Step into the Paradise and explore its best for your unforgettable memory of life

You are invited to a new atmosphere, stepping onto the largest archipelago that bridging the continents of Asia and Australia. It is Indonesia – a diverse country of more than 17,508 islands and islets spread across a vast blue tropical ocean, inhabited by people with different ethnics, clans, tribe, culture, social style and religious background. The islands and the oceans surroundings are the richest treasure of exoticism, beauty and uniqueness which made up an unparalleled paradise in the world.

Atmasanta Travel & Tours – PT. Bhuwana Atmasanta Travel enthusiastically invites you to feel the atmosphere of this paradise; and proudly organizing land tours and oceanic cruises even sky tours for you to explore the exoticism and beauty of the archipelago. The target is on your hand to choose, we will be on your way to set you to become the member of those who have satisfied in experiencing the unforgettable moment exploring the exotic world.

Welcome to the Archipelago

BALI; THE ISLAND OF GODS

A friendly and remarkably artistic community; living amid breathtaking panoramas, have created a dynamic society with unique art and ceremony making Bali an island almost unreal in today hectic and changing world. Terraced rice fields dominated the landscape, with rivers and small irrigation streams a luscious green landscape filling the air with the enchanting sounds of running water.

Bali is divided by a string of impressive and authoritative volcanoes ruining almost through the center of the island. Mountains and particularly volcanoes are believed to be the home of the gods. Shrouded in mystery and magic, they stretch skywards in majestic splendor. Bali’s main volcano is the still active and sometimes explosive Gunung Agung which is considered sacred among local people as it is believed to be the center of the universe.

On its unique of natural beauties and socio cultural the island has been well developed for tourism where all facilities of accommodation, entertainment and other infra structures match to every tourism needs. Those make Bali be the most favorable place for holiday and leisure.- 4 days 3 night Package include transfer Airport – Hotel – Airport + daily Breakfast from USD 60.00 per person Twin sharing basis

BROMO CRATER & PENANJAKAN FOCUS VIEW OF AMAZING SUN RISE

Atmosfer Adventure Team invites you to have an unimaginable experience!

An overland trip from Bali to East Java; driving through Northern coast of the Island, catch the unforgettable experience and unique feature along the way through tobacco and sugar cane plantations, drive upwards and reaching the highest point of the island on Bromo – an active volcano where the rest of minority Javanese Hindus alive. A real adventure! Get on a 4wheel jeep early in the morning, driving through the mountain range to the highest top of the mountains. Feel your-self just like being ascended up to heaven from where you are viewing the earth on its real. It is Penanjakan, from where we are able to witness the amazing sunrise and the stunning view of the wide sandy ground, grand canyons and craters, group of mounts like Bromo, Batok, Widodaren, Kursi and also Semeru another Volcano on its background. Then, drive down to the ground, riding horse to cross desert over to the main Bromo to see the smoky crater of Bromo from the nearest point reached after having stepped up hundreds stairs. Wonderful Bromo, an unparalleled experience! – Price from USD 390/person 2Days 1Night + Return Transfer Deluxe Air conditioned car, Accommodation + Lunch and Dinner + English Speaking Guide

KOMODO – RINCA LIVE ABOARD

Ever dreamt of living in a Jurassic Park among the prehistoric vivid dragons? Atmosfer Team leads you right to the home of the Giant Prehistoric Komodo Dragon

Atmosfer Indonesia Tours invites you to track back to the almost unreal world on today’s hectic and changing world. Have a moderate height flight from Bali that appealing barren and stark group of islands just like dots of pearls in the tropical blue ocean. Touching down to the secured Flores island and start a discovery journey; have a serene floating night on boat and cruising to the world’s only preserved “Jurassic Park”, a unique biosphere of Rinca and Komodo Islands – the homes of the prehistoric survival dragon.– From USD 350/person 3 Days 2 Night live on Board with full board meals + return Air tickets Bali – Labuan Bajo – Bali

FLORES ISLAND – THREE COLOR LAKES OF KELIMUTU

An adventure to an island known as the island of the Flowers to Portuguese on the 14^th.century; it is Flores Island. An island rich with authentic natural beauties, colorful underwater world those named by the Portuguese traders as flowers, different cultural life among the tribes. The most remarkable is the three craters filled with three different color of water; the colored lakes of Kelimutu in the middle of the island. Good combination with Komodo island on the west tip of Flores Island.- From USD 750/person 6 Days 5 Nights include return tickets, Komodo tour + Full Board Meals.

TORAJA CULTURAL & HUMAN DESTINY

Tanah Toraja is a highland well-known for its panoramic view and the uniqueness of social life which is crystallized on local culture where the people enjoy one of Indonesia’s most confident and vivid cultures. Have a one hour fly from Bali and touching down in Hassanuddin Makassar Domestic Airport, driving through the scenic coast to Pare-Pare and then heading up through the mountainous area which is colored by amazing panorama at the Rantepao. From Rantepao trip can be made to Kete a traditional village where there is unique grave site on a hillside. Two cliff graves easy to reach are Lemo and Londa. Londa is one of the oldest hanging graves belonging to the nobility. A large balcony is filled with effigies of the dead. With kerosene lamp our guide can accompany you to enter and see the skeletons and old coffins. At Lemo burial chambers are out of the rock and several balconies filled with effigies look out while new caves are being dug to serve as family graves.

Although major of the people have now practicing Christianity, the old religion still be an integral part of Torajan life. The Torajan live up a life under a specific culture with strict laws rooted of Aluk Todolo, the way of the ancestors, which, at its most basic, divides the world into opposites associated with directions: north for gods, south for humanity, east for life, and west for death. Everywhere you’ll see extraordinary tongkonan and alang traditional houses and rice-barns, and the Torajan social calendar remains ringed with exuberant ceremonies involving pig and buffalo sacrifices. When your trip is coincided with local events, it will be a value added. ONLY US$ 550/PERSON TWIN SHARING BASIS

SEVEN WONDERS OF THE WORLD – BOROBUDUR

A journey inland to the most secret heart of Java island to find out the ancient glory of Hindu and Buddhist by tracing through its temples and come across the mountain and highland to Dieng plateau, the oldest Hindu relics in Java. Borobudur, one of the Seven Wonders of the World is the most remarkable site to trace Indonesia’s past. Starts from Borobudur Buddhist world’s largest monument, get in touch on the atmosphere of Yogyakarta, to the Sultan palace, Javanese arts and crafts then traveling eastward to Prambanan Hindu temple, Solo (the oldest Javanese culture center) The reality of human life style will present to you a slice of the real Indonesian today. – From USD 275/person Includes Return Air Tickets Bali – Jogyakarta – Bali + Full day Tour + Lunch + Return Transfer in and out  Bali and Jogyakarta.

For further information, please contact

ATMASANTA TRAVEL & TOURS -  PT BHUWANA ATMASANTA TRAVEL
Jalan Tukad Pancoran No 39 Panjer – Denpasar – Bali – Indonesia 80227
Tel +62 361 8558856   |   Fax +62 361 256798  |  Mobile +62 81338999446
E-mail: atmasantatravel@gmail.com | atmosferindonesia@hotmail.com

Live-chat: atmasanta@live.com | atmosferindonesia@hotmail.com
Http://www.atmasantatravel.com

GO SOUTHEAST TROPICAL PARADISE-SUMBA ISLAND

Traveling to Sumba is just like a track back to human’s past where you will step over a very traditional milieu and finding plain smile of the local people who inhabit the dry savannah island. To reach this destination we will have to take a 1,45 minutes flight southeastward from Bali. There are regular flight of domestic – state owned flight of Merpati Nusantara Airlines and some other commercial flight of Trans Nusa or Trigana Air or Pelita Air.

Sumba is one of the three main islands in East Nusa Tenggara province i.e Flores, Timor and Sumba itself; lies on the South East of Bali, West of Timor and South of Flores Island…. The island covers 11.150 square km and it consists of two main regencies; East Sumba with its capital city on Waingapu and West Sumba at Waikabubak. Nowadays the island inhabited by total 550,000 people of both regencies.

