SOUTH KOREA: Busan Is Best Destination In Asia 2018

The portside city of Busan, South Korea, has been named the best destination in Asia 2018 by the travel experts at Lonely Planet, who describe the bustling city as a confluence of culture and cuisine.

For the third edition of Lonely Planet's Best in Asia list, editors picked 10 destinations worth visiting over the next 12 months, which span East, South and Western Asia.

In May, Busan hosted an opening ceremony celebrating its title as East Asia's Culture City 2018, as part of a joint agreement between Japan, China and Korea.

Every year, three cities are selected to promote artistic and cultural development in the region.

Busan shares the title this year with Harbin, China and Kanazawa in Japan.The city also tops the "Best in Asia" list for offering travelers an eclectic offering of activities, from hikes up to Buddhist temples and hot springs to seafood feasts at the largest fish market in the country, editors say.

Busan is the second-biggest city in South Korea after Seoul.In second spot is Uzbekistan, with its dreamy mosaic clad mosques and Silk Road lore.

Last year, the country announced new visa-free schemes, and introduced new air routes and extensions to its high-speed rail line in an effort to boost international tourism and attract tourists to its jewelled sites and ancient ruins.

And rounding out the podium is Ho Chi Minh City in Vietnam, where vintage boutiques, independent coffee shops and innovative breweries are transforming the city into a buzzing Asian megalopolis.

Here are the top 10 destinations in their Best in Asia 2018 list:

1. Busan, South Korea

In repose between mountains and sea, Busan is a stunning confluence of scenery, culture and cuisine. It’s long been domestically lauded as the country’s best beach getaway, but South Korea’s second largest city packs an eclectic offering of activities to suit all travellers: hike hills to Buddhist temples, settle into sizzling hot springs and feast on seafood still a-wriggle at Jagalchi, the country’s largest fish market.

Bestowed the title of East Asia Culture City for 2018, Busan will be at its most vibrant this year with a medley of colourful events showcasing the country’s cultural heritage, from street art festivals to traditional dance shows.

Plus prestigious international film festival and it seems this second-city is poised to steal the spotlight.

2. Uzbekistan

Uzbekistan has long held sway over travellers’ imaginations, with its dreamy mosaic-clad mosques and Silk Road lore. But the country has remained largely closed off to the wider world due to tight control following the end of the Soviet era. Thankfully, change finally appears to be afoot.

In late 2017, Uzbekistan took huge strides in opening up to tourism, announcing visa-free and e-visa schemes, new air routes and also extensions to its shiny high-speed rail network, making access to its collection of jewelled architecture and ancient cities easier than ever.

Whilst the country lags behind its neighbours in a few ways, particularly regarding human rights, there is a feeling of hope that, as Uzbekistan enjoys the benefits of being welcoming to all, positive change will follow.

3. Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

Though long heralded as hip, Vietnam's southern supercity somehow keeps getting cooler.

Aging apartment blocks are being colonised by vintage clothes stores and independent coffee shops, innovative breweries like Heart of Darkness and East West Brewing are fuelling one of the best craft beer scenes in Southeast Asia, and a selection of eclectic venues are strengthening the local music scene.

Add these recent developments to the city’s essential long-standing attractions like the War Remnants Museum, which details HCMC’s recent history in eye-opening displays.

A pioneering street food scene and accommodation suited to all standards not forgetting superb flight connections and it appears this buzzing Asian megalopolis is in no danger of going out of style.

4. Western Ghats, India

India’s steamy southern highlands have never garnered the same column inches as the hill stations and Himalayan heights of North India, but the Western Ghats offer an atmospheric mirror to Shimla and Darjeeling, with added jungle appeal.

Traversing Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Karnataka, Goa and Maharashtra, these rugged hills are Unesco listed as one of the top spots for biodiversity in the world.

Protecting everything from wild elephants and tigers to the neelakurinji flower, which blooms only once every 12 years and will be painting the hills in purple livery from August to October 2018.

Visit now and you’ll find coffee, tea and spice plantations, charmingly dated colonial outposts, thundering waterfalls, and even a steam-powered mountain railway, while evading the crowds who mob the northern uplands.

5. Nagasaki, Japan

For most international tourists, Nagasaki is synonymous with the tragic atomic bombing of August 1945. Remarkably, the city has converted the catastrophe into a concerted call for peace.

This exemplified by both the tranquil Nagasaki Peace Park , where a simple monolith marks the explosion's hypocentre, and the Atomic Bomb Museum, where hibakusha the atomic bomb survivors make poignant pleas for international nuclear disarmament.

But Nagasaki’s identity transcends one violent act; for centuries Japan’s main foreign trade occurred through Nagasaki's old port, bringing a distinctive East-meets-West character and, notably, Christianity to the city, the influence of which is documented in a new museum housed in Japan’s oldest church.

