Garuda Indonesia Colours Magazine October 2013 | Page 142

140

Travel | Rinca Island

Predator in Comparison

220–225cm

Sumatran tiger

250–313cm

274–300cm

African Lion

Komodo Dragon

© AFP/Getty Images

SAMPAN WOOD

Di Kampung Rinca ini,
Anda dapat mencium aroma
serbuk kayu dari kayu yang
sedang digergaji untuk
dibuat sampan. Sampan tua
para nelayan masih dibuat
secara manual dengan teknik
yang sama seperti ratusan
tahun lalu. Kampung
ini mungkin merupakan
kampung yang paling
bersahabat di Indonesia
dan berjalan kaki menelusuri
kampung ini selama
beberapa jam bisa membuat
perjalanan Anda ke Komodo
National Park cukup
berkesan.

Australia Zoo, Brisbane, offers
a wide range of once-in-a-lifetime
animal encounters, such as interacting
with native animals including spiky
echidnas and cuddly wombats,
feeding red pandas, and even taking
a Sumatran tiger for a walk!
The zoo is also the only place in the
world where you can get close to a
colossal Komodo. With lethal claws,
serrated teeth and a venomous bite,
the Komodo dragon is a ferocious
predator. Fret not, however, as a
(hidden) heated concrete slab in the
enclosure serves as a lethargic lounger
for the beast to warm its belly, keeping
it calm and happy for a photo op.
You must be 15 years or older.
www.australiazoo.com.au

5 Senses – Scent

Get close enough to
catch the scent of woodchips
flying from the adze of
a local boat-builder in
Kampong Rinca. The old
fishing sampans are still
made by hand here in the
same way that they have
been for hundreds of years.
Rinca village may be one
of the friendliest traditional
villages in Indonesia and a
few hours spent wandering
here may be a highlight
of your trip to Komodo
National Park.

Wild Encounters

RINCA LONG TREK
It is possible to make a long trek all the way from the main
Rinca ranger station, at Loh Buaya (literally ‘land crocodile’),
right across the island to Kampong Rinca. Camping on the
island is not allowed and would be foolhardy for obvious reasons
but this trek (7–8 hours walking) would lead you into the realm
not only of the dragons, but also of the herds of buffalo and
wild horses that have