KOMODO ISLAND
Komodo is a small island of 280 square kilometers located between the islands of Sumba and Flores. The island is mostly covered with barren hills with some areas of trees and palm trees.  Komodo Island is famous for the giant lizards which inhabit it as they only exist in this region and are considered to be the last of their kind remaining in the world today.

To many modern naturalists, this island is particularly interesting because of this unique species called the Komodo Dragon. Called “ora” by the local people, the Komodo “dragon” (Varanus Komodoensis) is actually a giant monitor lizard. Growing up to 2.5-3 meters in length, and weighing  from 45–150 kg, they can run at speeds of 20 km per hour. Its ancestors roamed the earth about 500 thousand years ago. It is a carnivore and a fearsome predator utilizing a strategy of stealth and power to capture prey. The Komodo lives on carrion of goats, deer and even the carcasses of its own kind.

The Komodo is protected by law and, though they are considered harmless, it is advisable to keep them at a distance.  Komodo Island is now a nature reserve and is part of a national park. It is also home to a number of rare bird species, wild buffalo, horses, boar, Timor deer, Macaque monkey, palm civet cats and wild pigs, which are prey to the lizards as well. This species of Komodo Dragon can also be found on some of the neigbouring islands of Rinca, Padar, and in western & central Flores.

FLORES

One of the most beautiful islands in Indonesia with an astounding string of active and extinct volcanoes. The name Flores is Portuguese and means 'Flower'. The colonization by the Portuguese explains why about 85% of the population is Catholic. Approximately 10% Muslims live on Flores in the coastal cities. Flores is about 400 km long and 70 km wide.
Most travelers visit Flores to see the volcano Kelimutu, one of the most fantastic sights in Indonesia. The crater has three lakes – the largest has water colored a bright light blue and the others are deep aqua green and an almost black color. Chemicals in the surrounding soil are responsible for the different colors.

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