Komodo National Park Hike
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Port
Komodo Island, Indonesia
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Activity Level
Moderate Activity
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Excursion Type
All
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Wheelchair Accessible
No
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Starting At (prices in USD)
$170
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Minimum Age
Information Not Currently Available
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Duration
Approximately 2 Hours
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Meals Included
Meals not included
Tendering from the ship, you will step ashore at the Komodo jetty and the headquarters of Komodo National Park -- a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. The world-renowned wildlife island of Komodo is the desolate domain of a fierce and very rare species of reptile that looks like a dinosaur (and behaves like one, too). It is appropriately called the Komodo dragon.
Thought to be the remnant of a once-widespread ancient order of monitor lizards, fewer than 5,000 of this protected species remain, and its existence hangs in the balance. This ominous-looking creature, with its sharp, saw-like teeth and menacing eyes, leaves a lasting impression if you're lucky enough to see one up close. Up 11 feet in length and more than 300 pounds, the Komodo dragon is surprisingly agile over short distances, and it's a good swimmer as well. No wonder it's able to live on deer and wild pigs that inhabit the island.
Step ashore and meet your guide and a park ranger for your walking expedition. Traveling in a small group for roughly an hour and half, make your way along paths that lead through pockets of thorny vegetation and dry tropical grasslands to the viewing point. A firsthand look at Komodo will also acquaint you with other notable species that inhabit the island.
After your hike, you will have some free time and a chance to browse for local handicrafts before you tender back to the ship.
Please note:
Shade is limited; to avoid sunburn, wear light, long clothing suitable for use as a cover-up. Bring a hat and sunglasses; wear biodegradable/reef-safe sunscreen. Bring bottled water. Be prepared for a very hot day. Wildlife sightings are likely but are not guaranteed. The Komodo dragons are wild and are not artificially fed by the local authorities. The park rangers will decide which route the trek will follow. Only guests booked on this or another shore excursion are permitted by the authorities to go ashore at Komodo Island.