20 Photos to Inspire you to Visit Komodo

Famous for the Komodo dragon, the largest lizard in the world, Komodo National Park in Indonesia is the only place in the world you can see these slightly terrifying animals in the wild. Aside from these unique land dwelling creatures, below the waters of Komodo lies another amazing world ready to be discovered as manta rays glide past and sharks bask in the shallows. Explore my 20 favourite photos from my Komodo liveaboard experience, one for the bucketlist!

Komodo National Park: My Top 20 Photos

Admiring the beauty of Komodo from the Amalia's bow, Indonesia
Komodo is relatively untouched by mainstream tourism, despite being only an hours flight from Bali (shot with DJI Spark)
Gliding through Komodo National Park, Indonesia
The best way to explore is on a live aboard dive or snorkelling boat, where you can enjoy a Titanic-esque moment as you glide through the waters of Komodo
The Amalia, Komodo National Park, Indonesia
The Amalia (run by Uber Scuba) offers a beautiful dive liveaboard from which to explore the beauty of Komodo
Komodo dragon in Komodo, Indonesia
You will trek on the island of Rinca, allowing you to come face to face with these fascinating reptiles, namesakes of the Komodo National Park
Facing up to all 200lbs of Komodo Dragon
Facing up to all 200lbs of Komodo Dragon is however a terrifying proposition with only a guide and stick there to protect you!
Komodo national park - trekking on Rinca island amongst the dragons
Although a bit of a climb in the heat, the view from Rinca is worth the effort
Beneath the waters of Komodo lies a marine national park, with some of the most beautiful corals in the world
Turtle relaxing in Komodo, Indonesia
Whilst exploring the blue many friendly turtles can be found chilling around the corals
The marine park is renowned for incredible Manta Ray sightings and they won't disappoint!
Scuba diving with spotted sting ray at Komodo national park, Indonesia
Other rays, such as this blue spotted stingray, also are found in abundance on the sea bed below you
Lion fish in Komodo national Park, Indonesia
Whilst these intriguing fish may look attractive, don't get too near - each of the spines in a Lionfish are laced with a nasty poison!
Nudibranches are easily overlooked when diving for the large pelagics, but their colours can blow you away (Credit: Pablo Juarez)
Nudibranches are easily overlooked when diving for the large pelagics, but their colours can blow you away
Mantis shrimp in Komodo National Park, Indonesia
These cute little shrimp like to hide amongst the corals
Back above water, on board the Amalia, enjoy fresh juices as the water ripples around you
Master Cabin, Amalia of Uber Scuba, Komodo, Indonesia
The cabins of the Amalia offer beautifully cosy comfort!
Why would you want to do anything else inbetween dives but sit and enjoy this view?
Dangling feet into the blue, Komodo National Park, Indonesia
With the magnificent turquoise waters all around you, you can't resist dipping your toes in!
Komodo National Park, Indonesia
No words are needed... (Shot with DJI Spark)
The evening light coats the inlets of Komodo in a beautiful orange glow
Sunset in Komodo National Park, Indonesia
At the end of a day of bubbling, where better to enjoy a cold beer and watch the sun go down?

Komodo National Park: My Top Photography Tips

Whilst visiting either Rinca or Komodo island to spot the ginormous and rather dangerous Komodo dragons I would recommend packing your zoom lens so you can get a lovely close up without getting too close yourself! As with all wildlife photography setting your shutter speed to circa 1/1000 will help get the sharpest picture, especially if you’re trying to capture the Komodo dragons flicking their tongue.

During a liveaboard in Komodo you will see such a wealth of underwater wildlife that you’ll definitely want to bring an underwater camera. If you are just starting out in underwater photography, a Go Pro is a great starter camera, built for action and offering both video and photo functionality. For those with more experience you may want to invest in a more serious piece of kit to get those amazing underwater shots.

Underwater at depth red colours are the first to be lost, to counteract this you can purchase an inexpensive red filter for your Go Pro, just remember to take this off when you get back above the water or at shallower depths else you’ll have very red tinted photos! If shooting from a professional rig you can use strobes to ensure vibrant colours. Aim to position the strobes reasonably far from the lens to reduce backscatter.

There are several key things to remember when using your camera underwater, most importantly you must be in control of your buoyancy at all times when trying to get that perfect shot to ensure you don’t accidentally damage the fragile reefs. Remember that just a few seconds is all it takes to damage corals that have taken thousands of years to form.

No one ever wants to lose their photos or snazzy camera equipment. To make sure you don’t lose your  camera during a dive ALWAYS make sure all your equipment is attached to your either with a wrist strap or carabiner clip. I cannot stress this enough after seeing three people lose their Go Pros during a three day trip!

The other danger when working with water is your camera getting flooded. Always triple check your casing is watertight before going anywhere near water, and make use of the camera tanks onboard before diving – if your case is bubbling when submerged remove it sharpish. You’ve much more chance of salvaging your camera from a spot of fresh water than after a dive with salt water.

Find out more…

Uber Scuba – http://uberscubakomodo.com
Pablo Juarez – dubversion89@gmail.com

20 photo to inspire you to visit Komodo National Park, Indonesia
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