Feb 29. Komodo National Park (Rinca) ,

We arrived in Indonesia this morning, specifically Komodo National Park, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The park contains three larger islands and 26 smaller ones. We tendered to one of the larger islands, Rinca, to see the Komodo Dragons.

The park was established in 1980 to protect the Komodo Dragon which is the largest lizard in the world. The males can measure up to 9.8 feet long and weigh up to 150 lbs. Their bite is poisonous as their saliva contains a myriad of strains of bacteria that slowly kill. Apparently, there is an antidote for those unfortunate enough to suffer a bite.

It was very hot when our tour arrived on the island, but we were lucky to see several dragons! We also saw deer, water buffalo and a fat boar. The boar was wise enough to keep his distance from the Komodo's! About 1,500 people live on this beautiful island!!Read more