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 This
region - located in the eastern side of Bali - still has a mystery
for everybody to explore. Komodo, some 500 kms to the east of
Bali just once more hop to the island of Flores, where lies an
island strewn called Komodo Island, home of the largest reptile
in the world, well known as the Komodo Dragon. This giant monitored
lizard is one of the world’s oldest species, a close relative
of the dinosaur which roamed the earth 100 million years ago.
This animal species which were discovered in 1911 only found in
the island of Komodo, and it is now a protected species which
its dwelling is a part of Indonesian National Park. The highlight
of a Komodo visit is to see the dragon in its natural habitat.
Just two and half hours by air east of Bali, there lies a pretty
island called Flores. This island received its present name in
1512 from passing Portuegese explorers, who called it Cabo Das
Flores which meant Cape of Flower. The eastern and southern coast
is dominated with and landscape due to dry winds blowing from
Australia continent, whilst further inland is mountainous with
cool tempratures. Having holiday here is full with further exciting
discoveries such as: Kelimutu three adjacent multi-coloured volcanic
lakes caused by minerals which is dissolved in it and the colours
change continuosly. Ende, the house in which Indonesia’s first
President was in banishment by 1936 during the period of nationalist
movement. Labuhan Bajo, a town at the western end of Flores island
as a stepping stone for the trip to Komodo island.
This Indigenous people, sophisticated culture, palm and taro cultivation,
sandal wood and textile trading, are amongst others to be discovered.
Sumba, formerly known as the sandal wood island, is known for
its horses and its traditional hand woven Sumba Cloth. The native
people here are mainly Christianized but still adhere to their
ancient traditions which rule community life in their village.
Number of horses possessing is the measure of man’s wealth in
eastern Sumba which play an important role in economy. The most
unusual cultural event, Pasola, is a kind of jousting tournaments
with hundreds of participants and spectators, held over a period
of days to mark the change of season makes the visit to this island
an interesting experience.
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12 DAYS LESSER SUNDA OVERLAND TOUR
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