More leisurely tourist delights also abound, from the verdant harbour to the hiking routes that snake through the surrounding volcanic hills.

6. Chiang Mai, Thailand

With its legion of temples and grand, weather-worn city walls, the former capital of the Lanna Kingdom feels plucked from the pages of history, where visitors browse stalls of antique jewellery as the familiar scent of tilapia grilled in banana leaf fills the air.

A young, creative population has taken up residency in the city, bringing an exciting buzz to the archaic alleyways.

Now, alongside majestic, gold-painted chedis or stupas are cafés known for their latte art, mural-walled restaurants specialising in experimental fusion cuisine.

And the newly-opened, award-winning MAIIAM Contemporary Art Museum, which, like Chiang Mai itself, draws plaudits for its masterful intertwining of traditional and modern influences.

7. Lumbini, Nepal

For decades, Lumbini was somewhere travellers flashed through en route from India to Nepal, often unaware that they had passed within yards of the birthplace of the historical Buddha.

Thanks to the efforts of the international Buddhist community, Lumbini is on the ascendancy, but despite its heritage, this sacred site remains a sleepy detour off the backpacker trail.

However, change is apace; a new international airport is under construction, offering a new, safer route into Nepal, and ever-more aweing temples are springing up.

While these developments may finally be the catalyst that brings Lumbini the attention it deserves, the town’s cardinal draw will remain its tranquillity – embodied by the rare sarus cranes that stalk the wetlands around the World Peace Pagoda.

8. Arugam Bay, Sri Lanka

Despite Sri Lanka emerging as one of the world’s hottest travel destinations, Arugam Bay, a surf town on the country’s east coast, has miraculously managed to retain its cool.

While holidaymakers swarm the country’s ancient citadels and hiker-strewn hill stations, here you’ll find barefooted boarders sprawled outside vegan cafes and scrawled signs on hotel doors reading - gone surfing, back soon.

Renowned as a long-time surf haven, the town boasts breaks to satisfy all levels, along with a number of schools to get everyone hanging 10.

If the turquoise swells can’t tug you in, Arugam has authentically grown its on land offering, with an increase in beachside bars and makeshift music festivals; plus a handy proximity to Kumana National Park, home to leopards, elephants and crocodiles.

9. Sichuan Province, China

Far-flung villages, towering skylines, giant pandas and fiery cuisine; Sichuan province is a microcosm of modern China, and 2018 is bursting with reasons to go.

Cosmopolitan Chengdu has become one of the country's design and tech hubs, which also means a mushrooming of luring brewpubs and boutique hotels.

Starting in 2018, travellers will be able to ride the first section of the Sichuan-Tibet Railway which will eventually link Chengdu to Lhasa in just 15 hours, west to visit time-frozen Tibetan villages dwarfed by dramatic mountain scenery.

Up north, the exceptional Jiuzhaigou National Park has reopened to limited numbers of visitors after the 2017 quake, while down south spiritual experiences reign supreme: gain perspective surveying the Le Shan Grand Buddha or climb Emei Shan to absolve a lifetime’s sins.

10. Komodo National Park, Indonesia

ome to the fascinating and formidable Komodo dragon, Komodo National Park is a nature enthusiast’s nirvana. Aside from laying eyes on the illustrious lizard.

Visitors to this cerulean silhouetted archipelago in Indonesia's Lesser Sunda Islands can hike to hallowed viewpoints on Padar, sample laid-back beachside living on Kanawa and dive with a mind-boggling array of marine life in the reefs off Komodo.

New flight connections and liveaboards to gateway Labuanbajo have made the park more accessible than ever, prompting local authorities to examine ways to protect the Komodo species.

Visitor caps and park fee rises are likely in 2018, but travellers should play their part by joining small, responsible boat trips to avoid overwhelming the park's guides and resources.


Tourism Observer

INDONESIA: Komodo Island Tourism Grows Rapidly, No Wonder It Is The New 7 Wonders Of Nature

The Komodo dragon can smell blood up to 4km away says a forest ranger and guide at Komodo National Park, the only place in the world where this ancient lizard can be observed in the wild, can testify to their lethality.

Recently, a village carpenter had to have his leg sawed off after being bitten by one. And last year, a Singaporean tourist was attacked while trying to take a photo.

The reptiles have more than a dozen types of venom in their saliva that can prevent blood clotting.

They don’t really think. The endangered animal which feeds on local deer, water buffalo and wild pigs and can grow up to three metres long.

They act on basic instinct and are opportunistic carnivores. They need meat and any meat.

Five adult Komodos are lazing in the shade by the rangers’ mess on Rinca, one of the three main islands in the protected park’s 26-isle archipelago, drawn in by the smell of food.

