The Popular Indonesian Island That's As Dangerous As It Is Strikingly Beautiful

Indonesia is a hotspot for incredible and unique outdoor adventures. With over 17,000 islands, this archipelagic country offers everything from snorkeling in beautiful clear waters to hiking active volcanoes. Located amongst them is one that is beautiful, but also one of the world's most dangerous islands. A short 1-hour flight from Bali's popular tourist destination lies Komodo Island, an area filled with dragons. Fortunately (or unfortunately depending on how you feel about "Game of Thrones"), these aren't the dragons of fantastical fiction.

Komodo National Park is home to the Komodo dragon, a species that has been roaming the earth for millions of years. The park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site located between the islands of Sumbawa and Flores. Composed of three major islands (Rinca, Komodo, and Padar) and 26 smaller islands, the park is inhabited by around 5,700 of the world's largest lizards. It just so happens that Indonesia is the only place you can see these amazing creatures in their natural habitat. As with any adventure that brings tourists into wild animal habitats, there are rules to follow to ensure a safe trip.

Unfortunately, for those who find lizards cute and cuddly, Komodo dragons are wild animals and should be treated as such. Reaching up to 10 feet and 300 pounds, it's not recommended to come up and hug these animals. If their size doesn't deter you, perhaps their venomous saliva will. So, if you don't want your vacation to be spent in a hospital or a body bag, here are some rules you should follow. First, stick with a certified guide or ranger. As tempting as it is to go off on your own adventure, safety is number one, so stick to the designated paths and close to your group. Organized trips through companies such as Flores Indonesia Tours can ensure you have a smooth trip and get to see different parts of the park.

Second, keep your distance. Again, you may be tempted to pet one of these prehistoric giants, but fight the urge. It's recommended that visitors keep a distance of at least 9 feet, lest they become a tasty afternoon snack. Leave your kazoos at home, as loud noises might startle the animals and provoke an attack. If you find yourself being chased by one of these modern-day dinosaurs (what a story to tell at Christmas parties!), run in a zig-zag pattern as this is awkward for their stubby lizard legs and they'll most likely give up the chase.

Although these wild creatures roam the land, this shouldn't deter you from visiting Komodo Island. The area is filled with fantastic snorkeling, hiking, and sightseeing, and the national park is a must-visit for those interested in nature. Komodo Island even has a pink sand beach! The surrounding waters are a paradise for marine life, as visitors can scuba dive or snorkel among turtles and manta rays. As far as accessing this remote location, there are a few options.

There are a few direct flights from different parts of Indonesia to Komodo's nearest airport, Labuan Bajo, on Flores Island. From there, the easiest way to get to Komodo Island is by boat tour. Another option is to book a tour that allows you to stay on a boat for a few nights, touring you around different parts of the island. If flying into Labuan Bajo is not an option, there are ways to travel by ferry to the island, including a 36-hour multi-island ferry ride from Bali, or a more direct and intimate experience aboard a luxury boat. Whichever way you decide to plan your adventure, a happy traveler is a safe traveler, so take the proper precautions and your visit will be smooth sailing.