) that only live here, in Togean Islands.

Many types of bird can be found here. At least 90 types of bird that is protected like Red-knobbed Hornbill (Rhyticeros cassidix) and Brahminy Kite (Haliastur indus). The biodiversity nad the beauty of Togean Island, make this Islands is designated as a national park through Keputusan Menteri Kehutanan (SK. No. 41 8/Menhut-II/2004).

What Activities You Can Do?

Traditional house of Bajo

There are many activities you can do here start from fishing, sailing, swimming, and diving surely. Some big and small islands which is inhabited various types of unique flora and fauna. Also you can visit settlement of Bajoe tribe in Kabalutan, Enam island, Malenge island, or at Kayome where there is a original house of Bajoe tribe that is left by its owner and it's built without nail. Very pristine and natural !!

In the main settlement area at Togean island where is located Katupat village with beautiful beach or you can go into its forest to do trekking. Batukada island is the largest island and the most easy to be accomplished from Togean Islands. You can visit Bomba village to swim, snorkeling, or visiting bat cave.  Meanwhile, Wakai, a sub-district city, there is a departure harbour to Kadidiri island where Kadidiri island is tourist object in Togean Islands. The underwater life of Togean Islands offers the visit to make you plunge to the bottom. There are a lot of dive spots which is supported of snorkeling activity.

Kadidiri island is the most popular island in Togean that offers the beach beauty with snorkeling location and diving location. Beach of Kadidiri island has quiet flow. There are a lot of affordable lodging on the west coast with a series of craggy coral rocks that become the habitat of coral crab. 

Kadidiri island
The most popular island at Togean Islands

In Taipi wall, about 4 km in the south of Kadidiri, there is dive site like vertical coral wall that extends from the north to the south. You will enjoy amazing scenery here like coral reef biotas and varios types of coral and colorful coral reef. The flow is friendly with varies depths from 5 metre to 30 metre and sea water is warmed by sunlight so it will make you stay for long time.

Under the sea near with Enam island, there are many wreckage of bomber B-24 as a dive site today where the bomber are owned by United States of America that fall down on May, 1945. The bomber is in well condition where you can see the rest of plane's propeller and one of plane cabin complete with machine gun behind.  The bomber wreckage can be found 16 km from Kadidiri in the depth of 14 m to 22 m. 

For all of you that has been experienced to dive, then you can go down to Karang Dominic in the most northern of Togean Islands and it's located in the depth of 30 m to 40 m. In this dive site, you as a professional diver will find the depth variations until 40 m where sunlight won't reach  this level.

For you who is not interested to plunge down, you can try to fishing or exploring the forest nature in Malenge island. Or you can visit Mount Colo in Una-una island as your tourist activity alternative. Also you can do activity of culture tourism by visiting the settlement of Bajoe people in Kabalutan. 

How To Go There?

National park of Togean Islands is located in Tomini Bay at Tojo UnaUna regency, Central Sulawesi. Route from Jakarta to Togean are : Jakarta - Palu - Ampana - Togean. From Jakarta to Palu you can use Lion Air, Sriwijaya Air, and Garuda Indonesia, from Soekarno-Hatta International Airport at Cengkareng to Mutiara Airport in Palu, and it needs 3 hours. The ticket price start from Rp 700.000,00 until Rp 1.000.000,00.

From Bandara Mutiara Palu, you can rent airport taxi to agent travel by the cost of Rp 50.000,00. The travel will bring you to Ampana. Here the travel list to Ampana by the fare of Rp 110.000,00. 

• Touna Travel at Jalan Sam Ratulangi Palu (Contact numb. +62 0451 454808) departure schedule from 08.00 WITA and 16.00 WITA. 
• Sansarino Travel at Jalan Sisingamagaraja Palu (Contact numb. +62 0451 425807) departure schedule from 09.00 WITA. 
• Togean Indah Travel at Jalan Suprapto Palu (Contact numb. +62 0451 422829)

The road trip from Palu to Ampana through Poso is about 375 km or 10 hours of road trip. You won't be bored because during the travel, you will see the beauty of coffee plantation and the beauty of beach in Equator line.

Wakai map

Next, continue your travel by using boat from Ampana to Wakai and Malenge. Routine schedule of boat start from 10.00 - 11.00. By knowing the departure schedule of boat, you can  determine your time travel.

