Foto: A Komodo dragon (bron: Ronald van der Veer)
Indonesia - The Komodo Islands, located in eastern Indonesia between Sumbawa and Flores, are among Southeast Asia’s most fascinating and rugged natural areas. They are part of Komodo National Park, established in 1980 to protect the unique flora and fauna, especially the region’s most famous resident: the Komodo dragon (Varanus komodoensis). The park has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1991. The archipelago includes several islands, the best-known being Komodo, Rinca, and Padar. The landscapes are dramatic and diverse—arid savannahs, steep hills, tropical forests, and beaches with white, black, and even pink sand. The surrounding seas are crystal clear and home to incredible biodiversity, making them a paradise for divers and snorkelers—with coral reefs, manta rays, turtles, and colorful fish. The Komodo dragon is the undisputed star. This giant lizard—found only on a few Indonesian islands—is the world’s largest living lizard. Adult males can grow up to 3 meters long and weigh over 70 kg. Their muscular bodies, tough skin, sharp claws, and powerful tails make them formidable predators. They hunt deer, pigs, and even water buffalo, using surprise attacks. They are also known for their venomous bite—their saliva contains bacteria and toxins that can severely weaken prey. Despite their dangerous reputation, Komodo dragons are generally not aggressive toward humans unless provoked. Visitors are always accompanied by experienced rangers, who ensure safety and provide insight into the animals’ behavior and the region’s ecology. Beyond dragons, the park offers hiking, breathtaking viewpoints (like on Padar Island), traditional fishing villages, and opportunities to swim or kayak in pristine bays. Sunsets are spectacular—often with a dragon silhouette or flying fish dancing across the water. The Komodo Islands offer a once-in-a-lifetime adventure where natural beauty, wildlife, and raw wilderness converge.
At Borobudur
Indonesia - Today I’m going to visit the Borobudur temple, one of the seven new wonders of the world. It seems like one of the highlights of this trip. I leave Yogya by bus. It’s rush hour. Countless motorbikes weave through the city. I quickly understand why—a ...
Dolphins at Lovina
Indonesia - At six o’clock I meet Robert again on the beach. The sun has not yet risen, but a glow already hangs over the sea. I help Robert and the skipper push the fishing boat into the water. I step in to go dolphin watching. Fellow travelers who went yesterday ...
Face to Face with Orang Utans
Indonesia - I’m getting ready for a long trek through Gunung Leuser National Park. This is one of the last places where orangutans still live in the wild. Until a few years ago, the orangutans were fed twice a day, but efforts are now being made to phase this out ...
Mountain biking around Ubud
Indonesia - In front of the hotel, I meet Eddy, who will guide today’s cycling trip from Mount Batur back to Ubud. First, we take a bus northward. Even far outside the city, I see woodcarving workshops and stores—I can’t imagine many buyers still come here. ...
Sulfur carriers on the Ijen volcano
Indonesia - At four in the morning, my alarm goes off. Today I will climb the Ijen volcano, an active volcano north of Ketapang. Jeeps are waiting in front of the hotel. I join a rather quiet driver. He drives out of Ketapang heading north, taking about two hours ...
Sunrise at the Bromo volcano
Indonesia - Knock knock. “It’s three o’clock, Sir!” I’m woken for the sunrise at Mount Bromo. I quickly dress—Karin warned me it would be crowded today, as it’s Sunday and many locals come up for the sunrise. In the dark, I see a stream of headlights ...
The colorful lakes of the Kelimutu volcano
Indonesia - The Kelimutu volcano, located on the island of Flores in eastern Indonesia, is famous for one of the country's most fascinating natural phenomena: three crater lakes, each with a different, ever-changing color. These so-called “Lakes of Kelimutu” ...
The island of Gili Air
Indonesia - Gili Air is one of the three Gili Islands located off the northwest coast of Lombok, Indonesia. Together with Gili Trawangan and Gili Meno, it forms a tropical paradise in the Indonesian archipelago. Gili Air is the closest to Lombok and is known for ...
The Prambanan Temple near Yogyakarta
Indonesia - Today I leave Yogyakarta and head to the Hindu Prambanan temple, located 18 kilometers outside the city. This temple, from the same era as Borobudur, was severely damaged during the 2006 earthquake. The main temple, dedicated to Shiva, largely collapsed. ...
The Sendang Gile and Tiu Kelep waterfalls
Indonesia - The Rinjani Waterfall, often associated with the famous Sendang Gile and Tiu Kelep waterfalls, lies at the foot of majestic Mount Rinjani on Indonesia’s Lombok island. These are among the island’s most beautiful natural attractions, deeply connected ...
The traditional Bajawa villages on Flores
Indonesia - Deep in the mountainous interior of the Indonesian island of Flores lies Bajawa, a town known as the gateway to some of the most authentic and best-preserved traditional villages on the island. These villages, inhabited by the Ngada people, offer a rare ...
The view over Pulau Padar
Indonesia - The view over Pulau Padar – also known as Padar Island – is undoubtedly one of the most iconic and breathtaking panoramas in all of Indonesia. Located in Komodo National Park, between the larger islands of Komodo and Rinca, Padar is known for its ...
Washing elephants in Sumatra
Indonesia - My alarm wakes me just before seven. Today I’m going to wash elephants – an experience I’m really looking forward to. Suka greets me enthusiastically when I arrive at the restaurant. It’s about a half-hour walk to the elephant camp. The elephants ...