KOMODO ISLAND HABITAT NATIVE ANIMALS DRAGONS

Komodo Island is known as a habitat for native animals dragons. Komodo dragons ( Varanus Komodoensis Ouwen) is awfully fantastic the largest lizard in the world, and can be found in the Komodo National Park, West Manggarai Regency, East NusaTenggara Province, Indonesia. 

Komodo Island is the westernmost tip of East Nusa Tenggara Province, bordering the province of  West Nusa Tenggara, Indonesia


  



About Komodo Dragons

Ancient animal was formerly greatly feared by many people, because of the large tail can knock down a buffalo, horses, and deer with a single flick. Had 4 feet big, very sharp teeth 26 each measuring 4 cm, and a red forked tongue. Not only that, a large and powerful jaws capable of swallowing a variety of animals in one fell swoop.

He was able to find prey in tens km from the front. Komodo has a sharp smell and bite of the deadly bacterial toxins in the saliva to paralyze their prey. After a bite, then it follows prey already hurt for days, until finally did die, and then he ate it.  

Komodo dragons are known to swim champion and that's how he then did explore the islands around Flores. Normally dragons mating season is from May to August. At the time of the breeding season it becomes difficult to see dragons in Komodo National Park. 

Komodo dragons likes hot and dry place, live in the savanna, or tropical forest habitat at lower elevations. When night comes, Komodo dragons hide in holes in the 1-3 meter while warm the body from the cold night.  

Komodo dragons are carnivorous reptiles at the top of an ancient food chain. Komodo dragons prey such as goats, deer, wild boar, and birds. In certain circumstances, can behave Komodo dragons prey on cannibalism with another. In searching for prey Komodo dragons saliva or can rely on the toxic in every bite that can kill their prey slowly. By relying on the sense of smell on his tongue, the Komodo dragon can smell carrion prey as far as 9 kilometers. In addition, the Komodo dragons are also capable of running 20 miles per hour within a short distance, climb trees, swim and even dive.

This ancient reptile eat by tearing large chunks of meat and then swallow it whole. If difficulty in swallowing, komodo dragons usually emphasize carcass meat into a tree.  

Komodo dragons can eat prey up to 80% of the amount of their own body weight in one fell ravenously. Komodo dragons breathe through a small channel under the tongue, which relate directly to his lungs. This allows the komodo dragon to breathe while its jaws remain fully occupied by its prey.

Large komodo dragons can survive by eating only once a month. After the meat undigested prey, komodo dragons spewing the remains of horns, hair and teeth of their prey, in clumps mingled with foul-smelling slime, known as the gastric pellet. Usually after that, the Komodo dragon wiped his face to the ground or into the bush to clear mucus remnants still attached.

 

Like most other reptiles, the Komodo dragon reproduce by laying eggs (spawn once produce 10-15 eggs). Male komodo dragons usually fighting to get  female. One month after mating the female will find a hole in the ground to lay eggs with an incubation period of 8-9 months. Little komodo dragons will hatch cover in the trees to avoid predators and cannibalism of adult komodo dragons. Until the age of 5 years is usually little komodo dragons will live in the branches of trees by eating insects, lizards, etc. From 15-30 eggs that hatch, only 2-3 tail that eventually survived into adult komodo dragons. However, the unique facts of research in London proved komodo dragons can also regenerate by parthenogenesis, or fertilization that occurs in the absence of marriage. Parthenogenetic komodo dragons supposedly saved from extinction since thousands of years ago. But suppose the process of parthenogenesis will always produce a male Komodo dragon.

 

Habitat destruction, volcanoes, earthquakes, fires, poaching indicated to have resulted in a population of dragons to some degree vulnerable to extinction. It is estimated there are 4-5 thousand female Komodo dragon in the presence of a productive only in the hundreds. Such conditions is a challenge for the conservation of the island of Komodo National Park.

On the Komodo island, komodo dragons animals live and breed well. Until August 2009, on this island there are an estimated 1300 komodo dragons. Coupled with the other islands, such as the island of Rinca and Gili and Motang, their number totaled about 2500 birds. There are approximately 100 individuals komodo dragons in Wae Wuul Nature Reserve on the mainland island of Flores, but not including the Komodo National Park.

 

Komodo Island also holds a variety of exotic flora Sepang wood by local people used as a medicinal and dye clothing, tree or Sterculia oblongata nitak is believed to be useful as medicines and seeds are tasty and delicious like peas.