Another alternative route that are the shortest from Jakarta - Luwuk - Ampana - Togean. In Luwuk, you can go to the airport where it serve the flight from Surabaya and Makasar (Ujung Pandang). From Luwuk to Ampana is closer and it needs 4-5 hours of road trip.

If you come from Gorontalo, then you can do travel to Marisa then go by boat to Dolong or Wakai. From Gorontalo, the boat sail only on wednesday, while from Ampana, the boat sail every monday, tuesday, thursday, and sunday.

When you arrive at Ampana, you can go diretcly to Kantor Balai Taman Nasional Kepulauan Togean at Jalan Poros Uemalingku Atas, sub-district of Ampana. Here you can ask some information about National Park of Togean Islands. 

Travel Tips and Accommodation

It doesn't matter if you show your bargaining skill to rent land transportation and boat. You can be friendly with other passengers or fisherman who owned the boat you get on. They are local citizen and they are very happy if you invite them to talk with you.

Togean Island doesn't only offers dive package. But you can do trekking in all islands to see and witness Togian Babirusa, deer, bat, coconut crab. Or you can rent boat to the west of Togean Island to see and interact in the settelment of Bajoe tribe which is known as ocean tribe. 

For accommodation in National Park of Togean Islands, many various inns and cottages by various of rental fares start from Rp 150.000,00 until Rp 400.000,00 per day. But the fare can be cheaper depend on your choice. Even you can stay at local resident home without paying a dime. But, if you want privacy, inn is the best choice. Also you can choose inn around Tongkabu island or also in Ampana city. At least, Ampana city has complete facilities.

Here the list of inns and hotels you can visit.

Penginapan Ampana

Jl. Sultan Hasanudin, Kel. Ampana, Ampana Kota

Telp : 0464 - 21244

Losmen Maralau
Jl. Yos Sudarso, Kel. Ampana, Ampana Kota
Telp : 0464 – 21770

Penginapan Sederhana
Jl. Sultan Hasanudin, Kel. Ampana, Ampana Kota

Penginapan Rejeki
Jl. Pulau Talaka , Kel. Uentanaga A. Ampana Kota
Phone : 0464 – 21274

Hotel Plaza
Jl. R. A. Kartini Kel. Uentanaga A. Ampana Kota

Hotel Victoria
Jl. Sungai Bongka, Kel. Uentanaga A. Ampana Kota
Phone : 0464 – 21234

Hotel Oasis
Jl. R.A. Kartini, Kel. Uentanaga B. Ampana Kota
Phone : 0464 – 21058

Losmen Irama
Jl. R.A. Kartini, Kel. Uentanaga B. Ampana Kota
Phone : 0464 – 21055

Losmen Family
Jl. Moh. Hatta, Kel. Uentanaga B, Ampana Kota
Phone : 0464 – 21034

Marina Cottage
Jl. Tanjung  Api, Desa Labuan, Ampana Kota
Phone : 0464 – 21280

Hotel Mapala
Jl. Tanjung  Keramat, Kel. Dondo Ampana Kota
Phone : 0464 – 21136

Ulfa Home Stay
Jl. Pulau Papan, Kel.Uentanaga  B, Ampana Kota
Phone : 0464 – 21642

Reatreat Cottage
Tipae island, Bomba village, Sub-district of Una-Una
Kepulauan Togean

Wakai Cottage
Wakai village, Sub-district of Una-Una

Paradise Cottage
Kadidiri island, Tobil village, Sub-district of Togean, Togean Islands

Lestari Cottage
Kadidiri island, Tobil village, Sub-district of Togean, Togean Islands

Bleck Marlin Dive
Kadidiri island, Tobil village, Sub-district of Togean, Togean Islands

Taipi Cettage
Kadidiri island, Tobil village, Sub-district of Togean, Togean Islands

Fadhila Cottage
Pangempa island, Katupat village, Sub-district Togean, Togean Islands

Bolilanga Cottage
Bolilanga island, Katupat village, Sub-district of Togean, Togean Islands

Losmen Melati
Katupat village, Sub-district of Togean, Togean Islands

Losmen Malenge Indah
Melenge village, Sub-district of Walea, Togean Islands

Losmen Lestari
Melenge village, Sub-district of Walea, Togean Islands

Walea Dive Resort

Tanjung Keramat, Kandongan village , Sub-district of Walea Besar, Togean Islands

For more information about National Park of Togean Islands and tourism object in Indonesia especially in Central Sulawesi, please visit Wonderful Indonesia
May be useful and thankyou for your vist :)

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Bunaken : Meet with thousands of colorful fish

Have you ever imagine become mermaid? Swim together with hundreds fish and other marine biotas? In Bunaken Sea Park you will find  real "mermaid" and see the richness of Indonesian sea. 