The island is famous for its sandalwood, handicrafts and art particularly its best quality of textile ikat weaving and the fame Hingi ikat. Most design of ikat dominantly covered by bold human figures and animals. This oval shaped island is worthy to be named as the island of the ancestral spirits due the island has been the greatest concentration of two-thirds of those who worship to the ancestral spirits in their traditional belief of Merapu and practices incredible tribal rituals such like Pasola – a kind of event showing masculine bravery where hundred horsemen fling spear each other. This ritual is still practiced nowadays once a year and the local government allow it with strict condition that the spear must be blunt. Another ritual is the funeral with the ceremony of pulling stone as the process of building up a giant megalithic tomb followed by pigs or buffalo slaughtering.

Pasola Warriors

Pasola is a thanks giving ceremony to the ancestral spirit of people from Sumba Island–East Nusa Tenggara. More than 50 men riding horses which divided into two groups – from Upper and lower villages. Before they start, the Rato (Traditional priest leader) prays in the space between of two groups, and then he throws a spear to open the game of fighting. Immediately followed by those horse riders race their horse and throw their spears toward the opponent over and over. This is a blood sacrifice…..! You never find it in the world.

This event is rare occurred but in cooperation with RATO the high priest of the Merapu, Atmosfer Indonesia Tours is able to arrange this very special event to the most valuable GROUP of travelers to en-suite its own private time. To be served for group of 10-15 persons.

Megalithic Structures

Sumba megaliths are classified in the living tradition. Almost all of the Sumba artifacts consist of dolmen type burial structures. Their forms range from the simple to the advanced. The practice of ancestral veneration is closely related to the megalithic tradition. In spite of the spread of Christianity since the late nineteenth century, the belief in the marapu is still strongly felt in the western part of the island. Erecting stone tombs accompanied by sacrifices continued to be carried out until recently. In the modern day, the Sumbanese still bury their dead in dolmen-like tombs with modern decorations and structures. Sometimes elaborate forms and styles reveal a blend of Christianity and animistic beliefs.

The largest dolmen measures 500 cm (16.5 feet) in length and 55-70 cm (21-28 in) thick. On the dolmen, a menhir called penji was set up, sculpted with various decorations. These dolmen decorative patterns show human figures, fauna, flora, man-made and natural items and geometric patterns. According to local traditional chiefs, dolmens with statues especially are considered as bodyguards of the dead person’s soul or his own soul personification.

The stones used in constructing a dolmen might weigh tens of thousands of tons so that hundreds or even thousands of men were needed to move the stones from its source to the location where it was to be constructed. Great ceremonies were carried out needing a lot of money. Graves of kings from west and east Sumba are usually very large with a rich decorative pattern.

High Towering Roof of Traditional Houses

One unique characteristic of Sumba is on the art of traditional house. Sumbanese has a unique traditional high peaked thatched roof houses with decoration of huge water buffalo horns and boars tusk of the animals sacrificed during the rituals of years gone by. And the megalithic tombs are on the village plaza site. Sumba island has fascinating wide and scenic panorama of the savannah and pristine white sandy beaches etc..

INDEPENDENT ADVENTURE

BALI – KOMODO – BAJAWA – KELIMUTU – MBAY – RIUNG

This is a record of our trip from Bali to Bajawa – Flores. I recorded this trip as a very special one as I did the trip on my free time of my holidays with Cen Cen. Not as my previous trips where I must took full responsibility on the convenience of the tourists who joining the tours, on this trip I just managed the trip for my own and my mate’s conveniences. We did the trip in our freedom…….

DOTS OF PEARLS FROM THE AIR

Not like many other previous trips those tied up with my strict and tight schedule of tourists traveling to Flores Island, last July 2008 I got a special moment to visit to Bajawa by my own time and program. On a free trip from Bali to Flores with my mate, she and I only made short discussion the decided what or where to go; just followed the nose and mind.

Flight over from Bali to Labuan Bajo on a moderate height of Indonesia Air Transport an airline dedicated for tourism whose area manager has high concentration and attention for Flores Tourism Development. Cen Cen and I joined this airline which most passengers are European tourists. As its way of service, this airline flied over the small islands on very low height to show the real beauty of the islands. Sometimes the tourist applaud and screaming of wondering the islands below seen very near from the plane. It looked that the pilot had a long maneuvers with attentions of showing the island and let the tourists to wonder and wonder. Those are barren, dry and rocky islands with some savannahs, but the beaches are wonderful… Those are like dots of pearls on the tropical blue ocean.

SAIL TO RINCA

Touching down at Labuan Bajo airport. Cen Cen and I took a car (not a taxi, since there are no modern taxi such as in Bali, Surabaya or Jakarta) it is a public transportation that is freely roaming the town; which the local says oto bemo. Transferring us the peer where Sojourn Cruises and all the Crews are waiting for us for a sail to Rinca. Got on the boat and we were served with welcome drinks and plain smiles of the crews; most of them are familiar with me on my previous trips and some of them are my old friends who worked with me on Sojourn Cruise while the cruise still operated in Bali and Lembongan Island. Suherman who I always call Bas Herman is the senior one on the boat. They treated us like very important persons on this boat.

After having got a shower we are sitting together on the sun deck enjoying the beer Bintang and peanuts while the boat sail westward on its silence and only depends on the winds cruise forward the blue ocean. After two hours sailings then the Rinca island was nearer and Bas Herman instructed all the deck crew to roll over the banner on masts. And he started the engines to maneuver for good position of parking.

RINCA ISLAND

We got off the boat and on the ranger house we got stick with one upper side has a Y shape. On my previous trips, so many tourist wonders and questioning this stick with Y shape, why we use that stick while entering the national park. Even Cen Cen asked me why should use that. Yes she is our operation staff of the Atmosfer Indonesia Tours behind the bureau and not much goes to the real fields. I myself do not know why when somebody who holding the stick of Y shape, Komodo dragon will never attack or come nearer. I just remember when I was child on my village Mangulewa and Zeu near So’a and Wae Pana hot spring, some people use the stick with Y shape to catch the reptiles of the same family but smaller named ghora or sebe. Such stick is also used for catching the snakes. I understand that Komodo has its imagination of Y shape stick is the most effective instrument to make them give up.

Cen Cen was wondering but fear to see the gigantic mammal of the last dragon in the world. Some Komodo looked very old in age and the skin looked very dark, big in size and move very slowly. It looked the komodos are on sun bathing under the very soft sun before setting down. Some times Cen Cen wondered to the colourful birds, wild buffaloes and deer because she never seen it before in Jakarta.

When the sun set Bas Herman advised us to walk back to get in the boat. I understand what he mean. That will be the perfect time for us to see the sun set from the boat on the blue ocean. And that is the regular schedule of tour for many other visitor we usually do. Get on board, the boat move slowly off shore. The waiter understands very well that the short trekking has made Cen Cen and me thirsty a lot. A bottle of beer brought out from the refrigerator and a pack of cakes to accompany the green bottle.

It was an unforgettable moment to remember a sun golden sunset seeing from the boat off shore of Rinca island. Then we felt like being exiled out of the world into a deep silent except the wishper of the winds and the sound of screens rounding the masts. Sometimes the voices of radio monitors from the harbor controlling our sails.

Although the lights is on in every cabins and salons down there. Cen Cen and I preferred to lay down on the lazy bed on the sun deck enjoying the silence of open deck with nice atmosphere. But then the weather on the sea is deeply cool and we rushed to take bath because the dinner will be served soon.

Dinner is served on the dinning space and it looked so special. Fresh barbeque of barracuda served in very special way of Sojourn Cruise with a bottle of wine. But since there are most of my friends on the boat and I know they are used to drink any kinds of liquor we invite them to have dinner together. Cheers of red wine…. A wonderful night although Cen Cen did not have the delicate of wine. Yes I understand she has her own commitment not to touch wine… she only accompany me when I like to have drinks. But she knows that I never drank, just for fun.

Late at night we move to every cabin and spend a wonderful night with silence.

