Indonesia’s Komodo National Park: Here Be Dragons
Southeast Asia’s fauna and flora offer travelers a glimpse of a storybook world you have to see to believe. Fortunately, there are several wildlife and conservation parks in the region. To be sure you won’t be disappointed, it’s worth looking for parks that have been declared UNESCO World Heritage Sites. That way, you can be sure to spend your time wisely on unique sights that are adequately preserved and maintained.
Komodo National Park in Indonesia is one such site. It was initially formed to protect the deadly Komodo dragon, but it also shelters several terrestrial and marine species. Located in the Lesser Sunda Islands, the park comprises three significant islands: Komodo, Padar, and Rinca, plus a further twenty-six smaller islands. It was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1991 and offers guests an array of attractions and activities.
Observe the World’s Largest Land Lizard
Komodo dragons are the world’s largest land lizards and are exclusively found on just a handful of Indonesian islands, including the Park’s Komodo and Rinca Islands. They are carnivores and have been known to attack humans, so explorers must always be accompanied by a ranger. There are around 5,000 individual Komodo dragons across the park’s islands. You will also get to see other fauna, such as Timor deer, wild horses, water buffalos, and wild boards, not to mention a multitude of birds, reptiles, and rodents. But be warned, it will be hot — it’s advisable to drink lots of water before departing and to carry a bottle with you. If you think of jungles when you think of Indonesia, that’s not the case in Komodo National Park — dry, savannah-like ecosystems prevail.
Unfortunately, Komodo dragon numbers are in decline due to habitat loss, poaching, climate change, and over-tourism. There are concerns they could be extinct within 50–100 years. In 2019, a controversial proposal was made to close areas of the park for a year in 2020 to make improvements and allow the dragons a break from tourism. Ultimately, the park was closed for more than six months because of the coronavirus pandemic.
Sip Sundowners Under the Bats of Kalong Island
Kalong Island (Pulau Kalong), which translates to Flying Fox Island, is an uninhabited mangrove island near Rinca Island. It’s not possible to dock at it, but most Komodo cruise tours stop and overnight in its waters to allow visitors to witness the spectacular sight of thousands of bats taking to the skies at sunset — some with wingspans of more than three feet.
Enjoy Indonesia’s Best Diving Within the Coral Triangle
There are over 50 dive sites within the park, ranging from challenging blue water current dives to “muck” dives closer to shore. Thanks to strong tidal flows combining with nutrient-rich water from the depths of the Indian Ocean, Komodo National Park is home to more than 1,000 species of tropical fish and 260 species of coral. It also hosts rare marine mammals such as the dugong, a shy relative of the manatee rumored to be the inspiration for the mermaid myth. Depending on the site, divers may see anything from large fish species to rare invertebrates.
Visit a Pink Beach
Pantai Merah on Komodo Island is one of a handful of pink sand beaches in the world. Its pink color is due to microscopic red coral debris mixed with white sand. The intensity of the color varies according to the amount of coral found in the sand. Pantai Merah is ideal for snorkeling with its turquoise sea, myriad marine fauna, and stunning backdrops. And although the Komodo dragons are good swimmers, they, fortunately, don’t appear too fond of Pantai Merah.
Take a Hike to the Top of Padar Island
If you’re at least moderately fit, a sunrise hike to the top of Padar Island is the perfect way to start the day with incredible views. Consider a liveaboard boat, so you can sleep anchored offshore and be up early to catch the sunrise. Otherwise, Padar is a two-hour boat trip from Labuan Bajo. (Padar has no hotels, inns, or camp sites.) The trail to the high point is short but steep, and even starting at 4:30 am, you’ll need lots of water and sunscreen.
Getting to Komodo National Park
Komodo National Park is best visited in the dry season of April to early December. The Komodo dragon mating season is July to August, and they are harder to spot in these months. The park is usually reached via the fishing town of Labuan Bajo on Flores. From here, visitors can travel by private charter or group tour boat to one of the park’s entry points. It can be very hot, so bring a hat and wear loose clothes in natural fabrics like linen. Only use reef-friendly sunscreens since standard sunscreen formulations can harm marine life.
