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Komodo Dragon Hike in Rinca, Indonesia

12/3/2017

24 Comments

 
Komodo Dragon Hike in Rinca, Indonesia, Komodo National Park, Flores, Komodo Monitor, world’s largest reptile, heaviest living lizard, Feet Do Travel
Komodo Dragons are the largest, heaviest living lizard in the world, and can only be found in Komodo, Rinca and Flores Indonesia. Also known as the Komodo Monitor, the world’s largest reptile has a mean reputation, but it has been on my bucket list to see them ever since I bought a hand-carved wooden statue of one from Bali back in 2002.

There is something prehistoric about them which I find fascinating, plus there is a sense of danger at the idea of being near one… after all, they have dragon as part of their name! They may not be the fire breathing dragons made famous by Game of Thrones, but they are still dragons.

On the day we had booked to see the dragons, I kept thinking “I’m going to see Komodo Dragons!”, surely this was going to be a highlight of our trip in Indonesia?

​Feet Do Travel take you on their dragon hike in Rinca, Indonesia.
We were in Flores, the gateway to Komodo National Park, to scuba dive with mantas, but we we had to take a trip to see Komodo Dragons. Almost every shop along the main street which leads to the ferry port in Labuan Bajo offers day trips to Rinca (pronounced Rin-cha),  the closest place to visit the Komodo’s and only an hour and half away by slow boat.
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As we approached the boardwalk towards the National Park where the dragons live, I was super excited – I was so close to seeing them and it was only a matter of time … that’s if we find them of course, after all, they are wild animals.
Komodo Dragon Hike in Rinca, Indonesia, Komodo National Park, Flores, Komodo Monitor, world’s largest reptile, heaviest living lizard, Feet Do Travel
Komodo Dragon Hike in Rinca, Indonesia, Komodo National Park, Flores, Komodo Monitor, world’s largest reptile, heaviest living lizard, Feet Do Travel
We paid our Rp 215,000 (£13.43) permit entrance fee along with Rp 80,000 (£5) for a guide (per group of four) who then gave us a little chat about what we should and shouldn’t do. Ooooooo, this was what I wanted to hear “make sure you are no closer than three metres to the dragons as they move very fast and can be dangerous”. Yes! Danger, of course dragons are dangerous, that’s what makes it all the more exciting to be here looking for them.
Komodo Dragon Hike in Rinca, Indonesia, Komodo National Park, Flores, Komodo Monitor, world’s largest reptile, heaviest living lizard, Feet Do Travel
We were asked which path we would like to take, the “short” walk which was an hour long or the two hour “medium” trail. Unfortunately, as it was rainy season, we were unable to walk on the three hour “long” trail due to the muddy conditions which made some of the paths impassable at times and, as most of our group were wearing flip-flops, we unanimously agreed to take the “short” path.

Whilst following our ranger through the National Park, I kept my eyes peeled at all times looking out for a dragon; maybe it would be hidden behind a tree or perhaps I would see one walking through the undergrowth. 
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After about five minutes of walking, we suddenly stopped and our guided pointed to a pile of dragons – yes, literally a pile of dragons, all spread-eagled on top of one another. They were chilling outside the kitchen where the rangers’ food is prepared and we were told that the Komodos like the smell of the food and that’s why they are here.
Komodo Dragon Hike in Rinca, Indonesia, Komodo National Park, Flores, Komodo Monitor, world’s largest reptile, heaviest living lizard, Feet Do Travel
Komodo Dragon Hike in Rinca, Indonesia, Komodo National Park, Flores, Komodo Monitor, world’s largest reptile, heaviest living lizard, Feet Do Travel
Komodo Dragon Hike in Rinca, Indonesia, Komodo National Park, Flores, Komodo Monitor, world’s largest reptile, heaviest living lizard, Feet Do Travel
I won’t lie, my bubble was burst – we were no longer on the look for dragons, they were hanging out in a place nice and easy for tourists to find and, despite assurances that they were not being fed, sadly we saw a ranger walking with a bag of fish behind him which didn’t look as though it was to be consumed by humans.
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Nevertheless, despite my disappointment, I was still looking at Komodo Dragons. Reality check; they were not caged in a zoo (not that I would go and see them there), they were free to get up and walk away whenever they wanted but they were choosing to be here right now, and there are literally a couple of places you can see these prehistoric creatures in the world and I was in one of them right now. Yes, I was able to look a Komodo Dragon in the eye. Tick that one off my bucket-list!
Komodo Dragon Hike in Rinca, Indonesia, Komodo National Park, Flores, Komodo Monitor, world’s largest reptile, heaviest living lizard, Feet Do Travel
Komodo Dragon Hike in Rinca, Indonesia, Komodo National Park, Flores, Komodo Monitor, world’s largest reptile, heaviest living lizard, Feet Do Travel
One dragon started to stand and hiss, “oh good” I thought, “we are going to see some action” but alas, no, the dragon simply turned around and lay back down again closing its eyes as it sunk into the mud. 

