Yes a dream came true! I had watched several documentaries and never thought I would ever have the chance to see the largest living lizard so close by.

The Komodo National Park was founded to protect this very rare and endangered creature, which is also protected by Indonesian Law.

I arrived by boat and had to go through some paper work and pay a fee to visit the park.

Komodo dragons have a poisonous bit, within 24 hours the stricken creature (mammals, birds, invertebrates) dies from blood poisoning and then the dragon returns and eats it up.

Komodo Dragon

There is a short, medium and a long trail to choose from, though I would recommend you take the long trail. The flora and fauna, the animals you see and the dragons of course! are really worth it.

Tips recommendations:

• Sport shoes
• Long pants (maybe long sleeves for dusk)
• Water
• Do take a guide (prefer a guide that can speak English and knows the park well)
• Even though the dragon may seem quiet or asleep avoid very close contact, bullying or feeding them
• Camera (you pay a fee for cameras and video cameras but well worth taking it with you)
• Tip your guide at the end of the tour
• There are several monkeys around so avoid carrying food in your backpacks

–        Look around you at all times! You might even spot a dragon lying on the trees