Yes, the Komodo Archipelago is the home of the infamous Komodo Dragon. Left from prehistoric times to survive on this island, the Komodo Dragon still roams Komodo Island and several other nearby islands in the area. Counting at 5,400 now, the Komodo Dragon is protected and part of the island is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and National Park.

Komodo National Park

Komodo Dragons can grow over 9 feet in length, are part of the reptile family and are carniverous and can be aggressive. While apparently, they prefer deer, humans have lost their lives to the Dragons, including local villagers. The Komodo Dragon has a series of teeth buried under their gums filled with bacteria. When attacking, the Komodo Dragon bites into their victim and death is usually caused from infection from the bite.

Komodo Dragons generally eat once every few weeks and lie in wait for their prey at local watering holes. Other animals on the island are water buffalo, deer, wild pigs, and various other smaller animals, all of which satisfy a hungry Dragon.

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Have you ever wondered how those hats, mats and other items are made from woven palm leaves? Well, on board Silolona, we had a lesson from Syam in weaving palm leaf birds.

Syam had gathered and prepared the palm leaf pieces, which are a palm frond, with the individual fingers separated and cut down to the tender pieces. Step by Step, Syam showed us how to create a woven bird, somewhat like the natural world of Origami. In Indonesia, palm frond decorations are made for every event, including decorating temples, for ceremonies, and as decorations for events or family fun. A wide variety of palm frond decorations are made and were made for us throughout the week to provide festive decorations. Read the rest of this entry »

We were thrilled at the end of our charter and back in Bali to be treated, just us, to a private village ceremony dance in the Ubud area.

The Owner of Silolona arranged this for us, due to her strong relationship with this village and many other villages throughout Indonesia, where the Owner of Silolona has been accepted as an adopted family member. Read the rest of this entry »

Missy Johnston of Northrop and Johnson Yacht Charters just returned from a 10 day trip to Indonesia to cruise the Komodo Archipelago on Silolona. Silolona is a traditional Indonesian gaff rigged Phinisi, built new, with modern conveniences along the line of the traditional age old Phinisi trading vessel that has plied the waters of Indonesia for many years.