This was a designated rally stop, the main attraction in the region is the Komodo Dragons, with the majority of them on two islands, Rinca and Komodo. Tourism is fast being a major source of revenue for this area, with many great diving sites. Many European backpackers come here.
We arranged a day trip to go and see the Komodo Dragons, there were 10 of us. It was about a 2 hour boat ride, which took us to the island of Rinca. There we walked through the National Park, saw 8 or so dragons (much smaller than I had imagined). There were looked quite docile just laying around in the shade, though I would not want one of them coming at me. Apparently they are extremely vicious and have been know to attack humans. We did see one small dragon wresting with a live snake. I guess the snake would have lost....
Had a great lunch on the boat while cursing along to a beautiful snorkelling beach. Great day had by all and we arrived back at about 4.30pm. Komodo Island has also been recently recognised as one of the Seven Wonders of the World. The Komodo Dragon population is estimated to be around 5000 in total.
Labuhan Bajo has a western influence to it, with several western style restaurants, beauty salons and hotels etc. Plus there was a bakery, which as you can imagine was extremely popular with us, freshly baked bread and rolls, muffins etc as well as cappuccinos and the like.
There were no festivities here, somehow Sail Malaysia has fallen down on the job. There were approx 40 boats here, all expecting some sort of festivities.
Lombok is our next Rally stop.