Morning is a time full of thanks when I got up stepped up the stair and stand on the sun deck and jump down with simple mask for a good snorkeling. Wonderful to seen the coral reefs and the colorful tropical fishes on crystal clear water in the morning. It also made me feel deeply how fresh my body in the water. Wow,…an unforgettable moment. So far I just stood to accompany my customers and let them to enjoy. Cen Cen was sitting there on the boat to watch my actions and holding a cup of coffee. I know she enjoyed being there on an unimagined spot.

I got up to the boat and have a hot cup of blend coffee and milk and baked bread with chocolate. Stared down to the sea and wow, wonderful… colorful tropical fishes around the boat… They know that there is a good man on the boat who will throw food remnants down for them.. And yes I was thinking so and make crumbs of the bread. My aim was to invite so many fishes nearer those I might wonder to their unique colours. Deep in there I still can stare and view the colorful coral reefs.

PINK BEACH

Breakfast on the boat after having deep in the sea is wonderful. I could ate everything and because snorkeling made me hungry earlier in the morning. The boat cruise over to Komodo Island. Knowing that the get off to the land will only see the same Komodo dragons, we then continue cruised and stop on the Pink Beach or Pantai Merah. We reach the pink beach by a speed boat. Wow… the place we found nowhere… It is a wonder a long beach with pink sandy… a perfect place for relax… All the crews got off and join us for a BBQ on this nice pink beach. I did not want to lose the moment for snorkel on this nice paradise. I started to catch the moment, jumped in to see the wonderful coral reefs.

We never imagine before, Putu one of the crew is a talented person, sitting on the corner, playing guitar and sung some songs dedicated for Cen Cen and me. While some were busy to arrange the BBQ. My appetite was growing while the wind brought the delicious fume of baked tuna. Lunch is the most wonder moment…Some bottles of beer were my companion….besides the people around me.

KALONG ISLAND

Late in the afternoon we reached to Kalong Island, an island named so to describe the existence of flying foxes occupied the whole island. All the vegetation and branches of trees are dark of the foxes nestling and waiting for the perfect moment at night for them to fly out and explore for living. The word of Kalong is a local call for Fox or Bat Anchoring near Kalong island. Bas Herman did not advise too much to me because he knows that I have known it. Suddenly, the crews shouting out and we saw thousand of foxes flying out from the nest… wow,… we could not count how many are they. But after that there was only a deep calamity and all the foxes back to the nest.. We will spend the night on the boat.

Cen Cen and I lied down on the lazy chair of the boat with bottles of beer on my side. This is a last night of our sailing. Saw the foxes was flying out. We supposed that that is the time for them all to come out. The sky looked dark because of the foxes flying and we just wondered in our silence watching them.

Dinner provided by my friends is the most delicious one. Dinner on the boat away from all life problems and routines felt like the tastiest one. Wine made me forget everything; not to escape from my real life but it just a slice of time to pamper myself and to let if free from daily burdens. I know it recharged the new spirits for me when back to daily routines. I need to do so once years for my own convenience although some times ago I did it on my sail of live on board by Moggy Cruises from Bali to Nusa Penida and Lembongan just a jump out of Bali.

LABUAN BAJO TO BAJAWA

Early in the morning we sailed back to Labuan Bajo and there a private car has waited on the harbor from where we started to drive up through the mountain ranges, passing through the tropical forests and so seldom met the cars or trucks. It is really a different world from other part of Indonesia. Our driver Nikolaus has good and reputable experiences in driving through the area. He have worked with us for 5 years exploring Flores. Not much changes, some roads are good paved but some needs attention and adventurous spirits.

Nevertheless, we intended to reach Bajawa without staying overnight anywhere. And Nikolaus said he is able to drive 8 hours without stop. Ok we drive through. It was a wonderful trip passing through the forests and rarely found out the small villages, one or two houses on the road sides in Ruteng to Kisol and Waerana.

It was dark entering Aimere, the palace known for a local wine productions. I intended to make a short stop just to show it to Cen Cen, but the time was not quiet perfect to see it then we cancel to stop over there. We proceed the trip to drive up through the mountain range. Our car move slowly as the condition of the road was really adventurous and Nikolaus drove very carefully up and up.

The weather came cooler and cooler in accordance with the positions we reached up. Cen Cen and I felt need jacket and she took out jackets of mine and hers. We than realized that we have entered the terminal Watu Jaji soon after passed over the lust bamboo forest behind the village of Bo Wejo.

Without asking me, Nikolaus drove through passed the bus terminal to Mangulewa my lovely village. He known that this is my personal trip that I would top at my youngest sister Irma’s house in the village of Mangulewa; while I come with tourist the bus use to turned left before the terminal to the town of Bajawa and stop at the hotel.

From the bus terminal in Watu Jaji Nikolaus needs 20 minutes drive to Mangulewa a good velocity on a good road of the city. The weather came cooler and I may say the coolest one in Flores island. I myself almost could not help with this weather although I had spent half of my life there. But the family members come at night to welcome Cen Cen and me. Their warm welcome made me forget the real weather. Sitting at my sister’s house and as the local tradition Cen Cen and I must be welcomed in cultural way in eating together with family members prior to everything. So some of my brother and sisters came and accompany us to pass the night and have a cultural dinner together; drinking tuak (a kind of local drink of palm milk) is a special kind of drink in such gathering and it made the body warm.

BAJAWA – ENDE & KELIMUTU

We spent two days relaxed on my sister’s house. Cen Cen and I then decided to have a trip eastward to Ende and targeting to reach up to Kelimutu. For this trip we discussed to use a motor bike to be easier and free. Early in the morning we drove in tandem and go east. We made some stops in Aegela for viewing nice landscape down to Mbay. Stop then made in Nangaroro for refueling and also for snap shoot of nice panorama. The next stop was made in Panggajawa near to Nangapanda. Besides good pictures and panorama, beach of the blue stones is one of our targets. The stones collectors began to act. We stopped there for some times and bought four young coconuts fro the local people Rp 5000 for each. Sitting under the coconut trees on the beach with soft ocean winds was nice combined of rest with young coconut for a good drink and the flesh of the young coconut to eat after having a long driving.

Proceed the trip to Ende with nice and spectacular panorama along the road. The road from Nangaroro to Ende mostly on the beach that presenting wonderful views. On the right of road’ side it is a drop off to the deep sea and far out to South we can see clearly the island. It is Pulau Ende in a long sword shape. Some house on small villages of most Moslems settled along the beach.

Just around 2 kms after entering the city gate we stopped at the house of Soekarno-the first Indonesia’s President than has been a museum. Mr. Soekarno has lived in this simple house during the time of Indonesian movement to gain the freedom. He was exiled by the Dutch to this place. We saw all the goods used by Mr. Soekarno during his life in Ende. Then we proceed to the main city of Ende and stop in Jalan Sudirman to stop for lunch in a warung. Spend Rp 15.000 for a lunch of both o us. Ende is a nice town with some good hotels but we did not intended to stay on this town, as our target is to climb up to Kelimutu to see the three colour lakes. The nice place to stay is Watuneso at Wisma Santo Fransiskus an accommodation managed by Catholic nuns. This accommodation is one of the best on the area with good standard facilities for tourists.

After refueling our vehicle, we then started to drive and left for Watuneso. The journey was amazing. The panorama was wonderful. Sometime we stopped just to catch the view-a unique feature that Cen Cen and I never got anywhere on our story of traveling in Indonesia.

We finally reached to Watuneso and check in to Wisma Fransiskus. The weather is clouded and very cool. The place with more or less same weather with Mangulewa. It was very cool. No restaurant near there except ordering the foods at the hotel. The meals is nice and clean. Sanitary and cleanness can be trusted in this hotel. And we had lunch there.

At 04.00am I heard my door was knocked and I got up prepared everything and I went out knocked the door of Cen Cen’s room. She has actually ready for trip. We started to drive up early in the morning, passed through Ndua Ria fruit and vegetable market that was still empty which usually be the crowded.