One of them flicks a pale forked tongue out to sample the air before making a slow stride to another spot in the shade. A small group of tourists snap pictures from a distance. None of them are speaking Chinese.

It is unusually tranquil for a Unesco World Heritage Site and one that, since 2011, has been called one of the world’s seven new wonders of nature.

But foreign visitor numbers to one of Indonesia’s oldest national parks have been soaring in recent years and a new influx of mainland Chinese visitors is expected in May.

Until 2011, few foreign visitors, barring the occasional diving enthusiast, the park is home to 50 world-class dive sites or photographer, stepped foot on this less-travelled part of eastern Indonesia.

It is a one-hour speedboat ride from the fishing town of Labuan Bajo, which itself is a one-hour flight east of the popular resort island of Bali.

Created in 1980, the park is nestled in Indonesia’s Lesser Sunda Islands between East Nusa Tenggara and West Nusa Tenggara.

The relative isolation of Rinca, home to about a fifth of the park’s 5,000 Komodo dragons, and the park’s other islands such as Komodo and Padar, has largely helped insulate its delicate ecosystem from development for decades.

The lizards’ large size is put down to a phenomenon known as island gigantism, a phenomenon caused by the absence of other carnivorous animals on an isolated land mass.

The park topography itself seems to come straight out of Jurassic Park. Its rocky outcrops of volcanic origin sprout from the seas and are covered in lush green during the rainy season.

Its jagged mountain ranges, punctuated by open savannahs, are inhabited by prehistoric reptiles.

Buffered by mangroves, reefs, pink sand beaches and the azure waters of the Flores Sea, the park’s marine protected area is home to more than 1,000 species of fish, including manta rays, and 385 coral.

Around 278,000 tourists visited Labuan Bajo last year and of this figure, less than one per cent were from China, the country’s biggest source of inbound tourists.

By contrast, the more well-known Bali received more than 5 million tourists, the bulk from China and Australia.

But fortunes could change for Labuan Bajo come May, when the park will receive its first large tour groups from China.

Between then and the end of next year, 100 Chinese tourists are expected to arrive on the park’s shores every day, according to officials.

That compares to an average of just 50 Chinese tourists a month since 2016 and even fewer before that.

Fifteen cruise ships are expected to make Komodo island a regular port of call, each carrying hundreds of passengers.

The influx of cruises and Chinese tourists is expected to provide a significant boost to the 70,000 park visitors it received in 2017, mostly locals from Jakarta and the rest Europeans and Americans.

The expected increase mirrors a surge in Chinese tourists to Southeast Asia in general. Chinese tourist arrivals to the region have soared from around 4 million a year in 2006 to more than 20 million in 2016.

While rangers depend on tourist revenues for income, the unspoilt environment is what appeals to the 500 to 1,000 daily visitors who already visit the park for trekking, snorkelling, diving, sunbathing or to see the dragons.

This is the last natural habitat for the Komodo dragon, he says. Too much tourism will not be good for the local marine life or the park. We need to balance tourism with conservation of the ecosystem.

More tourists means more noise, litter, sewage, waste and possibly, more limbs ripped off from overexcited visitors. More rangers, guest houses, toilets and amenities will be needed as well as a bigger water supply and waste disposal infrastructure. More signs explaining the rules of the park will have to be put up in Chinese.

More traffic won’t just affect the Komodo dragon. It will disturb other animals like deer and wild pigs that the dragons feed on, says Abdul Rahman, a Komodo National Park official and former ranger.

Komodos depend on them for food. They are cannibalistic, if they don’t get enough food, they will start to eat each other.

It will be hard for rangers to just say no. While the park is managed by the national government, rangers are not salaried officials.

Each ranger gets about 40,000 Indonesian rupiah (HK$23) for every forest walk they conduct as well as a cut of the revenues from the refreshment stands and gift shops they run.

They will benefit from tourism more than any other stakeholder. Park revenues, Rahman says, are expected to see 70 to 80 per cent growth after May.

For money, it’s good, yeah. But for the park, I think not so good, he says. We need to set a maximum number of visitors that come every day. I think 3,000 per month is a reasonable number.

Meanwhile, Labuan Bajo, the capital of West Manggarai Regency, is pouring resources into developing its tourism industry in line with the national target of attracting 500,000 foreign tourists,the final number is still under consultation to the Flores region by next year.

Augustinus Christofer Dula, regent of West Manggarai, one of the eight regencies that divide the island Flores, admits that the government has been rather nervous about hard-selling the region’s tourism potential given the lack of capacity to absorb a sudden influx of visitors.

But with the region listed as one of 10 potential Balis by the national government, his hope is that Labuan Bajo will one day offer just as much.