Bunaken is located in Manado bay with an area of 8,08 square kilometres, located in the north of Sulawesi island, Indonesia. Bunaken is part of government of Manado city, mother city of North Sulawesi. Marine park around Bunaken is part of National Park that also include of the sea around Old Manado island are Siladen and Mantehage. In Bunaken Marine Park, visitor can see various amazing marine life and also full of colour. To reach the marine park, you can use motor boat. Travel from Manado needs 40 minutes. The fee entrance is Rp 25,000 / person.

Bunaken sea waters allow people to see clearly various types of sea biota.There are 13 types of coral reef in the marine park, which is dominated with sea stones. The most interesting scenery is vertical coral reef towering down as deep as 25-20 metres. 

Scolopsis bilineatus

Treat your eyes with 91 types of fish at Bunaken Marine Park like sea horse (Hippocampus), white koi (Seriola rivoliana), yellow-tail lolosi (Lutjanus kasmira), goropa (spilotocepsep hinephelusdan hypselosoma Pseudanthias), and a type of tilapia (Scolopsis bilineatus), and many more. Diver also can find molusca like giant kima (Tridacna gigas), goat-head fish (Cassis cornuta), nautilus (Nautilus pompillius), and tunikates or askidian.

For you who love scuba diving then this place is the good place. There are 20 dive spots, where the divers will get opportunity to swim in sea floor surrounded with various types of amazing marine biota.  Make sure you visit Bunaken at the best time between May until August. On this month, you can explore whole beautiful marine park. 

What Activities You can Do?

Diving is the best way if you want to enjoy intactly and clearly the panorama of Bunaken underwater life. Available 23 places of snorkeling or diving. Don't be bothered to bring your own diving equipment because of Bunaken provide diving equipments to be rented at a price of Rp 100.000 / day.

Not only see row of colorful fish swim back and forth and seagrass meadows, you also can se more than 390 species of amazing coral reef. Its form is unique and squiggly. Also you can see marine cave or tiny tunnel that might be impossible to be found in another place.

Under the stretch of sea by an area of 890,65 square kilometres in the region of Manado bay, we will find the beauty enchantment created by our God by enjoying the colorful coral reef. There are more than 200 species of fish also a variety of another marine biotas. You will feel diving sensation surrounded with dazzle underwater sceneries at the park that is located 75 mile from Manado beach. The dive sites can be reached by a travel of 35 minutes by using motorboat. 

Lekuan Wall, Bunaken

Many best dive sites are located near Bunaken or Old Manado. Here the list place that represent the location of the diving. 

Lekuan Wall (I, II, III)

Lekuan Wall (I,II,III) is a long wall in Bunaken that is divided into three, Lekuan I, II, and III. All three have the best marine park with steep walls  and deep crack, also sea fan and giant sponge. A shallow place filled by fish. The wall, always protected from strong stream, which is always visited by group of large parrot fish and turtles. 

Mandolin

Mandolin in marine park that has coral summit and walls that inhabited by thousands fish like group of gunner fish, surgeonfish, unicornfish, and bannerfish. They can swim and easy to be approached. 

Bunaken Timor

Bunaken Timor has strong stream with many fishes. Coral reef maybe not as spectacular as in another place but you can see turtle, shark, stingray, and large fish swim back and forth here. Also there are seagrass and small caves. 

Tanjung kopi

Tanjung kopi is small wall that is inhabited by a group of barracuda fish and many sweetlip fish. The visibility in shallow water is not good enough but the amount of fish will make you be interested. Nudibranch fish and api gopi fish will be easy to found here. 

Siladen

Siladen has beautiful smooth coral wall that will alive when the stream comes. Shallow sea looks beautiful with many fishes and snappers. 

Muka Gereja

Muka gereja is beautiful place with thousands fish in shallow waters and trench that is leading to sea wall. 

Puncak Barakuda

Puncak Barakuda in the northwest is one of the farthest place. A group of giant barracuda are located between jack fish and tuna fish.

