Thursday, March 14, 2024 – Photo of the Day – Komodo, Indonesia

Where in the World Are We?

Komodo Island, Indonesia, in the South Pacific Ocean.

KOMODO, INDONESIA
KOMODO DRAGONS EXIST NOWHERE EXCEPT ON THIS VOLCANIC ISLAND
Komodo, the volcanic island of giant lizards, lies 320 miles east of Bali. Komodo is 25 miles long and 12 miles wide; its parched hills ascend to 2,410 feet. Komodo is home to a community of 2000 people who make their living primarily from fishing.

The island is the centerpiece of the Komodo National Park, where you will find the most tangible legacy left behind from the Jurassic Era. Komodo Island was little known, and the Komodo dragons were only a myth until the giant lizards were scientifically described in 1912. Extinct almost everywhere else, the island attracts thousands of visitors from all over the world who come to see the Komodo dragons in their natural habitat.

Komodo National Park has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site and Biosphere Reserve. The Komodo dragon’s
great bulk and weight are its most unique characteristics; even hatchlings average 20 inches in length. The adult male can reach 10 feet and weigh up to 330 pounds. Females attain only two-thirds of this size and lay up to 30 eggs at a time.

These fierce creatures can rip apart a deer, goat, or wild pig with their saw-like teeth. The animals have an uncanny sense of smell and are among the world’s most intelligent reptiles. They are agile over short distances and can move swiftly to capture prey. The Indonesian Directorate of Nature Conservation (PPA) administers Komodo National Park.

LOH LIANG – KOMODO NATIONAL PARK
Komodo Island, a rugged jewel in Indonesia’s East Nusa Tenggara province, holds one of the mysteries of ancient times with the prehistoric giants that stalk its savannas: the Komodo dragons! Loh Liang is a great place to observe these fascinating creatures in their natural habitat. A one-of-a-kind experience not to be missed!

SIGHTS

Pink Beach
Cunca Waterfall
Komodo Village
Batu Bolong Reef
Padar Island
Rangko Cave
Manta Points

Today’s Excursion – Komodo – Dragon’s Lair

This outing on Komodo Island offers a rare opportunity to observe the legendary dragon in the wild.
Upon tendering ashore, park rangers walked us to the dragon-viewing area.

Check out a video of a Komoto Dragon up close.

Enrichment Lecture with Michael DiSpezio:

Sea Monsters – Creatures of Fact, Fiction, and Science
Be amazed as you discover the bizarre lifeforms of the world’s oceans and lakes, both real and imagined.

TONIGHT’S SHOW – LIMELIGHT
Experience a magnificent evening of musical entertainment at its best! Limelight is a dynamic show featuring the very best of musical theatre from New York’s Broadway and London’s West End, as well as some of the most iconic movie musicals.

Join your Silversea Vocalists Mya Boyd, Luke Upton, Francesca Rimoldi, Lelo Twala, and the Silver Shadow Dancers as we bring this Broadway experience to life!

Enjoy hits from past productions through to the present day, including Grease and The Greatest Showman.