Komodo Island, Indonesia
December 30, 2018
We arrived at Komodo Island about 11am and anchored in the harbor. This is the largest of 4 islands in Komodo National Park where the dragons, actually the world’s largest lizards, live. We were organized into groups of about 20 with each group accompanied by a senior park ranger and assistant ranger, both of whom carry forked wooden sticks as our protection. A local resident provided commentary along the way. Trails are laid out as short, medium and long. Due to the heat, many would have picked the short walk but we were taken on medium length. Along the way we saw 3 young dragons, a large nest, a few colorful birds, and no snakes. We found three large males next to a watering hole . While there they were pretty docile although one group did see two dragons fighting.
There are about 1300 dragons on this island living among about 1500 people. The dragons are meat eaters so the local deer, wild pigs and occasional water buffalo walk around with caution. Baby dragons hatch and then climb a tree to eat on geckos and avoid the cannabalistic adults.
After about a 90 minute walk, we arrived back at park entrance where the local mall vendors were set up selling tee shirts, carved dragons, decorated bowls, etc. Active price negotiations ensued. David helped the local economy buy overpaying some for a tee shirt and two small wooden bowls. A few cruise passengers who probably should have stayed on the ship were overcome by heat and did not finish the walk.
We got back on board for a nice shower and in time for daily trivia where we placed second for a positive change. After seeing a pre dinner music performance, the owner of our travel agency hosted us for dinner along with another couple at the specialty steak restaurant.
Next port Bali.
We arrived at Komodo Island about 11am and anchored in the harbor. This is the largest of 4 islands in Komodo National Park where the dragons, actually the world’s largest lizards, live. We were organized into groups of about 20 with each group accompanied by a senior park ranger and assistant ranger, both of whom carry forked wooden sticks as our protection. A local resident provided commentary along the way. Trails are laid out as short, medium and long. Due to the heat, many would have picked the short walk but we were taken on medium length. Along the way we saw 3 young dragons, a large nest, a few colorful birds, and no snakes. We found three large males next to a watering hole . While there they were pretty docile although one group did see two dragons fighting.
There are about 1300 dragons on this island living among about 1500 people. The dragons are meat eaters so the local deer, wild pigs and occasional water buffalo walk around with caution. Baby dragons hatch and then climb a tree to eat on geckos and avoid the cannabalistic adults.
After about a 90 minute walk, we arrived back at park entrance where the local mall vendors were set up selling tee shirts, carved dragons, decorated bowls, etc. Active price negotiations ensued. David helped the local economy buy overpaying some for a tee shirt and two small wooden bowls. A few cruise passengers who probably should have stayed on the ship were overcome by heat and did not finish the walk.
We got back on board for a nice shower and in time for daily trivia where we placed second for a positive change. After seeing a pre dinner music performance, the owner of our travel agency hosted us for dinner along with another couple at the specialty steak restaurant.
Next port Bali.
Proud of you both for taking the medium walk - I guess Jan is back to normal?
ReplyDelete