>Komodo National Park in East Nusa Tenggara (NTT) entered in the top ten best world tourist destination version of National Geographic. In the list Komodo Island is included in the list of categories of spring adventures or recommended sights to be enjoyed in the spring.
In his explanation, National Geographic called Komodo National Park has many exotic areas that can be visited by tourists. The main attraction of this island is ancient animals, Komodo, which only exist in Indonesian.
"With Pink Beaches and volcano scenery, tourists will also be treated to Komodo dragons, which are very exotic and other areas that can be visited and no less good," wrote an article in National Geographic.
The recognition of international media like National Geographic made the prestige of Komodo Island increasingly popular in the eyes of the world. Not only that, the international fashion magazine Vogue also incorporates Komodo Island as the top ten tourist destinations for a summer vacation.
Many world celebrities also choose Komodo Island as a tourist destination. Oscar winner through the film Shakespeare in Love, Gwyneth Paltrow, once made a testimony about Komodo. MotoGP racer Valentino Rossi has also set foot on Komodo Island in January 2017.
Vice President Jusuf Kalla claimed the result was due to the government's success in promoting this destination. Komodo Island has become a world-class destination and very popular among the international.
"National Geographic is very authoritative, we are proud that in Indonesia there is Komodo National Park that can penetrate the top 10 best destinations in the world.This indicates that our efforts to popularize the Komodo is successful.The destination is very interesting to be visited by outsiders," said JK, familiar call Jusuf Kalla.
Tourism Minister Arief Yahya was no less proud. The award from the leading media will make the Wonderful Indonesian brand become sharper in the international.
He said that this award has three meanings of 3C, which is raising the confidence as a nation, raising credibility as a state, and calibration to photograph how great is Wonderful Indonesian.
This award signifies Indonesia can compete in the world tourism industry. The recognition makes the prestige of Komodo National Park more global.
Other Mainstay Komodo Island
Komodo National Park has become a world tourism destination since it was crowned as the seven wonders of natural heritage in the world in 2011 and hosted international events, such as Sail Komodo 2013. The Government of Indonesia intensively accelerate the development of East Nusa Tenggara in the field of economy and tourism.
Komodo National Park has a myriad of destinations for tourists to visit. Like the Pink Beach with its uniquely pink beach sand, Gili Laba which has savanna hills, and Pulau Kelor which is a popular destination for snorkeling.
Komodo Island has a wonderful blend of adventure and relaxation. For adventures, the traveler can climb mountains, view dragons from close range, and dive while for relaxation can visit traditional weaving-producing villages and interact with local residents.
The island of Sumba has an incredible charm. "Sumba Island has been a secret favorite among surfers for years. The resorts, especially Nihiwatu attract people who love beaches, pure nature, and local interactions.
Head of NTT Tourism Office, Marius Ardu Jelamu, said Komodo Island and Labuan Bajo became the flagship destination of NTT Province. Many tourists come there to enjoy the diversity of nature and culture of the people of NTT.
"The area highlighted this year is Komodo Island, which is famous for the giant lizard animals that inhabit the island.Then Labuan Bajo is still a highlight, because it is the interest of tourists come to NTT much to Labuan Bajo to do snorkeling and diving considering the island this highly highlight the marine tourism is very beautiful.
He said that Flores, Sumba and Timor had hundreds of cultural tours. The local government also adds attraction by organizing art and cultural festivals to lure tourists. In addition, Marius also mentioned there are several other destinations scattered in NTT which became highligt and can be included in the list of places that can be visited by tourists.
For tourists who like the type of tourist that smells of the beach can visit Rote Ndao Island. This beach has seven rolls of waves suitable for surfing. This beach was every day entered by international tourists who like to surf.
For lovers of marine tourism in addition to Rote Ndao Island, tourists can also visit the famous Alor with the underwater beauty. There described by Marius, there is a very beautiful marine park located in the bay of Maumere and Allor.
In the Ende area there is Lake Kelimutu which always change its color. There are three colors, namely red and white, but now the colors change-change in line with changes in volcanology.
For tourists who love history, can explore the area of Ende. In Ende there is the most popular historical site, which is related to former first Indonesian president Soekarno.
Bung Karno when the colonial era was once disposed to Ende precisely in Bogondiko in 1934-1938, before then exiled to Bengkulu in 1938-1942. "In this Ende he got the philosophy of Pancasila," said Marius.
The popularity of Komodo Island is expected to further solidify Indonesia's position as a world tourism destination. Even so the Government should not be lulled. The government should continue to improve the management of services and facilities of Komodo National Park.