Ship wreckage in Manado 

A long ship by a size of 60 m (200 feet under the sea level) was owned by German trader, sink near Molas beach in 1942. This ship is sink upright in a depth of 23 m (78 feet under sea level). Split at the middle part of the ship and displays the wheelhouse and cargo handle. Diving activity ends near the shallow coral. 

Bunaken's enchantment not only at its marine park but at the surface we can enjoy the beauty and exoticism of five islands that are Bunaken island, Siladen island, Manado Tua island, Nain island, and Mantehage island. In the last island there is Bajo tribe with their unique culture. Other than diving enthusiasts, ornithologists and amateur bird watchers might find visiting Tangkoko Dua Sudara Nature Reserve entertaining.

Best diving sites in Bunaken

Bunaken National Park was built in 1991 and it's one of the first marine park in the world. In 2005 Bunaken has become world heritage site after registered by Indonesia in UNESCO. Bunaken National Park is divided into two parts, that are in the north and south. In the northern part consist of 5 islands, and littoral between Molas until Tiwoho called Pesisir Molas-Wori.

In the southern part consist of coastal between Poopoh village and Popareng village called  Pesisir Arakan-Wawontulap. In this region, there are 22 villages by the amount of its citizen are 33 thousand people. Mostly are farmer and fisherman also 25% of its population works in tourism sector. You can explore island by walk or use boat to move from one place to another place. Even when you only walk and go around along  the beach, it will become enjoyable experience. So, diving is not the only choice. Another way are by using semi-submersible vessel, which is rented in the offshore of Bunaken island.

The ship provide glass walls so you can see and enjoy the beauty and exoticism of Bunaken's sea floor. Also there is Blue Banter submarine and it will be operated when the sea in high tide. Many sceneries that you will get maximally though its fare is more expensive than semi-submersible vessel.

How To Go There?

In Bunaken, you'll feel like in paradise where the underwater paradise located under the Manado bay surrounded by the beauty of flora and fauna over there. To reach Manado, many airlines serve routes start from Jakarta, Denpasar, Makassar, and Sorong/ From Jakarta, you can choose Garuda Indonesia that will fly twice a day, Lion Air fly three times a day and Batavia Air fly twice a day, and it needs 3 hours. 

Bunaken island is very easy to reach from Manado by using motor boat. You can depart from Manado harbour, Molas harbour, Kalasey harbour, and Ria Tasik beach. Ferry ship from Manado to Bunaken is departed at 02.00 PM (based on sea tides)

Travel Tips and Accommodation

The admission and ticket can be bought through tourist operators in Manado or Bunaken National Park. Also, you can buy them in one of three ticket counters in Bunaken and Liang villages at Bunaken island and Siladen island. 

You have to realize that during the holiday season between July and August, the situation will be very crowded, full of domestic and international tourists. Many resorts and dive operators can't recieve the tourist to enter at the time. So, better if you book it before the holiday season comes. 

Underwater life of Raja Ampat

For the place of boat rental from Manado to Bunaken, you can choose Pasar Bersehati and Marina. Fare of boat rental from Pasar Bersehati, Manado to Bunaken is between Rp 300.000 to Rp 400.000. While if you from Marina, the fare is more expensive, start from Rp 600.000 to Rp 800.000.

The most economical way is merge together with other tourists by using traditional boat by a fare of Rp 50.000 / people. But you have to wait until seats on the boat full of passengers, then the ship ready to sail to Bunaken. Try to rent equipment from the large company that can be relied but remember that the responsibility to check your equipment is depend on your self. If you're the true adventurer, of course you won't skip to continue your nautical adventure in Raja Ampat and Wayag island, at Papua. 

For accommodation, in this island you can choose inn by a price start from Rp 40.000,00 per people per day, include complete facility. Several dive operators in Bunaken offer you the accommodation more expensive with adequate facilities.Also, you can choose to stay at hotel in Manado city then book the daily package to Bunaken. Usually, they leave in the morning and back in the afternoon.


For more information about Bunaken and another tourism object in Indonesia, especially in North Sulawesi, please visit Wonderful Indonesia
May be useful and thankyou for your visit :)

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Gili Trawangan : Feel the calm and peaceful atmosphere

Maybe you have repeatedly surfing in Bali and maybe at this time you still try to find another alternative that close to Bali. Of course Bali and every life in it are won't make you bored but divert your step to the island besides Bali, exactly in the right side of Bali island that will leave distinct impression. 

