Padar, Indonesia

Last updated
Padar
Native name:
Pulau Padar
Pulau Padar 1.jpg
Padar island
Indonesia location map.svg
Red pog.svg
Padar
Geography
Location Maritime Southeast Asia
Coordinates 8°39′14″S119°34′26″E / 8.654°S 119.574°E / -8.654; 119.574
Archipelago Lesser Sunda Islands
Administration
Indonesia
Province East Nusa Tenggara

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

The Komodo archipelago is famous for Komodo dragons, giant lizards that can reach up to 3 metres (9.8 ft) in length. While the neighboring islands of Komodo and Rinca are home to these iconic lizards, Komodo dragons were once considered extinct on Padar. However, in 2004, the Komodo Survival Agency reported sightings of at least 12 individuals, including a hatchling, suggesting a possible resurgence of the dragons on Padar. [2]

The island’s topography is rugged, with steep volcanic mountains and hills surrounded by deep bays. Padar has a dry climate, and its vegetation consists mainly of bushes and grasslands, creating a savanna-like landscape. The island features four deep bays with beaches of varying colors; most are white sand, while some have gray and pink sands. [3] [4] The waters around Padar are also known for several popular sites for scuba diving and snorkelling. [5]

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References

  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".