Komodo Islands-All You Need to Know.

Komodo Island, along with Rinca Island, Flores Island, and Gili Motang, is one of four islands where the Komodo Dragons can get found, the other three being Rinca Island and Flores Island. They get collectively referred to as ‘Komodo National Park.’ and sometimes called ‘Komodo Islands.’ These islands are all located in Indonesia (a country with over 17,000 islands, to be precise). Komodo is located in the country’s southwestern region, about an hour’s flight from Bali.

The majority of visitors to Komodo go from Bali to the island of Komodo. After that, most people choose to stay in Labuan Bajo, the town closest to the airport, for a couple of nights. Your day trip to Komodo Island can get arranged quickly and easily from here. Labuan Bajo is a quaint small town with a lot to offer. Because of the popularity of the Komodo Dragons, the area has only recently been developed. As a result, many charming little coffee shops, bars, and excellent hotels are dotted throughout. There is also the choice of taking a tourist ferry from Bali to Komodo. A popular backpacker route to get to Flores Island and then see the dragons is along this route.

What can I do in Komodo?-Komodo Islands

1.) SCUBA DIVE

Komodo Island is a scuba diver’s paradise with a variety of marine life. Underwater photography, drift diving, and reef life are all possible at Komodo National Park because of the currents that bring in some of the most magnificent marine species on the planet. However, while several diving sites are in the vicinity, most are more suited to intermediate and experienced divers. However, if you’re a first-time diver, don’t be discouraged! All of the dive facilities in town are more than glad to walk you through the different alternatives, ensuring that even the most inexperienced divers have a fantastic time underwater and get to enjoy some of the most beautiful diving Komodo has to offer.

2.) VISIT RINCA-Komodo Islands

Rinca Island is the place to go if you can’t get enough of the Komodo dragons and want to increase your chances of viewing these stunning prehistoric-looking giant reptiles in their natural habitat. Rinca Island is the second-largest island and is home to the second-largest population of Komodo Dragons, with around 2,000. You will get immersed in a Jurassic Park-style terrain after a short 2-hour boat ride from Labuan Bajo. Park rangers will be ready to guide you through the paths. As was the case on Komodo Island, you must remain with the guides at all times and only walk along the pathways that have been marked.

3.) Go hiking on GILI LAWA

Gili Lawa is amongst the smaller islands in Komodo National Park. Although it is less well-known than Padar, the walk to the island’s summit is becoming increasingly popular. Additionally, it is more complicated than Padar since the route is smaller and less designated. By the time you have gone to the top and back down again, perspiration will cover your body, and you will be more than ready to take a swim in the crystal-clear waters.

4.) Go snorkeling at MANTA POINT-Komodo Islands

Manta Point is amongst the most incredible places in the world to swim with these gorgeous creatures, and it is amongst the most popular diving destinations in the world. The manta rays are drawn to this area by the strong currents, and it is possible to drift along with these graceful creatures as they swim gracefully past you. You’ll also get to view some stunning coral and a swarm of vibrant fish, and if you’re fortunate, a pair of turtles will glide by and say hi to you as well.

5.) Visit PINK BEACH

Several beaches on the several islands of Komodo National Park are tinted pink, but The Pink Beach on Mawan Island is the spot to go if you want to witness the most vibrant shades of pink. The pink sand that forms where the sea meets the beach results from a mix of white sand and minuscule fragments of red coral carried up by the waves. It is truly a sight to behold. Pink Beach is featured on most day trips and is also a fantastic snorkeling location owing to the abundance of tropical fish and well-preserved stunning corals that can be seen just off the coastline. Do not forget to bring your GoPro with you — because of the coral’s close closeness to the surface. You will be able to capture some of the most fantastic underwater photography in the world!

6.) Trek on PADAR-Komodo Islands

Padar Island is the third significant island that makes up Komodo National Park, and trekking to the top of the island will present you with a breathtaking perspective of one of Indonesia’s most magnificent vistas. Padar Island is located in the southwestern part of the park, near the entrance. The hike itself is rather challenging. The terrain is sandy with several loose rocks. While they are actively improving the site and installing stairs at the bottom half, you will need a good pair of hiking shoes, good balance, determination, and an entire bottle of water to make it; to the summit!

Visiting Komodo national park

Because the mere word of the Komodo National Park immediately conjures up images of Komodo Dragons in your mind, it is only logical that seeing the Komodo dragons will be at the top of your bucket list! The Komodo dragon is the world’s most giant monitor lizard in Indonesia, Malaysia, and the Philippines. These creatures can grow up to 8.5ft in length and weigh up to 200lb, and they can run at up to 12mph.

There are four different trekking routes on Komodo Island, with the shortest taking less than an hour and the longest taking up to four hours. You must adhere to the instructions of the guide(s) at all times – and remember to bring a bit of water with you because it may become extremely hot strolling around the trails in the summer.