With all this lazing around however, it did give us an opportunity to get a good look at the dragons; observing the size of their thick, muscly, scaly bodies and long, sharp and very dangerous claws.
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There was a baby dragon around two years old sitting behind the hut so we moved closer to photograph him. He was about two metres long which included his long tail and we watched him for a few minutes. He turned his head to look at us, so we snapped away with the camera; finally, we were able to see a dragon in action, even if it was only a couple of years old.
Komodo Dragon Hike in Rinca, Indonesia, Komodo National Park, Flores, Komodo Monitor, world’s largest reptile, heaviest living lizard, Feet Do Travel
Komodo Dragon Hike in Rinca, Indonesia, Komodo National Park, Flores, Komodo Monitor, world’s largest reptile, heaviest living lizard, Feet Do Travel
​He appeared to have had enough of the waiting paparazzi, then promptly stood up and walked away – now we got to see a dragon walking!
Komodo Dragon Hike in Rinca, Indonesia, Komodo National Park, Flores, Komodo Monitor, world’s largest reptile, heaviest living lizard, Feet Do Travel
After around 10 minutes of watching the adult dragon’s chilling, our ranger asked if we were ready to continue on the walking trail and off we departed. We walked along a muddy path and our ranger pointed out a pile of very “fresh” dragon poop which dung beetles like to use for their nests. Mmmmm, lovely! He also showed us dragon beds, well, they were actually guinea fowl nests but the dragons had stolen them and made them their own. If I were a guinea fowl, I wouldn’t argue with a dragon either – take my bed, just spare my life!
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After walking through a stream and up a gravel-path hill, our guide stopped and instructed us to admire the view. We looked around admiring the beautiful lush green hills and stunning colours of the ocean within the National Park. It really was gorgeous and after about five minutes, our ranger asked if we were ready to return.
Komodo Dragon Hike in Rinca, Indonesia, Komodo National Park, Flores, Komodo Monitor, world’s largest reptile, heaviest living lizard, Feet Do Travel
Komodo Dragon Hike in Rinca, Indonesia, Komodo National Park, Flores, Komodo Monitor, world’s largest reptile, heaviest living lizard, Feet Do Travel
Komodo Dragon Hike in Rinca, Indonesia, Komodo National Park, Flores, Komodo Monitor, world’s largest reptile, heaviest living lizard, Feet Do Travel
​It wasn’t long before we were back near the rangers’ hut again and as we walked past the pile of dragons, just around the corner towards the concrete block of toilets, was a Komodo dragon walking on a mission! Fantastic! We have finally had a chance to look at a fully grown adult doing something other than sleeping. We were told that the dragons are sometimes found sleeping in the toilets – can you imagine the surprise you would get if you need to use the facilities in the night and were faced with having to step over one of these monsters?!
Komodo Dragon Hike in Rinca, Indonesia, Komodo National Park, Flores, Komodo Monitor, world’s largest reptile, heaviest living lizard, Feet Do Travel
​The guide was right, they are fast, it’s not that they walk quickly but they cover a lot of ground with each giant step they take. Like a snake, his forked tongue flicked in and out sampling the air and his long heavy tail swished from side to side. He walked towards a group of people about to start their “trek”, the ranger had to call for them to move out of the way – it’s the Komodos that called the shots here and have right of way, not the humans.
Komodo Dragon Hike in Rinca, Indonesia, Komodo National Park, Flores, Komodo Monitor, world’s largest reptile, heaviest living lizard, Feet Do Travel
Komodo Dragon Hike in Rinca, Indonesia, Komodo National Park, Flores, Komodo Monitor, world’s largest reptile, heaviest living lizard, Feet Do Travel
I watched the dragon as he walked down the path towards the main tourist entrance and out of sight. That was it, he was gone and my Komodo Dragon experience was over.

Although I am glad I went to see them, I mean, I couldn’t not go and visit them as we were so close, I can’t help but feel underwhelmed and disappointed. I honestly thought it would be a much more natural encounter and more like a safari but, as with most tourist attractions in parts of the world, to increase the chances of seeing these wild animals and to keep the lucrative business going, man has stepped in.

I have since read a few reviews of tours to see the dragons and people have said they found them around a water hole or on a beach so that may possibly be in Komodo Island and not Rinca Island. Read the reviews here on Trip Advisor, some of these experiences sound a lot more authentic. It is true that with all “wild” encounters, there is an element of hit or miss, and although we did see the dragons, it didn’t feel “wild” hence the sense of being underwhelmed. 