Before reaching Moni there is a turn point with a gate of the main road to Kelimutu we turned right and started up. The weather still very cool and our bike still on light as the road is still very dark. Stared up on the mountain, sometimes we saw the flash of lamp and Cen Cen asked what that was. I realized that there was a truck in advance us. There is a truck regularly serves the tourist from Moni to Kelimutu back to Moni once a day. Upper and higher the weather become cooler and cooler and my fingers and lips got so stiff. It made me imagine of a hot coffee when reaching up to the parking area. Usually I took one glass, but might be two glass of hot coffee would do.

At the parking area there had been 3 chartered cars besides the regular truck parked but no any tourist there except some local women set up their selling. I seek for coffee. Cen Cen and I approached and a man, she spoke in a short English say good morning supposed that Cen Cen is Japanese, never knowing she is originally a Chinese from Jakarta. Cen Cen just nodding and I spoke in local Lio dialect asking coffee. The woman was confused with me and asking me “Ata apa fai kau?” (Where does your wife come from?). With smile for funny question I answered “Ata Sina” (She is Chinese). He nodded for understanding. With trembling hands he dropped coffee in two glasses and just a while my glass was empty and I requested for addition one more glass of hot coffee.

It was still very dark. We walked up to the top point and had to step up the stairs but easy. On darkness we heard the voice of people not far away. We were sure that all the tourists has been gathered on the monuments. We walked up faster to join with them and saw some lights of some people smoking. Then finally we reached and joined them. A man still selling coffee there, I asked one more coffee juts to warm up my body.

Few moment of advent, it was time when the sunrise in the east and began to shine. What a wonder view. All tourists screamed amazing the sun came out like a golden moon with its soft radiance. Some tourists applaud and applaud again. Then we stared down to the craters; and wondered to the three lakes filled with different colour of water. Like other tourists, Cen Cen also amazed to this natural wonder. I know it was the first time for her traveling to east part of the archipelago and see the natural wonders.

The sounds of the winds among the cassuarinas trees along the east and south part of the volcano made the place different from others. It made us felt like traveling to a Jurassic away from the real world.

At 10.00 am the peak point became cloudy and become very cold and some tourists began to get on the tuck and their chartered cars, while some decided for trekking down town to Moni and Wolowaru. Cen Cen and I drove down slowly and enjoying the picturesque panorama. Got lunch at Restaurant Kelimutu that owned by Mr Sutomo a good hearted and honest Chinese. This restaurant is being so popular for its food. Sanitary, delicacy and cleanness is guaranteed too.

TURN BACK TO BAJAWA VIA MBAY AND RIUNG

We then drove back to Ende and then In Aegela we turn right to Mbay. Mbay is known for rice production in Flores. The road from Aegela to Mbay is nice with its picturesque panorama through the plateau of Boa Nio and ended in Roe. We stop in Roe, it is a nice point of stop from where we might view a wide panorama of rice fields which ends up to the North beach and Flores Sea. It is a spectacular view. Mbay is now on building for the capital city of Nagekeo Regency.

Mbay has different weather. It is really hot and dusty. But the road is good. We drove southward to reach to Riung. It became dark when we reach Mbay. But we did not want to stay in Mbay. We continued drove to Riung. Late at night we reach to Pondok SVD a small accommodation managed by Catholic Missionaries (Poland Priests) but the best one in the area with standard service, towel and soap are provided. We begged the staffs to arrange and provide dinner for us since there is no any restaurant in the area. The staffs are kind and helpful and rush to provide dinner for us.

Good sleep after having done a full day motorbike self drive. The room has mosquitoes net and it made me have a good sleep.

05.00 am the next day, Cen Cen has knocked my door to wake me up as 05.30 we would had to get a boat for a sail to the Seventeen Islands or Pulau Tujuh Belas. Sailing early in the morning would be a good moment to view the sea gardens that famous for red rose. Had a sort drive by motorbike and walked through small peer to get on the local wooden motorized boat. We then started to sail. It was clearly seen the colorful coral reefs beneath the boat. I did not want to have a snorkel as the traditional local boat did no provide the snorkeling equipments. But viewing it from the boat was nice enough. We sailed to Rutong that known for its white sandy beach. The beach is nice and away from any pollution, and good for snorkeling too. Pulau Kelelawar (Fox Island) is also the nice one rounded by mangroves and Pak Ahmad who took us also screamed to make the foxes flying out from their nest. Thousand of foxes flew crazily very close with us which made Cen Cen screaming in fear.

BARBEQUE IN RIUNG

Due I asked the way to get fresh fish, Pak Ahmad then invited us to sail for extra to take Bubu a local made cadge to deceive fishes which he have put on deep ocean and to be taken every three days. Some mils away he jumped in to the water and we wait 15 minutes came up with around 30 living fish in the cadge. For fishes we paid Rp 50.000 plus boat Rp 250.000,- Sailed back to the beach of Riung and started to set fire with assistance of the local fishermen. Local people come with bananas they said it would be good companion for fish. Mrs. Sarifah the wife of Pak Ahmad came down to arrange soup of fish. It is local style eating baked fish with burned banana; to be the most wonderful lunch for Cen Cen who never ate in such style. Moke putih (local palm milk) is good when banana detained on throat.

Since Riung is also known for Komodo, Cen Cen eager to see the dragon there. But the dragon in Riung is not as tame as Komodo in Rinca or in Komodo Island; every time when this mammal knowing that they are observed or approached by human being the animal will escape to hide in the forests. So it is very rare to see it.

In the evening day there was a wedding party where the village became noisy with a strong music. We are invited to the party and we went and joining the party. The bride and groom standing in a tend where was decorated with colorful papers coconut leaves and the people came for shaking hands in greetings and put the envelopes into the box available. I have advised Cen Cen to put 2 pieces of Rp 50.000 in to the envelopes as normal. Like many others Cen Cen and I entering the party plaza and greet the happy Bride and Groom and put the envelope into the box. A woman invited us to take seat in the first row. Sitting few minutes and the master of ceremony conducted the party with some speech from the old people then have a “makan pesta” or dinning then followed by acara bebas (free and unscheduled program) where all the people have a dance of many styles from European dance to Jai the most renowned local dance. We left the party at 11.00 pm but this party runs until 05.00 am the next day.

After having breakfast at wisma SVD our hotel where we stayed then started to drive up to Bajawa via Wolomeze, Wangka and Tanah Wolo and Soa to Bajawa. Spectacular panorama and forests with monkeys was one Cen Cen remember. Late In the afternoon we reached Soa and stop at the hot spring. We paid Rp 2,500/person for entrance fee and had a soak in the hot spring to make the body fresh after having a tired driving.

Lunch in a warung near the police office and the market then proceeds to Bajawa. Reached back to my sister’s house in Mangulewa at 05.10 pm after having five days exploring Kelimutu Mbay and Riung.

We spent three more days with my sisters in Mangulewa, then back to Bali for our routines. But our experiences during holiday on this free trip granted something special for me and Cen Cen.

*****

For Trip advice & consultations, please contact to

ATMOSFER INDONESIA TOURS – PT. ATMOSFER TRANSINDO WISATA

Jl. Hangtuah Raya No 11A – Denpasar – Bali – Indonesia

Tel. +62 361 8558856 , Mobile +62 81338034455 Fax +62 361 285330

E-mail : atmosfertours@gmail.com MSN: atmosferindonesia@hotmail.com

BAJAWA – A BOWL CITY OF CULTURE & TRADITIONS

by Andreez Dhenameda – Travel Writer & Tour Organizer

BAJAWA is small and quiet town surrounded by mountains in the middle of the Flores island. This mountain bowl city is the urban centre of Ngadha tribe and the capital of the Ngada regency. It is the highest (6,000 feet elevation from the sea level) and coolest town in Flores with population of 40,000. As Ngada is known as the most cultural town, although there are efforts of the local people to be modern in styles, on the other side Ngadha tribe is still strong grasp in their culture and tradition. There are also something interesting; most of people is strongly influenced by Christianity which was evangelized by Dutch Missionaries from the 18^th.century. Like many other tribes in Flores island, Ngadha tribe still practice their tradition and culture. Bajawa is a place where we can see a perfect match between Christianity and local cultures, a good cooperation between Catholic Church and local tradition and culture. This last decade, Catholic Church has been intensively working to find the roots and the meanings of social life of Ngadha Tribes those match to Christian teaching and “baptize” it. So Ngadha tribe is proud of being Christian in their cultural root. In this spirit of living in cultural atmosphere of Ngadha tribe, there was built duplications of Ngadhu on the gate in entering to the Missionary Centre (Sint Johannes Berkhmans in Mataloko)

near the town, there are many places and event to see such as villages (still retain their traditions / customs) volcanoes, hot spring, local culture and life style etc. When we visit this town timed perfectly coincide with the local happens, the trip will be more and more interesting; such as on December till February there is a traditional thanksgiving day which is known as REBA in Bena, Bajawa, Mangulewa, Wogo and Jerebu’u or Ghole, in June – July there will be SAGI or SUDU-a traditional boxing in Soa or Wolorowa, or some other scheduled ceremonies and local events. But any time of your trip it is always interesting on its natural panorama, traditions and its friendly people.

