WIldlife-watching lesser sundas
Nusa Tenggara’s savannahs, forests & mountains are mainly known for their birdlife, to which we cover in detail on the Lesser Sundas birding page, the Komodo dragon is indeed a spectacular exception, indeed, reptiles also rule here. Under the waves there is some of the world’s most charismatic marine fauna. This is covered more on the snorkeling/diving page but some exceptional encounters are covered here. It is easy to fall into nature in these wayward islands with some of Indonesia’s most diverse trips in the way of activities, landscapes & people.
Where We Visit
life on land
Whilst a major draw for birders, the Lesser Sundas only truly have one major drawcard on land, the incomparable Komodo Dragon, whilst a closer look reveals many beautiful creatures. The region may not have elephants, tigers or orangutans but a journey into it's wild spaces with knowledgeable guides is time well spent & most of what you see has a high possibility of being only found here,
Sites:
Komodo National Park- One of the world's most impressive protected areas, this UNESCO world hertiage site is simply stunning above & below the waves. Most famous, of course are the Komodo Dragons, and seeing one is an Indonesian wildlife highlight, the islands have much more to offer however with rare & endemic birds such as Yellow-crested cockatoos, Flame-breasted Sunbird & Green Junglefowl, smaller inhabitants worth searching for are the islands amazing endemic snails & other herp offering include the stunning blue Komodo Pit Viper.
Mammals- The isolation of these islands, plus being across the Wallace Line has lead to an impoverished mammal fauna. The most interesting mammalian inhabitant lives in the hills of Flores, the Flores Giant Rat is a spectacular rodent that was likely a main food source for the islands famous "Hobbit" people. We have good success finding this creature whilst birding on Flores. Many other endemic rats & bats can be seen around the islands for the enthusiasts.
Herping- All these islands have their share of endemic reptiles, however it is Rote & TImor that have the most distinctive specialties with many monitors, skinks & snakes. New species undoubtedly are still to be found in remote corners of the Lesser Sundas.
Whether on a short quest to discover wild areas or a target specific tour, the Lesser Sundas have their great sites which are best visited in conjunction with other activites or regions.
life in the water
The Lesser Sundas are home to some of Indonesia's most impressive marine environments, which is a high commendation indeed. Apart from it's excellent reefs, diving & snorkeling which are covered in the snorkeling/diving section of this website, there are also many marine mammals here with chances to see them.
Dugong watching- The stunning, pristine waters of Alor are home to a good population of Dugongs, including a few that are used to humans now & so do not dive when they have been spotted. Good conservation parameters exist within this activity & it is a rare chance of experiencing these graceful, bizarre looking marine mammals.
Whale watching- Also mainly based in the seas surrounding Alor, this island is at an intersection of marine mammal migration with deep feeding grounds offshore. Between June-July & Sept-Nov, Pygmy Blue Whales are quite regular in these waters with dedicated tours to see them. Year round there are Sperm Whales, Indo-Pacific Bottlenose Dolphins, Melon-headed Whales, Spinner Dolphins, Fraser's Dolphins & other species appearing sporadically.
Whale Sharks & Manta Rays- In Saleh Bay, Sumbawa, Whale Sharks congregate around the fishing bagans, a new eco-tourism initiative has been created to conserve the Whale Sharks whilst benefitting the local community, there are strict conservation parameters in place, meaning you can visit without worrying about the world's largest fish's welfare. Manta Rays can be seen in many places in Indonesia, two of these locations in within the Lesser Sundas, most known is Komodo National Park, however they are also congregate off of Rote which is far less visited and less crowded, leading to a more intimate encounter, on a stunning island no less.
All these tours are wonderful additions to a diving/adventure trip & really are true highlights of a visit to this region, many are in spectacular locations with plenty else to do above & below the water, please see the snorkeling/diving section on these islands for more inspiration.
Suggested itineraries
Komodo to Alor Wild Expedition
Sumbawa Adventure
Lesser Sundas Herping
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