Komodo National Park

Komodo Island – the Home of the Komodo Dragon
We visited Komodo Island first, the better known of the two, but I will also tell you a little bit more about Rinca Island since the experience was quite different. Komodo and Rinca are the only two islands left where Komodo Dragons can be found in the wild, so visiting these rare and endangered animals is quite a special experience.

Arriving at Komodo Island, I think we all felt a bit scared by the eerie and otherworldly atmosphere of the island. Despite the island being located in one of the most stunning locations in the world, the amazing Komodo National Park, it looked pretty much like death itself. Dry and dusty, with plenty of trees that looked rather dead to us, charcoal black earth, and then the oppressive heat to top it off. A scene that could have come directly out of a horror movie, in particular with the constant croaking of ravens in the background.

Rinca Island – the Other Home of the Dragons
It was on Rinca Island the next day that we learned some fun facts about the Komodo Dragon which I am more than happy to share. Rinca, by the way, presented itself a bit more friendly in its natural appeal. Sans croaking ravens, and with the added bonus of monkeys. And crocodiles – but who cares about crocodiles when you could potentially also be eaten by a real Komodo dragon?

We learned for example that dragon poo tells us quite a lot of stories. The prey is eaten whole and alive, so anything that comes out again after an incredibly long digestion period is truly indigestible. This includes the white bits which are dissolved bones and dark lumps (in the first poo after feeding) the hair of the eaten animal. After this revelation I looked at poo with a whole new set of eyes.

Padar Island.
I have seen some pretty crazy views from the top of hikes in the past but the summit on Pulau Padar Island hike is out of this world. Padar Island is the third largest land mass within the Komodo National Park and can be found between Komodo and Rinca Island (Both home to Komodo Dragons). Padar was home to Komodo Dragons in the past, however, lack of food and hunting drove them away.

The island is known for having beautiful, but short treks and is a hot spot for photographers. Because of the panoramic view at the top of the viewpoint, this spot can be great for both sunrise and sunset. Either way, you will have to do a little bit of trekking in the dark.