Author: Alan Lynch

Travelling to see majestic animals in their natural habitat can be thrilling and exciting. However, it is strongly suggested that you do it by following the guidance as not cause any harm or damage to the wildlife. Make sure that you are not visiting just to treat them like pets because they are not. Be mindful with what you do as it may affect their natural habitat. Always follow the guidance from professionals before doing anything. And here are best places to see some of the most majestic animals in the world:

Kanha Tiger Reserve, India

India has Kanha Tiger Reserve to protect this species from danger and extinction. These big cat species still live in their natural habitat where they can run or lay roughly on the ground, whatever they decide. It is recommended to pay a visit between March and May if you want to get higher chance of seeing Kanha Tiger in their natural habitat. The tigers like to roam around next to the last remaining water holes when the forest is dry during these months. 

Kinabatangan River, Borneo

Borneo is the Asian version of the Amazon. So you can imagine how many species living in the dense forest that is now almost full of oil palm plantations. The forest on the river banks is where you get to see various majestic wildlife from primates to birds. There are orangutans, proboscis monkey, and macaques you get to see during your adventure here. You also get to see some nocturnal creatures at night such as Western tarsiers, the Philippine slow lorises, flat-headed cats, as well as Borneo pygmy elephants. 

Addo Elephant Park, South Africa

If you want to get a close encounter with elephants, you may get the chance from visiting Addo Elephant Park in South Africa. In Addo, you can see elephants almost everywhere. They are cooling off in the shade, strolling across the savanna, or running towards the watering holes. There is a specially-constructed hide near the watering holes in which you can sit on to have a closer look of these majestic animals. Aside from seeing elephants, you also get to see other wildlife from this place including elands, kudus, red hartebeests, mongooses, meerkats, and more. 

Corcovado National Park, Costa Rica

This national park in Costa Rica is a natural habitat for some of the most endangered wildlife in the country. The animals living in Corcovado National Park are rescued and protected from hunting and poaching. They are relatively calm even in close proximity with people. In this place, you will get to see interesting animals including Baird’s tapirs, species of Costa Rica’s primates, and more. There is fat chance that white-nosed coatis and collared peccaries coming to approach you during your visit. They especially like to hang around the Sirena ranger;s Station. Keep your hands to yourself during the encounter and try not to aggravate them or making noises that may bother them. For safety, always follow the guides from the staffs there.

Flores is one of Indonesia’s most popular tourist attractions and the gateway to Komodo Island. It’s a beautiful archipelago with rich volcanic scenery and an interesting history. It’s the ideal getaway for adrenaline junkies eager to venture off the beaten path. The island is home to some of Indonesia’s best dive locations as well as strenuous walks through active volcanoes. Flores island tour packages are increasingly popular and make it easier for tourists to choose according to their budget. 

What to expect during Flores island tour

On Flores Island, six distinct languages are spoken: Ngada, Nage, Keo, Ende, Lio, and Palu’e. So’a and Bajawa are other popular choices among locals. In Labuan Bajo, the majority of inhabitants speak English, but finding someone who understands the language becomes increasingly difficult as you walk further afield.

The Indonesian Rupiah is the only currency accepted in Flores (IDR). ATMs are located in the district capitals throughout the island, and most establishments accept major credit cards like Visa and Mastercard. The National Bank of Indonesia’s (BNI) ATMs are the most dependable.

Read also: Liveaboard diving, Embark Your Komodo’s Underwater

Flores Island has a tropical climate that is hot all year. The rainy season lasts from December to March, and humidity levels are high. From June through September, the dry season is in effect. The best time to visit is between April and October. A strong wind from Australia is blowing, which keeps humidity levels low and makes outdoor activities more enjoyable. If you visit during the wet season, you’ll still receive plenty of sunshine. The showers are brief but powerful, so you won’t have to stay indoors all day.

Labuan Bajo, Komodo National Park, Pink Beach, Padar Island, and the Kelimutu Volcanic Lakes are among the top Flores Island attractions.

How to get around Flores

You can start your Flores island tour with book a spot on a local or tourist bus with most hotels on the island. Some will pick you up from your accommodation while others will stop for you on the side of a road. Prices start from 50,000 IDR, and you can choose between A/C and no A/C options. 

If you plan on renting a car, keep in mind that the roads aren’t in great shape. There are also many hills and tight turns, and the locals are known for driving aggressively. It’s also the priciest mode of transportation, with rates starting at 1 million IDR.

