Into The Heart of The Dragons

Real dragons spurt no fire, have no need to fly and cast no magic spells. And still, one look from them might render you speechless. These komodos, the real life dragons, are a sight indeed. Gigantic, the lizard-like creatures are about two or three meters in length. They can easily weigh about 165 kilograms. Despite of their sheer size and appearance, they are not active hunters. What makes them intimidating is the fact that they are a patient predator. In the wild, they stalk a victim, usually a weak or injured one. One bite and that's what it usually takes. After following the victim for a while, sometimes up to several days' time, the komodos will devour the dying prey.

Indonesia's tourism to emphasize eco-cultural attractions in 2011

Indonesia’s tourism is to be promoted in 2011 with emphasize on the country’s eco-cultural attractions in the hope  it will draw  7.3 - 7.6 million foreign visitors,  a tourism ministry official said.

"After considering various factors, we have decided to promote the country’s eco-cultural’s attractions in 2011," Esty Reko Astuty, director of promotions at the Culture and Tourism Ministry, said here Monday as reported by Kompas.com.

The tiny islands of Ambon, Banda, Ternate and Tidore

The tiny islands of Ambon, Banda, Ternate and Tidore - among the thousands of islands in the Moluccas seas,- changed the course of world history from the 15th century onwards. These islands were what triggered the European Age of Exploration. 

Maluku

Maluku (Moluccas), a region of Indonesia formerly known as the Spice Islands, was once the source of cloves and nutmeg, spices highly valued for their aroma, preservative ability, and use in medicine before people learned how to cultivate the plants in other parts of the world. Maluku is a cluster of about one thousand islands totaling 74,504 square kilometers, forming part of the Malay Archipelago in eastern Indonesia near New Guinea. The region is divided into two provinces, Maluku with its capital in Ambon, and North Maluku (2002 estimated population 913,000), with its capital in Ternate; other important islands in the group include Halmahera, Seram, and Buru.

Halmahera Island

The remote Halmahera island, also called Gilolo or Jailolo, is the largest island in Maluku (the Moluccas), K-shaped almost like a miniature Sulawesi.  With white sandy beaches, unspoiled forests and the spectacular Mt Mamuya in the distance, this island offers stunning scenery. This is a rugged and mountainous landscape and much of the island is still covered in forest.

Komodo National Park

Komodo National Park is located between the islands of Sumbawa and Flores, comprises of three major islands: Komodo, Rinca and Padar, as well as numerous smaller islands, with total area more than 1,800 km2. Komodo National Park, home to the Komodo Dragon, also known as the Komodo Monitor, is identified by WWF and Conservation International as a global conservation priority area. The park also provides refuge for many other notable terrestrial species. Moreover, the Park includes one of the richest marine environments.

Halmahera Island

This island lies to the east of Ternate, separated only by a narrow strait. It is a mountainous island, still largely covered with forests. The coastlines are white sand and coral reefs are found in its waters. Offering a beautiful spectacle, Mount Mamuya (930 m) spews burning lava from time to time, adding to the allure of this island.
Pearl oyster breeding farms on Mangaliho Island can be reach by motorboat.