Day 46 Komodo National Park, Rinca Indonesia

Weather
Mostly Cloudy, 85, high humidity

Map

About
Komodo island, part of the Lesser Sunda chain of Indonesian islands, is the rugged habitat of the 3 meter long Komodo dragon monitor lizard. Komodo National Park covers the entire region and is home to more than 4,000 dragons. It is made up of rusty-red volcanic hills, savanna and forests. Its surrounding waters of sea-grass beds, mangrove shrub lands and coral reefs are famous for diving.

What we did
This stop was on instantly on our radar as we were researching excursions as a must do, once in a lifetime opportunity and this excursion did not disappoint. After arriving to the beautiful island of Rinca, we took a tender ship to the lagoon where our dock was. Due to the potential dangers of encountering a Komodo dragon, you could only visit the island on an excursion as you were required to be escorted by a park ranger. After breaking up into our tour groups we proceeded on a man made elevated boardwalk around the site. Our guide and park rangers filled us in on the history of the islands (Rinca and Komodo) as well as the nature of the wildlife on the island (Komodo dragons, monkeys, water buffalo and horses). Eventually we saw our first dragon lounging in the shade. They blended in so well you had to strain to see them. Then we spotted a younger dragon on the move. It was a site to behold as they walked across the barren land. Soon after we spotted a large Komodo and who decided to pose for us; his forked tongue moving in and out of his mouth testing the air. Many others followed and we had to move on after getting our fair share of pictures and videos. A small museum was located at the far end of the trail where we saw 2 Komodo skeletons (one female and one male). We also saw monkeys and water buffalo, both on the menu if they are not careful. They will also eat smaller Komodos , Komodo eggs and if humans aren't careful.....Komodos can sprint in bursts up to 13 mph. They only eat every 3 or 4 weeks but when they do, they eat everything, bones and all. Thankfully we were pretty safe from them on the elevated boardwalk.

Then it was back to our dock as we said goodbye to the dragons. It was a day that we will not soon forget!