Komodo is one of the islands of Indonesia that lies between the neighboring islands, Sumbawa to the west and Flores to the east with an area of 390 km². Island is home for descendants of former convicts who were exiled to the island. Given the name Komodo to this island, it is world famous because of the world's largest lizard Komodo dragon is found roaming here and other small neighboring islands. Apart from this beast, Komodo Island also has a pink beach which is supposed to be one of the seven pink beaches of the world. The beauty of the Komodo Island is not the only fact that attracts tourists but it is a polular diving station. Also Komodo Island was considered in the new seven wonders of the world since 11th Nov. 2011.
There are many stories woven around the island and the Komodo dragon. There was once this story that the island was home for a dragon but no one took steps to investigate until 1910 where stories of Dutch sailors again reignited the legend of the dragon. The Dutch sailors reported that the creature the found was at least seven meters long with a large body and a mouth that constantly breath fire. As to investigate this story, Lieutenant Steyn van Hensbroek, an official of the Dutch Colonial Administration in Flores, planned a trip to Komodo Island. And after several days he managed to kill one of the animals with the support of his well armed team.
He took back the body of the animal to headquarters and measured it. It was approximately 2.1m long and it was like a lizard. More samples were then photographed by Peter A Ouwens, the Director of the Zoological Museum and Botanical Gardens in Bogor, Java. They were the first reliable documentation of the Komodo. Ouwens obtained additional samples, carried out studies and declared that it did was not really adragon that breathe fire but some kind of a monitor lizard. He named the giant lizard Varanus komodoensis, more commonly known as a Komodo Dragon. Realizing the significance of the dragons on Komodo Island as an endangered species, the Dutch government issued a regulation on the protection of Komodos on Komodo Island in 1915.
Travellers' Guide
If you are planning to visit Komodo Island, you can definetely visit the Komodo National Park. Loh Liang is the main landing point to see Komodo dragons on Komodo Island, Komodo dragons are often seen at the dry river bed Banu Nggulung, a half-hour walk from Loh Liang. You are also likely to spot dragons looking for food around the Rangers’ camp in Loh Liang.
You can engage in hiking around the island with the help of a local guide. You can also visit Komodo village, a friendly, Muslim Buginese village only a half-hour walk from Loh Liang. Snorkeling and relaxing at Pantai Merah (Red Beach) or Pulau Lasa should be on the 'must do' list for Komodo Park visitors.
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