The next morning, I opted to skip the hike to Pulau Padar. As an early riser with a deep fondness for sunrises in general, the allure of witnessing the dawn break over the open sea was simply too strong to resist. First, the sky began to awaken with a gentle, deepening shade of blue, a canvas waiting for the light. Then, a soft orange glow kissed the horizon, painting the sky with warm hues that shimmered, reflected perfectly on the calm ocean surface. As the sky steadily brightened, it wasn’t long before the sun itself appeared—a brilliant orange orb slowly peeking from behind a distant island. Around us, the ships that had glowed through the night now silently extinguished their lights, transforming into stark silhouettes against the dancing reflections of the new day’s light on the water.
Once the hiking party returned to the ship, a palpable hum of anticipation filled the air as we set sail for our next monumental stop: Komodo Island itself. This isn’t merely an island; it’s the primordial home of the legendary Komodo Dragon (Varanus komodoensis), the world’s largest living lizard. These formidable predators, which can grow up to 3 meters (10 feet) long and weigh over 135 kilograms (300 pounds), are living relics from a bygone era. Their remarkable lineage stretches back over 4 million years, with ancestors originating in Australia before dispersing to the Indonesian islands where they evolved into the magnificent giants we see today. Everyone on board, myself included, was buzzing with the thrilling prospect of finally coming face-to-face with these ancient, awe-inspiring creatures in their wild domain.
Meeting Mr. Dragon and Komodo Dragon
Upon disembarking, we were greeted by our local guide, a charismatic man who introduced himself, fittingly, as Mr. Dragon. He immediately launched into a crucial safety briefing about our upcoming hike, his voice firm with repeated warnings to maintain a respectful distance from the island’s formidable inhabitants. Early into our trek, Mr. Dragon paused to show us a stark reminder of these creatures’ power: a deeply gouged scratch mark on a tree trunk, a visceral testament to a Komodo’s immense claws. This visual warning only intensified our resolve to heed his advice.
Just fifteen minutes into our hike, we had our first breathtaking encounter. There, sprawled before us, was a Komodo Dragon—its belly conspicuously bloated from a recent meal, its powerful legs splayed wide, and its ancient, piercing eyes meticulously tracking our every cautious movement. As we took turns cautiously positioning ourselves for photographs, a collective hush fell over our group, and we found ourselves holding our breath each time the massive tail shifted, a silent demonstration of its raw power.
The Blocked Path
Our hike continued, a mix of awe and caution, until we were brought to an abrupt halt at a bend in the trail. There, another formidable Komodo Dragon emerged, lumbering directly onto our path. A hushed silence fell over our group as we followed slowly and cautiously, maintaining a respectful distance. Then, with a sudden, unnerving turn, it swiveled its ancient head and faced us directly. Without hesitation, Mr. Dragon sprang into action, vigorously swinging his forked stick, a vital tool for deterring these powerful reptiles. As the dragon reluctantly veered off the trail and disappeared into the dense forest, Mr. Dragon turned back to us, his face etched with clear relief. “It is hungry,” he stated, his voice a low, sobering explanation, “and it’s out hunting for food.”
We encountered two more Komodo Dragon for the rest of the hike. “We were lucky”, Mr. Dragon said near the end of our hike. “We encountered 4 Komodo Dragon, including one that roam in front of us”.