|
|
|
|
Rinca 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 Komodo Travel Guides.com 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.
Komodo Travel Guides 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
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.
LOH BUAYA RINCA ISLAND:
HALF HOUR “SHORT TREK”
If you have only a short time on Rinca island or are looking for a
fairly undemanding walk, this short loop passes by an artificial
water source where Komodo dragons are often seen, before ascending a
small hill for fine views of the bay.
ONE HOUR “MEDIUM TREK”
A good choice which includes a long shaded section through dry
forest where Komodo dragons are sometimes seen guarding their nests.
There is 20 minutes climbing the exposed slopes of savannah dotted
with lontar palms, culminating in a magnificent view across the
island.
TWO HOUR “LONG TREK”
The best opportunity to see Komodo dragons and their prey (deer,
wild pig and water buffalo) extends the medium trek with a visit to
a permanent water hole, longer steep exposed sections with
additional viewing opportunities.
Note: At all terrestrial sites, a trained park ranger or
naturalist guide must accompany visitors outside the villages and
concession areas.
 |
|
|
|
