Pulau Komodo, Hunian Para Kadal Purba Raksasa

Catatan Penulis: Artikel ini merupakan kerjasama dengan Visit Indonesia, untuk membantu kampanye Komodo untuk 7 keajaiban dunia.

Salah seorang teman saya baru saja pulang dari Taman Nasional Komodo, di Kepulauan Nusa Tenggara. Ia mendapat semacam beasiswa jalan-jalan gratis dari Kementrian Budaya dan Pariwisata Republik Indonesia, sekaligus untuk turut mendokumentasikan salah satu finalis 7 keajaiban dunia tersebut. Wah jadi penasaran juga saya menunggu ceritanya, soalnya saya sendiri belum pernah ke sana. Sayang kami tidak sempat bertemu waktu ia mampir di Jakarta. Jadi sekarang saya tinggal bersabar saja menunggu ia mulai menulis catatan perjalanannya, hehehe...

Backpacker wanita berparas manis yang berkerudung ini juga sempat berkata kepada saya, "Kamu harus ke Flores mbak! Sumpah, keren gak karuan!" Aiihh, saya jadi ngiler pengen jalan-jalan juga ke Indonesia Timur, apalagi setelah melihat foto-fotonya... Put, Put, lain kali kamu harus jadi guide saya ya kalo sedang keliling-keliling ke sana lagi... :)

Komodo Island | by leafbug

Fakta Menarik tentang Komodo
Ingat si Komo? Tokoh fiksi ciptaan Kak Seto yang sering bikin macet jalanan? Walaupun komodo digambarkan secara lucu dan bijaksana pada karakter tersebut, tak disangka-sangka kadal purba terbesar di dunia yang tampak tenang tersebut adalah hewan karnivora yang cukup mematikan. Dalam sekali makan, ia dapat menampung hingga 80% dari bobot tubuhnya.

Komodo dragon a.k.a "Ora" | by Eric Kilby

Ngomong-ngomong soal komodo, kalian pernah menonton film Hollywood berdana rendah berjudul nama hewan purba tersebut tidak? Saya pernah (dan menyesal). Di film itu digambarkan bahwa komodo adalah kadal yang lincah dan haus darah, padahal sebenarnya walaupun memang lincah, komodo adalah hewan yang terbilang cukup malas dan ia lebih sering memakan bangkai dibandingkan berburu hewan. Penyerangan terhadap manusia sangat jarang terjadi, walaupun sempat tercatat ada beberapa kasus yang menyebabkan korban manusia dalam kurun waktu 10 tahun terakhir, tapi tidak sampai sehitungan jari-jari di tangan saya.

Jadwal makan komodo hanya sekitar 12 kali dalam setahun karena metabolismenya yang lambat, jadi jadwal berburunya juga tidak sesering hewan karnivora lainnya, misal: singa. Dapat dikatakan bahwa apabila dalam satu ekosistem yang bisa menampung beberapa lusin singa, akan dapat menampung sekitar 4000 ekor komodo, yang 350 di antaranya adalah komodo betina. Oh ya, fakta menarik lainnya: komodo adalah hewan yang memiliki sifat partenogenesis, hewan yang dapat bertelur walaupun tidak ada pejantan.

Menurut penelitian National Geographic, sebenarnya gigitan komodo tidak sekuat gigitan buaya, bahkan dikatakan mirip dengan gigitan kucing rumah. Rahang komodo tidak didesain untuk menghancurkan tulang, apabila ia mencoba untuk menghancurkan tulang buruannya maka rahangnya sendirilah yang akan hancur. Namun sistem gigitannya itu yang mematikan, istilahnya "gigit dan tarik" bagaikan alat pembuka kaleng, tak diragukan lagi bahwa buruan yang tergigit biasanya mati karena kehabisan darah.

Selain itu, apabila buruan sang komodo ini berhasil melarikan diri setelah tergigit, ratusan bakteri yang berasal dari ludah komodo pun secara perlahan akan menginfeksi luka buruannya dalam waktu 24 jam. Yep, ludahnya saja bersifat mematikan. Tak heran, apabila ada pelancong yang ingin berwisata ke tempat para komodo, mereka harus didampingi oleh para jagawana yang telah berpengalaman.

Taman Nasional Komodo, Rumah Nyaman Para Kadal & Spesies Bawah Laut
Kita sebagai warga negara Indonesia boleh turut berbangga bahwa habitat asli hewan langka ini terdapat di negara kita, sehingga banyak wisatawan asing yang khusus datang ke Indonesia hanya untuk melihat komodo liar (yang disebut "ora" dalam bahasa lokal).

