THERE BE DRAGONS AMONG US - KOMODO ISLAND INDONESIA
- Joanne Colman-Bown
- 3 days ago
- 4 min read
There are places you have always dreamed of going…
…although for me this was not one of them. I didn’t really have an interest in hiking across an island to see giant dragon like lizards.
A few years ago, I was on a cruise with Swan Hellenic as I was their Reservation Manager, and this was all part of my job, to accompany 4-6 cruises a year as a passenger manager. If I could, I would have sat on the dock, but that was not to be, and I am so pleased about that. This was one of the most amazing experiences I’ve had.
Komodo itself is stunning. Steep jade green hillsides at the time I was there, which turn to a burnt rust once the rainy season is over. One of over 17,000 Indonesian islands and located where three of the world’s eight tectonic plates meet, there are over one hundred active volcanoes in the area. So, it’s only right that here we can find the Komodo Dragons as they are known, or Giant Monitor Lizards. This is Jurassic Park in real life. This is one of the very few places on Earth where Komodo dragons still roam free — and coming face to face with the world’s largest lizard is nothing short of electrifying. They are huge, and dangerous! They can grow up to 10ft (3m) long. 150lbs (68kgs) of leathery skin and flaring nostrils with huge, curved claws, and a long, pink and yellow forked tongue, sensitive to blood in the air.
We only had a few hours on the island, and as we arrived, we could see the dragons on the beach. We were greeted by a group of rangers and guides, who divided us up into groups of no more than five people. The rangers are armed only with a long wooden stick, which they use to tap the dragons on the nose if they get too close as the nose is the most sensitive part of the dragons. It’s at this point when our guide is telling us that these predators are fast and can quickly disembowel a man, that I wonder again what I am doing here. I have yet to see a dragon up close and personal, and I wonder if I want to.
As we followed our guide, we had to be very aware of our surroundings. We headed out of the wooded areas onto open ground and there we have our first up close and personal sight of one of the creatures, or three, sunbathing together. And then an idiotic traveller decides a clever idea is to poke a dragon with a stick thinking it may be dead! Of all the silly things to do. Luckily, it was drowsy and only raised its head, otherwise we would have been in serious trouble. We were incredibly lucky to see the most magnificent Dragon that the guides thought could be female (although they did not elaborate on how they could tell). It’s hard to describe how you feel when you see them. Awe, fear, fascination or all combined.
Feeding time is when these ancient predators truly command attention. Rangers carefully supervise as the dragons, emerge with slow, deliberate movements that suddenly transform into explosive speed. With powerful jaws, razor-sharp teeth and a venomous bite, they tear into their meal with primal intensity — a raw and unforgettable display of nature at work. Despite their heavy build, Komodo dragons are surprisingly agile, and watching them feed is both thrilling and humbling, a reminder that these remarkable creatures have survived largely unchanged for millions of years.
Observing Komodo dragons in their natural habitat is a once-in-a-lifetime experience — dramatic, awe-inspiring and utterly unforgettable. It’s wildlife at its most wild, and Komodo Island delivers it in spectacular fashion. All too soon we headed back to the ship. A quick chance to buy some pearls from a young boy on the dock. The pearls may have turned out to be one of my best investments. My black pearl necklace was restrung in England and every time I wear it, I remember my time with these incredible creatures.
A FEW FAQ'S
How do Komodo dragons hunt their prey?
Komodo dragons rely on ambush tactics, remaining still before launching a sudden attack. Their venom prevents blood clotting, causing prey to weaken over time if it escapes initially.
How often do Komodo dragons eat?
Komodo dragons do not eat daily. After a large meal, they can go weeks without feeding, slowly digesting their food using powerful stomach acids.
Why do Komodo dragons have venom?
Komodo dragons produce venom that lowers blood pressure and prevents clotting, helping them subdue large prey more efficiently and increasing their hunting success.
What is the best time of year to see Komodo dragons?
The best time to see Komodo dragons is during the dry season, typically from April to October, when they are more active and easier to spot in open terrain.
