First published: 30/06/13.

John Booth

Komodo National Park

Komodo National Park (Inscribed)

Komodo National Park by john booth

I travelled to the islands of Komodo and Rinca by boat from the port of Labuanbajo on Flores Island.

Before landing on Komodo I spotted three dragons marching along the beach towards the jetty. This was just the beginning of an interesting day on the island. After a briefing as to the fierceness of the dragons, I was escorted on a hike through the savannah-like landscape. Along the way found juvenile dragons living up trees, and fully grown ones on the ground. Also saw examples of the dragon's prey : deer, water buffalo and pigs.

At Pink Beach on Komodo Island spent some time snokelling and admiring the colourful fish and corals that are part of this WHS.

On Rinca Island it was another hike to see more of the dragons, both juvenile and adult as well as their prey.

It was a revalation to learn how such benign looking creatures can become such lethal killing machines.

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