BENA VILLAGE, some 8 km away from Bajawa. This is the most visited traditional village. Most beautiful one but the village has been already only for the tourists. To reach this village, we will have to past through the base of the mighty active Inerie Volcano which always over its tremendous that fascinating whomever. Away from this village down to southern there are some traditional villages that so rare to be visited by tourists, Nage, Bela, Suza and Jerebu’u a fertile valley which is most covered by coco-palm; a place almost unreal on this hectic and changing world.

WOGO VILLAGE; This village is highly recommended to be visited. Some 15 km away eastward  from Bajawa, passing through Mangulewa, a  village covered by coffee and bamboo plantations. This village is just away from the Missionary center in Mataloko. Although the village is so close-linked to the modern life style of the European and missionary Activities, the local people still keeps and practice their culture and traditions. There are traditional houses built in  original shapes and there are still exist  the symbols  of their cults to the ancestors in traditional ways. SU’A UWI or VI’I is still hanging on particular room or at  the most respected  place. (SU’A UWI is sticks of bamboo tied with dried squash and coconut shells  symbolizing  a will and testament  of the ancestors with all their generations and it bequeath legacy to the generations. Among the modern villages Sua Uwi is still exists and well kept there are well arranged  in every  main house or Sa’o Ngaza and rows of NGADHU, BHAGA and TURE in the village plaza are still well maintained. We can see  it in  Kampung Mangulewa and Turekisa where although all the houses on the villages look to be modern in style but the local people  still keep their traditional way to keep their tradition and culture treasure. NGADHU (an umbrella-like with a carved wood pole supporting the thatched roof covered by some palm-fibers with the male statue shape on it top holding a sword on one hand and spear on another hand-to symbolize their male ancestor), BHAGA (a small house-shaped structure counterparts the Ngadhu, symbolizes the female ancestor) and TURE or  WATU LANU (an altar or ceremonial base where the offerings of pig and chicken rice and palm wine are offered) in the center of the plaza and still be the main figure of the village.

Atmosfer Indonesia Tours has its special privilege and cooperation with the local people in Mangulewa , Sobo and Wogo villages in providing its local ceremony and colossal dancing in welcoming the groups of visitors who come to the region such as Jai and Teke dances.

MISSIONARY CENTER; northern away just a stone throwing distance from Wogo traditional village,  there is a complex of old buildings from the age of Dutch colonial; a headquarter of all Missionary activities includes education for the local boys for Church services. This missionary centre is still remain and well conserved and is now used as a basic educational centre for Catholic Missions. On the right side of the main road there is a home of the missionaries which is now used by local catholic priests for their monthly retreat or by local Christians for discernment. The fields around the buildings are well managed as farmland for breeding and agriculture the way to teach the local people in effective way of farming. This Missionary Center is also the pride of people of Ngadha and even people of whole Flores as this Missionary Center has been working hard for social education and social awakening in East Nusa Tenggara. The writer has also one of the “products” of the institution; attended the educational program on this institute in 1987-1991 the most wonderful moment being there to learn many thing.

NGADHU an umbrella-like with a carved wood pole supporting the thatched roof covered by some palm-fibers with the male statue shape on it top holding a sword on one hand and spear on another hand-to symbolize their male ancestor. The carved wood pole is of a type of wood named “SEBU” the hardest vegetation on the area through a series of ceremony from how to mention which tree, process of cutting down, carving and carrying in to the village, installation and culminated with killing the buffalo on this Ngadhu. Making Ngadhu is a beginning step of promoting and building a new clan. The carved wood of pole is hundred even thousand years old in accordance with when the clan is built by a strong and rich man once upon a time. So It is so rare to see the process of making Ngadhu in complete stage except the process of renovation the thatched roof. We only seen this process in a reconstruction of making Ngadhu in my lovely village Mangulewa when I was 9 years child followed the old people carrying a carved wood that was covered with black big shawl (Lu’e) from out side the village and singing “e..e mau e e mau e “ means “be tame, be tame” along the way. Those people cared and treated it and carrying as a Reverend Ancestor. It is a lucky now if we can see this process but only a process of making Ngadhu to reinstall and to change the pole. We never heard someone build a new clan and make a new Ngadhu due it has long consequences in their life, build up the new community of clan and providing all the valuable goods, lands and inheritances for the whole generations of the new clan along the life cycles.

BHAGA is a small house-shaped structure counterparts the Ngadhu, symbolizes the female ancestor. Why should be a house shape? Ngadha tribe has a deep Philosophy in every structure of a house and shortly a house is just like a Mother that protects and cares the son and daughter in her from the pregnancy to our end, from the sun shine to the sunset. She protects the child over the frame time and ages. This is the reason why Ngadha Tribe does not left this philosophy behind.

TURE or LANU is a row and well structured megalith use an altar or ceremonial base where the offerings of pig and chicken rice and palm wine are offered) in the centre of the plaza. Every Ngadhu there is a stone pole “Ture” which is usually used to tie up a buffalo that will be killed in a specific ceremony. Other flat big stone is a place to put other offerings such as rice, palm wine and a small slice of pig or chicken heart. It is offered to the ancestors that is strongly believed be there on specific event together with the living “children” in a clan

MENGERUDA HOT SPRING: Just about 25 km north from Bajawa. Formerly we have to go to Boawae then you may have to change a truck heading North from there, but now it is easier to reach this place; just drive down from the town of Bajawa through amazing and picturesque view and spend less than US$ 0,5 for entrance fee and get in to the hot water running like a river as much as it satisfies you. Water quality is Japanese standard. Since the local people are so sensitive with moral and ethic cases we are recommended to bath with a swimming suite at least.

DERO or SUDU or SAGI

Soa is another village near to the Mengeruda Hot spring. The village has a unique culture that slightly different from other Ngadha tribe and more similar to the Keo tribe in Boawae, For example, the people in Soa has unique tradition of Sagi and different dialect in speech. The most interesting thing is Sagi or in other words also said as Sudu a popular art of boxing fight in a village plaza where a mature man shows his expertise and bravado. This art is held after harvest season on June and July. One night prior to the boxing event there are some young men and women (even from other villages in Bajawa, Mangulewa or Boawae) gathering on the village plaza (into two groups) and chanting popular songs  jesting other group until the dawn. This event is called Dero

Mt INELIKA

Unique! Far our before local people (even me who spend my childhood near there in Bajawa) never realize Inelika as an active volcano, but what a wonder! On February 2001, I got a phone from my family that there are some earthquakes some days preceding the eruption of Inelika. That eruption made craters and volcanic lakes with red and black colors like Kelimutu in Ende other regency east of Bajawa.

Mt. INERIE. This is the highest still-active volcano at 2,245m above sea level and never gets eruption might be caused of so many hot springs around the region. The volcano is southern of Bajawa town just on the way to Bena. This is the main sight of Bajawa and has been a compass for local people in predicting the seasons in traditional agriculture.

