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In search of the dragonKomodo, a hilly island in between Flores and Sumbawa, is home to the giant monsters known as Komodo dragons. This lizard, not surprisingly the largest reptile on earth, can grow up to 3 metres and weigh up to 100kg. The island of Komodo is now part of the Komodo National Park which also includes the neighbouring island Rinca. During this Flores to Komodo tour, you’ll explore both islands on foot in search of the dragon with a qualified ranger. Your ranger will have a stick to fend off any threatening lizards but keep your wits about you - these animals are huge. Seeing Komodo dragons in their natural habitat is a thrilling experience, ranked by many travellers as one of the highlights of their Indonesia trip. |
| Duration | 1 day |
Accommodation |
N/A |
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Price |
£206 per person - based on 2 people |
Includes |
Private boat with skipper |
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Transport |
Private boat |
Excludes |
Entrance fee Komodo National Park |
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Today, you’ll take an exciting boat trip from Flores to the islands of Komodo and Rinca in the Komodo National Park. Komodo Island is the most popular, its main attraction being the dragons that carry the island’s name. You’ll explore the area with a local ranger in search of the giant Komodos. They can be a bit difficult to spot in mating season, but the ranger will know the area well and he'll do his best to find you a komodo in its natural habitat. Komodo Dragons are a protected species, so the T-shaped stick that the ranger carries is only meant to keep the lizards at a safe distance. They’re not exactly dangerous but they’re not entirely harmless either. There are millions of bacteria in a Komodo bite - plenty enough to kill you. The second largest island in the Komodo National Park is Rinca. The landscape here is greener and hillier than on Komodo, and again you can take a 2-hour walk across the island with a local guide. You’ll see some fantastic views across the sea and the island. With a bit of luck, you'll spot the odd dragon amongst the wealth of horses, deer, water buffalo and monkeys. Rinca has fewer visitors than Komodo, so your chances of spotting a dragon are much greater here. After your Flores to Komodo National Park tour, you'll return to Labuhan Bajo. You'll spend another night in the pleasant eco lodge hotel, where you can enjoy a bit of luxury after the relatively basic hotels on Flores. |
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The female Komodo lays about 35 eggs which she buries for 8 months. As soon as they hatch, the baby Komodo Dragon runs out of the shell into the trees where it stays for its first year, hunting insects and later small rodents and birds. When the dragon reaches 1m it becomes too heavy to stay up in the trees, so it crawls back down to the ground and develops an appetite for wild boar, deer, water buffalo and horses. Although we can’t guarantee a Komodo sighting, we have yet to come across a tourist who didn’t see a dragon during this trip. Keep your eyes open and your fingers crossed! |
