Spotting the Komodo Dragons

Introduction:

Since the moment you step on the island of Rinca, an air of serene calmness surrounds you. Vast stretch of land, with surrounding highlands at a distance, least to no noise to be heard - you proceed to meet your ranger, who, from now on, is your guide, leading you through the jungle trails to spot the largest living species of lizard: the Komodo dragon.

Komodo National Park, famous for being home to the Komodo dragon, constitutes three major islands, namely Rinca, Komodo and Padar, and numerous smaller islands. Other than the dragons, these islands also offer lovely panorama of savannas and rain forests, together with beautiful corals and sea views. The Komodo waters are known to be among the top diving spots around the world.

Komodo dragons in Rinca

View after trekking in Rinca island

About Komodo Dragons:

A member of monitor lizard family Varanidae, Komodo dragons are now vulnerable species. The largest living species of lizard, they can grow up to 3 meters and weigh up to 90 kilograms. Their size helps them to dominate the ecosystem where they live.

Komodo dragon in Rinca

Komodo dragons are carnivores. They prey on animals and birds, but mostly feed on carcasses. They occasionally attack humans as well. They have venomous bite and their strong tails can knock down large pigs and deer!

Komodo dragons hunt in the afternoon but remain under shades during the hottest parts of the day

The mother dragon (the biggest one) will make multiple holes in the ground at different places, but lay all her eggs in one of them. This is done confuse the birds who try to attack the eggs and the hatchlings. When the hatchlings come out, they need to protect themselves not only from the other predators but from their mother as well!

One of the holes for laying eggs

Mother Dragon

The smaller Komodo dragons, although faster in speed, but lesser dangerous than the bigger ones.

A small komodo dragon

Where to spot the Komodo Dragons:

Although the entire Komodo National Park is their home, Komodo dragons can mostly be spotted in the islands of Rinca and Komodo. Padar, on the other hand, is more about the breathtaking landscape views and the sunset.

Getting there:

Daily boat trips depart from the fisherman town of Labuan bajo to the Komodo islands. Live aboard trips are also available.

Note: Entry fees are applicable per day basis to visit Komodo and Rinca islands. Exact price depends on the activities you intend to do. You may refer to this link for details:

http://www.floreskomodoexpedition.com/travel-information/national-park-fees.html

Getting around:

Getting around these two islands is simply by feet. In Komodo Island, you need to Mt. Ara, a trek which usually take 3-4 hours, depending on your fitness level. In Rinca, the trek is relatively shorter, with a duration of 1.5 hours.

Note: You must stick to the instructions of the rangers in order to avoid any undesirable situations

Read On: Kanawa Island, Sleeping under the stars in the Komodos, Mount Kelimutu