When Komodo Island is mentioned, travelers typically think of the legendary Komodo Dragon. While this species of giant lizard might be fascinating, there are so many other exciting things to find out about Komodo Island.
This aerial view of the northern tip of Komodo Island was taken by Jon Hanson.
1) Komodo Island is a part of the Republic of Indonesia–which is made up of more than 17,500 islands. Indonesia is divided into 34 provinces.
Komodo Island is part of Indonesia province of East Nusa Tenggara. A dragon is a prominent part of official seal of the East Nusa Tenggara province.
2) Komodo Island is home to the world’s largest lizard the Komodo Monitor (or Komodo Dragon.)
The largest Komodo Dragon found measured over 10 feet long, and weighed 366 pounds!
3) The island of Komodo has a beach with a mixture of red and white sand, which causes it to look pink. It is only one of seven on earth.
4) Many tourists not only enjoy visiting the Komodo Dragon, but also use the area for its diving cites to watch local marine life and coral reefs.
5) Approximately 2,000 people live on the island; many are descendants of exiled convicts.
6) Komodo dragons are extinct everywhere else in the world–ancient taboos have firmly discouraged harming the Komodo dragon. In addition, the government issued a protection on the lizards in 1915.
7) The highest peak on Komodo Island is a mountain called Satalibo.
8) There are about 4,000 birds on the island, and it is the home of 25 different endangered species.
9) According to a field study, Komodo Island is believed to have been formed over 1 million years ago–and there are remnants of rainforests and bamboo forests.
Learn more about Komodo Island and Indonesia with these resources:
Have you ever visited Komodo Island? Did you see a Komodo Dragon or other wildlife?
This article is written by Hannah Watkins – writer, traveler, and grand-scale dreamer – as well as a senior studying communications at Southwestern College in Winfield, Kansas.
She is an avid golfer and enjoys spending time with her pug named Cookie.
Hannah is currently completing an internship with VentureTime Travel and she hopes to someday work in the Public Relations field.
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