Best time to travel to Indonesia

Komodo Dragons in Indonesia

Observe the largest and most dangerous of all living lizards

Best time: April–December

Komodo Dragons
Komodo Dragons
Komodo Dragons
Komodo Dragons
Komodo Dragons

Visiting the Komodo Islands and seeing a Komodo dragon is definitely a once in a lifetime experience. The Komodo dragon (Varanus komodoensis) can reach 3 m in length and weigh up to 70 kg. It lives in the wild in the islands of Komodo, Rinca, Flores, Gili Motang, and Padar. There are only 3,000 dragons left and this endangered animal is protected by Indonesian law.

The best place to observe the lizards is the Komodo National Park in Lesser Sunda Islands. It is recommended to go on a guided tour with local rangers. The Komodo dragon is a dangerous animal, and there have been cases when tourists have been bitten. The Komodo dragon's venomous bite can be lethal to humans, so it's important to follow the rules and safety instructions while you visit areas where these lizards roam freely.

The best time to observe Komodo dragons is during the dry season as these cold blooded creatures enjoy time in the sun, especially in the morning and afternoon. The beginning of the dry period also coincides with their breeding season, a time when they are most active. During the rainy season, they conserve their warmth and stay in their burrows, coming out only to hunt. Komodo dragons dig nests to lay eggs in August and September.

Practical info

When is the best time to go to observe the Komodo dragons?

One should visit Komodo National Park during the dry season if they want to observe the lizards. The dry season runs from April to December, depending on the year. The Komodos thrive in the sun, particularly in the mornings and afternoons. Breeding season happens between April and May, and August and September is nesting time. Inhabitants of the park stay inside their burrows during the rainy season to maintain warmth. Show more

In which places can one observe the Komodo dragons in their natural habitat?

The Komodo dragon lives on several islands, including the Rinca, Komodo, Gili Motang, Padar, and Flores. Komodo National Park is the ideal location for visitors to observe these animals in their natural habitat. Local rangers conduct excursion tours for visitors to increase their chances of seeing the lizards while ensuring safety measures are in place. Show more

What is the recommended way of traveling to Komodo National Park?

When visiting Komodo National Park, it is strongly suggested to take a guided tour, especially when observing the Komodo dragons as these animals can be dangerous. The tours have a local guide, who provides information on the surroundings and ensures tourists' safety. Visitors should, at all times, stay on the designated paths, never move without the guide, avoid feeding the animals and spending the night inside the park. Show more

Is it plausible for Komodo dragons to hurt humans?

Undoubtedly, Komodo dragons can be perilous and a deadly threat to humans, as these lizards have venomous bites that stimulate blood loss and decrease clotting factors. Komodo National Park rangers provide visitors with safety instructions that are vital in areas where these animals roam freely, particularly during the breeding and feeding season. Show more

Do Komodo dragons have unique breeding and nesting habits on the Lesser Sunda Islands?

The Komodo dragons do have exclusive breeding and nesting schedules on the Lesser Sunda Islands. Their breeding season occurs between April and May, while their nesting season begins in August and September. During the dry season is when the lizards bask in the sun to keep warm and make it possible for visitors to observe them easily. Female komodos lay their eggs in a nest dug in the sand on Komodo Island, with the eggs hatching after three months. Show more

Ask a question

Find hotels and airbnbs near Komodo Dragons (Map)

Last updated: by Eleonora Provozin