Sunday, 3 November 2013

Bali Island

       Bali is an Indonesian island located in the westernmost end of the Lesser Sunda Islands, lying between Java to the west and Lombok to the east.
       Bali is Indonesia's favorite tourist destination, known for its natural attractions, perfect climate and relaxed atmosphere. This island of flowers, temples and friendly people is Considered a real gem by travelers worldwide.
       In addition to spas and archaeological attractions, surfing and scuba diving in Bali remain a principle interest for water sports enthusiasts around the world.

 wonderful beach of world
Source of picture: http://tariqmcom.com/bali-indonesia-wonderful-beach-of-world/

      Bali Island is a small beautiful island and a part of Indonesia archipelago. It own the panorama and unique culture that make this island is exclusively than others. It is located in the tropical situation that has stated this island as Dream Island for a vacation. Bali Island has many kinds of places to visit like rice paddies, beautiful panorama, volcanoes soaring up through the clouds, tourism activities and attractions, dense tropical jungle, long sandy beaches, warm blue water, crashing surf and friendly people who do not just have a culture but actually live here, daily community ritual and a lot of the things the make your holiday unforgettable. In Bali, the spirits is coming out to play in the moonlight, every night is a festival and even a funeral is an opportunity to have a good time and the day you will get the enjoy of the sea breeze from the blue sea water roomates completing your dream holiday. Bali is an Island of God in Paradise that is perfect destination for your holiday, enjoy the paradise with your family and collages and meet Bali will offer something for everyone. This tropical paradise has a unique blend of modern tourist facilities combined with wonderful shopping and a rich past and heritage. The Balinese people are proud of having preserved their unique Hindu culture against the advance of Islam, the dominant religion throughout Indonesia. This is still reflected in day- to- day life and can be seen in the numerous Ceremonies, Balinese festivals and magnificent temples and palaces. Some of the best surfing beaches in the world can be found on the western side of the island whilst conversely the eastern side is a wonderful haven for families, with beautiful white sand beaches and gentle seas.
       Here are some options of tourist interest in Bali and many visited by tourists from abroad and locally:

1. Kuta Beach 
      Watching the sunset at Kuta beach is the thing that will not be forgotten, therefore Kuta beach is often referred to as sunset beach, because it will display the incredible charm when the afternoon and evening, bali kuta beach is known to foreign countries, the beauty of the outside used to be a pull factor for foreign tourists visiting Bali. Kuta beach is located in Badung regency, south of Denpasar precisely. The beauty of Kuta beach has been around since the 70s, now if you trellises to it, it will be filled by internasioanal class hotels and restaurants. Clup bar and plush lined along the beach, just a fun gathering for foreign travelers. Enjoy the fresh coastal air with good waves, you can also learn surfing, playing ball, flying kites, sunbathing on white sand soothing eye, and conduct other activities, there are massage services, pigtails, tattoo, kite sellers and many more. 
      Kuta beach has hot weather, suitable for foreign tourists who want to bask on the shoreline, so for those of you who want to go to Bali especially Kuta beach should prepare cream so the skin does not become dark. 
      Special from Kuta beach is a turtle habitat there, a lot of people who do not know this, formerly Kuta beach is a turtle living animals, but because it is now on the verge of extinction, so that there is at kuta eds maintenance, this animal is protected by Government Regulation No. 7 1999 on the Preservation of Fauna and Flora, one of which protects all species of sea turtles. Also protected by international laws through the World Conservation Union ( IUCN ). * If you are lucky you can see the activity of the babies turtle release.

 Beautiful Kuta Beach-1293

Kuta Beach 

Pemandangan Pantai Kuta Bali

2. Dreamland Beach
      Dreamland Beach is a beautiful beach with white sand stretch of 100 meters and leaned on a steep cliff overlooking of white stone to the amazing view of the Indian Ocean. This beautiful beach surrounded by high cliffs and there is a fairly large rock around the coast. Dreamland beach is quite secluded location, located within the complex Pecatu Graha Bali (Kuta Golf Links Resort) which can be taken approximately 30 minutes from Kuta beach. This beach is very attractive for tourist Including the surfers offering the elegance, tranquility and spectacular sunset views that create the romantic nuance that make it as one of the many visited by tourist place every day. Dreamland Beach is located in a strategic area of Pecatu Graha, the huge area of luxurious residences, hotels, villas, world - class golf course (New Kuta Golf), water fun and more games that finally make this beach is increasingly popular. The advantages of this beach are big and powerful waves that make it as one of the most demanded surfing points in Bali Island by the experience until professional surfers. You will be very easy to locate the public facilities at this surfing point like restaurant and accommodations. This beach is also suitable for family holidays where you can do relax at the beach while enjoying the warm tropical atmosphere. 
pantai dreamland bali 

