Komodo National Park

© Andy Drumm/The Nature Conservancy
Komodo Dragon

Partner
Indonesian National Park Authority (PKA)

Location
Indonesia

Site Description
Komodo National Park encompasses 603 square kilometers of land and 1,214 square kilometers of marine waters. It contains three large islands (Komodo, Rinca, and Padar) and many smaller islands. Established as a national park in 1980, Komodo was declared a Man and Biosphere Reserve and a World Heritage Site in 1986. Its unique biodiversity and its scenic beauty make KNP one of themost visited nature reserves in Indonesia despite its remoteness and rustic facilities. 

The number and variety of islands coupled with a range of physical conditions result in a rich mix of coastal and marine habitats.  Mangrove forests, seagrass beds, and coral reefs are among the most important habitats at the Park. An estimated 900-1,000 fish species make the area one of the world’s richest fish habitats. And a total of 253 reef-building corals from 70 genera reside within the Park and nearby Banta Island. The Park also supports a particularly high abundance of organ pipe coral that make up some of the distinctly pink coral sand beaches. Dolphins, hawksbill turtles and green turtles frequent the park. Occasionally whales are spotted during their regular migration.

Ecotourism at Komodo National Park
In partnership with The Nature Conservancy, the Indonesian National Park Authority is developing and implementing a marine resource and management plan for the Komodo National Park.  Through this partnership, the Conservancy is helping the Indonesian National Park Authority to develop economic alternatives to reduce rampant destructive fishing practices.  These alternatives include ecotourism, pelagic (open water) fisheries, and environmentally sound mariculture practices.  Mooring buoys have also been installed to avoid further deterioration of coral reefs cuased by anchors of dive boats.  Dive boats can now enjoy the underwater wonders of Komodo without damaging fragile coral reefs. These activities toghether with monitoring of fishing and other activities through data collection and database management, constituency and capacity building, and stengthening of law enforcement are helping preserve Komodo’s marine treasures.

Komodo National Park’s tourism facilities at Loh Liang and Loh Buaya provide rustic accommodations that serve as an excellent base for exploration of this World Heritage Site.  Exploration of the National Park may be led by English speaking park rangers.

Loh Liang
Loh Liang located in the central area of the Park features rustic accommodations that include 4 tourist cottages with 4 rooms each (no electricity or hot water), shared bathrooms, cafeteria, souvenir shop and visitor center.

Loh Buaya
Loh Buaya located in the eastern area of the Park features 1 tourist cottage with 4 rooms (no electricity or hot water), shared bathroom, restaurant and ticketing office.

Principle Ecotourism Attractions

  • Komodo Dragons (giant monitor lizards)
  • Spectacular Diving and Snorkeling
  • Catch and Release Fishing
  • Hiking
  • Whale Watching

Accessibility
Two hour flight to Labuan Bajo from Bali or a day and a half by cruise boat.

View our map of ecotourism sites in the Asia-Pacific