The island in the right side of Bali island is Lombok island where include in the province of West Nusa Tenggara. In west lombok, there is one of island where it's the largest island between three islands in the northwest offshore of Lombok island, named Gili Trawangan. Gili Trawangan has the most complete tourist facilities. This island will make you amazed with its beauty and serenity. Gili Trawangan has a lenght of 2 kilometres and a width of 1,5 kilometres, so tourist can walk around this island  only 2 hours. 

The white sandy beach. The tropical coral reef and the clear and blue sea. All of this will waiting for you here at Gili Trawangan island. Without car and motorcycle, and also without another disturbance but there's only the scenery of tropical island that is very beautiful and you will be treated by friendly local communities. Gili Trawangan is ideal tourist destination for all of you who want to rest of city's traffic jam. In this island, you will find places that is very natural and beautiful. 

Witnessing Mount Agung
surrounded by the sunset background from a distance

Gili Trawangan offers spectacular corals and a challenging dive spot like Karang Hiu. For the divers, there are many place in Gili Trawangan where you can dive all types of marine life include the beauty of green turtle (Chelonia mydas). Swim to the surface and look, how this amazing turtle swim in the sea between the coral reefs. You can see these turtles in the depth of 10-20 metres under sea level. 

Also in this island there's a japanese cannon, which ever occupy this island. From a hill's summit in Gili Trawangan when the sunset comes, you can enjoy the panorama towards Bali strait and witness Mount Agung in Bali island from a distance. Many restaurants here and night activities. Many cafes here is very entertaining and different with cafes in Kuta, which always provide night entertainment in the same time. Everyday in Gili Trawangan held different beach party. 

What Activities You Can Do ?

Delman (Cidomo), one of unique transportation at

Gili Trawangan

Explore the beauty of underwater life and witness the blue corals. The coral type can be found only in Gili Gili island at Lombok and Caribbean sea, and one of them in Gili Trawangan. You can dive in Dinding Meno at Gili Trawangan in the depth of 18-20 metres, then you will find white shark and turtle. The coral and underwater life here is very diverse and will make you be amazed. Snorkeling equipments can be rented in various dive spots near the beach.  Tired of diving ? You can try to relax and sunbathe under the tropical sunlight in the south of Gili Trawangan. 

In the southern of Gili Trawangan, you can witness the atmosphere of night life full of various musics include techino, and dancing of course, while you meet with new people that might be your new friend. Or just relax in cafe or bar near the beach that provide best place for witnessing the sun sets by the golden colour or witness the beauty of sunrise in Mount Rinjani from a distance. 

Car and motorcycle are prohibited in Gili Trawangan to give a peaceful and calm atmosphere. The best way to explore this island is by using bicycle. You can rent bike and walk also witness a spectacular tropical views. Cidomo or delman is the unique way to take a walk around this island. If you want to take a walk among the islands in Gili, you can rent motorboat.

How To Go There?

International Airport of Selaparang, Lombok

Many travel agent in Bali that provide tourist packages to Gili Trawangan island or Lombok. You can make preparation from Bali. 

Ferry ships is the popular way to reach to Gili Trawangan from Bali. There are many Ferry ship services from Padang Bai, Serangan, and Benoa. Gili Paradise can set transportation, accommodation, and everything in Gili Trawangan island. 

Several choices of vehicle type to Gili Trawangan in North Lombok regency are by using plane from Bali to Selaparang international airport and use taxi to Bangsal harbour. From here you can use public boat or use rented speedboat  but its price is more expensive compared by using public boat. For the fare of public boat to Gili Trawangan is only Rp 15.000+/- and it needs 45 minutes. 

Ferry ship starts to operate from 08.00 AM until 05.00 PM, but it operate depend on passenger amount, at least 20 people for each ships. For the departure schedule can't be ascertained because it's adapted with the numbers of passenger that will across to each islands. 

Accommodation and Travel Tips

Nowadays, Gili Trawangan has known in the world and also Gili Trawangan is included in Lonely Planet's Top 10 that is released by lonely planet Best, a guide book of travel and digital media, the biggest in the world in the edition of "best in travel in 2011" because of the beauty of underwater scenery and the beautiful rhythm which is covered by happiness energy. Many hotels and resorts also restaurants from the south to the north at Gili Gili, Lombok.Recently, there are more than 100 accommodations that is located in this region. Mostly located in the north. Even several hotels over there are international hotels

Enjoy the beauty of underwater life in Gili Trawangan island is not always cheap , so when you plan a holiday, you have to prepare special budget to rent diving equipments and its guide. 