Things are moving in the right direction. Labuan Bajo’s tiny airport has recently been refurbished with a shiny new terminal now plastered with Komodo dragon motifs and billboards.

There are aspirations for it to become an international airport. New ports and marinas are in the pipeline. An international hospital catering to foreigners opened its doors in 2015.

Hotels are being built or expanded with new wings, some with jetties that provide speedboat services straight to Komodo National Park.

The aim, understandably, is to draw in the Chinese tourist dollar. Chinese people believe in dragon myths. Dula says. Hopefully more of them will want to come and see the living dragons here.

Dula says that in 2016-17, only 101 Chinese tourists came to Labuan Bajo. We want more, he says. Our hope is that by inviting more Chinese tourists, we can develop our economy. When tourism grows, the economy will too.

But how many tourists are enough?

Over the years, concerns have been raised over Komodo National Park’s managerial and environmental issues, from land disputes, waste management and freshwater security issues to the impact of destructive fishing, oil spills, coral damage and conflicts between the fisheries and tourism sectors, according to WWF Indonesia.

Studies on Komodo National Park’s master plan and its maximum carrying capacity by the group last year found that it had huge potential for development as a prime tourism destination, but concluded the ecosystem was very sensitive to irresponsible tourism.

The waste generated in Labuan Bajo amounts to 12.8 million tonnes per day, said WWF Indonesia marine tourism coordinator Indarwati Aminuddin.

Labuan Bajo is also lacking in clean water, followed by energy, food its natural resources are also under pressure from fishing and other activities.

From both studies, it is estimated that tourism carrying capacity is below 300,000 individuals per year.

There is a real concern that pristine areas of Indonesia such as Labuan Bajo could go the way of Bali.

In recent years, a Bali overrun by tourists has been besieged by concerns of pollution, waste management and freshwater scarcity.

A recent report by the Bali Water Protection Programme, for example, suggested that the island’s water table had dropped more than 50 metres in some areas in less than 10 years.

In terms of environmental issues, the costs impacted by mass tourism are only realised on a disaster basis, says Satrio Wicaksono, forests and landscape manager at the World Resources Institute Indonesia, an environmental research organisation.

Protected parks aside, resort towns all over Southeast Asia have been under similar threats.

The Philippine government recently announced the six-month closure of Boracay island, which the country’s president Rodrigo Duterte described as a cesspool, to recuperate its overwhelmed infrastructure.

Since the area is very sensitive, Komodo National Park management needs to implement immediate action to manage the number of visitors in every tourism location in a national park area so that they can have impact monitoring in the areas.

Back in Labuan Bajo, Dula understands the risks of giving into the trappings of mass market, commercial tourism as well as the potential impact it will have on sustainability.

He says a visitor quota to the parks should be implemented and hopes the national Ministry of Forestry and Environment that manages national parks can delegate more authority to the local government to run Komodo and control tourist flows.

Tourism will be nothing if the Komodo dragon goes extinct, he says.

Komodo Island in Indonesia is probably best known for its population of Komodo dragons, the world's largest lizard. However, Komodo Island has far more to offer than just sightings of these amazing reptiles.

In fact, Komodo Island has been listed as one of the New 7 Wonders of Nature and offers some of Indonesia's best diving spots, along with some pretty incredible views, unique beaches and even a handful of great hikes.

If you're tired of the parties, beaches and crowds of Bali, Komodo Island might just be the escape you need while still staying in beautiful Indonesia. Here's everything you need to know about planning a visit to Komodo Island.

Komodo Island can be really hot year-round, so no matter when you visit it's important to be prepared for high temperatures.

The best time to visit Komodo Island is between April and November, which is the area's dry season.

The island becomes very busy in July and August, but the shoulder seasons of April to June and September to November are ideal for balancing crowds and good weather.

No matter when you visit, you should be able to see some Komodo dragons and the island is suitable for scuba diving year-round.

For scuba diving, the visibility is best when the sea is calmer between November and January.

The Komodo dragons’ mating season is in July and August, followed by nesting between September and November, so the reptiles will be more visible during these months

July, August, September and November are great months to watch Komodo Dragons moving around in the Island.

Of course, the most popular reason to visit Komodo Island is to see the famous Komodo dragons. Komodo National Park was founded in 1980 for the conservation of these animals and is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Komodo National Park is actually made up of several islands, the three largest being Komodo, Padar and Rinca.

There are thought to be about 5,000 Komodo dragons living in the park and each one can weigh up to 90 kg. Their massive size doesn't slow them down, and they can run up to 12 miles per hour.

While visiting the Komodo National Park, it is best to hire a local guide as they are knowledgeable about the safest places for visitors to watch the Komodo dragons.

Komodo Dragons are lone hunters but communal eaters. You will often see them sharing their meal.