ARA WAE RARU; is a local saying for local-made liquor. Due Ngadha tribe has a deep root of culture and worship to the ancestors where they express their communion or unity of the living and their ancestors in eating and drinking (moku bhou-ka inu or Ti’i Ka Ebu Nusi), wine is needed in every cycle and series ceremony besides as a means to intimate any relationship when starting to talk important case in any community. The Latin proverb In Vino Verrum Est – In wine there is truth, a perfect and meaningful proverb for Ngadha tribe. Ngadha tribe begins important thing with a steps of building intimacy by drinking together, from the same bowl cup made of a piece of coconut shell (Se’a Mane).

To fix the local demands for both tradition of drink together and ceremonies, there is a specific way and process of making local wine. The are some steps from climbing and cutting up the blossom of wild palm from where the milk comes out to the further process of boiling and re-boiling to get the pure wine. This process can be found every where on the region but the most popular place where people produces the palm wine is in Toda a village near to Mataloko. Toda people are popular in producing white palm milk. But the people in Aimere South of Bajawa are popular for producing both white palm milk and the processed wine which is known as Ara Wae Raru.

UNIQUE TEXTILE, among the many interesting thing to see on this region there is colorful and unique textile productions. Textiles on Bajawa dominantly black covered and being flowered by white and red color to build features. The motives and colors of the textile have deep philosophy for its social life and social strata. There are some popular motives just like Gaja (elephant), Manu or Wai Manu (chicken foot print), or Jara Bhara (horse in white feature). For woman wears sarong (Lawo), there is Lawo Butu the highest rank textile and specifically wear by a woman of the highest social strata, but has been very rare to find and has not be reproduced. This textile features dark color with some white cotton with colorful knitted beads builds specific motive. The existing remain Lawo Butu is reaching hundred years old. Roy W. Hamilton of the Fowler Museum of Cultural History, University of California Los Angeles had made a deep and more comprehensive research on the textile of the tribes in Flores includes Bajawa. He has released his nice book GIFT OF THE COTTON MAIDEN.

RIUNG – is a small fishing village among the mangroves, lies on the North coast of Bajawa. Bugis stilt houses are something unique to visit. Gigantic lizards (from Varanus Komodoensis family) are also found here, but so rare but so wild to escape from being seen. We do not guarantee to see this wild lizard on each tour program we organize. The main thing to see on this destination is the seventeen islands (Pulau Tujuh Belas) with the wonderful marine park where we can view it from our local wooden-boat. The islands have beautiful white sandy beaches and good snorkeling. To reach to Riung, it is highly recommended to drive through Mbay better than straightly from Bajawa via Soa to Riung. As per the time writing when we did a yearly inspection couple of weeks on June we found some points are good and very exotic but some points are dangerous for an un-experienced driver (*****)

TRIP & TOUR TO BAJAWA

Travel from Bali to major destinations is absolute comfort by Domestic Flight to reach the Islands. To go to Bajawa there is a common way by flight from Bali to Labuan Bajo or From Bali to Maumere. Land tours in Flores will use medium size of coach suits to 20 – 30 passengers. But on some occasions, the larger coach will be substituted by minivans due to limited road access. A matter of fact, we will always try to include smaller, slightly off-the-beaten track places, where tourism is relatively unknown. Such surprising locations reveal the true soul of Indonesia.

Better hotel with modern facilities is now growing there In Labuhan Bajo Ramada Bintang Flores*5 But Bajawa still only small hotels; Villa Silverin is the best among others with good facilities.

Be realistic, the trips will sometimes be an adventure that available for any travelers except disable! Some spots are moderate but others are strenuous that can only be followed by qualified participants. Be realistic about your physical condition and the trip’s level of difficulty. Each group departure will be conducted by our qualified English Speaking Tour Leader. From the moment you arrive in Bali till your departure, an experienced licensed Indonesian guide, speaking your native tongue, will accompany and assist you throughout the journey. He/she will tell you enthusiastically all about the Indonesian way of life thus providing a fascinating insight in the history and culture of the biggest island-nation on the globe.

ATMOSFER’S REGULAR TOUR PROGRAM

08 DAYS 07 NIGHTS FLORES CULTUREXPEDIA

DAY 1 DENPASAR – LABUAN BAJO – KOMODO (L, D)

Depart from DENPASAR by IAT at 09.30 and arrive in Labuan Bajo 11.15 Welcome service at the airport, then direct transfer to the harbor, embark to Sojourn cruise to have a leisure sailing to Komodo Island. Lunch, Dinner & and overnight served on board.

DAY 2 KOMODO – LABUANBAJO – RINCA ISLAND (B, L, D)

After having breakfast on board start with a mild hiking on “Jurassic park” KOMODO ISLAND to meet and observe the gigantic reptile on the earth. We will also find many wild animals like Timor deer, wild buffalo, long tailed macaque, wild boars and also numerous of birds such as lesser sulphur crested Cockatoo, collared kingfisher etc. Our tour will be conducted by local ranger along this natural preservation.  Keep your eyes look up as sometimes you will find young Komodo dragons on the tree for their safe. Return to the boat and for lunch then proceeds to the Pink Beach (Pantai Merah) for swimming and relaxation or snorkeling in unspoiled coral reefs among the colourful tropical fish. In the afternoon continue sailing to Rinca Island to see the dragon and then sailing to LABUAN BAJO. Dinner and overnight at HOTEL NEW BAJO BEACH.

DAY 3 LABUAN BAJO – RUTENG (B, L, D)

After having breakfast at the hotel, head up to RUTENG, passing through the lush jungles and some scenic landscapes along the way. See “LINGKO” spider web rice field on CANCAR. Reach the very cool city Ruteng then in the afternoon we will have an excursion to Ruteng Village to see traditional houses and proceeds to TAGA Village to enjoy “CACI” fighting dances. Meals at local restaurant. Overnight at HOTEL DAHLIA or AGUNG III.

DAY 4 RUTENG – BENA – LUBA – BAJAWA (B, L, D)

Heading up to BAJAWA. Fresh morning walks in RANAMESE’s tranquil surroundings. On the way stop to see the process of making traditional wine “arak” liquor in AIMERE. Drive through to BENA and LUBA traditional villages to visit a “living museum” of the traditional tribes of Ngadha; a traditional village set on the foot of INERIE Volcano (2245 m). Lunch will be served at local restaurant and dinner will be served at Hotel. Overnight at Villa SILVERIN or similar.

DAY 5 BAJAWA – WOGO – TODA (B, L, D)

After having breakfast at the hotel at 09.00am drive eastward passing lush coffee and Bamboo plantations to visit another traditional village in WOGO. Feel a warm cultural welcome with shawl hanging traditional welcome and join in a traditional social dancing with local people. We will witness and join the local people for some colossal traditional dances. We will also see the rows of traditional houses and it Ngadhu, Bhaga and Ture on the village plaza. Visit the old building of school built by Dutch Missionary center. Proceeds to Toda Village to see the process of how to produce palm milk other kind of the palm we seen in Aimere. On the way back to Bajawa we will stop at MANGULEWA village to see coffee plantations. In the afternoon drive down to the hotel in Bajawa to have a rest. Dinner at the hotel

DAY 5 BAJAWA – SOA – RIUNG (B, L, D)

After having breakfast at the hotel, to drive down to SOA, dipping and soaking in the warm spring running in cascades. Of course, there will be great hunger after a dip. We will have lunch provided by local people. After having lunch, we will have a sight on a traditional boxing on the village plaza site. Then continue driving to RIUNG. Dinner and overnight at PONDOK SVD a guest house owned by a Poland priest and managed directly by Catholic Missionary.

DAY 6 RIUNG – MONI (B, L, D)

Half day island excursion. Swimming and snorkeling. Before noon sail back to RIUNG mainland. After lunch proceed to MONI via ENDE’s scenic landscape with stop at Pangga Jawa  a beach with blue and green stones spread along the beach and also some stops for taking picture. Dinner and overnight at HOTEL FLORES SARE or at the monastry of the Franciscan nuns.

