A one-hour journey from Labuan Bajo by speedboat feels remarkably brief. How could it not, with the azure skies and seas, and verdant hills painting a gradient of colors that stir the imagination? It feels as though you’re heading toward a magical land, a fairy-tale kingdom.
As you step off the dock, the warm smiles of children and villagers greet you with a heartfelt “Welcome to our village, Komodo Village on Komodo Island!”
One thing to remember when visiting the natural habitat of Komodo dragons—even within the village—you must be accompanied by a guide or ranger who knows the area and understands these rare creatures' behavior.
"Since humans and Komodos coexist here, we must protect one another. We ensure Komodos aren’t disturbed, and we ensure tourists have a safe and comfortable visit,” said Pak Karim and Pak Hatmin, two local guides from Komodo Village.
Ideally, each group consists of a maximum of 10 people, requiring two guides for safety and better interaction.
These guides, with their fun personalities, make the trip even more memorable by sharing countless stories, myths, and fascinating facts about Komodo dragons. Their cheerful quips along the trek add energy to the adventure.
Komodo Trekking
The Komodo trekking trail takes visitors up a beautiful hill with sweeping views of the sea and the village below. At the summit, two shady bidara trees provide a natural canopy, offering a resting spot alongside wild-growing moringa (kelor) trees. Wildflowers, shrubs, and the hilly landscape create an enchanting fairy-tale-like atmosphere.
A waterhole under one of the large trees serves as a designated spot for the Komodos, resembling an oasis in the middle of the savannah.
Adding to the charm, groups of goats graze freely atop the hill, creating photo and video scenes reminiscent of New Zealand.
According to the guides, these goats instinctively know when and where to return home. Villagers respect this harmony, refraining from taking what isn’t theirs. If a goat goes missing, the locals accept it as nature’s way, understanding it may have become a meal for a Komodo.
If a Komodo approaches, the guide will instruct tourists to avoid sudden movements. While the Komodo’s vision isn’t sharp, its sense of smell is acute, and it can be startled by unusual motion. Using a stick, the guide will gently lure and steer the Komodo away without touching it.
Guides also remind visitors that baby Komodos often climb trees as a survival instinct, feeding on small animals like geckos.
Exploring the Village
After descending the hill, visitors can wander through the welcoming pathways of the village, dotted with traditional Bajo stilt houses. Most villagers here are Muslim, so it’s not uncommon to see women in hijabs shopping at local stalls or chatting from their front doors.
The village is also home to numerous skilled woodcarvers who craft Komodo dragon statues from wood as souvenirs or decorative orders. Traditionally, black wood was used to match the Komodo’s natural color. Today, carvings may also be made from waru laut, teak, or nara wood, which are often imported as the entire Komodo Village is a conservation area.
One woodcarver, Pak Saeh Mateha, shared that he is the second generation in his family to practice this craft. A nearly one-meter Komodo carving, like the one he was working on, takes about five days to complete. Smaller pieces, often ordered as souvenirs, take less time.
Though the scenic hills and the villagers’ warmth may tempt you to stay longer, if you’re not planning to stay overnight, remember to adhere to the departure schedule set by your boat captain. For example, during February-March, speedboats must leave the island before 3 p.m. to ensure a smooth return to Labuan Bajo.
Enjoy your visit to this piece of paradise. Keep the environment clean and respect the animals to preserve the island's beauty for generations to come.