Dreamland Beach, Bali, Unggasan, Surf, Points 

3. Sanur Beach
      Sanur Beach, Bali's earliest beach resort, features a relaxed coastal ambiance. Located on the eastern side of the island's isthmus, it is the opposite of Kuta, both in characteristics and nuance. The former fishing village maintains most of its charm and continues to Attract repeat visitors, mostly from Europe. 
      Among Bali's first hotels and beachfront retreats, together with an eclectic mix of restaurants, shops and bars and an assortment of innovative and modern entertainment venues share the Sanur Beach coastline. Known for its laidback atmosphere, Sanur Beach maintains its wealth in arts and culture, making it an ideal destination to enjoy the best of both eras, classic and contemporary.

pantai sanur 

4. Legian Beach
      Legian Beach is located on the north coast of Kuta, has beautiful white sand. The beach is also always crowded with tourists, both domestic and foreign tourists. Legian beach is a very favorite beach to watch the sunset or the beauty of the sunset. The afternoon is nice to watch the sunset, the morning is no less crowded with visitors for a jog along the beach.

http://dibali.web.id/blog/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/Pantai-Legian.jpg 
http://dibali.web.id/blog/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/Pantai-Legian1.jpg

5. Tanah Lot
      Tanah Lot, one of the most popular places of interest in Bali, is located on the coast of West Bali, at the village of Beraban in the Tabanan Regency. It is also called Tanah Let roomates means ancient land and also Tanah Lod, roomates means the land to the south. 
      The temple Pura Tanah Lot, simple in its construction, is dramatic in its ocean-front location and is one of the main temples in the worship of Balinese gods. Tanah Lot has a long history in the world of tourism. The temple itself is built on a small promontory roomates is only accessible at low tide. During high water the rock takes on the appearance of a large boat at sea, such is its shape. Poisonous snakes live in the nearby caves to 'guard' the temple and Contribute to the temple's dangerous reputation. 
      Sunset is the best time to visit Tanah lot, when the golden red skies frame the temple and waves crash into the rocks. It is advisable to avoid the tourist crush here as it can be severe.

https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1LBTLXWLa6U5ar4-JQleBYroDzbCxSqseTVbJpkVrcK4cT2K0QCxsCBpWu-qvyCtX1rKXLd7FgmInYKU6S-I7JEpqZF_JnON21Ov6g6N0nfnOA0Cd7OhV_HQKCS3I-pmnsSijmbmEY1E/s1600/Tanah+Lot.jpg

https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEz2CBQBJ24QTlpwNsXobpfiUgPfyiUKXioZsSHcaGeKrTUFc-IoDZE5OVr2IECz1PbKLVwai9DAA6KzPgSTFFNz15sie567r5Zdi-0a6JOtazfjIuB6pCmXq49yowar4AIMBPiIksV7g/s1600/Tanah-Lot_tourism_7.jpg
6. Seminyak Beach 
     Seminyak beach is also known as Dhyanapura Beach, is known to have a very soft sand and gentle. Seminyak village located area of ​​Kuta Badung district. The tourists do not have to worry about lodging, in the coastal area there are many restorant, hotel or villa. This beach is also adjacent to the double six beach. 
      Seminyak beach is a very beautiful beach with white sand and wave size. This beach is always crowded with tourists both local and foreign. Atmosphere of the beach is not crowded like Kuta beach so convenient for your holiday. Mileage required to get here about 17 minutes with a distance of approximately 10 km from the city of Denpasar when using a motor vehicle. 

7. Lovina Beach
      Lovina Beach Bali is located in the north, which is 10 km to the west of Singaraja City. In the Village Kalibukbuk, Buleleng regency, Bali. so this place is better known as a tourist attraction Kalibukbuk. At Lovina beach is famous for its performances of wild dolphins in the sea and there are hundreds of dolphins. To be able to see it, travelers must go to sea before sunrise. Usually these dolphins will be popping up between the hours of 6 to 8 o'clock.

