Komodo National Park acknowledged by UNESCO really bring a positive impact to the place. Ever since then, millions of tourists from all over the world are curious to set the beauty of Komodo themselves. Whether it’s by Komodo liveaboard or go backpacking by themselves.
But in 2018, there are controversies regarding the overgrowth of hotels and resorts in the Komodo National Park. Not only that, there’s a rumor that the government even decided to close the Komodo National Park altogether. Although it has since been denied, there was a huge complain back then from various people across Indonesia. The questionable area in which many investors wanted to build more accommodation is on Rinca Island.
Rinca is one of the 3 main islands in Komodo National Park which gain more popularity recently among travelers. It is the biggest among the three and has the tallest mountain.
Rinca Island, Komodo Liveaboard Popular Destination
Despite Komodo island literally have the same name as the animals, Rinca is actually the one with the most Komodo roaming around freely with around 2000 in total. Consists of mostly a savannah plain, the island also inhabited by other animals such as water buffaloes and wild boars. Some of the tourists loves to have the two islands on their Komodo liveaboard trip!
Komodo island, on the other hand, is covered with forests. Even though it has a less Komodo population the size of each animal is relatively bigger than in Rinca due to the environment providing better foods. But in terms of aggressiveness, Komodos in Rinca is the clear winner based on many accidents that happened in the past.
So for the safety of the tourist, each group has to be accompanied by a ranger in order to avoid any attacks on the wilderness. Traversing Rinca Island can be dangerous, but the magnificent view is what people would risk their lives for.
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The Natives
Yes, the island with thousands of Komodo roaming around actually has a human population as well and not in a small number either. There are 2 main villages in Rinca where travelers frequent visit to buy food or just socializing with the locals, Kampung Rinca and Kampung Karora.
Most of the villagers work as a fisherman, others sell food in the village or become tour guides to making ends meet. Recently some villagers are also rent their houses as a homestay.
How to Get There?
To reach Rinca Island, you have to fly to Lombok or Labuan Bajo airport and take a boat to cross the strait which is going to take about 2 hours from Labuan Bajo. From there you will see Loh Buaya gate, the entrance to Rinca Island. Note that there’s a fee for entering the island, combined with boat service and ranger support it will cost you around IDR 120.000.
Or, to avoid the hassle you can join one of the Komodo liveaboard . Not only are they already take care of every accommodation, but you can also get access to Komodo and Padar island as well at a reasonable price.
Gary Holmes