🇮🇩｜Unforgettable Komodo Day Trip: Explore Rare Wildlife & Scenic Beauty
We booked a one-day tour with Ohana Cruise in advance, and our group of five was paired with two other travelers. It seemed to be the low season, so the smaller crowd made it feel quite cost-effective.
The next morning, we were picked up from our hotel at 6 AM, right on schedule. The shuttle collected us and other guests from the farthest hotels, making its way to the dock, which took about 30 minutes. Once there, we walked to the boat, where we paid 400k for the national park entrance fee per person, and set off around 6:45 AM.
The boat was sleek and modern, gliding through the water with impressive speed. On board, four staff members were ready to assist: a knowledgeable guide, an experienced captain, and two attentive crew members, all dressed in distinctive uniforms that made them easily identifiable.
After about an hour, we arrived at Padar Island. To our delight, we spotted deer on the beach, which are known to be a favorite meal of Komodo dragons. The climb up the mountain took around 30 minutes, with several picturesque spots along the way. The second half of the climb was a bit challenging, but the overall experience was still enjoyable.
Midway, we paused to admire the white waves crashing against the black rocks, a sight that was incredibly soothing. The panoramic view from the top was absolutely breathtaking, a feast for the eyes. While the camera could only capture a fraction of its beauty, it was clear that arriving early was a good decision, as the area started to get crowded by the time we descended.
About 20 minutes later, we reached Pink Beach, and it truly lived up to its name! The sand was incredibly fine, and the serene scenery was a perfect backdrop for relaxation and photography.
After taking some photos, we headed to Komodo National Park. The park guide led us through the trails, with the Ohana guide following closely, pointing out interesting plants and wildlife. The paths were rustic, preserving the natural forest (which can get a bit muddy after rain). We didn’t see any dragons or the “old actors” mentioned on XHS initially.
Later, we climbed a small hill. Though we didn’t spot any dragons on the way up, the guide pointed out a dragon on the beach from the top. On the way down, we encountered a large male Komodo dragon resting under a tree, a truly impressive sight. As we continued to the beach, a baby dragon even led the way, moving with surprising speed.
On the beach, we first saw a smaller female dragon, followed by the largest male, and finally, a juvenile. The park guide was excellent at capturing the moment, guiding us to take photos that looked like we were touching the dragons. We enjoyed a delicious lunch prepared by Ohana and got ready for an afternoon of snorkeling.
In the afternoon, we first learned how to snorkel at Taka Makassar. After a brief practice session, we were thrilled to see several small sharks. Then we headed to Manta Point, donned life jackets, and held onto float rings as the captain guided us into the water. Almost immediately, we saw a manta ray surrounded by a school of small fish! Finally, we visited Kanawa Island, where we were delighted to see many turtles swimming gracefully in the crystal-clear waters.