Komodo Island is also accepted as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, as in Komodo National Park area, along with the island of Rinca, Padar, Gili, and Motang island.
 


Getting Komodo Island

Labuan Bajo is the gate to enter the Komodo National Park. There are several ways that can be taken to reach Labuan Bajo, are as follows: 

Using a plane from Jakarta / Bali / Kupang using the airline Merpati Airlines (byFokker 27), GT water (ATR) and TransNusa (ATR) menuju Bandara Komodo - Flores before heading to the Port Bajo using bemo then continued across the sea to the Komodo Island or Rinca island from Labuan Bajo pier. In this dock all ships anchored large, medium, and small to Komodo Island. Luxury ship with flags and symbols of various countries freely anchored here. August is the peak current density of the park board, because of the long holiday season. On the pier you can negotiate with the owner of the vessel to charter a speed boat or boat motor. About 20 boats meet the dock every morning, some have Most Wanted by the buyer, so you should come early.  

Komodo Island is 4 hours by boat, or 1.5 hours by speed boat, pier named Loh Liang. Towards the island of high currents and waves up to 4 meters, especially in January through March. There is lodging rates start from Rp 400 thousand rupiah. But most tourists who visit the island of Komodo to spend the night in a boat / boat is equipped with toilet and kitchen. Tourist can also adjust the budget of each by using the combined land and sea.

1. Routes quickly - cheap to Komodo Island: Landing on Airport Muhammad Salahuddin - Bima - Sumbawa. After that by using bemo heading to Sape harbor to go to Labuan Bajo and Komodo Island.

2. Cheapest route to the Komodo Island: From Ngurah Rai - Bali to the port of Padang Bai, (possibly from the Port of Amed) to go to Sheet Harbour - Lombok with a ferry journey time 4 hours. Subsequently added to Labuan, east of the island of Lombok to climb to the Ferry Port Alas - Sumbawa. Of the Port continued to climb Alas bus to Bima - Raba, followed by using bemo to Sape harbor, followed by another ferry to Labuan Bejo. Usually we have to rest overnight before continuing the trip to Komodo Island.


Another Way to See Ancient Animals Komodo Dragons

Rinca Island : 2 hours by boat from Labuan Bajo. In this island there is a pier Loh Buaya, where a small boat and was docked. There is a bungalow which is being renovated for a researcher or a documentary team to stay. Also available is the cafeteria and bathrooms. Tourists generally prefer to Rinca island because it is closer than the Komodo Island, and flat so that the contours of his island see more dragons.

To reach the island where dwells the dragons, Public sea transport is not available. The only way to just charter a boat from the pier of Labuan Bajo. Charge small boat with a capacity of 8 people to the island of Rinca eg cheapest Rp 600 thousand, while the island of Komodo rate of Rp 800 thousand.

 

If you choose a larger boat with a toilet and kitchen, with a capacity of 10 people charge about Rp 1 million rupiah in a full day return trip to the island of Rinca. If you want more quickly, you can rent a speed boat with a capacity of 8 persons. Only about 1 hour to reach the island of Rinca, a rate of Rp 3 million to Rp 5 million. Actually there is a cheaper way to Komodo Island is by a combination of land and sea, but of course much longer time. The terrain is challenging, and certainly more tiring. Many Caucasian backpacker, who use this route. From Senggigi Beach Lombok, they group (about 20 people) hire a boat to the Komodo National Park, at a cost of Rp 2 million means only Rp 100,000 per head.  

Sea travel by boat from the island of Lombok is taken for 3 days 2 nights, but for the backpacker long journey over the ocean it is an exciting marine tourism. The cost of aircraft that reached Rp 3 million round trip route Jakarta-Denpasar-Labuan Bajo. Estimated cost to the Komodo Island  about Rp 5 million per person for tourists from Jakarta with details are as follows :
Jkt-Denpasar round trip Rp 1.400.000

Denpasar-Labuan Bajo round trip Rp 1.600.00

Package tour 3 days 2 nights Komodo Island all in Rp 2,000,000 (include eat, stay on the boat and stay overnight in Labuan Bajo)

In 1980 the park was established to protect the Komodo dragon and its habitat. The total area of ​​the Park is at 1917 km2, is located on the border of West Nusa Tenggara and East Nusa Tenggara, or between the island of Sumbawa and Flores island. Komodo National Park entrance is currently located in the port area, called Loh Liang for the island of Komodo and Rinca Island to Loh Buaya, the admission price of Rp.97,000 (cost of a donation for the conservation of Rp. 75,000. - And ticket Rp. 22,000. - ). There are 277 species of animal that is a mix of animals that come from Asia and Australia, which consists of 32 species of mammals, 128 species of birds and 37 species of reptiles. Together with dragons, at least 25 species of land animals and birds including the protected animals, because their numbers are limited, or limited their deployment.

