Earth from Space: Komodo Island, Indonesia
This incredible cloud-free view from the Copernicus Sentinel-2 satellite captures the rugged beauty of Komodo Island in southeastern Indonesia. Part of the Lesser Sunda Islands, Komodo lies nestled on the Sape Strait, between the larger islands of Flores and Sumbawa.
A Volcanic Landscape
As you can see, Komodo is an island of volcanic origin. Its terrain is characteristically rugged, dotted with sparse vegetation and impressive rounded hills that reach elevations of up to 825 meters. The only village, Komodo, is situated on the central bay along the east coast.
The 'Amazon of the Seas'
Look closely at the water along the coasts and surrounding the smaller islets. The striking turquoise hues are a tell-tale sign of shallow waters and vibrant coral reefs. Komodo Island is a key part of the renowned Coral Triangle, recognized globally for its extraordinary marine biodiversity. Often called the ‘Amazon of the seas,’ this region is a critical priority for conservation efforts.
Beaches and Beyond
The island is also home to several breathtaking beaches, visible as delicate, light-colored strips along the coastline. Some segments even boast a subtle pinkish tint, a beautiful result of red coral fragments mingling with the white sand. The most famous of these is the Pink Beach, or Pantai Merah, found on the easternmost tip of the central bay.
Home to the Komodo Dragon
Komodo Island is famously the namesake of the Komodo dragon, the world's largest living lizard. This incredible creature, which can grow up to 3 meters long and weigh around 135 kg, is found only on Komodo and a few neighboring islands.
Komodo National Park, which encompasses the island, has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1991, dedicated to safeguarding its rich biodiversity. Sadly, due to climate change projections, the Komodo dragon's habitat is predicted to shrink significantly by 2040, leading to its placement on the IUCN Red List of endangered species.
This satellite image offers a unique perspective on a truly special corner of our planet, a testament to both geological processes and the precious biodiversity it supports.