Visiting a one-of-a-kind Pink Beach. The Komodo dragons aren't the only natural wonder you can see on your visit to Komodo Island.

Pink Beach is a gorgeous, unique stretch on the island's coast that really shouldn't be missed, just ask your boat operator to make a stop and you can easily enjoy about two to three hours here.

This beach has a mixture of white sand and little bits of red coral that have washed ashore, giving the beach its signature pink color.

Nominated as one of the seven natural wonders of the world, the Pink Beach is one of only seven beaches in the entire world with pink sand. It is a great place to take in the island's marine biodiversity.

The sea here is warm and perfect for hours upon hours of snorkeling or diving.

The Pink Beach of Indonesia is one of only seven beaches in the world that is filled with reddish-pink sand.

Diving and snorkeling with the marine wildlife. Diving is the second most popular reason people visit Komodo Island.

The island is known for being one of the most beautiful and diverse dive sites not only in Indonesia but the entire world.

It has more than 30 dive sites fit for all levels! This is in large part thanks to the island being a protected area, meaning the waters off its coast are well-preserved.

Some of the dive sites even allow you to dive through caves like Batu Sabun or float above pinnacles like Tanjung Loh Sera.

The waters surrounding Komodo Island are home to over a thousand species of fish and about 250 species of coral.

You'll have a chance to see manta rays, reef sharks, seahorses and even dolphins! If you are into underwater photography, try Sabolon Island as it has clear waters and a great starting point for your diving adventures.

If diving isn't your thing, many of these diving spots also offer options for snorkelling.

If visiting the largest living lizards on the planet while relaxing on the beach is your idea of fun then the 11 Day Beaches & Dragon Journey might be for you.

Kanawa Island is about 15 kms away from Labuan Bajo, Flores and is a popular spot for snorkeling and scuba diving.

Underwater bio-diversity of Komodo Island will leave you astounded.

Admiring amazing sunrises and sunsets. There isn't much to offer in terms of hiking on Komodo Island itself, but there are plenty of hiking options if you visit its neighboring islands.

You can hop over to Padar Island, the third largest island in the national park, and hike to its summit — Padar Lookout. This hike can take you anywhere from 20 – 30 minutes depending on your pace.

From there you'll have one of the best views in all of Indonesia and you should even be able to see all of Komodo National Park. The best time to arrange a hike would be either during sunrise or sunset in the months of April to November.

Finally, another popular hike in the park is on the smaller island of Gili Lawa or Gili Laba Darat. This is a tough climb, but it is well marked and offers amazing views of the area and is popular as a sunrise hike.

You will usually have to begin very early, around 3 am, to start this hike that runs through a short but steep climb. This hike or walk can be completed in 20 minutes.

Don’t forget to carry your good pair of walking shoes and a torch.

Go on a hike at Padar Island and you will be greeted by this view at the highest point

No matter where you may be in Indonesia, it is relatively easy to reach Komodo Island. The easiest way is to fly from a major airport like Bali or Jakarta to Labuan Bajo Airport on Flores island, also called Komodo Airport.

From there, you can either walk to the town of Labuan Bajo about 20 to 30 minutes downhill or take a 10-minute taxi ride.

Once you reach Labuan Bajo, it is fairly easy to find a boat that will take you over to Komodo Island. The ride takes about two hours, so you can even visit it in a single day, though we recommend taking your time to really enjoy all the Komodo National Park has to offer.

The only accommodation on Komodo Island itself is a collection of bungalows that are owned and operated by the National Park. They are usually reserved for special guests and film crews.

As such, most visitors to the area spend the night on nearby Flores, usually in Labuan Bajo. Below we give you four best accommodation options in Labuan Bajo.

Dragon Dive Komodo Hostel. A typical hostel, Dragon Dive Komodo offers both dorm beds starting at USD 17* a night and private rooms starting at USD 90* a night.

This is a great choice if you are budget conscious and are interested in meeting some fellow travelers. This hostel is known for its laid-back atmosphere and even has a swimming pool, bar and restaurant on site.

Best of all, it's not far from the airport.

Green Hill Boutique Hotel. This is a great in-between hotel for those who don't want to stay in a hostel but aren't quite looking for that resort vibe either.

The Green Hill Boutique is a minimalist guest house with 9 rooms, each offering sea views. Rates start at USD 30* a night and book up fast.

Blue Marlin Komodo. If you're a fan of resorts, this PADI 5-star accommodation is perfect for you. The Blue Marlin Komodo is just a seven-minute drive from the airport and has a swimming pool, a bar, a restaurant, a shop, and laundry facilities.

You can also enjoy the hotel's water sports, including diving lessons. Private rooms start at USD 70* a night, and dorms are also available for USD 12* a night.

