When to See Komodo Dragons? Komodo National Park Fee 2023
The Komodo dragon, the world’s largest and heaviest lizard, is not the fire-breathing dragon of fairy tales; rather, it is an Indonesian reptile. Despite the harsh climate of Komodo National Park, Rinca, and certain regions of Flores Island, Indonesia, Komodos are abundant. There is evidence that three million years ago Komodos evolved from large monitor lizards that lived in Australia.
Recently, there has been news about tariff changes to enter Komodo National Park. If you’re planning on a trip to Indonesia, you should stay updated with all the changes. So, here’s a little info on Komodo National Park fee in 2022.
Introducing the Komodo Dragons
Despite weighing up to 300 pounds and measuring up to 10 feet in length, Komodo Dragons are adept runners, fast swimmers, and agile climbers. Despite their size and speed, they are able to outrun many animals and humans. Their peak speed is 20 kilometres per hour. Victims of Komodo Dragons have little choice but to surrender.
The Komodo Dragon in addition to being strong and fast, is a nasty and venomous lizard. A single bite from the Komodo Dragon can incapacitate a person in minutes, even if it misses biting him. The venom will quickly circulate through the blood, preventing clotting and causing shock. The Komodo Dragon chases its prey over long distances, following its scent.
Generally, the Komodo Dragon’s diet consists of pigs, water buffaloes, chickens, and anything else they come across, but they don’t really hunt. The Komodo Dragon hides quietly until its prey passes by, then leaps out and attacks, using its lacerated teeth and powerful neck muscles to pull out large chunks of flesh.
Komodo National Park’s Old Entry Fee
It’s only right that one goes to the Komodo Islands when in Flores. Going to Rinca Island or Komodo Island can be done individually or with a group. Regardless of how you choose to travel, you’ll still have to face an conservatory fee upon entering the conservatory grounds. The fee is used to conserve and protect the Komodo Dragons from extinction.
There are different prices for domestic and foreign tourists. Foreign tourists are charged Rp150.000,00 ($10) on weekdays, and Rp250.000,00 ($17) on weekends. Aside from that, tourists might be additionally charged for tax and ranger fees. The ranger fee is Rp120.000,00 ($8) for a group of up to 5 people.
These prices are pretty reasonable, however the conservatory has had problems with the number of tourists that keep increasing. The large number of tourists that visit the island every year pose a serious threat to the livelihood of the Komodo Dragons. Thus, the government has implemented several new regulations to tackle this problem.
Updated Conservatory Fee
One of the new regulations issued by the government is to increase the conservatory fee – Rp3.750.000,00 ($253) per visitor or 25 times more expensive than the previous fee. Otherwise, tourists can opt for the Rp15.000,000,00 yearly pass for four people. This yearly pass allows tourists to visit the Komodo National Park as many times as they like in a year.
This news, however, did not sit well with local business owners. After a large protest, the government and locals have reached an agreement. The old prices will continue to be used until December 2022. Starting from January 1 2023 the news prices will be instituted.
Why Increase the Conservatory Fee?
The increase of prices is to hopefully improve the living conditions of the Komodo Dragons. It is important to restore the habitats that were destroyed by development and natural disasters, as well as combat the damages that happen due to climate change. This is because the Komodo Dragons have recently entered the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) list of “Endangered” species. Making them highly likely to become extinct. Thus, great effort must be made to ensure this species’s survival.
Both backpackers and luxury tourists have a great impact on the environment’s cleanliness. They also generate as much waste, reduce the limited availability of clean water, increase pollution, and reduce oxygen. Aside from that, large groups of people generate a lot of body heat that impacts the Komodo Dragon’s behaviour. Thus, apart from instituting new fees, the government also limits the number of visitors to 200,000 people per year.
Final Words
There is no truly “right” time to visit the Komodo Dragons. Or rather, the right time is to visit when you are free, and while these giant lizards still inhabit the islands. If you would like to save some money, it’s probably best to visit before the end of this year. But, if your finances are in check and you’re up for supporting the conservation of the Komodo Dragons, visiting after new years is also a good option.
Regardless of when you end up visiting, the most important thing is that you always remember these 4 things: 1) Pack a sunscreen to protect your skin from the heat; 2) Avoid seeing the Komodo Dragons if you have an open wound (they are sensitive to blood); 3) Be mindful and respectful to the natural wildlife; and 4) Bring a rubbish bag and make sure to bring keep the environment clean.
Well, that’s pretty much it. Looking forward to your trip to Labuan Bajo? Contact us to plan the perfect itinerary! Click here to find out our special offers.