If
you guys haven’t heard anything about the magnificent Komodo dragon in
Indonesia, I bet this is the right time to find out more about it.
Komodo
dragon is the largest lizard found in the Indonesian islands that can reach 10
feet in length and weigh up to 200 pounds. They like to shred their prey to
death or let them die within 24 hours of blood poisoning because its venomous
saliva. Their unique way to kill its prey became the most interesting story for
me.
So
last month, I decided to visit this little buddy in Labuan Bajo National Park,
Flores, Indonesia. Beside the Komodos, Labuan Bajo -which consists of several
islands- has an enormous view in each one of them. So if you’re not so into the
vicious prey-hunter, you can have a different experience with the gulfs-scenery
view they offered, the pink beach or maybe dancing with Manta Ray in the middle
of a clear sea. Your call.
To
feel the excitement of the Island Hopping, I decided to Live on Board for three
days two nights, plus adding another day to stroll around in the main island
before heading back to Jakarta.
My
open trip consists with nine other persons and one tour operator that
surprisingly just two years older than me, named Ashadi. So I decided to feel
it as a private trip.
The
land operator pick us up at the airport on 10.00 am and my trip started from
here. Starting from the port, this is my itinerary with semi-Phinisi ship named
Aqua Luna:
Day 1
Kelor Island
One
of the steepest hill among all, we should climb with 45 degrees steepness
track. Due to my stupidity for leaving my trekking gear at home, I survived to
climb it with flip-flops. Not recommended to do it so, because it’s pretty
dangerous.
Rinca Island
This
is where the Komodo dragons lay low in a hot sunny day. Basically, there are
several islands where the Komodo dragons live, and Rinca Island is one of them.
Komodo Dragon |
The Single Tree |
The
others are: Komodo Island, Gili Motang and Nusa Kode. Among of these islands,
it’s easier to find them in Rinca Islands.
Kambing Island
Our
original plan was docking Aqua Luna in Padar Island. Due to strong waves
occurs, it’s pretty impossible to sleep with a bumpy ride. So our land operator
suggests docking our ship in this island and went for photo hunting while
waiting for the sunset.
Day 2
Padar Island
One
of the main attraction beside the Komodos, this hill require approximately
30-45 minutes trekking. But I can assure you, you won’t be disappointed. Again
with my flip-flops, I managed to trek this pretty hill and rewarded by this
awesome view. But remember, trekking with proper shoes will be way more
comfortable.
Pink Beach
The
first thing that came into my mind was: the Pink beach isn’t that pink anymore
since the first time I saw it in one of my friend’s picture. But it’s still
pretty though.
Manta Point
After
the Pink Beach, we went to Manta Point where you could swim with manta Rays if
you’re lucky.
And
yes, it’s our lucky day.
I
remembered that time when I visited Kei Island, South East Maluku in 2015. I
clearly didn’t know that Manta ray and Stingray was two different thing back
then. I slowly stepped my foot in a shallow spot among Bair Island when I was
doing Island hopping.
Turns
out many stingrays were hiding underneath powdery white sands. And now here, I
can see its relatives dancing in a clear blue see.
Gusung Island
Just
5 minutes across the Manta point, here we are literally standing in the middle
of the sea.
Before
we’re heading back to the ship, one of the members picked up the magenta coral
from the beach and take it home intentionally. My friend clearly scold her, but
she said it’s okay to take it home, because she just took one out of plenty,
especially from the beach. She’d willingly pay for it if she has to.
The
magenta corals are the things that make the sand looks pink. So if everyone
thinks like this person, no wonder the sand –especially in pink beach- looks
less pink than it should be. No matter where you take it from, just don’t.
Let’s keep our environment as it is.
Gili Lawa Darat
We docked
our ship on our second day and climbed one of the hill in Gili Lawa Darat for
photo hunting while waiting for the sunset.
In
the morning of the third day, we woke up at 4 am to hike and found this amazing sunrise
Kanawa Island
This
is our last stop before hading back to Labuan Bajo Island. You can snorkel here,
but I’d prefer to sitting on the beach while waiting for our lunch.
If
one of you were trying to find land operator for a short visit to Labuan Bajo,
I highly recommend LookIndonesia Adventure.
You
may want to check him out on Instagram @lookindonesia.adventure
Psst.. he brought a portable speaker with
him every time. Very helpful to keep your good mood while trekking!
Budget to prepare:
IDR 8.000.000 (all in, more or less depends on the flight and seasonality)
Do and Don'ts:
a. It's best to visit Labuan Bajo between April until September
b. Bring your own snorkeling or diving gear would be better
c. Don't forget to wear a proper shoes or sandals for trekking. Wearing flip-flop is possible, but not recommended
d. Bring out the best sunblock you've got, and don't forget the after sun
e. Don't take anything home (like sand or even worse, the pink coral)
f. Don't Litter! it helps everyone
g. Bring enough cash, it's a bit hard to find ATM around
Budget to prepare:
IDR 8.000.000 (all in, more or less depends on the flight and seasonality)
Do and Don'ts:
a. It's best to visit Labuan Bajo between April until September
b. Bring your own snorkeling or diving gear would be better
c. Don't forget to wear a proper shoes or sandals for trekking. Wearing flip-flop is possible, but not recommended
d. Bring out the best sunblock you've got, and don't forget the after sun
e. Don't take anything home (like sand or even worse, the pink coral)
f. Don't Litter! it helps everyone
g. Bring enough cash, it's a bit hard to find ATM around