Angel Island Resort. Finally, for the ultimate touch of luxury, there's Angel Island, an eco-friendly resort made up of 10 villas among hibiscus gardens and white sandy beaches.

Angel Island is a private island that borders the National Park. Each villa features a private patio, air-condition, open-air bathrooms and a TV.

The resort also offers a range of water sports, massages, diving lessons and trips to the nearby islands. Rooms start at USD 335* a night.

As you can see, there is so much more to see and do on Komodo Island than just seeing the Komodo dragons.

Whether you're active and love to dive and hike, or even if you just want to see something totally unique like the Pink Beach, this island and the wider Komodo National Park has so much to offer its visitors.


Tourism Observer

INDONESIA: Komodo Dragon Attacks Tourist Who Was Photographing Another Komodo

A komodo dragon, one of the world's largest lizards, attacked a tourist in Indonesia who was trying to photograph the giant creatures feasting on a goat, police said.

Singaporean Loh Lee Aik, 67, was rushed to hospital with leg injuries after being pounced on by the venomous creature.

Sudiyono, the head of the Komodo National Park islands in central Indonesia that form a protected habitat for the lizards said it was the first attack by one of the creatures on a foreign tourist since 1974, when a visitor from abroad was killed.

Loh had been staying at a village on Komodo island before setting off in search of the lizards Wednesday.

But he failed to take a park ranger with him, something all visitors to the islands are advised to do.

He was probably very excited taking pictures of the komodo, he didn't realise another komodo was approaching him and then he was bitten, local police spokesman Jules Abraham Abast said.

Luckily it was a small komodo that bit him.

He was given first aid at the site before being taken by boat to nearby Flores island, where he was admitted to hospital. Abast and the hospital said he was in a stable condition.

Komodo mating season

The attack happened during the Komodo mating season, which runs from May to August and is a time when the lizards are more aggressive.

Abast said Loh had failed to report his visit to authorities and urged visitors to do so in future to avoid such incidents.

Thirty people have been bitten by komodo dragons since 1974, with five of the victims dying, according to Komodo National Park authorities.

Recent research has found that the dragons' jaws have highly sophisticated venom glands that can cause paralysis, spasms and shock through haemorrhaging.

The lizards are native to several Indonesian islands, and are considered a vulnerable species, with only a few thousand left in the world.

They can grow up to three metres long and weigh up to 70 kg.

Komodo dragon attacks 2 rangers

A Komodo dragon in Indonesia has attacked two employees in one of the giant lizards' protected island habitats, leaving its victims hospitalised with serious injuries, an official said on Wednesday.

One victim, a 50-year-old park ranger, was sitting at his desk at the Rinca island front office, where tourists usually check in, when the 2m-long monitor snuck into his room on Tuesday afternoon.

"The man panicked when he saw the Komodo and tried to escape by jumping on a chair, but the Komodo quickly grabbed and bit one of his legs," Komodo National Park official Heru Rudiharto said.

Rudiharto said the ranger was the victim of a similar Komodo attack in 2009 and was still traumatised.

Another employee, aged 35, heard the ranger scream and quickly ran to his aid, but the lizard also attacked him, taking a bite at his leg.

Both are in good condition after being given stitches at a health clinic, Rudiharto said, but they are being monitored in hospital to ensure an infection does not develop.

Until recently, Komodos were believed to hunt with a "bite and wait" strategy using toxic bacteria in their saliva to weaken or kill their prey, before descending in numbers to feast.

But recent research found that the dragons' jaws are armed with highly sophisticated poison glands that can cause paralysis, spasms and shock through haemorrhaging.

They are native to several Indonesian islands and are considered a vulnerable species, with only a few thousand left in the world.

Their normal diet consists of large mammals, reptiles and birds.

A Komodo in October attacked a woman collecting grass for animal feed at the park, Rudiharto said. She has recovered from a serious leg injury.

The world's largest monitor lizard, Komodos can grow up to 3m and typically weigh to 70kg.

Komodo dies at Indonesian 'death zoo'

A Komodo dragon was found dead on Thursday at an Indonesian zoo infamous for hundreds of animal deaths, the third of the giant lizards to perish there this year, a zoo official said.

The 11-year-old male Komodo dragon died in its cage at Surabaya zoo, on the main island of Java, said Liang Kaspe, the park's veterinary surgeon.

Two of the Komodos, which are the world's largest living lizards and have a venomous bite, died in February and June at the zoo, which is Indonesia's biggest.

An initial autopsy indicated that the latest death was caused by intestinal problems, said Kaspe, but further laboratory tests will be carried out over the next month to check for other problems.

The zoo now has seven male, six female and 59 baby Komodos. More than 30 eggs have also been laid since the end of July, Kaspe said.

