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Leg 16 - Indonesia (Part 2): (August, 2008)
Komodo and Rinca Islands
The Komodo dragon is found no where else in the world but on these two islands. Within the first hour
of our arrival, we were skirting with two of these rare creatures on the beach near our boat. Though
rare, they have been known to kill humans – apparently their bite, while not poisonous, contains so
many variety of infectious bacteria that nothing can survive a bite. We danced around and took many
pictures of this marvelous creature, and also enjoyed seeing monkeys, deer, wild pig and waterbuffalo in
this protected park environment.
The Komodo dragon is found no where else in the world but on these two islands. Within the first hour
of our arrival, we were skirting with two of these rare creatures on the beach near our boat. Though
rare, they have been known to kill humans – apparently their bite, while not poisonous, contains so
many variety of infectious bacteria that nothing can survive a bite. We danced around and took many
pictures of this marvelous creature, and also enjoyed seeing monkeys, deer, wild pig and waterbuffalo in
this protected park environment.
Sumbawa Island
Sumbawa is home to the largest volcanic eruption in modern times. In 1815, this volcano blew nearly
one mile (in height) off the top of the mountain, causing what was globally referred to as the “year
without a summer”…an impressive site. We made few stops along Sumbawa, just anchoring at the end
of each day and moving on early in the am. One of the stops was at the little island of Medang, where
we were surprised to find a large, thriving village with traditional stilt houses, (all beautifully clean),
superbly crafted and maintained fishing boats, and a huge seaweed farm. A delightful stop, and as was
often the case, the children loved having their pictures taken and were a joy to be around.
Sumbawa is home to the largest volcanic eruption in modern times. In 1815, this volcano blew nearly
one mile (in height) off the top of the mountain, causing what was globally referred to as the “year
without a summer”…an impressive site. We made few stops along Sumbawa, just anchoring at the end
of each day and moving on early in the am. One of the stops was at the little island of Medang, where
we were surprised to find a large, thriving village with traditional stilt houses, (all beautifully clean),
superbly crafted and maintained fishing boats, and a huge seaweed farm. A delightful stop, and as was
often the case, the children loved having their pictures taken and were a joy to be around.
Lombok Island
Lombok was a delightful, lush island and so far, the most Muslem of the islands we have visited. Since it
is the month of Ramadam which requires morning to evening fasting, and limits celebrations, there was
no dancing or music at the welcoming ceremony. Still, the local officials and village people prepared a
very nice welcoming dinner, apologized for being unable to offer more, and invited us all to return at
another time of the year. We anchored at Gili Air Island, one of three small islands just off the coast of
Lombok. This was a little slice of paradise…there were many little restaurants along the beach which had
little shaded areas for lounging and/or dining (we might call them gazebos, though they were made of
bamboo and palm). There was no motorized land transport allowed…only horse drawn little wagons,
each decorated distinctively. Many Europeans vacation here, and scuba diving is a favorite activity. I
took a couple of dives with Dream Divers. The dives were interesting (turtles, sharks, many strange and
beautiful fish), but the clarity was a bit disturbed because the wind was blowing fiercely while we were
there. On a day trip to the main island, I was able to find a machine shop and accomplish some needed
repairs. From here, we are on to Bali.
Lombok was a delightful, lush island and so far, the most Muslem of the islands we have visited. Since it
is the month of Ramadam which requires morning to evening fasting, and limits celebrations, there was
no dancing or music at the welcoming ceremony. Still, the local officials and village people prepared a
very nice welcoming dinner, apologized for being unable to offer more, and invited us all to return at
another time of the year. We anchored at Gili Air Island, one of three small islands just off the coast of
Lombok. This was a little slice of paradise…there were many little restaurants along the beach which had
little shaded areas for lounging and/or dining (we might call them gazebos, though they were made of
bamboo and palm). There was no motorized land transport allowed…only horse drawn little wagons,
each decorated distinctively. Many Europeans vacation here, and scuba diving is a favorite activity. I
took a couple of dives with Dream Divers. The dives were interesting (turtles, sharks, many strange and
beautiful fish), but the clarity was a bit disturbed because the wind was blowing fiercely while we were
there. On a day trip to the main island, I was able to find a machine shop and accomplish some needed
repairs. From here, we are on to Bali.
Flores
Flores is a large island, and we would make several stops before reaching the Komodo Islands near
its west end. We happened upon a delightful anchorage at Wodong, which had a small resort
operated by an Indonesian man and his Austrian, dive-master wife. While we didn’t stay ashore,
their accommodations were charming, their local dinner fare exceptional, and the diving delightful.
We spent several days here, diving, motor biking, exploring and resupplying fresh vegetables at the
market. Departing Wodong, we spent about a week moving daily from anchorage to anchorage,
exploring villages and volcanoes along the route to Labuanbajo on the west end of Flores where we
would resupply before moving into the Komodo Islands.
Flores is a large island, and we would make several stops before reaching the Komodo Islands near
its west end. We happened upon a delightful anchorage at Wodong, which had a small resort
operated by an Indonesian man and his Austrian, dive-master wife. While we didn’t stay ashore,
their accommodations were charming, their local dinner fare exceptional, and the diving delightful.
We spent several days here, diving, motor biking, exploring and resupplying fresh vegetables at the
market. Departing Wodong, we spent about a week moving daily from anchorage to anchorage,
exploring villages and volcanoes along the route to Labuanbajo on the west end of Flores where we
would resupply before moving into the Komodo Islands.
| As always, just click on any picture for full size impression - use the "Back" key to return |
Diving from local
boat
boat
Fishing village with
ubiquitous satelite dish
ubiquitous satelite dish
Volcano with 3
colored lakes
colored lakes
