Visiting Komodo Island, These 5 Spots Must Be Visited

Illustration of destinations on Komodo Island in the Komodo National Park area (Unsplash/Fajruddin Mudzakkir)

YOGYAKARTA – Komodo Island is the westernmost island of East Nusa Tenggara Province and is directly adjacent to West Nusa Tenggara Province. The beauty of its natural landscapes is known all over the world. Recently, it was reported that there was a plan to increase tourism rates to Komodo Island by Rp. 3.75 million. It was announced this morning, Wednesday, August 10, by the Minister of Tourism and Creative Economy, Sandiaga Uno, that the rate increase would be postponed until 2023. The postponement was carried out to accommodate public aspirations.

From August to December 2022, the entrance fee to Komodo Island as the Komodo National Park area still refers to Government Regulation No. 12 of 2014 concerning Types and Tariffs for Non-Tax State Revenues applicable to the Ministry of Forestry, which is Rp. 150 thousand.

Visiting Komodo Island, of course, requires careful planning. Including keeping a list of spots to be visited. If you want to enjoy a close time with exotic natural landscapes, here are some beautiful spots on Komodo Island that you shouldn't miss.

1. Padar Island

Padar Island is the third island besides Komodo Island and Rinca Island which is administratively included in the Komodo District. Padar Island and Komodo Island are separated by the Leech Strait. Well, Padar Island is not inhabited by ora or komodo. Interestingly, you need to sweat a little to explore this not-so-wide plain. Small hills with low vegetation look beautiful on the highest plains.

Illustration of destinations on Komodo Island in the Komodo National Park area (Unsplash/Alex Block)

2. Giri Profit

Giri Laba or Giri Lawa is a small plain bordered by beautiful beaches. The blue sea looks wide with small dots marking the islands. For those of you who like tracking, prepare your energy and wear comfortable footwear to enjoy the beautiful plains from a height.

3. Rinca Island

The vegetation on Rinca Island is similar to that on Padar Island. But it is different from Komodo Island, which is mostly overgrown with tall trees. On Rinca Island, there are more savanna, for which the area was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1991.

Uniquely on this island, even though it is the habitat of the Komodo dragon, it is also inhabited by local residents who are located in two villages, namely Kampung Rinca and Kampung Karora. From Labuan Bajo to Rinca Island it takes 2 hours by boat or boat.

4. Stone Bolong

Still included in the Komodo Island National Park area, the Batu Bolong diving spot is a must-visit destination. Batu Bolong is the name of a small rock island located between the straits of Tatawa Island and Komodo. At this location, a beautiful underwater garden can be enjoyed.

Illustration of destinations on Komodo Island in the Komodo National Park area (Unsplash/Warner)

5. Pink Beach

Natural phenomena are truly mesmerizing, one of which is Pink Beach which is located on Komodo Island. This beach is one of the seven most beautiful beaches in the world. This pink sand beach is located in Komodo District, Manggarai Regency, NTT.

That's a spot that should not be missed if you visit Komodo Island in the Komodo National Park.

Regarding the entrance fee for tourists, which is a debate, Muhammad Syafaat – Founder & CEO of Ayo Jalan Jalan (Tourism Consultant) said that the Komodo – Labuan Bajo issue should have a third party take a role in mediating between the parties involved so that a solution can be found immediately. agreed by all parties. In this case, one of them who might take the role is GIPI (Indonesian Tourism Industry Association) as a protector for the tourism industry players to take this role.

In addition to the solutions offered above, Labuan Bajo is an exotic tour. Which one must immediately find a solution according to the narrative of Hiro Kristianto, Chairman of Anugerah Pesona Indonesia. He said, “We once held the Peak Night of the Pesona Anugerah Pesona Indonesia in Labuan Bajo. And in our opinion, Labuan Bajo tourism, in this case including Komodo and its surroundings, is indeed worthy of being a premium class tourism.”

He added, “Besides that, the problem of Komodo – Labuan Bajo must be immediately found a solution. Because if this problem is resolved, the NTT Provincial Government can shift its focus to developing other tourism destinations in the NTT region that are no less exotic, such as Kelabba Madja in Sabu Raijua, Fulan Fehan in Belu and Fatumnasi in South Central Timor.”