Komodo - Rinca

Perama Tours Perama runs a package tour out of Bali and Lombok that is a well organized inexpensive way to see Komodo island. They also have cheap reliable transport all over Bali and Lombok. It can be like traveling down the Mekong on the slow boat in Laos. You are enjoying the scenery but you are on the tourist boat. It is a hassle free way to go but you are isolating yourself from the locals. On the Komodo tour you land up in Lombok and take the boat along the north coast of Sumbawa stopping at a few beaches to snorkel. The boat makes a stop a on Komodo where you walk from the ranger station on a circle route looking for dragons with a guide. There were quite a few deer. We were watching a big Komodo stalk one when a member of our group ran between the deer and the dragon to get some pictures. It was the perfect tourist moment but of course the dragon retreated and the deer ran away. It really is cool to see these dragons. It is kind of like driving alongside a canal in Florida and seeing alligators sunning themselves on the bank. I don't think anyone feels in any danger. The guides carry forked sticks where they can pin down the tails of the dragons or steer the animals in another direction if they start walking your way. They say the tail can give you a nasty whack. The boat trip is fun with plenty of beer and food. In February the seas were a little choppy so some of us had limited appetites but the Swiss guys drank all the beer. The Perama boat ends up in Labuan Bajo on Flores where most people get off and continue on their way.   If you are making the return trip the boat stops at Rinca island. There seems to be more dragons over there and the setting is more "natural". The boat also stops at a waterfall on Sumbawa where the crew and guests get a good rinse off. This trip is a good value. Organize a cabin for more comfort because if you get into waves and rain it is hard to stay dry sleeping on the deck. Plus you get a little more privacy. The crew is a great and they go out of their way to entertain with song and dance. They want their guests to have a good time. A side note: In February the seas are known to be a little rough so if you are real sensitive to motion sickness you might want to fly to Labuan Bajo and catch a short lift from there to the island. www.dutchpickle.com

 

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