Komodo park also has beautiful marine life that consists of 385 species of beautiful corals, mangroves, and sea grass as home to thousands of species of fish, 70 species of sponges, 10 species of dolphins, six kinds of Whales, Green Sea Turtle, and various Sharks and stingray fish species. The incorporation of the northern waters of the warm waters and the waters south of the cold waters of the stream waters of the Ocean Indonesia gives a different character who produces underwater ecosystem is very rich. Many divers have to watch the underwater life of the stunning waters of the Komodo Island.

Komodo National Park region includes three major islands, ie Komodo Island - Padar Island - Rinca Island. And several small islands which, when sorted from west to east are as follows:

Small islands: Rawadarat - Stone-Sea Gililawa Gili Bugis - willingness Island - Island tatawa big - big Siaba Island - Island Mengyatan - Large Central Island - Central Island Small - Small Sebayor Island - Complete Sebayor Island - Island Mesa - Kanawa Island - 3 Island Papagarang - Papagaan Small Island - Island Panikia - Nusa Island Pimpe - Mesa Island - Kanawa Island - Big Island Pungku - Island of Bangkau.

Large islands and small islands are volcanic. The population in this area is approximately 4,000 people.
 

REOG PONOROGO MYSTERI BEHIND THE MASK

The dance known as Reog Ponorogo is an awfully spectacular dance with a fantastic mysteri behind the mask. Several dancers wearing bright colorful costumes accompanied by merry gamelan music.

Reog Ponorogo is always played in the open terrain, such as in a square, street, etc. This dance which always draws a lot of spectators is a traditional art dance combined with magical show or a trance dance. The story is related with the legend in Ponorogo Kingdom    ( East Java ). Nowadays Reog Ponorogo dance groups can be found also in other regions of Solo, Yogya, other town in East Java, Kalimantan, Jakarta, even in Suriname. One of the famous group is Reog Ponorogo Prambanan in the border of Yogyakarta - Solo.

History of Reog Ponorogo

The powerful King Kelono Sewandono of Ponorogo Kingdom was famous with his fighting skills and magical power, accompanied by his Patih ( Prime Minister ) Bujanganom and his strong soldiers were attacked by King Singabarong, The King of Lions of Kediri Jungle, supported by his army, consisted of Lions and Peacocks.

At the time the Ponorogo's group were on the way to The Kingdom of Kediri guarding King Kelono Sewandono to marry Dewi Ragil Kuning, a princess of Kediri Kingdom.

There was a big fight between mighty warriors having magical power. The peacocks flew up and down flapping their wings to support The Lions - Singabarong.

Bujanganom with his magic whip, supported by some Waroks in black traditional dress defeated The King Lion with all his followers.

The King of Ponorogo and his soldiers merrily continued their way to Kediri on horse back. Singabarong joint the procession. The peacocks kept close to Singabarong opened their tail feathers which looked like beautiful fan.

PARANGTRITIS, BEAUTY QUEEN OF SOUTH BEACH AND MYTH

Parangtritis is an awfully beauty queen of south beach Yogyakarta and has a fantastic myth about Nyi Roro Kidul.  

Parangtritis is always ranked top in number excursions, compared to other beaches in south of Yogyakarta. Two things that make Parangtritis famous : a romantic view of the sun setting in the twilight and the myth of Nyai Roro Kidul. Many people believe that Parangtritis the gate Nyai Rara Kidul magical kingdom that controlled the southern ocean. In addition Parangtritis also known as the big waves and sand dunes, or so-called dunes.  

Parangtritis is a gently sloping beach, with rocky hills, white sandy beaches and coastal scenery and limestone hill on the north coast.

Only with an entrance fee of Rp. 3000, - there are many things you can do in Parangtritis. Watch the sunset is one of the most desirable. Therefore, the best time to go to Parangtritis is now dusk. Parangtritis twilight dim romantic partner also often used as a background picture bride before marriage. There is also a service gig that will take you along the smooth sand surface Parangtritis. In this area, tourists can wander shore using a hansom cab and horse hire and piloted by the locals. If you prefer to ride his horse directly, you can also visit a horse rental services.

