The world's largest lizard lives on a handful of scorched islands between Sumbawa and Flores, and meeting one — three metres of muscle and patience — recalibrates your respect for reptiles. Boat trips from Labuan Bajo pair dragon walks on Rinca or Komodo with snorkelling at Manta Point and the pink-tinged sands of Pantai Merah. Visit April to June, when the hills are still green and the crowds thinner.
Featured in Ten wild tropical trips for animal lovers · Tropical