Padar, Indonesia

8°39′14″S 119°34′26″E / 8.654°S 119.574°E / -8.654; 119.574ArchipelagoLesser Sunda IslandsAdministration
Indonesia
ProvinceEast Nusa Tenggara

Padar, also known as Pada, is a small island located between Komodo and Rinca islands within Komodo archipelago, administered under the West Manggarai Regency, East Nusa Tenggara, Indonesia.[1] It is the third largest island part of Komodo National Park.

The Komodo archipelago is famous for Komodo dragons, giant lizards that can measure up to 3 metres (9.8 ft) long. However, unlike neighboring islands of Komodo and Rinca that are teeming with the ferocious lizards, on Padar island the Komodo dragon was considered extinct. As of 2004 the Komodo Survival Agency has reported at least 12 individuals including one hatchling Komodo Dragon, showing that the dragons hold on the island of Padar is not over yet.[2]

The topography of the island is rugged, with steep volcanic mountains and hills set against deep bays. Padar has a dry climate, with only bushes and grassland vegetation covering the island, creating savanna hills. Padar island has four deep bays with beaches in different colors. Most of them are white sands, while some beaches have grey and pink sands.[3][4] The sea surrounding the island has several sites popular for scuba diving and snorkelling.[5]

Gallery

  • Padar Island, harbour panorama
    Padar Island, harbour panorama
  • Sunset, Padar Island
    Sunset, Padar Island
  • View of western coast
    View of western coast

References

  • iconIslands portal
  1. ^ "Padar Island". Google.
  2. ^ UNESCO: Advisory Body Evaluation, retrieved 2 February 2010
  3. ^ "Komodo, Rinca and Padar Island". Flores Tourism.
  4. ^ "Amazing Padar Island". National Geographic Traveller. Archived from the original on June 14, 2014.
  5. ^ "Komodo Dive Sites".
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