There’s no doubt that Komodo dragons, the world’s largest lizards, are both fascinating and terrifying. Found on Komodo Island, Indonesia, these predators with venomous bites and stealthy hunting habits are notorious for their deadly reputation. So why did I want to see a Komodo dragon up close? I wasn’t expecting a friendly encounter—just a safe observation from a distance. But as I quickly learned, the Komodo dragons had other plans.

Komodo Island Adventure: Meeting the World’s Largest Lizard

Komodo dragons, the world’s largest lizards, are formidable predators found on Komodo Island, Indonesia, and a few surrounding islands. These stealthy hunters use their venomous bite to weaken prey, relying on patience and precision to strike at the right moment. With powerful limbs, razor-sharp teeth, and a keen sense of smell, they can detect carrion from kilometres away. Despite their fearsome reputation, Komodo dragons play a crucial role in their ecosystem, maintaining balance as apex predators. Visiting Komodo National Park offers a rare chance to see these incredible reptiles up close in the wild, but always from a safe distance!

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Plan Your Trip to Komodo Island

Komodo Island, part of Indonesia’s Lesser Sunda Islands, lies between Flores and Sumbawa in the Komodo National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Known for its rugged, volcanic landscape, the island is home to the world’s largest lizard, the Komodo dragon, as well as stunning pink sand beaches and rich marine biodiversity. Historically, Komodo Island was inhabited by the Ata Modo people, who lived in isolation for centuries and believed the dragons were sacred ancestors. Today, the island is accessible by boat from Labuan Bajo, a small town on Flores Island, which is the main gateway for travellers. Visitors can fly into Komodo Airport (LBJ) in Labuan Bajo from Bali or Jakarta, then take a boat tour to Komodo Island, typically a 2 to 4-hour journey depending on the vessel. With its prehistoric creatures, crystal-clear waters, and dramatic landscapes, Komodo Island is a must-visit for adventure seekers and wildlife enthusiasts.

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Would You Dare? Coming Face-to-Face with a Komodo Dragon

I’m going Komodo dragon hunting, but my only armour is sunscreen and insect repellent. I have no intention of catching a Komodo dragon—my real goal is making sure a Komodo dragon doesn’t catch me because, let’s be honest, these stealthy predators have been known to hunt humans. It’s a simple but unsettling thought. What am I doing? I mutter to myself as we trek through the steaming heat of Komodo Island, following a tree-lined path where crushed white coral crunches underfoot. Every step brings us closer to an up-close encounter with the world’s largest lizard—and I can’t decide if I’m thrilled or terrified.

Komodo National Park: Where to See the World’s Largest Lizard

We are searching for Komodo dragons, the largest living lizards on the planet. These prehistoric predators, also known as Komodo monitors, can grow up to three metres in length and weigh around 70kg, making them true giants of the reptile world. As members of the monitor lizard family, they once roamed widely across Indonesia and Australia, but today, they are found only on Komodo Island and a few neighbouring islands. Their venomous bite is feared, packed with anticoagulants and toxic bacteria, making their hunting technique both stealthy and deadly. And did I mention? Komodo dragons prefer their meat fresh, rare, and preferably still moving.

Rules for Komodo Dragon Hunting (aka How to Avoid Becoming Lunch)

  1. No smoking – and yes, we mean cigarettes. Dragons breathe fire in myths, but here, we just don’t want you to become extra smoky bait.
  2. Stick together – because if you lag behind, you might just be the unlucky one who finds out how fast a Komodo dragon can run. Just sayin’!
  3. Be quiet – this isn’t Jurassic Park, and we don’t need a T-Rex-style entrance. Let’s not give these stealthy predators a heads-up.
  4. Make sure you have no blood on you – Komodo dragons can smell a drop of blood from kilometres away, and you don’t want to be mistaken for lunch.
  5. If chased by a Komodo dragon, run in a zig-zag pattern – because they can’t. You, on the other hand, will be running regardless.
  6. Stay close to the guy with the forked stick – because, believe it or not, that’s the best defence we’ve got. (An Eat Drink and Be Kerry original survival tip!)

We’re opting for the short 40-minute trek because, well, it’s ridiculously hot, and we’re hoping to spot Komodo dragons at the first waterhole. While this spot is on the tourist trail, let’s not forget these creatures are wild apex predators—and there’s a real element of danger. Several years ago, a seven-year-old local boy was eaten by a Komodo dragon after making the tragic mistake of gutting fish and forgetting to wash his hands.

Luckily, fortune (and perhaps our scent-free sunscreen) is on our side. At the muddy waterhole, we spot one Komodo dragon, then another, and another. By the time we’re done counting, we’ve seen seven dragons—which, for a creature that’s been around for millions of years, feels like a pretty legendary day!

Don’t Be Fooled by Their Sleepy Look – These Dragons Mean Business

At first glance, Komodo dragons look downright lazy—lounging in the sun, moving sluggishly, and appearing as harmless as oversized lounge lizards. But don’t let the act fool you. The thick drool dripping from their mouths tells a different story—one about venomous bites, stealthy hunting, and an appetite for fresh meat. And then there’s that long, pale forked tongue, flicking through the air like it’s tasting something delicious. Hopefully, not us.

We wisely keep our distance, but then one dragon starts walking towards us. I’m trying to film it while walking backward, but suddenly, it feels like maybe—just maybe—Komodo dragons can move a lot faster than they let on. Turns out, our guide agrees because he’s now waving that trusty forked stick between me and the dragon and firmly suggesting I step back immediately. He doesn’t have to tell me twice.

When it’s time to move on, I feel strangely reluctant to turn my back on these prehistoric predators—partly because I want to see more, but mostly because I don’t trust them one bit. The rest of the walk back to the dock and our sailing ship is uneventful, but let’s be honest—once you’ve locked eyes with a Komodo dragon, the feeling of being watched never quite goes away.

An Epic Day of Adventure on Komodo Island

This was a long but unforgettable day. The journey began at 4 AM in Labuan Bajo, with a four-hour sail across the Flores Sea to reach Komodo Island, home to the world’s largest lizard, the Komodo dragon. After our thrilling dragon encounter, the adventure continued with snorkelling over vibrant coral reefs and a quick stop at one of the island’s stunning pink sand beaches, a rare natural wonder caused by crushed red coral mixing with white sand.

I never thought dragon hunting would be on my bucket list, but after coming face-to-face with a Komodo dragon, I can confidently say it’s one of my most memorable travel experiences. The effort to reach Komodo Island is well worth it—this is a must-do adventure for wildlife lovers, thrill-seekers, and anyone looking for a once-in-a-lifetime trip. Highly recommended!

How to Get to Komodo Island

Fly from Denpasar, Bali, to Labuan Bajo in Flores, the gateway to Komodo National Park. From Labuan Bajo, take a boat tour to Komodo Island, with travel times varying from two to four hours, depending on the vessel. We sailed with Plataran Komodo Phinisi Vessels, a traditional wooden schooner offering a scenic and comfortable ride.

For more details on the region, visit Flores Tourism and start planning your own Komodo dragon adventure!

Disclaimer: Ed+bK travelled as a guest of Garuda.

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