Flying into one of the island’s many airports will save you time. It isn’t the cheapest option, but if you want to see as much as possible, it is a viable one.

Another alternative is to schedule a Flores tour Labuan Bajo, which will take you to all of the island’s best sights. If you don’t want to drive or take public transportation, this is a decent choice.

Are you looking for a Komodo liveaboard for your next vacation? The secret is out, and divers from all over the world are rushing to the Komodo Islands, one of Indonesia’s most popular diving locations. Many visitors come to see the gorgeous rolling hills, stunning beaches, and ferocious dragons, but they also come to see the diverse aquatic life. Komodo National Park is a famous dive site, with crystal blue seas teeming with sharks, manta rays, corals, and huge fish. While you can spend your time doing day dives, liveaboard diving is the ideal way to see the many top-notch dive locations.

What you need to know before do liveaboard diving

One of the most crucial aspects of picking a liveaboard is deciding when to go. You’ll need to pick one that works with your schedule.

If you want to get the most out of your diving vacation, head to Komodo during its peak season, which is from March to October. Although some liveaboards operate all year, November to January has the best visibility.

The busiest months are April through August. The months of December to February are ideal for seeing manta rays. During your Komodo sailing trip in August, you were able to swim with almost 15 manta rays. August is the greatest month to see mola molas.

The Komodo Islands are notable for their powerful currents, which also contribute to the abundance of marine life.

The liveaboard boat crews are all trained to read the tides and will select each dive site carefully based on the weather and water conditions.

One of the best things about being on a liveaboard is that you have an advantage over all the other day trip diving boats. To avoid the crowds, go diving early in the morning or late in the afternoon.

The islands of Komodo and Rinca act as a bottleneck between the Indian and Pacific Oceans, creating a rollercoaster of currents and waves in Komodo National Park. Always put your trust in your divemaster and pay attention to what they say about currents and water patterns.

In case the current sweeps you off course, it’s a good idea to keep a neon diving flag or collapsible pole stored in your BC pocket. Due to the strong currents, reef hooks and gloves are also recommended.

We suggest you take Komodo diving insurance for peace of mind throughout your diving activities in case of medical issues.

Read also:

Labuan Bajo Open Trip, Explore the Charm of East Indonesia

It is true that regardless how meticulous you are with your travel plan, there are going to be mishaps here and there. However, more preparations and cautions allow you to reduce the risks of making mistakes or encounter major mishaps. Also, it is better to avoid making mistakes then feeling unbothered but you face the consequences later. There are some unnecessary or dumb mistakes you can actually prevent from happening from the start. And here are several of them:

Risking your life just for a selfie

There have been many reports about accidents and death due to taking selfie in not-so safe ways. Many travelers died for taking a selfie. Some of the causes are travelers being washed away by waves on the beach, taking pictures in too close to running train, or snapping photos at the edge of the cliffs. Those are dumb ways for you to die. Keep in mind that interesting travel photos can be taken in so many ways without risking your life. Always prioritize your safety first during your trip.

Not preparing the requirements of your visa and passport

Just imagine you plan your trip for months just to cancel it in the last minute when you get to the airport because you don’t have the visa requirements you need to enter the country. This is one of the worst nightmares of travelers. Hence, always check your passport and visa requirement at the very beginning of your travel preparation to ensure you have everything ready. If you forget items such as body lotion, razor, or t-shirt, you can buy them during your arrival. So focus more on what matters the most with your travel plan. 

Overpacking your schedule

It is understandable that you don’t get to travel many times in a year so once you have the chance to do it, you want to make the most out of it. However, overscheduling is not the answer for that. Instead of trying to see as many places as possible, you may consider adopting slow travel approach. You only select few attractions to visit and see them thoroughly to fully get the best experience. It allows you to fully enjoy your trip and appreciate the little things on your surroundings. 

Not checking bedbugs

You will regret it the time when you wake up with red marks all over your body and constant itchiness. Bedbugs are something you should not take as a joke because they are really nasty and hard to handle. It is best to read the reviews before booking a hotel room to see what the previous guests have to talk about the condition of the room. And when you arrive at the hotel room, make sure to investigate the mattress headboards, and box spring to see if there are any bedbugs chilling out. If there are signs of bedbugs, ask for different room and tell the reason to the hotel staff. Also, wash your belonging immediately once you return to your home to avoid bedbugs infested into anything in your house.