We woke up to a beautiful sunrise on day 2 and found ourselves in a cove dotted with small islands.
None of slept all that well the first night, similar to the first night of camping when the noises and surroundings are unfamiliar. A delicious breakfast sure helped get the day off on the right foot, though.
We were just a quick ride away from Loh Buaya on Rinca Island and our first visit to Komodo National Park. It actually covers three major islands and many small ones as well.
Selamat Datang! We were all pretty dang excited to see some komodo dragons because who hasn't watched a video of them as a kid and thought they're awesome? We never thought we'd get this opportunity in life.
Before we spotted any dragons, we saw plenty of evidence in the tidal flats on either side of the boardwalk leading up to the ranger station.
The first one! So surreal. This guy was just cruising by, totally unconcerned with us.
Up by the ranger station, we met our guide who would escort us around the island. He said the kitchen is a popular place to find many of the big guys. They apparently don't feed them but it can't stop a dragon from wishing...
A lot of big ones were just relaxing by the kitchen.
The guides really know how to get an impressive picture! Thank goodness, because no way were we getting that close to one of the faces.
A younger guy wandered by busily looking for something to eat. Even he steers clear of the big fellows because he could be a snack himself.
The island also had deer, water buffalo, and monkeys...all nice meals for the komodos.
I would NOT mess with these guys!
We saw one of the komodo nests. It seems that some guinea fowl typically start the nests (and one was busy working on hers as we watched) and the komodos just take over when they're ready to lay eggs. We were not there during mating or nesting season, which is a good thing.
We hiked up to a pretty hill and spotted another young komodo dragon at the top, but he was quick and disappeared as soon as he saw us.
A look back at the lovely bay of Loh Buaya (Crocodile bay)
On our way back out, we found another big guy sunning himself in the middle of a family of monkeys. They were respectful of his space for sure.
We listened to an audiobook (Harry Potter #7) while we cruised through beautiful islands. Both were enthralling. I had a major goal of all of us unplugging from screens for 4 days and it was completely worth it.
Our next stop was Pulau Padar, which was one of my most anticipated sites. I'd seen a few pictures from the top when we first moved to Indonesia and I knew that if I ever had the chance I would love to go there. It was a HOT day and the sun was directly overhead, so I had to give the boys lots of encouragement to keep going up the steep path.
Just a short way up, the view was already lovely.
I was prepared for some incredible views, but I was still blown away. What an amazing place! The two beaches on the right were pristine white, the bottom one of the left was black volcanic rock, and the upper left one was pink.
I packed the selfie stick for this one photo! Wish we'd gotten a few more so Alex's eyes were open but the heat was pretty intense and patience was low.
Ben and I stayed at the main lookout to soak up the views, while Matt and Alex went all the way to the top.
Absolutely stunning!
Matt's view from the top was pretty amazing. One of the most beautiful islands we've ever seen.
After we'd enjoyed our hike, we hustled back to the shade of the boat and a quick dip in the water before lunch.
Nothing is quite as refreshing as an ocean like this...
Time for some more relaxation, naps, and changing scenery on our way around Padar towards Komodo Island.
The only village we saw on our entire trip was on Komodo, and there was no doubt when we got close to it. Several boats came up to us immediately to sell handmade goods, food, and beer. Pretty easy shopping from our own deck.
Ben got his turn driving the Li'l Leaker with Shawn, our guide, to the pink beach on Komodo.
Right at the water's edge it had a lovely pink hue.
The white sand is dotted with flecks of red coral, so from a distance it looks pink.
Ready for more snorkeling! For some reason, the water here was really cold so we didn't last all that long.
It was beautiful, though. The coral everywhere was so diverse in shape and color.
It's totally different digging in pink sand!
We had one final cruise over to the island where we docked for the night, Pulau Lasa - Population: 2 (goats)
The small village on Komodo, which didn't seem to have any vehicles except boats.
The views around the bay were gorgeous.
Our trusty Labalaba boat, anchored offshore.
The guys prepared a beach barbecue for us on the tiny island with a freshly caught tuna on the grill. They brought over chairs, a table, candles, and all the food.
Naturally, the kids had no problem finding something to do while preparations were being made.
Starting the grill for the fish. Does anything taste better than a fresh catch cooked on a beach?
It was a lovely evening to sit outside and take in the sunset. Definitely a memorable night on the beach and a very successful day #2.
No comments:
Post a Comment