Apabila Anda telah membaca fakta-fakta menarik di atas dan tetap berani untuk berjumpa dengan para kadal raksasa tersebut, Anda dapat mengunjungi Taman Nasional Komodo di Nusa Tenggara Timur, tepatnya di antara Pulau Sumbawa (NTB) dan Pulau Flores (NTT).

Taman Nasional Komodo ini terdiri dari tiga pulau besar, yakni Pulau Komodo, Pulau Rinca, dan Pulau Padar, beserta puluhan pulau kecil di sekitarnya. Selain komodo, Taman Nasional Komodo juga memiliki kekayaan biota laut yang amat beraneka ragam dan luar biasa indah. Sebagai rumah dari sekitar 365 lebih spesies bawah laut (bervariasi dari koral, hutan bakau, ratusan ikan, lumba-lumba, paus, penyu, dan masih banyak spesies lainnya), maka salah satu aktivitas utama yang wajib dilakukan selama di sana adalah diving dan snorkeling.

Salah satu titik penyelaman yang paling terkenal adalah di sekitar Pulau Merah atau Pulau Pink, pulau ini dinamakan demikian karena memiliki pasir berwarna merah muda yang cantik sekali. Selain Pulau Merah, titik penyelaman favorit lainnya adalah Batu Bolong dan Pulau Tatawa.

Scuba diving at Komodo National Park | by Ilse Reijs and Jan-Noud Hutten

Keunikan Taman Nasional Komodo sebagai satu-satunya habitat liar komodo di dunia - sekaligus sebagai lokasi yang memiliki kekayaan biota laut yang menakjubkan, menjadikan destinasi ini sebagai salah satu dari 28 finalis untuk 7 Keajaiban Dunia Terbaru (New 7 Wonders). Wah saya jadi tambah ngiler mau ke sana...

Ah pokoknya suatu saat nanti saya harus ke sana!
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Komodo Islands

Komodo island is a nice travel place in indonesia.A small island of 280 square km, Komodo is located between Sumbawa and Flores islands. It is famous for its giant lizards, considered the last of their kind remaining in the world today, the Komodo dragon. Called "ora" by the local people, Komodo "Dragon" (Varanus 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 live on 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 had protected by the law and although they are considered harmless, it is advisable to keep them at a distance. Komodo Island is now a nature reserve, home to a number of rare bird species, deer, and wild pigs, which are prey to the lizards as well.

here you can't find comfort place to rest, there is no luxurary hotels, no indonesia hotelTo see the lizards in the daytime, 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 guesthouses in the fishing village. It 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.
so if you want to travel in indonesia it's a must you come to see komodo in komodo islands

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ALOR AND LEMBATA ISLAND

Alor and Lembata Islands are the least visited and are therefore the most unspoiled regions of East Nusa Tenggara (NTT). Trek to the rim of Pantar volcano, visit the traditional whaling village on Lembata or dive the straits of Alor at a dive destination rated by all to be amongst the best in the world.

Alor Island regency is the least visited and therefore the most unspoiled region of Nusa Tenggara Timur (NTT). Trek to the rim of a volcano on Pantar or dive the straits of Alor and Pantar in a dive destination rated by all to be amongst the best in the world. Ponder on the existence of the Moko drums, which are not found in large numbers anywhere else in Indonesia and can be traced back to the Dongson period in Vietnam around 350 BC and you start to realize that Alor is truly a land lost in time.

Alor diving is known as the best in the world With its smoldering Volcanoes reaching down into crystal clear waters fringed with pristine coral reefs, coconut fringed pure white sandy beaches and traditional villages built half way up mountains, the scenery is as spectacular above as it is below the waterline. Alor Island is so mountainous that it is almost impossible to pass from one side to the other and many of the villages on the island itself can only transport themselves via small wooden ferries. The eight distinct dialects and more than 50 sub-dialects spoken today, testifies to the diversity on Alor.

Alor traditional culture has been influenced over the ages by the Indian, Chinese and Javanese traders as well as by the Islamic and Christian religions. This can be seen in the silk thread woven into the original weavings and the mix of Mosques and Christian churches dotted throughout the Island. The traditional dances, Ikat weavings motifs and the varies architectural style greatly from area to area. With more than a dozen traditional villages within one hours drive from the capital Kalabahi - Alor is a cultural tourists heaven.

