Our Komodo liveaboard adventure kicked off with a bang… two islands, two hikes, and one unforgettable face-to-face with a Komodo dragon. From the panoramic summit of Kelor and the dusty trails of Rinca Island, Komodo was the perfect blend of beauty and adrenaline.
By the way, welcome to Day 1 of my Komodo Liveaboard adventure.
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Kelor and Rinca Islands
Stop 1: Kelor Island – A View Worth the Climb
Kelor Island is a small, uninhibited gem. As we approached, the water turned that unreal shade of crystal blue that makes you want to dive in fully clothed. The beach was soft and white, and just offshore, we spotted baby blacktip reef sharks gliding through the shallows. They’re harmless (unless you’re a small fish). Watching them cruise around was like having front-row seats to a nature documentary.
The island itself is a steep little hill. If you’re up for a short but sweaty 15-minute hike, the reward is an epic 360° panoramic view. You’ll need hiking shoes with a good grip for this climb. From the top, you can see a collection of islands scattered across the turquoise sea. They all look like they belong in a travel magazine.
After the climb, we grabbed our snorkel gear and cooled off in the water… colorful coral, curious fish, and that perfect post-hike float.
At the base of the hill, local vendors set up a small market with handmade souvenirs. I got a few woven bracelets. It’s a great spot to support local artisans and pick up a keepsake that isn’t mass-produced.
Stop 2: Rinca Island – Komodo Dragons
Next, we sailed to Rinca Island, home to the world’s largest lizards.
Stepping onto Rinca Island felt like entering a prehistoric world. The massive statue of two Komodo dragons locked in battle at the entrance of Komodo National Park set the tone perfectly. Towering and fierce, the sculpture is a dramatic tribute to the island’s most famous residents.
Rinca is one of the islands that make up Komodo National Park, which is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It’s also one of the best places to see Komodo dragons in the wild.
This hike is a little more extensive than the short incline on Kelor. I recommend hiking shoes for this particular trek.
Our park guide was incredible…a local ranger carrying a forked wooden walking stick who grew up around these creatures and knew their behavior like the back of his hand.
He shared stories of dragon fights, nesting rituals, and even how to read their body language. We spotted several Komodos lounging in the shade and even saw one slowly stalking through the brush. A pair of travel binoculars could come in handy here.
When you go, wear good shoes, bring water, and don’t wander off the trail (those dragons aren’t just for show).
After the hike, I picked up a hand-carved wooden Komodo dragon from a local artisan near the ranger station. It’s now one of my favorite souvenirs, a simple, beautiful, and a tangible reminder of a place where dragons still walk the Earth.
This day reminded me why I chase off-the-beaten-path adventures.
Pro tip: Bring cash in small denominations of Indonesian rupiah. You’ll need to pay a park entrance fee and hire a guide (required for safety).
What to Pack for Kelor and Rinca Islands
- Water shoes for rocky shorelines
- Snorkel gear or check if your boat provides it
- Light hiking sandals for the Kelor climb
- Reef-safe sunscreen and a hat
Want to plan your own Komodo trip? Start with my full packing guide and how to choose a liveaboard.
Plan Your Own Komodo Trip
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- International Travel Checklist
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Next up: Day 2 – Kalong Island’s Bat-Filled Sunset
Or head back to the full Komodo Liveaboard recap to explore the whole journey.