During crowded holiday season between June - August, the accommodation in Gili Trawangan island will be filled by tourist, so it will be better if you make reservation at least 4 month before. 

More information about Gili Trawangan, Lombok, and another tourism object in Indonesia, especially in West Nusa Tenggara, please visit Wonderful Indonesia 
May be useful and Thankyou for your visit :)

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Komodo National Park : A very impressive and unforgettable experience

Free up your mind for adventure in this amazing place. While you are in Komodo National Park as if you are on another planet, a very impressive and unforgettable experience when you visit it. Come to Komodo National Park in the East Nusa Tenggara. There are a beauty waiting for you here, as well as the richness of underwater. While on it plastered the beautiful islands white sandy beaches until beautiful pink sandy beaches when greeted by the Sun.

Komodo is large creature similar with giant lizard by the length of 2-3 m and the weight is 165 kg, or 100 kg when its stomach is empty. However the appearance looks creepy, komodo usually hunt its weak prey or already injured. They just need one bite to weaken or paralyze its prey. After spying its prey, although until several days, komodo will eat them while they're in agony (going to die)

Although the size is large, has scales and sharp-toed, long tongue, also its form looks ancient, you don't need to afraid while you see them because of every visitors who visit this park will be guarded by  one or more guard. You just need to obey all rules, guidance, and suggestion from the skilled guards. 

Komodo is rare species that is going to extinct, only found in Komodo National Park. Because of its uniqueness and scarcity, Komodo National Park is avowed as a World Heritage Site and Man and Biosphere by UNESCO in 1986. Firstly found by the scientific world in 1911 by JKH Van Steyn. Since that time, he later expand his conservation destination to protect all biodiversity in the land and sea. 

Map of Komodo

This park is covered an area of 3 main island like Komodo island, Rinca island, and Padar island, also many small islands by the total of 603 square kilometre. The total area of Komodo National Park nowadays is 2.321 square kilometre. At least, 2.500 komodos live in this area. Komodo by the large size usually has a lenght of 3 m and the weight is 90 kg.

The komodo habitat is in outdoors surrounded by savanna, green forest, white sandy beach, coral reef, and the beach with clean water. In this area, you can find horse, wild buffalo, deer, wild boar, snake, primate, and various type of birds.

Komodo National Park has incredible underwater biodiversity. Many divers say that the waters of komodo is one of the best dive spot in the world. Has the amazing underwater scenery, you can find 385 beautiful coral species here, mangrove forest, and sea grass as the place for thousand species of fish, 70 kind of coral flowers, 10 kind of dolphins, 6 kind of whales, green turtle, and various type of shark and stingray. 

What Activities You Can Do ?

The underwater life in Komodo National Park
One of the best place for diving

Many things you can see and do here. An amazing experience if you look komodo from the close distance in its original habitat together with guide. 

In Rincan island, you can see komodo lie down outside of the guide house of national park or lie down near house officers. Before, to seeing komodo, you have to give a goat so komodo will come and eat it, however it has been prohibited nowadays.

If you don't have time to see komodo, Rinca island and Komodo island have beautiful sceneries by white sandy beach, mangrove forest, savanna, and clean blue sea. Here you can do another activity like diving and snorkeling. You can go to sea by using sailing ship or fisherman ship. Some dive places that is suggested are Pantai Merah, Batu Bolong, and Tatawa island.

In Pantai Merah you will enjoy the beautiful island surrounded by pink sandy beach. When the sea waves come, the sand is changed into pink. The beach like this is estimated only 7 beaches in the world. The coral reefs under the sea is very amazing because inhabited by various colored ornamental fish like bat fish, butterfly fish, and clown fish.The amount is estimated until 1000 species of fish, 260 coral reef species, and 70 sponge species. How, interested? :D

When you are on the boat, don't be astonished if you are greeted by dolphins, even if you're lucky you can see green turtle or some whales swim in this waters. If you want to see thousand bats, you can stay over night on motor boat in the waters of Kalong island near Rinca island.

Here the explanation about the nature in Komodo National Park.

