It’s no secret that dragons are on the agenda for most people who cruise the Komodo National Park but for those who want to explore the culture of this phenomenal region will delight in a visit to the ‘other side’ of this astounding island. Away from the dragons and surrounded by rugged scenery is Kampung Komodo, a small island village that is mostly ignored by the many visitors who come to see the island’s legendary wildlife.
El Aleph’s zodiac tender is always available to whisk you away for Komodo Island shore excursions and when we arrive at Kampung Komodo the warm hearted villagers are always excited to welcome visiting foreigners. The locals are extremely proud of their customs and traditions and delight in showing guests around and introducing them to their way of life. It’s a wonderful experience to visit the small school and spend time with the children, speaking English and playing their simple (and often hand crafted) games with them. Don’t be surprised if they want you to take a photo with them, they love to see their image on your phone’s screen and they don’t seem to mind at all that they won’t see it again, like footprints in the sand, gone when the tide comes in.
Komodo Island Shore Excursions
Komodo Island Shore Excursions
Kampung Komodo
Komodo Island Shore Excursions
Ranger Station
Of course, the Jurassic looking Komodo Dragon – which is only found on these remote islands in Indonesia, is a major highlight of visiting the area. Our zodiac tender will take you for a Komodo Island shore excursion to the Komodo Park’s Ranger Station where a Komodo National Park Ranger will accompany you as you go in search of the famous Komodo Dragons. Komodo Island is a wildlife enthusiasts paradise and other residents of the island include wild buffalo, deer, wild pigs and a plethora of tropical bird and butterfly species.
The walk takes us through lush green jungle and towards the beach where we often have incredible sightings of the dragons lazing on the sand.
Komodo Dragon Facts
The Komodo dragon, also known as the Komodo monitor (Varanus komodoensis), is a species of monitor lizard that is exclusive to the Indonesian islands of Komodo, Rinca, Flores, and Gili Motang. It is the biggest lizard species still in existence, reaching a maximum length of 3 meters (10 feet) and a maximum weight of 70 kilograms (150 lb).
Komodo dragons are apex predators because of their size, and they rule the habitats in which they reside. Invertebrates, birds, and mammals are among the prey that komodo dragons seek and ambush. There are two glands in the lower jaw that emit toxic proteins and although the biological importance of these proteins is debatable, it has been established that the glands release an anticoagulant. The collective hunting behavior of komodo dragons is unique among reptiles and the Javan rusa (wild pig) makes up the majority of their diet. Komodo Dragons are thought to live up to 30 years
Trek to Padar Island’s Viewing Point
For those who prefer a more active Komodo Island shore excursion, a trek to the summit of Padar Island is worth the effort for the impressive views from the summit. The view varies according to the time of year, during the dry season the rugged, arid land masses are a burnt amber which contracts beautifully with the blue and turquoise of the Indian ocean. After rain however, the islands are transformed into lush tropical islands carpeted in rich green vegetation.
Pink Beach
This is another must-do Komodo Island shore excursion which offers the opportunity to witness a unique yet natural phenomenon. As the name suggests, the sand on the Pink Beach (locally known as Pantai Merah) is not white but instead it has a reddish-pink hue. It’s a surreal and impressive sight. The pink colouration comes from microscopic animals called Phoraminiphera that give red or pink pigmentation to hard corals. When corals are broken due to storm or wave damage, the broken fragments are washed ashore and over time they are broken down further through the process of erosion until they become flakes and grains. Those flakes and grains become combined with the sand, causing the beach to appear pink.
It’s not just the colour of the sand that is a highlight here. Just off Pink Beach is incredible scuba diving and snorkelling on a reef that is home to an abundance of marine life. After exploring underwater there’s nothing quite as surreal as swimming into Pink Beach to relax at the end.
Allow our crew to make this Komodo Island shore excursion extra special with an exclusive beach picnic accompanied by champagne and exquisite canapes.
Komodo Island Shore Excursions from El Aleph
When exploring a region that is as unique as the Komodo National Park, why compromise on comfort or limit your opportunities to discover all that is on offer?
Cruising with el Aleph enables our discerning clientele to venture to some of the most remote corners of the marine park and beyond. Leave the land, and the other liveaboards, behind as you set sail for the adventure of a lifetime – all in complete luxury.
If you have a taste for adventure and don’t want to compromise on the finer things in life, then a bespoke Raja Ampat snorkeling cruise onboard el Aleph guarantees unparalleled service, luxurious and spacious cabins, privacy, and of course – an incredible adventure from start to finish.
For reservations or enquiries, please contact us using our contact form – or email us at info@elalephcruising.com; and we will promptly reply.
Please note that we are not a yacht agency — your enquiries will be addressed directly by el Aleph’s owner. All of our charters are custom designed to suit your tastes and interests. For your comfort and privacy, we accept bookings for full boat charter only — not by the cabin.