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Komodo Island Trekking
Few visitors come to
Komodo National Park without witnessing its most famous inhabitant:
the Komodo dragon. Komodo dragons are only found on the islands of
Komodo, Rinca, Gili Motang and Nusa Kode in the Park, with another
population in a small part of northern and western Flores. They do
not exist anywhere else on earth. Komodo dragons need protection as
they are considered endangered due to their extremely limited range.
The best way to see the dragon in its native habitat is by taking a
guided trek from one of PT Putri Naga Komodo’s tourism management
concession areas at Loh Liang on Komodo Island and Loh Buaya on
Rinca Island. Dragons are most active from 6 to 10am in the morning
and again from 3 to 5pm in the afternoon, and these are the best
times to trek for Komodo Dragon viewing. Because Komodo Dragons are
cold-blooded, they are constantly regulating their body temperature.
In the early morning, they must warm-up their bodies in the sun.
During the rainy season (October to April), Komodo dragons stay in
burrows if they are too cold. Mating season is from July to August,
during which time opportunities to encounter dragons in the wild are
somewhat decreased.
PNK’s experienced naturalist guides and Park rangers lead treks of
varying lengths from both concession areas, which pass through
forest and savannah dotted with Lontar palms. Dragon encounters are
common in both types of environment; the park rangers and PNK nature
guides are extremely experienced in identifying likely dragon
haunts. Visiting Loh Liang over several days is a great way to learn
more about the world’s largest living lizard – longer treks into the
interior of the island can be arranged and habituated dragons can be
observed in the immediate surrounds of the concession areas.
Trekking is by far the
best way to become acquainted with the fascinating terrestrial
ecosystems of Komodo National Park. A variety of guided trekking
options are offered at both of PNK’s concession areas - Loh Liang on
Komodo Island and Loh Buaya on Rinca Island. Even the shortest treks
offer excellent wildlife viewing opportunities –Komodo dragons,
megapodes, water buffalo, wild horses, Timor deer, wild pigs and
eagles and other fauna from the 276 species in the park.
LOH LIANG KOMODO ISLAND:
HALF HOUR 1KM “SHORT TREK”
If you have only limited time, or are looking for a light and
physically undemanding walk, this short loop passes through a short
section of dry forest before ascending the shallow gradient of
Frigate Hill for a memorable view over the beach. Komodo Dragons are
likely to be seen only near buildings in the developed area.
ONE AND HALF HOUR 3KM “MEDIUM TREK”
This intermediate loop includes a long shaded section through dry
forest and a waterhole, where the presence of Timor deer and wild
pig raises your chances of seeing dragons in the wild. The second
section involves a short climb, sometimes in a very hot sun, for a
great view over the dry forest to Sulphurea Hill, a steep descent
and final short climb over Frigate Hill.
TWO AND A HALF HOUR 4.5KM “LONG TREK”
Of the short walks, this offers the best opportunity to see Komodo
dragons and their prey. It extends the medium trek with a visit to
an area where dragons were once routinely fed (at Banu Nggulung) and
adds another short climb.
If you have arranged to visit Loh Liang for several days, in
addition to marine activities you can also choose among longer
treks, which wind higher and higher into the interior. The Mt Ara
route (10km) round trip may take eight hours but can be shortened to
a half day. Either option leads to spectacular views over Loh Liang
and the rest of the Park. The route to Poreng and Loh Sebita on
Komodo’s northern shore is much longer but can be specially
arranged. Any of the longer trips are rugged adventures requiring
stiff climbs under very hot conditions and are suitable for fit and
well-prepared visitors. But they will provide unforgettable
photographs and memories.
Note: At all terrestrial sites, a trained park ranger or
naturalist guide must accompany visitors outside the villages and
concession areas. |
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