Terrestrial Fauna

The land animals

In this island, the amount of animal who live on the land is less than the animal in the sea. However, though on the land is inhabited by little amount of animal but this is the unique habitat for komodo. Also many endemic mammals like deer, ape, pig, and weasel. Some reptiles and birds have similarity like in Australia. Include legged-orange scrubfowl, lesser sulpher-crested cockatoo, and nosy friarbird.

Reptiles besides komodo is 12 species of snake that live in this island. Also Included cobra (Naja naja sputatrix), Russell’s pit viper (Vipera russelli), and venomous tree snake (Trimeresurus albolabris). Lizard is included 9 specied of skink (Scinidae), gecko (Gekkonidae), and unlimbed lizard (Dibamidae). The frog type like Asian bullfrog (Kaloula baleata), Oreophyne jeffersoniana, and Oreophyne darewskyi. They usually can be found in the moist highland 

Zosterops chloris

Mammals like timor deer (Cervus timorensis) as the main prey of komodo, horse (Equua sp.), buffalo (Bubalus bubalis), wild boar (Sus scrofa vittatus), long tail ape ( Macaca fascicularis), palm weasel (Paradoxurus hermaphrodites lehmanni), mouse that only can be found in Rincan island (Rattus rintjanus), and fruit bat. Also you can find goat, dog, and cat. 

Bird is one of the main species here. There is legged-orange scrubfowl (Megapodius reinwardt), a bird live on the ground. In the area of savanna, there are 27 species you can see. Geopelia striata and Streptopelia chinensis is one of species that usually found. There are also 28 species of bird, Philemon buceroides, Ducula aenea, and Zosterops chloris that most frequently encountered. 

Marine Physical Environment

Marine area forming 67% of national park. The open waters in national park has the depth of 100 and 200m. Rinca strait and Flores strait also Padar and Rinca is relatively shallow by the depth of 30 until 70 m, with large current. The combination between strong current, coral reef, and small islands make islands around Komodo island is hard to reach and dangerous. Safe port are located in Loh Liang bay in the east coast of Komodo island, southeast coast of Padar, The bay of Loh Kima and Loh Dasami in Rinca. 

In the northern of national park, the water temperature is ranged between 25-29ºC. In the middle, the water temperature is ranged between 24ºC and 28ºC. The  water temperature is lower in the south, approximately between 22ºC-28ºC by the salinity level is about 34 ppt and the water is clear enough although the water near the island is slightly turbid. 

Marine ecosystem

Indonesia is the only country that is crossed by equator line in the world where there are the exchange of  marine flora and fauna between Pacific Ocean and Indian Ocean. Corridor of Nusa Tenggara (in the past named as Lesser sunda) between Sundan and Sahul and postpone the displacement between Pacific Ocean and Indian Ocean. 3 main ecosystem in Komodo National Park are sea expanse, coral reef, and mangrove forest. This national park is the displacement of cetaceans. 

Marine Plants

3 main floras in the sea are algae, seagrass, and mangrove tree. Algae is a primitive plant and doesn't has root, leaf, and stem. The important composition of algae coral is red  algae coraline, which release hard limestone skeleton that can be crusted and imbed the dead coral. Lamun or seagrass is modern plant that generate flower, fruits, and seeds for reproduction. As the name, the form of Lamun is like a large grass which grow in underwater sand near the sea edge. 

Thalassia sp. and Zostera spp. are the most abundant species can be found in national park. Mangrove tree can live on the salty ground or water and can be found throughout national park. Identified at least 19 species of native mangroves and several species of another mangrove that is located in the border of national park. 

Marine Animals

Komodo national park is included in one of the richest marine diversity in the world. The marine life in this national park is recorded 259 type of corals and 1000 type of fishes like barracuda, marlin, yellow tail fish, red snapper, & baronang. Here you can found forams, cnidarians, include of more than 260 species of the combination of coral reefs, 70 species of sponge, ascidians, marine worms, molusca, echinoderms, some kind of shrimps, cartilaginous, and more than 1000 species of bony fish, marine reptiles, marine mammals like dolphins, whales, and dugong. Some important species which is commercially valuable are sea cucumbers, napoleon fishes, and sardines. 

How To Go There?

There are some flights everyday and for the destination from Bali - Labuan Bajo or the airport of Komodo island - Bali where it needs 1,5 hours.

Everyday, there are 2 to 3 flights from Bali to Labuan Bajo by Transnusa, IAT (Indonesia AIr Transport), and Merpati Airline. Moreover, there are the flight twice a week from Kupang. Motor boat that connect inter-island from Sape in West Nusa Tenggara also available everyday if the weather is good, or PELNI ship from Bali and Lombok is stopped here every 2 weeks. 