Pantai Lovina 

http://indonesiaexplorer.net/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/pantai-lovina.jpg 

 Lumba lumba lovina 




Lovina Name History
      Lovina was named by the late Anak Agung Panji Tisna. It is said that the name of Lovina is taken from the name of a small hotel in India called "Lafeina" where he stayed and wrote a book with the title of Ni Ketut Widhi. There is also another version of this Lovina name, which is taken from the two trees "Santen" planted by his son who then grow up hugging each other. So Lovina comes from the Latin word meaning love or love each other.

      Then by the Regent of Buleleng, Drs. I Ketut Ginantra during his tenure from 1988 to 1993, Lovina interpreted as an abbreviation of "Love" and "Ina" is "Love Indonesia".

8. Tampak Siring
      Tirtha Empul Temple is a Hindu Temple located in a valley between two hills with big springs and sacred by the local residents as a place to melt all the bad Influences in the body and purifies the soul and mind. Tirtha Empul Temple or better known as Tampak Siring Temple or Holy Water Temple is a place to purify our self from the bad Influences in life where we can discover the traditional showers sourced from the springs at this temple. The water that comes out from the shower is believed to eliminate all kind of diseases including adverse effects in the human life and give the new holy spirits. This place is very famous in Bali and many visited by local people and tourists every day since it has been appointed as one of the tourist destinations in Bali.

      Tampak Siring Temple is located in Siring Village, Gianyar Regency, about 39 km to the east of Denpasar City. It is Strategically situated beside of the main street to Kintamani, one of the famous tourist destinations in the island of god. It is set in the valley surrounded by the hill where the west hill was set a president palace of Indonesian Republic.

9. Bedugul
     Bedugul is one of the places / attractions of Bali that offers the natural beauty of mountains and lakes. A high place to make this area are always shrouded in mist and cold water. Bedugul area is part of the Tabanan district and is approximately 70 km or 2.5 hours from the International Airport (Airport), Ngurah Rai. There are some places / attractions roomates is a shame to miss.






       Beratan Lake is one of the attractions in Bedugul unfortunately if you miss. The cool weather during the day makes you feel comfortable to enjoy the scenery around the lake Beratan. To enjoy the scenery around the lake, you can rent boats and canoes boot. It is suitable for you and your family or with your partner to enjoy the natural beauty around the lake Beratan.
 
10. GWK (Garuda Wisnu Kencana)
      Garuda Wisnu Kencana Cultural Park, abbreviated GWK, is a tourist park in the southern part of the island of Bali. This park is located in Tanjung Nusa Dua, Badung regency, about 40 kilometers south of Denpasar, the provincial capital of Bali. In this culture of garden area, set a landmark or mascot of Bali, which is a giant statue of Lord Vishnu who is riding his mount, Garuda, as high as 12 meters.
 
       The statue of Lord Vishnu in the form of Hindu religion is God the Preserver (Sthiti), riding a Garuda bird. Garuda figure can be seen in the story of Garuda & empire that revolves around the sense of devotion and sacrifice to save the mother bird Garuda of slavery that ultimately protected by Lord Vishnu.

11. Kintamani 
      Kintamani is very popular among local and foreign tourists. This tourist spot offers views of hills with fresh air and temperatures ranging from 18 degrees Celsius, resembling Bedugul tourist. Main magnetic attraction this is a view of Mount Batur and Lake Batur is very beautiful. Kintamani is located in Kintamani District, Bangli regency
    

     Tourist potential of this region is the view of the volcano is very unique and amazing. After approximately 2 hours drive from Denpasar, we will arrive at the Penelokan. From Penelokan we could see spectacular scenery. combination of rocky Mount Batur with a stretch of Lake Batur in black with a blue crescent-shaped in a caldera, most tourist said this caldera as the world’s most beautiful caldera. 

12. Tample Uluwatu
    Uluwatu Tample (Pura Uluwatu) is located in Pecatu Village, Kuta Distric and about 30 km from Denpasar City, perched at the south western tip of Bukit Peninsula, where sheer cliffs drop precipitously into the clear blue sea, the temple hangs right over the edge. Uluwatu Temple (Pura Uluwatu) is built perched over the sea, this temple is one bali’s most famous sight. Uluwatu is one of Bali’s six major Sad Khayangan (teritorial temple), it was established in the 11th century by the Holy Priest Empu Kuturan and the Uluwatu has added by Dhanghyang Nirartha or famous with ” Pedanda Sakti Wawu rawuh “. Danghyang Nirartha retreated to Uluwatu for his final days, when he attained Moksa, freedom from earthly desires. Enter the temple it through anusual arched gateway flanked by statue God Ganesh. Inside, dual elephant head Ganesh figure and a Kala (evil) Head guard the second entrance archway. an open pavilion sits in the last inner courtyard, and the three tiered temple stand watch over the every edge of the cliff.


