Komodo : Pre Historic Dragon

The Komodo dragon (Varanus komodoensis) is a species of lizard with its roots going all the way back to the dinosaurs, inhabits the islands of Komodo, Rinca, Flores, Gili Motang, and Gili Dasami, in the center of the Indonesian archipelago. A member of the monitor lizard family (Varanidae), it is the largest living species of lizard, growing to an average length of 2 to 3 metres (6.6 to 9.8 ft) and weighing around 70 kilograms (150 lb). An adult Komodo dragon usually weighs around 70 kilograms (150 lb), although captive specimens often weigh more. The largest verified wild specimen was 3.13 metres (10.3 ft) long and weighed 166 kilograms (370 lb), including undigested food. The Komodo dragon has a tail as long as its body, as well as about 60 frequently-replaced serrated teeth that can measure up to 2.5 centimeters (1 inch) in length. Its saliva is frequently blood-tinged, because its teeth are almost completely covered by gingival tissue that is naturally lacerated during feeding. This creates an ideal culture for the virulent bacteria that live in its mouth. It also has a long, yellow, deeply-forked tongue. Their unusual size is attributed to island gigantism, since there are no other carnivorous animals to fill the niche on the islands where they live, and also to the Komodo dragon's low metabolic rate. As a result of their size, these lizards, along with symbiotic bacteria, dominate the ecosystems in which they live. Komodo dragons are carnivores, carrion-feeders, and cannibals. Although Komodo dragons eat mostly carrion, they will also hunt and ambush prey including invertebrates, birds, and mammals.

Komodo dragon was the driving factor for an expedition to Komodo Island by W. Douglas Burden in 1926. After returning with 12 preserved specimens and 2 live ones, this expedition provided the inspiration for the 1933 movie King Kong.

It is neither permitted nor advisable to do any tours without local guides. The Komodo Dragons are dangerous when they attack. Komodos are extremely dangerous if close enough. They can run faster than humans, so best not approach if necessary. Jumping into water doesn't help either, as they can swim faster than humans, can dive, and can also swim against strong currents. In fact, sometimes Komodos are found on neighboring islands, suspected of swimming there. Their saliva is poisonous and will require immediate medical treatment, and their jaws can mean instant death. It may also charge at its victims. It's tail is equally deadly and may be swung dangerously, knocking victims off their feet. That’s the challenge in Komodo Island.

Location of Destination
Komodo National Park is located between the islands of Sumbawa and Flores, at a distance of 200 nautical miles to the east of Bali (Nusa Tenggara Islands (Lesser Sunda Islands), Province of Nusa Tenggara Timur, Republic of Indonesia).

Route to Get Destination
By plane to Sukarno-Hata Airport (Jakarta). Then by domestic flight about 1 hours and 50 minutes from Sukarno-Hatta Airport (Jakarta) to I Gusti Ngurah Rai Airport (Denpasar, Bali Island). Or by international direct flight to I Gusti Ngurah Rai Airport (Denpasar, Bali Island).
Then by regular flights from Denpasar to Labuan Bajo (in Flores Island) about 2 hours, then by inter-island ferry to Komodo Island approximately 4 hours.
Or by plane from Denpasar to Bima (in Sumbawa Island) about 90 minutes, then travel overland from Bima to Sape approximately 3 hours, then by inter-island ferry from Sape to Komodo Island approximately 4 hours.
Or travel overland and ferry from Denpasar to Komodo Island approximately 2 days.

Most visitors enter Komodo National Park through the gateway cities of Labuan Bajo (In the west of Flores Island) or Bima (In eastern Sumbawa Island)

Best Time to Visit
March to May, after the rainy season

Accommodation for Traveller
In Labuan Bajo : The Golo Hilltop Hotel, The Eco Lodge
Best way to stay overnight at the park is to rent a local excursion boat and sleep on deck. Anchored just off shore from the park.

Others
Rangers’ house, restaurant and information centers are located on both Komodo and Rinca Island.