Manggarai Barat (West Manggarai) - Rinca Island - Komodo National Park

Komodo National Park has become a pleasant habitat for the life of the giant lizards, the Komodo Dragon. The area was spread around the small islands in East Nusa Tenggara, and not only limited on Komodo Island which become the original habitat of Komodo Dragon, called "ora" by the local people, Komodo Dragon (Varanus Komodoensis) is actually a giant monitor lizard. One of islands for habitat Komodo dragon is Rinca island that although small but has a population of more than dragons on Komodo Island which only 2,126 individuals. With an island area of only 19 hectares, this place is home to 2,318 of Komodo Dragons. Komodo in Rinca Island has a smaller size than those dragons of Komodo Island caused Rinca Island is the second generation of dragons on Komodo Island. Most dragons in Komodo Island move to Rinca Island formed a new group there. Although small, but dragons on Rinca quite agile and more aggressive, so visitors must be extra vigilant.

Administratively Rinca Island is in the Komodo district area, West Manggarai regency, East Nusa Tenggara. Its location adjacent to Flores Island and Molo Strait as a separator. Hence this small island not too far from Labuan Bajo with the long trip only 2 hours by boat. Upon arrival at Loh Buaya dock, from the dock proceed to the checkpoint which is where the registration for admission to Rinca Island. This place also becomes a ranger or guide assembly.

After registration, visitors will get a briefing from the ranger about anything just to be considered in conducting exploration on the Rinca island. The ranger will explain about anything must be banned in this area, such as the prohibition of approaching dragons. Maximum distance of 5 meters with dragons is because they have a keen sense of smell. And for those who is menstruation were banned from the tour because dragons are very attracted by the smell of blood. All of this ban for safety and comfort on the way to Rinca Island.

The other prohibition that also must be considered by the visitors is not to provide some meal directly to the dragons. When looking at the dragons moved closer, visitor should not run or do some aggressive movement because it could trigger the dragons for getting closer. Besides the visitors should keep walking in the group in order to avoid things that are unwanted. The ranger was not only in charge of leading the tour, but also should protect the members of the group. In addition you will also be entertained by the attractions of the ranger intentionally lure dragons to chase him by the meat offered to the dragons in a position bound in wood. Another attraction in Rinca Island is seeing the dragons with a lively climbing trees.

In Rinca Island, not just enjoy the view of the Komodo Dragons that roam freely, there are also a number of other wild animals such as wild boar, buffalo, and the birds. The existence of these animals was to preserve the ecosystem of Komodo Dragon population itself. Visitors can enjoy the view of Komodo Dragons who are active and dwelling dragons hole as deep as 2 meters. So you should not be satisfied first see Komodo Dragons on Komodo Island because Rinca Island offers the equally beautiful.