      The most curious Luhur Uluwatu temple is that monkeys that live there are quite violent. At the entrance there are signs that warn you to be careful with all personal and, above all, his glasses, Because of that temple macaques have a habit of taking it away to anyone who comes clueless. In fact, a woman took off her shoe and it cost him his back.

13. Art Centre Bali
      Art Center ( Taman Budaya ) or Werdhi Cultural Park is located at Jalan Nusa Indah Denpasar is one of the largest and most complex of cultural performances from local knowledge of the whole Dewata Island, where each year Kesenia Bali Party held at this place.

Art Centre (Taman Budaya) sebuah tempat untuk merangkum, pelestarian dan pementasan berbagai seni di Bali. Setiap tahunnya saat liburan sekolah tiba di gelar pameran dan Pesta Kesenian Bali atau PKB. Walaupun beberapa orang mengatakan monoton itu-itu saja, tapi event PKB ini sangat diminati, terbukti selalu ramai setiap malamnya. 

      In the middle between the months of June-July each year, was held at the Art Center Bali arts festival (PKB) which is usually opened Indonesian president featuring cultural performances and art from artists all over Bali representatives, so fitting the school holidays, it was flooded with visitors annually, either by local residents, and tourists, parking areas for vehicles such as buses, cars and motorcycles are also widespread, so do not worry. Various art performances you can enjoy every night during the event CLA, ranging from puppet art, ballet, dance, new creations, Bondres, Joged, geguntangan. So that it became a powerful location to maintain a variety of cultural, arts and other local knowledge.
 

14. Taman Ayun Temple

 
Source of picture: http://blog.mangotours.com/2012/11/asian-attractions-bali-indonesia.html

      This famous Bali landmark strategically located beside a major roadway is a royal temple of Mengwi Empire. It composes a spectacular temple with multistoried roof of Balinese architecture.


Sources:
http://tariqmcom.com/bali-indonesia-wonderful-beach-of-world/
http://www.pantai.org/bali/pesona-wisata-pantai-kuta-bali
http://www.mint.web.id/2013/05/tempat-wisata-di-bali.html
http://www.balisurfadvisor.com/points/dreamlandbeach.html
http://www.worldatlas.com/webimage/countrys/asia/bali.htm
http://www.balistarisland.com/Bali-Information/About-Bali.htm
http://www.mint.web.id/2013/05/tempat-wisata-di-bali.html
http://www.bali-indonesia.com/sanur/
http://blog.dibali.web.id/pantai-legian.html
http://id.indo.com/geo/tanahlot.html
http://indonesiaexplorer.net/pantai-lovina.html
http://www.balisurfadvisor.com/placesinterest/tampaksiring.html
http://www.bali9blesstour.com/bedugul1.php 
http://galeriwisata.wordpress.com/wisata-bali/garuda-wisnu-kencana/  
http://www.dnabalitour.com/bali-tour-destination/kintamani/ 
http://witaprograms.blogspot.com/2010/11/uluwatu-tample-pura-uluwatu.html 
http://www.hormoz-hotel.com/599/tanah-lot-and-pura-luhur-uluwatu-in-bali.html 
http://www.balitoursclub.com/berita_86_Art_Centre_-_Taman_Budaya.html
http://blog.mangotours.com/2012/11/asian-attractions-bali-indonesia.html
 