DAY 7 MONI – KELIMUTU – MAUMERE (B, L, D)

Wake up early in the morning to have an excursion to KELIMUTU, a mysterious three colored crater lakes.  Expectedfully we will witness the sun rise from the top point of Mount Kelimutu. Back to hotel for breakfast. And then proceeds driving to Maumere. Some stops along the way like in Wolowaru to observe a typical traditional houses of the Lionese. Visit Sikka old village with strong Portuguese influences and to see the process of making ikat weaving. Drive downtown to the city. Lunch will be served at local restaurant. Rest of the day free and relaxation on the beach. Dinner and overnight at HOTEL SAO WISATA or SEA WORLD CLUB.

DAY 8 MAUMERE – LEDALERO – BALI (B, L, D)

After having breakfast we will have a half day tour to visit LEDALERO Museum for its interesting collections of ethnological objects from the region and prehistoric artifacts of East Nusa Tenggara. Lunch at the hotel. Transferred to the airport for flight to Denpasar by MZ. 6551 at 14.50 and arrive in Denpasar Ngurah Rai Airport at 17.50. On arrival we will be directly drive to restaurant for dinner. Then you will be transferred in to hotel for overnight.

Package Tour Include:

• Return Air Ticket Denpasar – Labuan Bajo and Maumere – Denpasar
• Airport Tax in Bali Airport and Maumere Airport
• Conservation Fund in Komodo Island
• Accommodation based on twin sharing,
• Full Board Meals,
• Private Tour AC or non AC car, Return Private Boat to Komodo
• Entrance Fees/donation,
• Komodo Conservation Fee
• Professional English or German speaking guide,
• Refreshment.
• Anti-mosquitoes cream

Package Tour Exclude:

• Tipping for Guide and Driver
• Other personal expenditure not mentioned above

Seasonal Surcharge

High Season surcharge will be applied on 01 July until 30 September

KOMODO JURASSIC PARK

AND THE WORLD OF LAST DRAGON

By Atmosfer Indonesia Adventure Team

After having years of experiences in organizing adventures to the Komodo National Park besides daily researches and accompanying the scientists coming in Komodo island; Atmosfer Indonesia Tours caught a slice of knowledge that might be valuable to share to all people who interested to this World Heritage site and…… Man Biosphere Reserve.

GEOGRAPHY

Komodo National Park is a group of islands besides the ocean surroundings with its high diversity  of marine life and land those have been the home of the Komodo Dragon which are consists of Komodo Island, Padar, Rinca and Gili Motang. On those islands more than 2,000 Komodo naturally live and growing.   In 1980 the Komodo National Park officially established and also being declared  as the World Heritage Site and a Man and Biosphere  Reserve by UNESCO. The establishment of the Komodo national park was aimed to protect the Komodo Dragon and its environment as well as the biodiversity of the island. Komodo Dragons are considered endangered because of its limit range.

Komodo National Park totally over 58.000ha and the marine park is 132,000ha. Rinca Island is approximately 37 km long and 22 km wide and about 33,000 ha. Rinca Island is aproximately 24kms long, 21 km wide and about 19,000ha. Padar Island is approximately 8 km long 4 km wide and about 2.000ha. Gili Motang island is approximately 4 km long and 4 km wide.

The islands of Komodo National Park are generally young, oceanic volcanic islands which are constantly changing; rising eroding and subsiding into the sea. West Komodo was probably the first to form from volcanic activities in the Jurassic era about 130-135 million years ago. East Komodo, Padar and Rinca are younger and probably emerged in the Eocene era about 49 million years ago.

Most of Komodo island is made of masses of volcanic rock flanked by sandstone and conglomerates of limestone, sandy shale and clay. East Komodo, padar and Rinca are mainly very steep hills f coral limestone. The highest point in Komodo is Gunung Satalibo at 735 meters above sea level.  There are no ant active volcano on the Komodo National Park although the islands located in one of the world’s most active volcano belts. The closest volcano is Gili Banta just 10 km West of Komodo Island. Gili banta is a submarine volcano that last erupted in 1957. Gunung Sangeang Api is located on the Northwest Komodo Island last erupted in 1997 and still smoking from the northern peak.

Komodo Dragon live in one of the driest area in Indonesia where there are few permanent water sources. Extreme different temperature during the year in different habitat will influence the Komodo Dragon’s range.

CLIMATE & TEMPERATURE

There is  minim in the average of annual rainfall on the island which is less than 880mm per year.   Rain fall mainly in December to March. The climate is strongly effected by monsoon wind and the amount of moisture they bring in. From April to October dry Southeast trade winds from Australia bring very little moisture to the area. From January to February the Northwest monsoon comes in from Asia. The winds brings moisture with it but most of the moisture is dropped over the West Indonesia before it reaches the Island. The highest annual temperature on the Park is 43 degrees Celsius and the minimum is 17 degrees Celsius. November is the hottest month on the year. the hottest part  of the day is at noon  and just afterward. Komodo dragon  seek shades and rest when the weather is too hot. The highest humidity in February 86 % and the lowest humidity is in October 75% Komodo Dragons are less active in high humidity and in rain.

PEOPLE

There are a total of over 2,300 people living on the park. There are only three villages on the Park. Komodo Village has 1,400 people,Rinca Village has 1,074 people, and Kerora Villagehas 223 people. Most of the people in Komodo Village  are from Bima (East Sumbawa), Selayar (South Sulawesi) and Maggarai (West Flores). In Rinca Village the people come from the same places as Komodo Village but there are also Bajo people from Sulawesi. In Kerora Village , the people originally came from Bima and Manggarai.

There are some evidences that the original people of Komodo lived in Gunung Ara. Trees such as Jack fruits, coconut and Mango as well as remains of ceramics on Gunung Ara suggested that people once inhabited that area several hundred years ago. However the people of Komodo Village are thought to have settled there less than 100 years ago. There is a story that the settlers of Komodo Village were exiles from Bima.

Most people who live in the park are fishermen but there are also some merchants and also teachers. Local people carve the statue of Komodo Dragon for sale to the visitors.

FLORA

There are mixed of vegetation on Komodo National Park, It provides habitat and shades for different animals of the park. There are 254 plant species of Asian and Australian origin. Komodo Dragons are carnivorous and do not eat any of the vegetation. However the main prey of Komodo Dragon such as deer and wild boar feed on various leaves and fruits, flowers, root and grasses found on the park.

Most of Komodo Dragon are found in habitats below 250m above sea level. The most common habitat of Komodo Dragon are in steepa (hill of grassland), savanna, monsoon forest and mangrove forest.

SAVANNAH

More than 70% of the par is open savanna. This area is an important grazing ground for timor deer, wild boar, water buffaloes and horses. Lontar palms (borasus flavellifer) and Jujuby trees (Zizypus Jujuba) are scattered in the savanna. both trees are important shade producers. deer and board eat the fruits of Jujuby trees and the fruits of Lontar Palms are eaten by a variety of animals.

MONSOON FORESTS

Monsoon Forest is a dry tropical forest that is effected by the wet and dry seasons. This type of  forest is very fragile and is easily lost when cut down. Komodo Dragon are well camouflaged in this forest and can hide and ambush prey such as nesting bird or other lizards. Monsoon Forest are generally found surrounding the base of the hills or as gallery forest along the stream beds. Most of the monsoon forest are deciduous and loose their leaves  in the dry season. Dominant trees in the monsoon forest in Komodo and Rinca  include tamarind trees (Tamarindus Indicus)  and Sterculia foetida. Fruits and leaves of the Tamarind trees  are often eaten by dear and boar. Young Komodo are often found on the trees

MANGROVE FORESTS

Mangrove forest are made up of trees which live along the shoreline. Different species of mangrove trees can tolerate different amount of salty water. There are 26 types of mangroves in Komodo National Park.  The main tree of the Mangrove forest is Rhizopora  mucronata which grows close to the open water sometimes Komodo Dragon are found in the tangled roots perhaps looking for dead fishes

OTHER PLANTS AND TREES

There are so many species of plants and trees that can be found on the Park such as Jarak ((Jatropha curkas) that has many medical uses, Jujuby or Chinese Apple (Zizypus Sp), Prickly Pear Cactus, gebang (Corypha Utan), Tamarind Trees, Lontar Palm, Bombac ceipada) orchid and so on

ANIMALS IN KOMODO NATIONAL PARK

The many animals in Komodo National Park are important part of the ecology of Komodo Dragons.. The Komodo Dragon is top predator in its environment and all animal in the park are potential prey of the Komodo Dragon. The fauna is a combination of Asian and Australian species including 277 animal species of which 25 are protected. These includes 32 mammal species, 90 bird species and 36 reptil species.

