Seeing Komodo Dragons is a surreal experience, like you’re on the movie set of Jurassic Park. The Komodo National Park protects this largest reptile species on earth and offer tours to see them in their habitat. Also, the dramatic setting of these islands and coral reefs includes world-class diving, snorkeling and hiking. Here’s my experience and tips on a Komodo Dragons Indonesia Tour.
Komodo Dragons and Islands
Komodo Dragons aka the Komodo Monitor is the largest species of lizard on earth, found in the Indonesian islands of Komodo, Flores, Rinca and Gil Motang. These creatures grow in lengths up to 3 meters long and run up to 30 km/hour. They dominate their ecosystems and ambush their prey, including mammals and birds. Also, they have a very venomous bite and can (although rarely) attack humans.
Komodo National Park is dedicated to protecting these reptiles and offers tours to see them up close and personal with guides. This park is one of the New 7 Wonders of Nature. Plus, there’s a lot more to it than just the Komodo Dragons. It’s, also, part of the Coral Triangle with some of the most biodiverse marine life in the world. Therefore, visitors come here for diving and snorkeling. Additionally, the neighboring Flores Island is renowned for its epic hiking and views of lush green mountains and turquoise harbors.
Komodo Dragons Indonesia Tour
Komodo National Park
Tip for Women Seeing the Komodo Dragons – You are not allowed to take the tour if you’re menstruating at time of tour, because Komodo’s have a good sense of smell for blood and may attack.
My ship organized a crew tour at Komodo National Park to see the dragons. Our group followed the guides to the area where they cohabitate in a woody area of shade. The Guides carried a long stick for warding off dragons if necessary. We observed and walked a loop for about an hour, seeing a group of 8-10 Komodo dragons. They scattered in the brush, and many seemed to pair up. Only a couple times did our Guides use their sticks to keep the dragons from approaching us. We had a responsible group keeping away and just observing the creatures.
I got some awesome pictures. The dragons have really long, bifurcated tongues that they flail out intermittently, activating their sense of smell. And their claws are massive and wickedly sharp. Also, I observed some slime or drool dangling from one of their mouths. Their teeth are shark-like sharp with a venomous bite, that would kill a human in hours. Definitely, one of the most ferocious looking animals that I have ever seen.
What else to do on these islands, besides seeing the dragons…
The islands of Komodo and Flores are also home to some of the best diving and snorkeling in the world among the coral triangle. Our snorkeling tour was canceled for weather reasons. I was, however, mesmerized by Flores Island, next to the Komodo Island and got some fantastic photos from our ship. Furthermore, Komondo National Park has the unique pink-sandy beach. This is caused by a pink/red pigment on the coral reefs and the broken reef pieces wash on the beach. Additionally, other highlights include the absolutely stunning Padar Viewpoint and the 3-color volcanic Kelimutu Lake.
Overall, Komodo Dragons Indonesia Tour
This is such an incredible opportunity to see such exotic creatures in their natural habitat. And the surrounding beauty of these islands is magical, with world-class snorkeling and diving as well. In contrast to the modern world of WIFI and technology, Komodo National Park is such an escape to a prehistoric reality capturing anyone’s imagination.
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