On January 28th, we boarded a boat to Rinca Island to search for Komodo dragons in Komodo National Park. The short 2 hour journey took us by some spectacular sights. The water was gorgeous shades of green and blue. The landscapes were incredible to behold. Upon our arrival to the island, we encountered some long-tailed macaques searching for their favorite local snack, the fiddler crab.

Shortly down the path, right under the warning sign, we encountered our first dragon. Rinca Island has over 2200 Komodo Dragons currently living on it.

Soon after we met the ranger who would guide us through the park, we happened upon a large male dragon.

Other smaller dragons were wandering through the forest nearby.

A water buffalo was bathing in a stream. If a dragon bites a big healthy buffalo like this one, it could be a week or two before the buffalo dies. Usually multiple dragons will enjoy the feast.

Per UNESCO’s decision 20 years ago, the dragons are not fed by rangers but hunt their entire diet. Rinca has the dragons natural prey animals, deer, and wild pigs for the adults, and birds and lizards for the juveniles. (PS: did you know they live in trees for their first few years?)

If you visit Flores Island, hop on a boat to Rinca Island or Komodo Island and view these magnificent beasts in their natural habitat for yourself. As the old sailors’ maps say “Here be Dragons.” Only in Indonesia.