Friday, 1 November 2013

Komodo Island

        Komodo is one of the 17,508 islands that compose the Republic of Indonesia. The island is particularly notable as the habitat of the Komodo dragon, the largest lizard on Earth, which is named for the island. Komodo Island has a surface area of 390 square kilometres and a human population of over two thousand. Komodo Island is one of the seven wonders of the world.
     Komodo Island is located in the Nusa Tenggara islands. Nasonal park Komodo Island is located between the two islands of Sumbawa and Flores islands between the border of East Nusa Tenggara ( NTT ) and West Nusa Tenggara ( NTB ). The park consists of 3 major islands or island is a little big of Komodo Island, the island Rica, and Padar islands and several small islands with a land area of ​​603 km2.
        In 1910 the Dutch named the island the nickname of Komodo Island . This story begins with Lieutenant Steyn van Hens Broek who tries to prove statements about the presence of Dutch troops large animal resembling a dragon on the island. Steyn then kill the dragon and bring documentation to the Museum and Botanical Garden in Bogor to be investigated.
       The island is known as a habitat for native Komodo dragon. On this island, komodo animals breed well. Until August 2009, on the island in 1300, there are dragons tail. Komodo dragons in the wild habitat has shrunk and hence IUCN include dragons as a species vulnerable to extinction. This large lizard is now protected under Indonesian law and a national park was established to protect them.
       The island is known as a habitat for native Komodo dragon. On this island, komodo animals breed well. As of August 2009, there were 1300 individuals dragons on this island. Komodo dragons in the wild habitat has shrunk and hence IUCN include dragons as a species vulnerable to extinction. This large lizard is now protected under Indonesian law and a national park was established to protect them.
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjW_qHryuqzlGeU4Et1CGcPe9xWI3fqNRP3KONVYBe4j1BReJ9WVDJVlBGAJt0G18Oi8jjIpnzlsX3FE51-ItxD62j4xafJJhfhyphenhyphenbSlC5cCvUFtGNhW1QOeHdtpwUzRcU3MX6McG2NKL1s/s1600/111525581seven-wonders-finalists-komodo-island-indonesia1.jpg
  
        The main attraction of Komodo National Park which is the ancient giant reptiles Komodo dragons (Varanus komodoensis), but the authenticity and uniqueness of nature, especially the savanna and panoramic underwater panorama, is the attraction of potential supporters. Marine tourism such as fishing, snorkeling, diving, canoeing, boating. While on land, natural tourism potential that can be done is a wildlife observation, hiking, and camping. Visit the Komodo National Park and enjoy the natural scenery is very charming an experience that will never be forgotten. 

Some interesting places to visit:

1. Loh Liang in Komodo Island  

Dock of Loh Liang
Arrival hall of Loh Liang
Guest house of Loh Liang
         Loh Liang is the entrance and the main tourist areas on the island of Komodo. Activities to do in Loh Liang are the observation of the Komodo dragon, deer, wild boar, bird watching, climbing (Loh Liang - Mount Ara), exploration (Liang Loh - Loh Sebita), Photo hunting, video shooting, diving and snorkeling in the Red Beach (Pink beach).

Red Beach (Pink beach)
 
Hydnophora in the waters of the Red Beach
Montastrea in the waters of the Red Beach
Giant clam in the waters of the Red Beach
          Red Beach is a shallow beach, which is beautiful with captivating coral reefs. Usual activities undertaken by tourists who visit are snorkeling, diving and sun bathing.
       Loh Sebita is mangrove areas and activities that are interesting enough to do bird watching and trekking.
Butterfly in Loh Sebita


Dendrobium orchids in Sebita Loh
Source of picture: http://komodo-park.com/detail.php?id=13

 
Vanda limbata orchids in Loh Sebita

      In Loh Liang is there are facilities available for visitors to the cottage, information center, cafeteria, docks, shelters and walkways.

2. Loh Buaya in Komodo Island   
        Loh Buaya is the center of tourist arrivals in the island of Rinca. Visitors can see the mangrove forest, savanna, and wildlife such as dragons, Timor deer, wild buffalo, long-tailed monkeys, wild horses and a variety of birds. 
        Activities offered to visitors at Loh Buaya include wildlife observation, exploration (Loh Buaya - Wae Waso, Loh Buaya - Golo Code), photo hunting, shooting video, observation bats in Kalong Island (the Kampung Rinca) and observation beams in stone Rinca village.
         Facilities available at Loh Buaya, among others, cottage, cafeteria, shelters and walkways.

 
Gate of Loh Buaya
Source of picture: http://komodo-park.com/detail.php?id=13

Front office in Loh Buaya

Savanna in Loh Buaya
         In Kalong Island, the activities that can we do such as observation of bats colony in large numbers. The most interesting observation was made during late afternoon when the bats started out in search of food.
      From the top of the hill known as Golo Kode, visitors can see the panorama and landscape representation is quite fantastic because various types of ecosystems can be seen from this place.

