Visiting a small island, such as Komodo, offers a unique holiday experience for every traveller. Indeed, the area is remote from the mainland, and some islands don’t have any human populations. Travelling to this holiday spot is quite an off-the-beaten-path experience. You will need extra preparations, ranging from budgeting to equipment. You must be prepared for the lack of telecommunication signals or transportation modes.
Yet, the efforts will be worth it. While on a tiny isle, your mind will be put at ease. The serene vibes in the place will recharge your soul, washing all your problems away. Once you leave, you will feel more ready to take on life’s challenges wherever you come from.
What is considered a small island?
According to UNESCO, a small island refers to a landmass smaller than 2,000 km². Besides the land size, other characteristics are closely related to the area. As said above, the land has a limited human population, or even no permanent human population at all. With barely any human activities, you won’t find any man-made buildings, public facilities, or vehicles. Unfortunately, there is no direct access, such as flights, to the island.
The land is often home to unique animals and vegetation, some of which you may not find anywhere else. Examples of the species include reptiles, birds, and insects. A small island also has special vegetation, such as tropical forests, grasslands, or scrublands. The wildlife and flora on the land create an interdependent relationship with the marine ecosystems that surround the place.
For example, animals on land depend on coastal environments to get food. Plants and shrubs play a vital role in retaining soil and freshwater. As such, a minor case, like overfishing, will result in tremendous negative impacts. It disrupts the ecosystem’s balance. The animals may die soon because they don’t get enough food supplies.
The charms of a small island in East Nusa Tenggara
East Nusa Tenggara is one of the provinces in Indonesia, which is situated in the southeast of the archipelago. The province has 1,192 islands in total, with three major islands: Flores, Sumba, and Timor. The rest are both small and mid-sized islands. In the eyes of local and global tourists, the province is famous for its unique and rare Komodo dragons.
Indeed, the statement is true. Explorers flock to the province to get a glimpse of how the species live and behave. Yet, there are other attractions that you will experience once you arrive in the province. Those attractions represent what makes a small island generally special. Read more below!
Ocean heaven
East Nusa Tenggara is the paradise of pristine beaches and rich underworld ecosystems. The Komodo National Park in Labuan Bajo is a must-see site if you want to do casual walking on clean sand. It is also rich in exotic islands surrounded by clear, blue waters. For those seeking more adventures, diving and snorkelling are must-try activities.
Cultural experiences
A small island is the best place to observe and look at how its residents preserve their ancestors’ wisdom. In the province, you can find traditional villages, such as Wae Rebo in Manggarai, Bena in Bajawa, and Ratenggo in Sumba. The Wae Rebo is well-known on social media. People call it “the village in the cloud”, given its high altitude. By design, the house is unique thanks to its cone shape.
Adventure
A small island offers you amazing natural adventures. For example, you can surf at Nembrala Beach in Rote Island. This spot is a world-class surfing spot, which you shouldn’t miss when visiting it. If climbing is your favourite sport, hiking to Kelimutu Mountain in Ende is a must. This mountain is charming thanks to its three-coloured lake that changes its colours at any time.
Small islands in Komodo National Park
This park is part of West Manggarai Regency, with the access centre in Labuan Bajo. The Indonesian government named it a national park in 1980 to protect the Komodo dragon and preserve the area’s unique terrestrial and marine ecosystems. In 1991, UNESCO designated it as one of the world’s heritages. Now, it is one of the new seven wonders of nature. Besides, this island is around 173,300 hectares, with almost 60% of it being water.
A small island in itself, the park also includes several smaller islands that offer special tourism charms for travellers. The rising use of the Internet has made the following islands more popular than ever before. Thus, a lot of travellers now have more options to visit Labuan Bajo and its surroundings. See the list below!
- Padar Island: Famous for its iconic panorama
- Kelor Island: Small hills and a white beach
- Kanawa Island: Snorkelling spot
- Siaba Island: Known as “The Turtle City”
- Kalong Island: Unique sunset view
Begin your special journey with Discovery Komodo Adventure!
Looking for a comprehensive and exceptional recreational trip in Labuan Bajo or Flores in general? Discovery Komodo Adventure is your best partner for travel! Consisting of experienced local guides, the tour operator can give exclusive information about a small island in the province.
They stand ready to handle your accommodation and transportation that adjusts to your travel plan. In addition, there are several packages that you can choose according to your time to stay and budget. No need to be stressed about managing simple things because this agency knows how to do so! Connect with them now via this website!