Is it safe to visit Komodo Islands?

Yes. Komodo Dragons, on the other hand, have a long history of attacking people! You will undoubtedly be accompanied by a guide when you visit the Komodo National Park, and they will ensure that you are secure. The basic rule is to avoid getting too close to them and attempting to touch them!

In addition, Komodo Dragons are extremely quick! They are faster than humans, both on land and in water, so maintain your distance. Because they have no natural predators, they are the dominant species in this environment. Their bite is extremely dangerous and can result in substantial blood loss. Furthermore, due to the abundance of germs on their lips, it seems as though their bite is poisonous. Moreover, the venom glands secrete a hormone that prevents the blood of its victim from clotting properly—providing them with the opportunity to hunt and kill the helpless victim.

Flores Island and Labuan Bajo, and the rest of Indonesia are safe places to go, especially for solitary female tourists. However, keep in mind that poverty is widespread and that petty thievery is a possibility.

When should I visit Komodo Islands?

Since the dragons are present throughout the year, any time is manageable. That being said, the busiest months are July and August, which means it will be pretty hot and busy with tourists. If at all possible, avoid visiting Komodo National Park during the rainy season (January, February, and March), particularly in February. From April to June is the best since the islands are lush and verdant, and the temperatures are not sweltering.

What should I know before taking a tour of Komodo Islands?

Purchase a SIM card –

If you want to stay connected, you’ll need to do this. It is also possible that certain sims will only operate on Labuan Bajo and not on any of the other islands; therefore, it is best to purchase a local sim for your Komodo Island trip when you arrive.

Have sunscreen-

This should go without saying, but when you are having a good time and occasionally drinking, it may be easy to forget to put on sunscreen. Especially during peak season, the heat in and around the Komodo Islands may be pretty deadly. You should carry extra sunscreen and hats and T-shirts to protect yourself from the sun, but you should also bring some after-sun cream or aloe vera as well because there is a strong possibility you will get sunburned in the first place.

When bleeding, you may not be allowed on the island-

People who have been hurt and have a giant bleeding wound, as well as women who are on their menses, may not be allowed to visit Komodo Island. Since dragons can detect blood up to four kilometers away, have a bloodlust, are violent, and have poor eyesight, they may attack you if they see blood. On the island, there have been reported instances of attacks on menstruating women. It is one reason why women are not permitted to work as rangers in the Komodo National Park. For this reason, if you are determined to visit the Komodo Dragons, attempt to schedule your vacation around your monthly cycle or avoid your period altogether if you are on the pill. You may still be permitted to enter the island at the discretion of the rangers and with additional ranger protection.

Pack light-

On your Komodo Island trip, you may meet a variety of terrains both above and below the sea surface, so be sure to dress appropriately and wear appropriate footwear. Please bring a change of swimmers or swimsuits for the water so that you may switch between them. If you don’t want to wander about the boat barefoot, bring flip flops or thongs to wear when strolling around the ship. There may get some trekking involved, so make sure you have the proper hiking gear and clothing that will keep you guarded against the sun. You will also be trekking to witness sunsets and sunrises, so be sure to wear shades to protect your eyes from the fierce Indonesian sun. A hoodie is recommended to keep you warm at night for those visiting the Komodo Islands during the colder months.

Why are people interested in the Komodo dragon?-Komodo Islands

The Komodo Dragon (Varanus komodoensis) is the most prominent lizard species on the planet and is the world’s most dangerous. Even though it belongs to the Monitor Lizard family, it can reach a maximum length of three meters. This dragon is well-known for being extremely lethal. Because it possesses deadly germs in its saliva, it can kill a colossal mammal in about one minute with a single bite.

The Komodo Dragon is a carnivore, and depending on its size, it will devour anything from buffalo to geckos, snakes, pigs, and eggs, among other things. They consume both fresh and decaying flesh, depending on the situation. The Komodo can track down any escaping prey since they can smell blood up to four kilometers away and determine their location. They are quick swimmers, climbers, and runners but prefer to hunt in the shadows.

The takeaway

Tourism officials on Komodo Island in Indonesia had issued a warning in 2020, citing concerns that guests would disrupt the gigantic reptiles’ natural behavior, prompting the island to be closed to visitors. Komodo Island, one of Indonesia’s most visited UNESCO World Heritage sites, was initially closed. However, after more deliberation, Indonesian officials decided to rescind the closure. Travelers are still welcome on Komodo Island. Is it true that Komodo dragons are dangerous? The answer is ‘yes, according to the experts.

Each of these massive reptiles exudes poison, which ultimately kills the animals it encounters. However, it would be best to avoid Komodo dragons when visiting Komodo Island in Indonesia. An experienced tour guide will escort you from the area. Only a handful of Komodo assaults on people have occurred in recent years. Less than ten of those attacks resulting in death. However, we must emphasize that you should always look for predators and avoid going out alone when on Komodo Islands!