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Jun 12, 2018 • 6 min read
Christmas Island crabs? The adorable quokkas of Rottnest? There’s perhaps no place in the world as synonymous with its animal inhabitants as Indonesia’s Komodo National Park.
A 603 sq km archipelago, Komodo National Park is part of the Lesser Sunda Islands, nestled between the Indonesian provinces of East and West Nusa Tenggara. Here the remarkable Komodo dragon – a beastly monitor lizard measuring up to 3m long – thrives on paradisiacal islands surrounded by a sparkling blue sea.
However, spotting this famed lizard is only one of the park’s many nature-based highlights. Visitors are treated to rich marine life, amazing (and accomplishable) forest hiking trails, and pristine swimming beaches with strikingly-colored sands.
To help maximize your visit, here’s a guide to experiencing Komodo National Park’s multitude of wildlife attractions.
Making an Entrance
The small town of Labuanbajo on the large island of Flores is not part of the park but serves as the central gateway where all boats depart. This scenic transport hub retains its charm as a fishing village, offering epic Indonesian sunsets and a relaxed, tropical vibe to all who visit.
Highlights in Labuanbajo include enjoying freshly-caught lobster (at an affordable price) at the night market, exploring lovely snorkeling and swimming spots, and a rejuvenating trek through rural villages and farmland that leads to the serene pale blue pools of Cunca Waterfall, hidden in the island’s interior.
Diving into Adventure
You can only access Komodo National Park on an organized boat trip from Labuanbajo. While some tours may claim that it’s possible to cover ‘everything’ in a single day, it’s far more rewarding and responsible to extend your adventure to at least a few nights aboard a sturdy liveaboard boat. A voyage around this UNESCO-protected reserve with an experienced local crew not only adds authenticity to your trip but also supports the local community and economy.
This style of touring provides greater freedom regarding where you choose to explore the water. The park may be known for its land-dwelling inhabitants, yet the underwater wildlife is equally captivating. The waters in this region are seldom deeper than 3m, allowing you to easily dive through schools of vibrant fish that resemble shimmering crystals in the translucent tides.
Manta Point lives up to its name, with divers almost always finding manta rays gliding gracefully along the ocean floor. Though two spots are commonly referred to as Manta Point, both provide gentle currents and excellent visibility. Renowned dive sites such as Batu Balong and the Cauldron require significant experience, while Castle Rock offers a series of manageable ledges where you can see black and white reef sharks, sizeable giant trevally, and perhaps even dolphins. The waters also host beautiful green and hawksbill turtles, which may drift into your dive path at some point.
It’s essential to remember that the waters between the islands can be quite dynamic, so being a competent open-water swimmer with some snorkeling experience is advisable for safety. A good captain will adjust to currents, so be prepared to jump in on short notice.
Exploring the Islands
Many visitors to the park don’t actually reach Komodo Island, often opting for Rinca Island where dragon spotting is achievable (and arguably easier due to the area’s sparse landscape) during hikes. Other wildlife includes buffalo, Timor deer, wild pigs, and eagles, but be prepared as it heats up quickly; staying hydrated and protected from the sun is essential.
For enthusiastic trekkers, Padar Island is a must-visit. This small, narrow island next to Komodo features a stunning 2-hour hike leading to a breathtaking viewpoint that showcases panoramic vistas of the entire park. Padar also boasts the idyllic Pink Beach, which gets its hue from red coral thriving just offshore, staining the otherwise bright white sand.
Less visited, Kalong Island offers a more eerie wildlife experience. As the sun sets, ‘Bat Island’ is enveloped by vast clouds of bats rising from the mangroves in search of food, providing a spectacular experience that encapsulates the essence of visiting Komodo National Park.
Entering the Dragon’s Lair
Komodo Island is a wildlife destination of significant importance, home to around 25 endangered species and thousands of migratory birds nesting in the dense foliage beneath Mount Satalibo.
Of course, the main attraction is the dragons. Spotting a Komodo dragon is a bucket-list experience for many nature enthusiasts, and there’s a unique allure to witnessing these creatures in their native habitat.
Locally known as oras, the dragons thrive because the roughly 2,000 local Bugis fishermen do not hunt the Timor pigs, which comprise a significant part of the reptiles’ diet alongside deer and water buffalo. The harmonious existence of dragons and humans is further emphasized by ancient folklore that speaks of a man loving a dragon princess who bore twins—a human boy and a female Komodo dragon. This folklore furthers the view of humans and dragons as kindred spirits, underscoring the importance of their coexistence. The Indonesian government also banned hunting the dragons in 1915, contributing to their survival.
While the dragons on Komodo Island are not as easily spotted as those on Rinca, their impressive size and quantity can still be appreciated during a guided hike—accompanied by a guide is essential. Early mornings typically offer the best chance to see these compelling creatures as they roam their habitat confidently. By midday, the dragons tend to rest in shaded areas of the forest or in their burrows. You don’t need to be closer than 10 meters to appreciate these fascinating animals, with their robust scaly skin and strong tails.
However, caution is necessary; Komodo dragons can smell blood from miles away, so be mindful of what you carry, and ensure any wounds are cleaned before venturing out. Their notorious bite can be dangerous, so it’s essential to remain alert at all times.
Treading Carefully
Komodo National Park serves as a prime example of the benefits of sustainable tourism. The wildlife has thrived due to progressive management policies and the awareness of local communities about the importance of protecting their livelihood.
Nevertheless, with tourist numbers on the rise—creating some restlessness in Labuanbajo—it’s absolutely vital to consider how your visit impacts the local environment and economy. Staying on liveaboard boats, avoiding plastic waste, engaging local guides, and celebrating the area’s rich biodiversity can help cultivate a positive impact (after all, tourism can indeed be a force for good).
If visitors do not tread lightly, the Komodo dragon—like its mythical, fire-breathing counterpart—may soon be relegated to the realms of fantasy.