KOMODO DRAGON

Komodo Dragons are the largest living lizards in the world. They are a type of monitor lizard of the Varanidae family. The largest Komodo Dragon can reach to 65 kilograms (365 pounds) in its weight and 3,13 meters in length. Female Komodo Dragons rarely grow over 2,5 meters (7 feet 6 inches) in length. But although they have a big in size and heavy in its weight, Komodo dragon can run. When frightened, Komodo Dragon can run up to 18 km/hour for a short distance. Usually they run at a slow trot of 8-10 km/hour. Scientists believe that Komodo can live up to 50 years or maybe longer.

It is quiet difficult to distinguish Female Komodo dragon from male Komodo Dragons. However, male Komodo Dragons have a special scale pattern at the base of their nail. Generally male grow larger than female. Komodo dragon remain large due there are no other large predator to compete with.

Young and small Komodo Dragon  spend most of their time on the trees, but dragon over 1,5 m long can not climb well and Dragons over 2 meters are too heavy to climb trees. Komodo Dragon can also swim at least 500 meters. However, they become sluggish in the water because the water cools their body temperature down. The Komodo Dragons are constantly regulating their body temperatures. In the early morning they must warm up their bodies in the sun. If their body temperature down too low the food in their stomach can rot and cause regurgitation or even death. however the Komodo dragon’s body temperature must not exceed 42 degrees Celsius (108 Degrees Fahrenheit). When it is too hot, they must rest and seek shade to prevent their body from over-heating.

<Komodo Dragons are most active from 6-10 am in the morning and again from 3-5 pm in the afternoon. During the rainy season Komodo Dragons stay in burrows if they are too cool. Komodo Dragons stay and sleep at night because it is usually too cool for them to be active. They sleep on the places where they will not loose too much heat; at the edge of savanna and monsoon forests or in burrows. The average sleeping burrows is only 75 cm to 1,25 m in length The Komodo Dragon will use the burrows of rodents, palm civet, wild boar, porcupine (on Flores) and those made by other Komodo Dragons. Nestling Burrow are about 2 meters long.

POPULATION AND HABITAT OF KOMODO DRAGON

There are about 3,300 Komodo Dragons in the Park and also in Flores island. 1997 surveys showed 1,687 Komodo Dragons in Komodo and 1,223 Komodo Dragons in Rinca. For every females, there are 3 males. A small percentage of females is a response to keep the komodo dragons population from growing up too quickly.

Komodo dragons are only found in in Komodo, Rinca , Gili Motang and a small part of North and  West Flores, They are recently extinct in Padar. Komodo dragons are thought to have lived over a larger area but may have been forced out of other islands due to human population pressure. As well the formation of the islands are always change over time. maybe it is difficult for them to cross the water now  because of strong currents

Komodo dragons can be found every where in Komodo and Rinca. They can be found in the monsoon forests, in the savanna, on the beach in the mangrove swamps and in burrows. Sometimes the younger ones are found in the trees. the Komodo dragons’ range is mostly from sea level 450m above sea level. Their location depends on their activity.

KOMODO ORIGINS

Komodo dragons are one of the oldest living lizards. Direct ancetors of the komodo dragons (Varanidae family) lived fifty million year ago. Komodo dragon may have descended from a larger lizard from Java or from Australia (Megalania prisca) which existed 30,000 years ago. Komodo dragon could be from Asia or Australia. One theory is that dragons island-hopped from java to Komodo. Another theory is that they swam from Australia to Timor until they reached Flores and Komodo

REPRODUCTION OF KOMODO

Female Komodo start mating when they are 7 years old and male dragons start mating when they are 8 years old. The mating season of Komodo Dragon is from July to August’ Female Komodo dragons product and deliver up to 30 eggs. The average numbers of eggs is 18 per clutch, one clutch per year. female dragons lay  their eggs in a burrow. Often they use the moud  of the scrub fowl. The female Dragon dig several false tunnels so that predators can not find the eggs easily. The Komodo Dragon eggs incubate for 8 – 9 months. The eggs hatch in March to April.

The average size of Komodo dragon eggs are 8,6 cm long with a diameter of 5.9 cm and weight of 105 grams The eggs are about the size of swan egg. The shells are soft and leathery. The baby dragons are average 30.4cm when they are born, but their size may vary from 28cm – 55 cm. And the average weight is 80.3 grams<

JUVENILE DRAGONS

The female dragons do not take care their young. They just guard their nest during the incubation period for about three months. The baby dragons must feed for themselves after they are born. The young drangons usually eat other small lizards, eggs, rats, snakes and insects those live in tree, stumps and logs. Young dragons up to two years old spend most of their time in trees to protect themselves from being eaten by larger dragons.

SENSES

Komodo dragon can see reasonably well but they rely more on smell than sight. Komodo is also able to hear the sounds but they often ignore sounds.

Komodo dragons flick their tongue to detect scents and smells. They use their tongue to pick up chemical particles in the air and ground them put them in their Jacobson’s organ located on the root of their mouth; this is a kind of “super nose”. Komodo can detect scents up to 5 km away. Depending on the wind they can smell up to11km away.

HUNTING AND FEEDING

Komodo dragons are carnivorous. The adults mainly prey on deer and wild boar and sometimes other Komodo dragons. If they can they will hunt water buffalo, palm civets, rates and birds. They will also eat domestic animals like dongs, chickens and goats. Occasionally they will eat snakes, sea turtle’s eggs, and monkey. Komodo dragons prefer to eat animals which are already dead (Carrion). They do not eat vegetables and plants as they are carnivorous.

Komodo dragons usually attack sleeping animals or wait in ambush. if they can not kill prey immediately they will try to bite the animal in the legs or throat. Later, they will follow and wait for the animal to be weak and die before they eat it.

The Komodo dragon’ saliva is actually not poisonous but highly septic. There are over sixty types of bacteria in the dragon’ saliva and at least one of them can cause septicemia. After prey is bitten it can take one day to couple of weeks to die from blood-poisoning. Dragons have small sharp curved teeth for grasping and ripping. Komodo dragons can eat up to 80% of its body weight at one time. For example, researchers saw a 42 kg dragon eat a 30 kg boar in 17 minutes. Dragons eat almost everything, only 8-13% of the carcass remain. Komodo dragon can eat when ever there is an opportunity. If there is no prey they will scavenge. They can go without eating for several weeks. Dragon usually eat or kill a prey about once a month. the droppings of Komodo are white due to uric acid. All reptiles even geckos have this in their droppings. The droppings are the  dragon’s waste products without water. The dragon’s body will try to conserve water especially if water is not water is not plentiful.

Komodo dragons need water to drink but not often. They drink a  lot  when it is available. They drink very little in the dry season from April to November. The dragon can get 70% of their water requirement from their prey.

PEOPLE AND DRAGON

Komodo dragons have no natural predator but deer poachers are their biggest threat. The prey/predator balance must be maintained for the Komodo to survive. In contrast, there has been at least 8 people are thought to have been attacked or eaten by the dragons.

When this islands being officially set at a National Park people fed the dragon but lately the Komodo dragons are no longer fed so that they can resume their natural activities. By feeding the dragons they are relying on humans for foods. Although the feedings have been stopped, the dragons still come to Banu Nggulung.  The watering holes in Banu Nggulang attract deer, wild boar, birds and those dragons. Some of the same dragons which were fed in the past have claimed the area as their territory.

The dragons also still come to the ranger stations. As opportunistic scavengers, they come to the ranger stations because of the smell of food. They are still wild animals  and are not tame. Their behavior is unpredictable.

For people (visitors), while crossing the National Park or the dragon’s zone, if the Komodo dragons approach, the best thing to do is get out of the way. If  you run the dragon may follow. the rangers also carry the a stick to stop dragons from approaching.

Come on….join our regular trip to Komodo