Komodo Island UNESCO World Heritage Site

 

The volcanic island of Komodo Island was little known and the Komodo dragons were only a myth until the giant lizards were scientifically described in 1912. Extinct almost everywhere else, thousands of visitors from all over the world come to see the dragons in their natural habitat. Komodo National Park has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site and Biosphere Reserve. The Komodo dragon's great bulk and weight are its most unique characteristics, even hatchlings average 20 inches in length. The adult male can reach 10 feet and weigh up to 300 pounds, while although the female attains only two thirds of this size she can lay 30 eggs at a time. With their sea-like teeth, these fierce creatures are able to ip apart a deer, goat or wild pig. The dragons have an uncanny sense of smell, and are considered among the world's most intelligent reptiles. They are quite agile over short distances and can move swiftly the capture their prey. Understandably, independent exploration of the islands interior is strictly prohibited. 

Arriving at the island early in the morning, the islands verdant volcanic landscape with its clear blue waters was striking and a few local fishermen were already out in their rustic wooden longboats put-putting along in search of giant trevally, grouper, snapper, and yellowfin tuna, Mahi-Mahi, Wahoo, and Napoleon Wrasse. Komodo Island, particularly during the wet season which is when we were visiting, are renowned for its dramatic, vibrant green landscape that contrasts sharply with the turquoise waters and white pink sand beaches. While the archipelago is known for its arid, savanna during the dry season, the rainy season transforms the islands into lush, emerald-covered hills. Joining a small tour of Komodo, the day was humid as we set out for Komodo National Park in search of the iconic giant lizards.

Arriving at verdant and volcanic Komodo Island early in the morning, 

as viewed from our terrace aboard the Silver Nova

We set out for Komodo National Park in search of the iconic giant lizards

The Komodo National Park guide explaining that we must keep quiet 

and follow him single file through the afternoon

It's not unusual for Komodo dragons to eat their young, 

so often the babies will escape up palm trees to hide for years

The guide and myself getting way too close to a female Komodo dragon

chilling on the beach

Komodo National Park has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site and Biosphere Reserve, 

to protect the natural habitat of the endemic Komodo dragon

A small precious Komodo Island snail hanging from a branch,

not as exciting as the dragons but very beautiful nevertheless

The large green and white nuts are Kenari nuts, which grow on tall, wild trees due to the fertile volcanic soil, and are harvested after falling, with a buttery, almond-like taste

Vibrant yellow flowers hidden among the ferns

Our guide plucked this leaf from a tree and it smelled like lemongrass

Komodo dragon poo with it's tell-tale black and white hues,

which means a dragon has been around recently

Komodo dragons often lay their eggs in large, abandoned nesting mounds originally constructed by a type of bird known as the megapode, specifically the Orange-footed Scrubfowl

Our second guide explaining about the mounds

Young male Komodo Dragon raised his head and eyed us with a side glance

to see if we looked appetizing

Our third guide who is a native of Komoda Island, 

carried a stick to fend off dragons if they got too close

Sign to a restaurant that used to exist, but once swarmed by a dozen Komodo dragons

smelling the food, the staff and customers fled out the back, and it has been closed ever since 

Original Komodo Island pier not in use any more, except possibly by fishermen

Our Silver Nova viewed from the beach in the harbour of Komodo Island

Traditional Komodo Island colourful fishing boats

Boys on the pier selling wood carvings of Komodo dragons and abalone bowls

Our launch arriving to transport us all back to the ship

www.komodonationalpark.org