Komodo Dragon island tour - Rinca island
Dragon Island tour at Rinca Island, which is located within the Komodo National Park in the East Nusa Tenggara Province, specifically under the jurisdiction of West Manggarai Regency.
Rinca Island is the second largest island in the Komodo National Park, spanning a total area of approximately 198 square kilometres (79 square miles). Though it is less renowned than the more famous Komodo Island, Rinca offers a remarkable opportunity to observe the Komodo dragon in its natural habitat. The island provides a natural environment where these magnificent creatures coexist alongside other wildlife such as wild pigs, buffalo, long-tailed macaques, and a diverse variety of bird species.
One of the key attractions of Rinca Island is its relatively undisturbed nature, as fewer tourists visit compared to Komodo Island. Most visitors opt for day trips, which are commonly arranged from Labuan Bajo on Flores. These trips generally involve travel by local boats or speedboats, with a journey time of roughly one hour. The park headquarters serves as the starting point for these excursions.
Despite its natural beauty, living conditions on Rinca Island pose challenges for the local population. Educational facilities are limited, especially for children, and some non-governmental organisations have stepped in to support by providing books and other educational materials. Furthermore, the local inhabitants must exercise caution, as Komodo dragons residing on the island have occasionally exhibited aggressive behaviour, including attacks on humans.
Geographically, Rinca and Komodo islands form a north-south passage between the Indian Ocean and the Flores Sea. The waters between these islands are known for their strong currents, occasionally exceeding speeds of 10 knots, and whirlpools caused by the narrow gap between two large bodies of water.


