Situated in Indonesia's East Nusa Tenggara province, Komodo National Park stretches out across a group of rugged islands between Flores and Sumbawa. This UNESCO World Heritage site enjoys a tropical savanna climate, with a significant dry season from May to October that's perfect for tourists. The stunning landscape features sun-baked hills, pristine beaches, and stunningly clear waters brimming with marine life.

The local culture is a unique mix of traditional Manggarai customs and coastal living, as fishing settlements sprinkle the coastlines. The real standouts of Komodo are its ancient residents – the legendary Komodo dragons, the largest lizards worldwide, roaming freely on the islands of Komodo and Rinca. The surrounding sea is home to one of the world's richest marine ecosystems, rendering it a dream spot for divers and snorkel enthusiasts.

In terms of local delicacies, expect to enjoy fresh seafood, with grilled fish and squid satay featuring as must-experience dishes. The Pink Beach on Komodo Island is one of only seven pink sand beaches globally, its reddish-pink shade resulting from microscopic organisms. Be sure not to miss out on diving at Manta Point where you might swim alongside gentle manta rays, or hiking the rugged trails of Padar Island for its iconic three-bay viewpoint, which has become a hot spot for Instagram enthusiasts.