In truth, if I were faced with the decision whether or not to visit them knowing what I know now, I would definitely still go, but I would choose a company that offered a more natural way of finding them and I would try to see them in Komodo and not Rinca. They are worth seeing, after all, they are Komodo Dragons!

Komodo Dragon Facts
  • Komodos are very rare and are only found in the wild. They are in the Komodo National Park islands of Komodo, Rinca, Gili Montang and Gili Dasami and apparently roam free within Flores.
  • Komodos are the largest lizards and the average male is 8ft – 9ft but they can reach 10ft (3 metres) in length. Females are around 6ft long.
  • The average dragon weighs around 70kg but large males can be up to 140kg.
  • Komodos have good vision and can see as far as 300 metres.
  • They can reach speeds of up to 20 kph.
  • They like to live in high temperatures around 35°c.
  • They will eat large prey such as water buffalo, deer, carrion, pigs and even humans as well as other smaller dragons.
  • The Komodo has a unique way of killing its prey. First, it springs up and knocks the prey over with its huge feet. Then they use their sharp, serrated shark-like teeth and claws to shred their prey to death. If the prey escapes, it will die within 24 hours of blood poisoning because (according to National Geographic) the Komodo’s saliva contains large amounts of bacteria. With its fantastic sense of smell, the Komodo will find the dead animal and finish its meal. 
  • The females can produce babies asexually and do not need a male to fertilise their eggs.
  • Dragons are born only 12 inches long and apparently, as soon as they hatch, they will run away and climb up trees until they around 8 months old to avoid being eaten by their mother or other Komodos.
  • Dragons live to around 30 years old.

Have you been to Rinca or Komodo to see the dragons? What were your thoughts and what experience did you have with them?

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Komodo Dragons are the largest, heaviest living lizard in the world, and can only be found in Komodo, Rinca and Flores Indonesia. Also known as the Komodo Monitor, the world’s largest reptile has a mean reputation. Feet Do Travel take you on a #komodo #Dragon Hike in #Rinca. #komododragon #rinca #visitindonesia #wonderfulindonesia #IndonesiaTravel #SoutheastAsia #AsiaTravel #IndonesiaTravelGuide #IslandTravel #TravelGuide #reptile #reptiles #monitor #monitors #lizard #lizards #wildlife
Komodo Dragons are the largest, heaviest living lizard in the world, and can only be found in Komodo, Rinca and Flores Indonesia. Also known as the Komodo Monitor, the world’s largest reptile has a mean reputation. Feet Do Travel take you on a Komodo Dragon Hike in Rinca. #komodo #dragon #komododragon #rinca #visitindonesia #wonderfulindonesia #IndonesiaTravel #SoutheastAsia #AsiaTravel #IndonesiaTravelGuide #IslandTravel #TravelGuide #reptile #reptiles #monitor #monitors #lizard #lizards #wildlife
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24 Comments
Anna Schlaht link
12/3/2017 05:07:17 am

Komodo Dragons look so cool, Angie! I can't believe how cute the baby Dragon is, either. So glad to hear you had a good time checking this off your bucket list despite the initial disappointment (which I totally get, I would've been a little let down too... A safari type trip sounds a lot more fun); seeing these giant creatures in their natural habitat looks so rewarding, and with beautiful landscape all around! I'd love to do this someday. Thanks for sharing this awesome experience with us!

Reply
Simon link
22/3/2017 07:35:36 am

Thanks Anna! The baby Komodo was kinda cute to be honest, although he did have "a look in his eye" :-)

It was a great experience but I do think we would recommend going to Komodo island itself rather than Rinca as it may be more of a "real" experience we think.

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Kreete link
24/3/2017 05:06:58 am

Woah! This seems like one hell of an experience looking into the eyes of the biggest lizard in the world. I couldn't help, but feel a bit scared and to think this is what some dinosaurs looked like millions of years ago, but in a bigger scale is actually quite cool! I can understand your concerns about them being fed, but as you said they are free to leave when ever they want and at least they aren't in the zoo. I am really debating going back to Bali for this if we don't have time to do it in a few weeks time. So exciting!

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FeetDoTravel
2/12/2017 05:32:26 am

I can totally imagine what the world looked like with dinosaurs wandering the earth when I saw these dragons! So prehistoric yet they have grown to perfection. I hope you get to see them for yourself on your next trip to Bali (as you can fly from Bali to Labuan Bajo in Flores!)

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Jenn
24/3/2017 03:36:57 pm

This looks so cool! I'll admit I'm still freaked out by these creatures after that bad dream I had about them, but it's still cool you had this opportunity! Thanks for all the facts about them too - I learned so much from this post!