Ground transportation from the east is also available in the mainland of Flores like Ruteng, Bajawa, Ende, and Maumere. If you're interested to do long travel in Flores, you can start from Maumere to the west like Moni, Kelimutu, Ende, Bena, Bajawa, Ruteng, and the last, Labuan Bajo (Komodo island). 

Sites of www.floreskomodo.com gives complete information about the way to Flores. 

Travel Tips and Accommodation

Some stick guides

Don't go alone. It's better if you go together with tourist guide or park officers. Don't disturb or feed Komodo. Although the movement is slow and lazy, but sometimes can be aggressive and move fastly. When you do trekking, please bring two-forked stick.

Komodo usually afraid if you bluff them by the stick. Please use shoes. Komodo island, Rinca island, and Pidar island have 12 types of snake and 3 of them are poisonous, for the example are green snake that live on the tree, cobra, and russel's viper which live in the ground hole of savanna. Women who are menstruating have to report at tour guide or officers. Komodo has sharp olfactory and can be aggressive if they smell blood. Please bring some anti-mosquito lotion. Mostly the place in Komodo island and Rinca island are savanna that is easy to burn in the dry season, so you are prohibited to smoke or light a fire. 

For the accommodation, like in Loh Liang (Komodo Island) then  in Loh Buaya (Rinca island) also has simple house with several rooms. Luxurious hotel by the limited capacity is under construction in loh Liang. Mostly the tourist that visit Rinca island are not stay here, they come from Labuan Bajo and stay in hotels at Labuan. Tourists that come to Komodo island usually stay on rental motorboat. Almost all motor boats have cabin and bedroom. Large motorboat usually has comfortable bedroom. 

The Guard Houses of Komodo Island

The house of guard of national park that has been renovated into ecological stylish accommodation, by the modern facility like private bathroom, limited electric supply, and food. Only several moves to Loh Liang beach. The house of guard become alternate accommodation for tourists for various reasons can't sleep on motorboat. 

Komodo Puri Resort, Batu Gosok

Located at the northwest of Flores island, this place is famous by the name of Batu Gosok, a separate peninsula. A land by an area of 250.000 km² is the pleasant place for snorkelling, diving, and the nature adventurer. An amazing small bay has more than 1000 m of white sandy beach and wooden dock. The marine park has colour of purple, yellow, blue, and fuchsia cohere with brightly colored fish that swim between the corals. 

Ecological Cottage of Bajo 

Ecological cottage of Bajo is located under the non-profitable organization named Iniradef. This organization develope local human source and also environment-friendly conservation building. This program is recieved well by local community. The hot water here use solar power, there are water storage system and waste processing for plantation. 

Boat Accommodation from Labuan Bajo

Simple bed use mattress in boat deck is enough for small group until 4 peoples,the food  is cooked directly on the boat, also available mineral water in bottle, and simple toilet. In Labuan Bajo, you can stay by the rent price start from Rp 100.000 /night and eat in its restaurant start from Rp 20.000 /people. 

Boat Accommodation Depart from Bima

Larger boat with cabin, food facility, and safety equipments is available for the tourist that come to Komodo through Bima. Although it needs more than 7 hours on the sea, the comfortable facilities in the boat is better compared with the boat from Labuan Bajo. 

For the next information, please call : 

Kantor Taman Nasional Laut Komodo

Jl. Kasimo Labuan Bajo

West Flores, East Nusa Tenggara 86445

Phone. +62 385 41004

Fax. +62 385 41006

e-mail: tnkomodo@indosat.org

www.komodonationalpark.org

PT Putri Naga Komodo

Bali Branch

Jl. Pengembak No.2 Sanur 80228, Bali

Phone: +62 381 780 2408

Fax: +62 361 747 4398

e-mail: info@putrikomodo.com

www.gokomodo.org

Labuan Bajo
Gg.Masjid, Kampung Cempa. Labuan Bajo, 86554 West Manggarai. East Nusa Tenggara.
Phone: +62 385 41448
Fax: +62 385 41225
www.floreskomodo.com


More information about Komodo Island tourism object and another tourism object in Indonesia, especially in East Nusa Tenggara, please visit Wonderful Indonesia
May be useful and Thankyou for your visit :)

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