 

Kite game can also be an option if you want to get a relaxed atmosphere. Parangtritis strong winds that can help you to fly a kite. Even beginners who have never played the kite will be flying his kite with ease with the help of wind Parangtritis. Naturally, if Parangtritis often being used as a kite festival. For the more adventurous, ATV (All Terrain Vehicle) is worth a try. With the ATV, you can conquer the dunes along the coast. ATV rental costs around Rp. 50.000, - up to 100,000, per half hour.

 

Because the savagery waves, visitors Parangtritis not recommended for swimming. But on the beach bathhouse facilities are available. Among them is the water bath  Parang Wedang is said to treat various skin diseases. This is because the water contains sulfur baths. As well as a place of recreation, Parangtritis is also a sacred place. Many visitors who come to meditate. This beach is one place to do Labuhan ceremony of the Sultan's Palace.

Nyai Roro Kidul Painting

Getting Parangtritis
The beach is located about 27 Km from the city of Yogyakarta.To achieve Parangtritis, you can choose two ways. Firstly, the path of Yogyakarta – Imogiri – Siluk – Parangtritis offer awfully spectacular fantastic scenery river and mountain cliffs. Secondly, through the process of Yogyakarta – Parangtritis, more shorter and relatively good roads. Recommended not wearing green in honor of local residents who believed that green dress, which can lead to disaster. 

Among the local community, such mysterious events, reinforce the myth that sea power, commonly called Nyi Roro Kidul (Queen of the South Coast), likes to "eliminate" those who do not heed the rules of nature. Scientific study of the incidence of such further strengthens the theory that the ocean trench south of Java is loaded undercurrent that continues to move. Any item that swept the waves from the shore, dragged down and dumped in different locations.

In the dry season, the wind was blowing hard as not to be outdone by the pounding waves average 2-3 meters tall. Often there is a visitor heard the news swept the southern coast of the wave is lost. Surprisingly, the bodies of the fateful visitor, disappeared like the earth. Average SAR team could only find her body 2-3 days later after conducting searches. Typically, the location of the discovery of the bodies are not in an area where visitors are swallowed waves. Bodies were found hundreds of meters, sometimes even several kilometers from the original location.

Nyi Roro Kidul story of this very famous. Not only among the people of Yogyakarta and Surakarta, but across the whole island of Java. Both in Central Java, West Java and East Java. In the Yogyakarta area Nyi Roro Kidul story is always linked with the story of the king of Mataram. While in Malang inEast Java, especially in the South Coast Ngliyep precisely, Nyi Roro Kidul Kanjeng invoked as Queen of South Ngliyep Coast Labuhan ceremony was also held that the offering of the cult Nyi Roro Kidul believed that the wealth that they get is the help of Nyi Roro Kidul and his men.

 

That said, Nyi Roro Kidul is a beautiful queen like an angel, her beauty never faded at all times. At the base of the South Seas, the sea used to be called the Indian Ocean - south of the island of Java, he was enthroned in a kingdom of spirits that are very large and beautiful. 

  
 

ONDEL-ONDEL BETAWI GIANT DOLL REPELLENT REINFORCEMENTS

Ondel-ondel Betawi awfully fantastic giant doll original function as repellent reinforcements or spirit who haunts the disorder. 

Ondel-ondel Betawi (DKI Jakarta) people is a form of performance that is often displayed in people's parties. It seems Ondel-ondel portray ancestors who always keep their grandchildren or a resident of a village.

Ondel-ondel in the form of a large doll that is about 2.5 meters in diameter ± 80 cm, made ​​of woven bamboo, which is prepared in such a way so easily borne from it. Form part of the face mask or a mask, a head of hair made ​​from palm fiber. Face Ondel-ondel men usually painted in red, while white women. These forms show many similarities to those in some other areas.

The music that accompanies the Ondel-ondel not necessarily, depending on each group. There are accompanied tanjidor, such as group leader Gejen Ondel-ondel, Kampung Setu. Some are accompanied by a troupe of martial Betawi like "Beringin Sakti" Duloh leader, now head of Yasin, from Rawasari. There is also accompanied by Bende, "Kemes", Ningnong and Rebana Ketimpring, such as group leader Ondel-ondel Lamoh, Kalideres.

Today Ondel-ondel is usually used to add vibrant folk festivals or to welcome an honored guest, for example, at the inauguration of the new building was completed. No matter how swift currents of modernization, ondel-ondel still persist and become trimmer Jakarta metropolitan city faces.