Komodo Island

Exploring Komodo: A Day in Indonesia’s National Park

Early mornings in Indonesia hold a special charm, especially when you’re embarking on a boat tour through the Komodo National Park. Setting sail at 6 am, the anticipation is palpable as we chart our course through the pristine waters. The misty haze over the mountains caught my eye particularly!

Our first destination is Pulau Padar, a rugged island with panoramic views that take your breath away. The early morning sun and the elevated view allowed us to see the deep blue waters. Getting there wasn’t easy though as we had to hike up to the top of Pulau Padar. The hot sunshine didn’t help in the ascend.

Next, we navigate towards Pink Beach, named for its blush-colored sands. On our way there we first had a chance to recover from the hike on the boat, while enjoying the beautiful water views.

Seeing the pink beach first had was a fascinating experience. We stayed there for an hour and just enjoyed the water and the sun. I also took some time to chat with our guide, who explained the downside of the pink beach to me. Beautiful as it might seem, I learned that the colors are actually coming from dying corals and pink-colored microorganisms that break down and mix with the sand.

After the relaxing break at the beach, Loh Liang Komodo National Park beckoned next, its lush forests harboring the legendary Komodo Dragons. To get there we docked at a long port and ventured into forest.

With excitement, we ventured deeper into the heart of the island, catching glimpses of these majestic creatures in their natural habitat. The moment of spotting wild Komodo Dragons is an experience unlike any other.

After having seen what we came for we headed back to the port to enjoy our next stop.

As boat tour unfolds, we make our way to Manta Point, a hotspot for snorkelers eager to encounter these graceful giants of the sea. I did stay back on the boat though and just enjoyed the view.

With the sun beginning its descent, we embarked on the final leg of our journey, the last trip back to the harbor of Labuan Bajo. The gentle sway of the boat lulls us into a state of contented exhaustion.

Arriving at the Labuan Bajo harbor, the bustle of activity greets us as we disembark, reluctant to bid farewell to the wonders of Komodo National Park, but excited to rest at the hotel after such a long day.