Meeting the Ancient Giant Lizards

Four Komodo dragons (Varanus komodoensis), the largest species of lizard in the world, fight over the carcass of a goat as part of the park’s attraction. A ranger stood guard, armed with a long stick.

Kompas/Agus Susanto

Loh Liang

The speedboat that took us from Labuan Bajo docked at Loh Liang on Komodo Island after an hour\'s journey. Loh Liang is the main point of entry to Komodo National Park (TNK) in West Manggarai regency, East Nusa Tenggara.

We were welcomed with a performance of the Caci war dance. Four youths wielded wooden shields that they used to fend off the attacking whips of the other dancers. Not long afterwards, we trekked down a short trail. The coastal wind blew through the trees of tamarind, lontar, bidara and gebang along the route.