Five must-visit places in Komodo National Park

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Five must-visit places in Komodo National Park

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Komodo National Park in Flores, East Nusa Tenggara, is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the country. With a total size of 1,817 square kilometers, the place covers three major islands, namely Komodo, Padar and Rinca, in addition to numerous islets.

Established in 1980, the park was initially intended to conserve the endangered Komodo Dragon and its habitat. As its popularity increased, more tourists could be found visiting the site to explore its other attractions as well.

Here are the top five recommended destinations available at the national park according to kompas.com.
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 Loh Buaya

Loh Buaya is the main habitat of Komodo dragons in Rinca Island. It takes two-hour boat ride from Labuan Bajo to reach it.

While in Loh Buaya, tourists will be accompanied by a tour guide, allowing them to learn more about the giant lizards. Other recommended activities in Loh Buaya include trekking and chilling on the beach.

Pink Beach

Pink Beach is among the must-visit places in the Komodo National Park. Its unusual and striking color comes from a microscopic organism called Foraminifera, which produces a red pigment on the coral reefs. According to Wonderful Indonesia's website, this beach is the perfect place for snorkelers and beginner divers as its shallow water allows amateur sea explorers to catch a glimpse of the breathtaking underwater life.

Gili Laba

Gili Laba is a small island in Komodo National Park. Popular for trekking, the small hills allow adventure-seeker to enjoy breathtaking views of the national park. During the dry season, the green hills turn into a yellow savanna.

Kelor Island

A trip to the park is not complete without marveling at its marine life. Home to 206 types of corals and thousands of fishes, Kelor Island makes a suitable snorkeling destination.

Komodo Tourism Village

In Komodo Tourism Village, tourist will be able to witness a day in the life of Komodo natives. Home to 1,700 residents, the place also allows tourists to purchase some unique souvenirs, such as Komodo dragon wooden sculptures.
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Source - TheJakartaPost

The Tourism Authority encourage Thais to saddle up for bicycle rides "in hidden cities"

The Tourism Authority encourage Thais to saddle up for bicycle rides "in hidden cities"

 THE TOURISM AUTHORITY of Thailand is adding another sub-chapter to its epic "Amazing Thailand" and "Discover Thailand" campaigns this year with the launch of the "Slow Life Ride in Hidden Cities" activity, which aims to encourage tourists, both local and foreign, to take to the road on two wheels.

A follow on from last year's "12 Cities … You Can't Say No" campaign, which was designed to boost local tourism, the new activity aims to promote sustainable tourism and raise environmental awareness.

Organised in collaboration with Nation Broadcasting Corporation, with which TAT has been worked to motivate more Thais to take up cycling, the project begins with a pilot phase that takes cyclists to Phatthalung in the South on May 29, to Rayong in the East on June 26, to Chaiyaphum in the Northeast on July 24, to Nakhon Pathom in the Central province on August 28 and to Lamphun in the North on September 25.

"Bike tourism is still the hottest trend in Thailand," says Sujitra Jongchansitto, deputy governor for domestic marketing of Tourism Authority of Thailand.