Panorama of Golo Kode
3. Padar Island 
       In Loh Liang is there are facilities available for visitors to the cottage, information center, cafeteria, docks, shelters and walkways. Padar is a small island located between the islands of Komodo and Rinca. Padar has a very beautiful beach and an excellent place for diving and snorkeling.
Red Padar Beach

Padar East Beach

The view from the South Padar
Source of picture: http://komodo-park.com/detail.php?id=13

        Komodo is no longer a remote island accessible only by wealthy tourists on private boats. Today there are over 20,000 visitors a year that visit the park. The majority of visitors still arrive by cruise ship, despite the fact the most popular, Spice Island Cruises, Ceased operations in 1999.
        The gateway to Komodo is arguably the island of Bali. While most visitors to Komodo National Park enter through the gateway cities of Bima in eastern Sumbawa, or Labuanbajo in the west of Flores, the departure point is actually Bali. Both Bima and Labuanbajo are Regularly serviced by scheduled flights of that depart daily at 9:30 am from Denpasar to Bima, with connecting flights to Labuanbajo on Monday and Saturday. The gateway cities of the are also connected to Bali by overland buses and inter - island ferries. There are local coastal ships that travel between Lombok and Labuanbajo. These boats cater to tourists and take passengers on a four day trip that includes a day and night in Komodo National Park (cost $ 50 per person).
        After arriving in Sumbawa, a ferry service from the port of Sape in the east of the island to Labuanbajo picks up and drops off passengers in Komodo in the July - August peak tourist season. Otherwise local tour operators organize shared boat charters from either Bima or Labuanbajo to Loh Liang and the smaller islands in Komodo National Park. Grand Komodo Tours operates a four day / three night package from Bima to Komodo return for US$ 190, with two nights in a hotel , and one on a live aboard boat .
Airfares: Denpasar to Bima U.S. $ 60 o/w
              Denpasar to Labuanbajo $ 80 o/w
Park Facilities
     The Komodo National Park administrative offices are located in Labuanbajo in west Flores. An information center and travel agents where transportation to and from the Park can be arranged are also found in Labuanbajo. The majority of tourists to the Park pass through the Loh Liang ranger station nestled in the sweeping arc of Slawi Bay on Komodo island. This is the largest facility in Komodo National Park with bungalows and rooms, a restaurant and a dormatory for the park rangers. The most popular tourist activity is a hike to the Banugulung viewing area, a two-hour roundtrip level walk that originates from Loh Liang. Hikes to other areas of Komodo are also possible, and vary from one to two days: Gunung Ara, Poreng, Loh Sebita, Gunung Sata libo, Soro Masangga. On longer walks overnight accommodation can be arranged at ranger posts at Loh Sebita and Loh Genggo. For certified divers there is a compressor and diving equipment available for hire at Loh Liang as well as masks and fins for snorkellers. Handicrafts made in the nearby village of Komodo are for sale at the arrival jetty.
        The entrance ticket to Komodo National Park costs Rp 25,000 and is valid for three days. It is easily renewable, so a prolonged stay in the park is possible. There are two ranger stations which provide spartan accommodation for tourists: Loh Liang on Komodo and Loh Buaya on Rinca. The charges are minimal and start at Rp 30,000 per room. Be advised that everything is basic, including beds, communal toilets and food availability. Fortunately most travellers are not deterred by the limited facilities, accepting this as a part of the Komodo experience. Advance booking for accommodation are not accepted.
The hiking on Rinca is less strenuous than that on Komodo, and has the added attraction of viewing the wild horses and monkeys which are not found on Komodo. On Rinca wild buffalo are more common and easily seen as well. On the north side of the island, behind Rinca village, is a large cave with a resident bat colony. Rangers at both Loh Liang and Loh Buaya are readily available to lead walks, and are knowledgeable about the local fauna and birdlife.
Diving in Komodo
         Scuba divers have a number of operators to chose from and range from the live-aboard luxury of Dive Komodo's MS Evening Star to the more spartan accommodation found on the boats operated by Grand Komodo Tours.
Liveaboards
Dive Komodo: Operates two charter vessels: 30m long MS Evening Star with six cabins and a large dormatory aft. Shared facilities; 23m long Dewata Ayu, a luxury catamaran with four double berth cabins. One toilet. Both vessels have Bauer compressors and twin aluminum tenders.
Divemaster: Mark Heighes.
Cost US$180 per person for Evening Star, $120 per person for Noorigoo
Grand Komodo: Operates three vessels: the 20m coastal steamer Komodo Plus with five cabins and shared facilities; the Tarata, a larger 30m converted steamer with A/C six cabins and attached baths; and the Baka Temu, a large eight cabin phinisi boat with all the mod-cons. All boats have Bauer compressors with aluminum dinghy.
Regularly scheduled departures start from $780 per person for seven days, with all diving and food included.
CNDive. Operates one converted steamer with sleeping space on deck. Three day dive safaris.
         There are 42 dive sites in Komodo National Park which is frequented by foreign tourists for diving and snorkeling, namely: