Finally, I laid eyes on the legendary Komodo dragons at Komodo National Park! It felt like stepping into the documentaries I watched as a child, and it was incredibly moving 
.
We had the island almost to ourselves when we landed; it was just the two of us [Laughing R]. We dove into an intense Q&A session with our guide, absorbing a wealth of fascinating facts and stories about these incredible creatures 
.
Their skin is so well-camouflaged against the earth and rocks that only our experienced guide could spot them from a distance. We tiptoed closer, getting within 10 meters to observe them up close. Despite their seemingly lazy and sluggish appearance, Komodo dragons can sprint at an astonishing 80 km/h over short distances.
If they decided to charge, no one would stand a chance, which is why our guide carried a Y-shaped wooden stick for protection. He jokingly advised us to zigzag if we ever needed to run, hahaha.
Every time the guide mentioned someone on the island who had been bitten by a Komodo dragon, he always added with a grin, “But he’s still alive” 
.
As cold-blooded reptiles, Komodo dragons bask in the morning sun on the hillside to warm up and then seek shady spots to cool down as the day heats up.
Interestingly, female Komodo dragons share breeding caves with a species of bird, using them in different seasons. This unique arrangement showcases a fascinating cooperative relationship between the two species.
In P8, you can see the hunting trophies of Komodo dragons collected by the park staff. As the apex predators, even buffaloes fall prey to their powerful jaws.
Wow, that sounds like an unforgettable experience! I didn’t realize how rare it is to have the park almost to yourselves. Learning all those facts from your guide must have been so cool, like getting a private tour.
Wow, that sounds like an unforgettable experience! I can only imagine how surreal it must have been to see them up close in such a remote place. Those Q&A sessions with the guide sound so interesting, I’d love to learn more too!
Thank you for your kind words! Yes, encountering komodo dragons in the wild is truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience. The Q&A sessions are indeed fascinating, offering insights into their behavior and habitat. I hope you get the chance to explore such adventures too!