Komodo National Park – Celebrating its 37th Anniversary
2017 marks the 37th anniversary of Komodo National Park, home to the world’s largest living species of lizard, the Komodo Dragon.
Komodo National Park was established primarily to protect the dragon – there are now 5700 living there – yet it is also full to the brim of other exotic wildlife including the yellow-crested cockatoo. Consisting of three volcanic islands, the park sits at the centre of an Indonesian archipelago and boasts a landscape like no other! From thirsty savannahs to sandy beaches, its sky blue waters are also teeming with fish, dolphins, whales and sea turtles.
We take a quick look at the different ways in which you can visit and explore this amazing, other-worldly environment for yourself…
Adventure Sailing – Tall Ship Cruises to Indonesia
The Star Clipper sails to Indonesia
Starting from May 2017, Star Clippers eastbound Indonesia itineraries will provide the unique opportunity to visit the exclusive natural wonder of Komodo National Park. Arriving via a smaller boat to the main village on Komodo Island, you are sure to stumble upon these impressive creatures almost immediately. A hike around the island will provide an opportunity to see the dragons in their most natural habitat. All hikers are accompanied by a local guide, each of which is equipped with a wooden stick which resembles a lizard’s tongue. This is carried to ensure aggressive komodo dragons are kept at bay!
These even-night round-trip itineraries depart from of Bali and will offer a fabulous and unparalleled insight that you will never forget.
Bali, Flores & Komodo Explorer Tour
Komodo National Park, Indonesia
GAdventures offers a 16 day small group explorer tour which not only takes in Komodo National Park, but allows you to combine your visit with highlights from Bali and neighbouring Flores too. The Bali, Flores and Komodo tour includes some light walking and hiking, so you don’t need to be super fit to enjoy yourself, and you’ll be travelling with an average of 10 people.
In keeping with GAdventures immersive style of travel, this tours also includes visits to a Ngada and Moni village, as well as a local Indonesian meal experience. You will visit Komodo via boat, as well as take another boat trip to Rinca island during this 16 day adventure. Prices start at £1549pp – visit GAdventures to book.
Luxury Cruise Bali to Fiji
Timor-Leste stunning beaches
If you love the idea of adventure, but are wary of going too far out of your comfort zone, the luxury small ship cruise company Paul Gauguin, offers two amazing itineraries from Bali to Fiji or the other way around, both of which take in a full day on Komodo. You can experience many different aspects of the Far East on a one-time, one-of-a-kind adventure.
You’ll also call on the tiny new nation of Timor-Leste, as well as Papua New Guinea, the Solomon Islands, and Vanuatu en route to Lautoka, the heart of Fiji’s sugarcane-growing region. This trip is packed full of bucket list experiences such as superb snorkelling and diving, exotic wildlife and visits to quaint villages – all in 5* luxury!
4 Day Komodo Dragons Tour
In Search of the Giant Lizard…
This tour from Responsible Travel is specifically designed around opportunities to see the impressive komodo dragon up close – but not too close of course! You will sail to Komodo and surrounding islands of Rinca, Kalong, Bidadari and Angel by boat, with plenty of time for swimming and snorkelling, as well as go in search of the dragons, which can grow up to 3m in length!. The trip also includes a traditional Indonesian BBQ.
Responsible Travel offer a selection of ‘Komodo’ trips, including a stay in an eco-lodge and twin/multi-centre trips to Indonesia, all with responsible tourism at their heart.
Small Group Tour & Komodo Photography Safari
Kelimutu Volcanic Crater, Indonesia
Intrepid Travel offer an 11 day tour of Komodo and Flores which includes a two hour photography in Komodo National Park on the hunt for the gigantic Dragons! Whilst a highlight of the trip is Komodo itself, you will also visit Kelimutu Volcanic Crater at sunrise, enjoy snorkelling, visit the Mengeruda Hot Springs in Bajawa, and be treated to a village Welcome Ceremony and cultural performance in Wae Rebo.
Accommodation throughout the trip includes Guesthouse (3 nts), Hotel (6 nts) and Homestay (1 nt), with transport to all destinations made by a combination of boat, private minibus, plane, taxi and truck.
Is Komodo National Park on YOUR bucket list?
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