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FeetDoTravel
2/12/2017 05:36:31 am

I had to share the facts about them, they are absolutely fascinating, but then again, all of nature is really. Hope you don't have any more bad dreams about the dragons :D

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Tracy link
24/3/2017 05:05:22 pm

This has been on my bucket list for a long time - my friend in Denmark did this trip about 20 years ago and still talks about it. I think she stayed on one of the islands (i think) I will definitely bear in mind your experience when I do eventually get to see them and try to go to Komodo itself. These (like polar bears) and one animal I can't wait to see in their natural environment! #feetdotravel

Reply
FeetDoTravel
2/12/2017 05:37:54 am

It's a cool bucket-list item Tracy, polar bears are on my list as well :D Fingers crossed you make the trip a reality soon!

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Paul and Carole link
26/3/2017 07:39:28 pm

What a brilliant experience to see them. Interesting your observations, and can see why you were slightly underwhelmed. However to be close to the biggest lizard in the world is still something we are sure you will be talking about for a very long time. I know we would! #feetdotravel

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FeetDoTravel
2/12/2017 05:40:13 am

I would love to do this trip again if I'm honest, I just want to see them again. I have heard of another place in Komodo so I can go there and compare the experience, I certainly won't say no to see these pre-historic beauties one more time.

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Travel Lexx link
27/3/2017 10:37:23 pm

Angie, what an experience! I didn't get a chance to see the dragons because we just didn't have time to head to this part of Indonesia so I am very very jealous! It's a shame that it wasn't a more authentic encounter but you said, you DID get to see the dragons which is incredible! Definitely something I would love to do one day!

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FeetDoTravel
2/12/2017 05:45:00 am

When you return to Indonesia, you should go and see the dragons! OK so it wasn't as authentic as I was hoping, but yes, I got to see them and that was awesome. You will be able to take some great photographs.

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SamH Travels link
28/3/2017 02:42:02 am

Woah! I once saw this really terrible horror movie about the Komodo Dragon which always sticks in my mind when I think of them! These animals are pretty scary but I would have been excited to see them in the wild. I can totally understand why you felt overwhelmed, but still really cool you have seen one in the flesh (or scales!).

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FeetDoTravel
2/12/2017 05:46:57 am

Komodo Dragons are not to be underestimated, you are right, and I didn't know they made a horror movie about them! So cool seeing them though :D

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Shona @ paraphernalia.co link
30/3/2017 02:03:34 am

Great post, Angie. My goodness, they are huge and those bellies look pretty full. No, I wouldn't be too keen running into one in the facilities, that is a definite!

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FeetDoTravel
2/12/2017 05:49:20 am

Oh yes, the dragons are huge aren't they, I wouldn't want to be chased by one of them that's for sure but it was wonderful to see these beautiful prehistoric looking creatures. I would do it again :D

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wayfaringsarah link
15/4/2017 11:19:25 am

I love Komodo Dragons too! Shame that they lied about not feeding them :( but at least you managed to see them. Pretty awesome experience :D

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FeetDoTravel
2/12/2017 05:51:05 am

So glad you appreciate Komodo Dragons as well and yes it was a pretty awesome experience indeed :D

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David link
20/4/2017 09:07:01 pm

So cool! I've seen monitor lizards up close when visiting Queensland but I think they're meant to be a bit smaller than Komodo Dragons. I didn't realise they could kill and eat a person, I think I've developed a new found respect for them haha.

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FeetDoTravel
2/12/2017 05:52:56 am

I love all types of lizards, but the Komodo Dragons are definitely my favourite, followed by the Tokay Gecko that can be found all over Indonesia. You should check them out when you are next in Indonesia .. you will get some amazing photographs!

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Gabriela
4/5/2017 12:09:04 pm

Good morning/afternoon/evening, Mr./Mrs./Ms.

My name is Gabriela, from Petra Christian University Surabaya, Indonesia.
Right now, I am currently working on my final project/thesis of: Travel Motivation in Visiting Komodo National Park (Padar island, Komodo island, or Rinca island).

If you don't mind, would you please fill in this questionnaire?
(Here's the link to it: https://goo.gl/forms/bq3Zlv65YjhWaZjE3)

Thank you very, very much, and God bless you. 😊😊

Regards,
Gabriela A

Reply
FeetDoTravel
2/12/2017 06:00:14 am

Hi Gabriela, I tried to click on the link but it has closed. I am so sorry I missed it.

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Sara - I do what I want to link
2/6/2017 03:31:19 pm

Lucky you!! We went during dry season (starting rainy season really) to Komodo Island and didn't see much movement at all and fewer than what your pics show.

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FeetDoTravel
2/12/2017 05:57:42 am

Yes it does sound as if we were lucky, at least we got to see some activity! I hope you have another opportunity to see them and have better luck next time.

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