Lembata Island is known throughout the world as the home of traditional whaling but what is not known is that the people of this Island are especially rich in cultural tradition. The beautiful rich Ikat weavings are entirely made from homegrown cotton, spun and dyed by the weaver. These cloths are still important as they are exchanged during marriage for Ivory tusks between the two families. The scenery throughout the Island is breathtaking, from the ever-imposing "Ile Ape" volcano of the palm fringed bays to the colorful bustling local markets - beauty and excitement are everywhere.

Lamalera village located on the southern tip of Lembata Island is the home of a traditional whale hunting community. Here, Sperm Whales have been hunted for centuries using all hand made equipment; their spears, rope and boats are all made in the village. The boats are without motors and the harpooner must jump from the boat to implant his harpoon in to the whale to ensure success. All parts of the whale are either consumed or traded with other Islanders for corn or other food. While whale hunting is not generally condoned by modern societies, when consider the ancestral links, the primitive equipment used and the importance to the people of Lamalera it is understandable that this traditional hunting has been sanctioned by the United Nations.

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Rote Island

Rote Island is a part of Kupang Regency and is the southernmost island of Indonesia. It is located in the west coast of Kupang. This exotic island can be reached only in four hours. From Kupang by inter-island ferry to dive and tour this untouched beautifully rugged land. Spectacular walls and caverns mirror the hills, valleys, and escarpments underwater. The marine life is so varied and profuse that is hard to believe from Fire-fish to Mantas.

The architecture of Rote is unique, as is their exquisite ikat weaving. See the people is their traditional lifestyle, which has remained unchanged for centuries. Rote has many historical relies including fine antique Chinese porcelains, as well as ancient arts and traditions. Many prominent Indonesia nationalist leaders were born here. A popular music instrument Sasando, which is made of palm leaves. According to legend, this island got its name accidentally when a lost Portuguese sailor arrived and asked a farmer where he was. The surprised farmer, who could not speaking Portuguese, introduced himself, "Rote".
Rote just off the southern tip of Timor Island consists of rolling hills, terraced plantations, and acacia palm, savanna and some forests.
The rotinese depend, like the Savunese, on lontar palm for basic survival, but also as the supplement their income with fishing and jewelry making.

Before Indonesia's Independence, Rote, boasted the highest density of kingdom in the East Indies. Even today the island, the Rotenese and their kingdoms are divided, following ancient tradition, into two domains, one known as Sunrise and one as Sunset. A “male” Lord, a “female” Lord and several advisers, representing the clans within that domain, rules the domain. Each clan that possesses ceremonial rights performs it's own rituals during the annual HUS celebration, a traditional New Year festival. At the HUS, Rotenese men wearing their unique hats make offerings to the clan ancestors and the women dance accompanied by sasando, The Rotenese guitar.

Rote is particularly well know for its surfing, each year surfers flock to Namberala to ride the near perfect tubes formed by the shallow reefs and off-shore winds. Accommodation in Namberala includes a traditional beachfront bungalow resort and several home stays. The beach itself is one of the best examples of a palm fringed pure white sandy beach to be found anywhere. Diving in the area is also exceptional due to the large numbers of Manta and Dugong seen there. A boat trip to nearby Dana or Ndao Islands is also recommended.

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Flores Island

Flores, a long island located between Sumbawa and Timor, is strewn with volcanoes in a mountain chain dividing it into several regions with distinctive languages and traditions, scenic beauty, good beaches, and natural wonders. The name is Portuguese for "flower", as the Portuguese were the first Europeans to colonize East Nusa Tenggara.

Occupying a unique position at the junction of the Australian and Asian submarine ridges, between the two distinct fauna regions marked by the Wallace Line, here is one of the world's most dynamic marine environments with nearly every species of coral and tropical fish represented. Predominantly Catholic, there are several examples of its Portuguese cultural heritage like the Easter Procession held in Larantuka, and the royal regalia of the former king in Maumere.

Flores Island, 6,627 sq mi (17,164 sq km), of Indonesia, is one of the Lesser Sunda Islands. Flores is heavily wooded, rugged, and mountainous, rising to 7,872 ft (2,399 m). The inhabitants are predominantly Christian, mainly Roman Catholic; those in the west are chiefly Malayans, and those in the east are Papuans. Corn and coconuts are grown. Ende (1990 pop. 48,966) is the chief town and port.

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