Surabaya zoo has been dubbed the "death zoo" because so many animals have died there prematurely in recent years owing to neglect, including several orangutans, a tiger and a giraffe.

The management of the zoo has been taken over by the Surabaya city administration, but the deaths have not stopped and animal welfare groups continue to call for the zoo's closure.

Komodo dragons, which are native to several islands in central Indonesia, can grow up to 3m long and weigh up to 70kg. They are classified as a vulnerable species.

US zoo worker injured by Komodo dragon bite

Omaha zoo worker was bitten by a Komodo dragon on Sunday and treated at a local hospital.

The female worker was taken from the Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium to a hospital after the 12:30 incident. Later in the afternoon, the zoo said in a statement the worker had been released and should recover fully. The zoo said earlier media reports that the worker was critically injured were incorrect.

Assistant general curator Stephanie Huettner said the worker needed a couple of stiches to close up the wound on her hand.

The animal involved was a juvenile Komodo dragon. The zoo said the animal is about 1.2m-long and weighs about 4.5kg.

The zoo currently has one adult Komodo dragon and two juveniles on display.

Adult Komodo dragons can weigh more than 135kg and reach 3m in length. The carnivorous lizards can also run up to 18km/h in short bursts, according to the National Geographic website.

The Omaha zoo is a well-regarded facility. Earlier this year, travel website TripAdvisor ranked the zoo first in the world with some 1.7 million visitors a year.

INDONESIA: Singaporean Tourist Attacked By A Komodo Dragon In Indonesia.

A tourist who refused to pay for a tour guide was mauled by a fearsome Komodo dragon in Indonesia.

Lon Lee Alle, 50, from Singapore, ventured alone into a secluded area to watch the wild beasts gorging on goats and pigs in West Manggarai, Indonesia, The Sun reports.

He is said to have ignored warnings not to get too close to the prehistoric looking creatures and crept up on one to take pictures.

But one of the Komodo dragons believed to have been about 2.5m clearly thought it was dinner time and pounced.

Shocked onlookers dragged him to safety yesterday at about 8am local time.

Horrific pictures taken by a tour guide show blood pouring from the wound on Mr Alle’s leg as he is wheeled away to receive stitches at the Komodo National Park.

Officials said Mr Alle had wandered around the island on his own because he wanted to save money instead of paying for a tour guide.

This was a pretty silly thing to do. You should be very careful near wildlife, particularly Komodo dragons, Captain Rama Hasan said.

The man was in pain. He was lucky there were people around to help him, or it could have been much worse.

Komodo National Park boss Sudiyono said the large lizards aren’t known to attack tourists out of the blue.

He must have been too close. A Komodo doesn’t like to be disturbed when eating, he said.

This is the first incident of human being bitten by a Komodo dragon in the past five years.

Mr Alle was treated on the island before being transferred by boat to the Siloam General Hospital.

Komodo dragons are the world’s largest lizard and have thrived in a harsh part of Indonesia for millions of years.

These prehistoric creatures are related to snakes and will eat almost anything they find from deer, pigs, water buffalo. Dragons can consume an astonishing 80 per cent of their body weight in a single meal.

INDONESIA: Indonesia Is World's Largest Archipelago

With more than 13,000 islands, Indonesia is the world's largest archipelago. Only about 6000 of the islands are inhabited but that still leaves a lot of options for island-hopping.

Most travellers know about Bali, the surf-and-sand island of Eat, Pray, Love fame, and Java, home to Jakarta, the capital of Indonesia, and 60 per cent of the country's population.

But I recently travelled with friends to two lesser-known - although still tourist-friendly - islands and from there, to a few even smaller islands, that gave glimpses of local culture while offering heart-stirring views of serene blue water, dazzling waterfalls and thrilling volcano peaks.

LOMBOK
Next to world-famous Bali, Lombok offers many of the same attractions as its better-know neighbour: waterfalls, white-sand beaches, snorkelling and scuba diving, but with a fraction of the tourists. Here are some of its top destinations:

Senggigi: Located on the north-west part of Lombok, Senggigi is the main tourist area lined with hotels, restaurants, souvenir shops, massage parlours and more. The town of Senggigi is where visitors can set up tours or find guides to take them to different parts of the island.

Sendang Gile and Tiu Kelep waterfalls: Icy, cold and slippery, these waterfalls are probably some of the most awe-inspiring sights on the island. We hired a guide to lead us to them.

Authentic handicrafts: Banyumulek is a village known for its world-class pottery. We visited a family of three generations creating pieces of various sizes. Farther inland, Sukarara is a community where visitors can learn about the process of traditional hand-weaving and attempt it themselves. Pottery is available for purchase at Banyumulek and sarongs, wall hangings, blankets and scarves can be bought at Sukarara.

