UNESCO World Heritage Site #12: Komodo National Park

Komodo Dragon

Komodo National Park, inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1991, is the only place in the world where you can see Komodo Dragons. The dragon’s saliva contains many bacteria and one bite is enough to kill its prey. One of its main prey is the buffalo which it will bite and then follow until it dies, typically five days later. It will eat the entire animal, including bones. A guide is required when you visit the park to ensure your safety on the trails. Komodo Dragons are the largest lizards in the world. Found on the both Rinca and Komodo island, spotting a Komodo Dragon is a great experience.

From the UNESCO website:

Komodo National Park, located in the center of the Indonesian archipelago, between the islands of Sumbawa and Flores, is composed of three major islands (Rinca, Komodo, and Padar) and numerous smaller ones, all of them of volcanic origin. Located at the juncture of two continental plates, this national park constitutes the “shatter belt” within the Wallacea Biogeographical Region, between the Australian and Sunda ecosystems. The property is identified as a global conservation priority area, comprising unparalleled terrestrial and marine ecosystems and covers a total area of 219,322 ha. The dry climate has triggered specific evolutionary adaptation within the terrestrial flora that range from open grass-woodland savanna to tropical deciduous (monsoon) forest and quasi cloud forest. The rugged hillsides and dry vegetation highly contrast with the sandy beaches and the blue coral-rich waters.