KOMODA NATIONAL PARK (RINCA ISLAND), INDONESIA

 February 28


We made a stop at Komodo National Park to take a look at Komodo Dragons in the wild.   Komodo dragons, the world largest lizard, can grow up to 10 feet long and typically weigh about 150 pounds.   They dine on other animals including deer and water buffalo.   Their venom in poisonous, so when they attack a larger animal like a water buffalo, they allow a day or two for their venom to slowly kill the animal, then its mealtime.  They can run faster than humans.  The park is really hot and humid (just south of the equator) so one wouldn’t want to spend a lot of time here.  We were fortunate to get a 10 a.m. tour before it got too hot.


Our tour didn’t disappoint.   We walked into the park on an elevated boardwalk and saw several Komodo Dragons, some water buffalo in a stream, a monkey and some deer.   Our guide carried staffs that they could use to fend the beasts off if they tried to climb onto the walkway.  That  didn’t happen, although one gave Vera the evil eye. 


Our Internet is really spotted and this has made it difficult to download pictures.   The ship connects with SpaceX's Star Link satellite system when at sea.   Coverage is not great yet (come on Elon!).  Its a little better at major ports.  


    Komodo National Park Islands in the morning from our ship


          Komodo National Park Islands later in the day
 



                           Mr Komodo in the mud


Entrance to the park.   Note how high the boardwalk is elevated


                                  Another Mr. Komodo


           Water Buffalo in the stream.   Future Komodo meals











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