Gili islands: A string of three tiny islands off the northern coast of Lombok, the Gili islands are popular for their laidback feel and lack of traffic. We headed to Gili Air because it was the closest, hiring a private speedboat and driver and spending a few hours walking around the island and jumping in and out of the water. Don't forget to get your picture taken at one of the well-known water swings.

FLORES
Known mainly for being the jumping-off point to Komodo National Park, a Unesco World Heritage Site, the island of Flores is much larger than you may think. I made the mistake of thinking we could fly into the city of Maumere - the largest town on the island - and take local transport to the western side of the island and head on to the Komodo area. I was wrong. It turned out to be at least a 12-hour drive, and with just a few days on Flores, we decided to stick around Maumere instead of being rushed. But we were not disappointed.

One interesting aspect of visiting Flores was the Christian influence there. Indonesia is the world's largest majority-Muslim country, but on Flores, churches and a large cross can be seen along the coast. Flores means flowers in Portuguese; it was a colonial outpost for Portugal in the 16th century.

Other attractions

Local market: An authentic slice of life, with vendors selling fruit, livestock and chatting with each other and customers.

Pangabatang Island: We decided on the fly to try to visit Pangabatang Island, an uninhabited island about an hour off the coast of Flores. With the help of some friendly locals, we flagged down a bemo, a public transport van, found out one of the women on board was married to a boat captain, and headed to meet him at the fishing village of Nangahale. He spoke no English, but I was able to communicate with my rudimentary Indonesian language skills, and we hopped on his rickety boat. We sat in stunned silence snapping photos of some of the most scenic water views we'd ever seen. Once at Pangabatang, we suntanned, jumped in and out of the sea, and, of course, took selfies.

One note of warning: ferry sinkings and boat accidents are not uncommon. So use your judgment on boat rides, especially if travelling with kids.

Mt Egon: Hiking Mt Egon takes several hours and lots of stamina. It's very steep with lots of loose gravel. We hired a guide to take us to the summit, where a volcanic crater and outstanding views made the trek worth it.

TIPS:
● Learn a little bit of the language, Bahasa Indonesia. It will help tremendously.
● Being on time is relative. A 7am meeting time with your guide may actually mean 8am. Sip some coffee and wait.
● There are three time zones across Indonesia. Keep this in mind when booking flights.
● Approximately 9600 Indonesian rupiah equals $NZ1.

INDONESIA: Hiking With Dragons On Dragon Land

For outdoor adventurists with love of hiking it would be a good idea to hike in the Komodo National Park, the home to the komodo dragons.

For the real outdoor adventurists this is the place to hike, because hiking on this South-East Asian islands gives a surreal feeling, of being alive and one with nature, bush on either side of the hiking trail and large dragon lizards lurking somewhere in the thickets. The national park, which is easily accessible from the Labuan Bajo on the western tip of Flores island of Indonesia, is home to about 2,500 komodo dragons, the only ones left on earth, and hence the park has been a United Nations Education and Scientific Organisation (Unesco)World Heritage Site since 1991.

The endangered dragons are really large lizards - an Indonesian colleague felt the description of large is not flattering enough - but this is a lizard that when it is an adult can grow at an average length of up three metres with an average weight of nearly 100 kilogrammes.

That really is some large lizard. Yet, what heighten the hiking pleasure is the mythical legend of the dragon, its poisonous saliva, its acute sense of smell - the guide says it can smell blood from a couple of kilometres away. Hence the day before embarking for the national park the guide had dully asked if any one in the travelling party has fresh wounds or bleeding cuts. Women on menstrual cycles were discouraged from going on the island, much to the bemusement of the women folk in the group who found the public announcement too blunt.

An hour boat ride to the island later revealed the national park with its groves. After a short safety briefing, two guides with long fork sticks for our protection, escorted us on the hiking, with warnings not to wander off on our own. The rangers were to use the stick to shove off the lizard should they charge.

The island is also home to deer, wild pigs and other wildlife -which is food to the dragon. The manner in which the dragon walk is authoritative and majestic, almost in the same manner the lion take in its strides. We found several dragons laying in shades, including a hatchling dragon, on its own with no mother trailing it behind.

The guide warned us not to be fooled by the lazy demeanours for they are very deceptive and cannot be trusted. The dragon are said to be agile too, with the ability to sprint at a speed of 18 kilometres an hour for a short distance. The island is also home to people who have lived there for generations, and once hunted the wildlife. There is an inscription at the entrance of the park of how a queen of the island gave birth to both the dragon and a son - and hence both have co-existed as natives of the island.

It is a place worth seeing. Komodo National Park, located between Sumbawa and Flores, and is easily accessed from Labuan Bajo on the western tip of Flores island of Indonesia.