Hopping to Komodo trip is an incredible way to get closer to nature. This remote frontier offers the best getaway from the hustles and bustles of crowded world. The pristine Komodo is where nature grows as it best, away from the touch of modern civilization and the toxicities of big cities. Here’s where we should play our part. We come to Komodo for its stunning wildlife—it’s our responsibility to keep the Komodo clean and healthy. Here’s six simple ways to become a more responsible travelers upon visiting the wild and wondrous Komodo.
Less Plastic on Your Komodo Trip
The number one rule that you should start applying in every aspect of your life. Less plastic wastage. However, travelling usually force us to spend more plastic than we used to—and we don’t even realise it. Think about the individually wrapped candies and small munchkins we bring for travelling. The travel-friendly sachets drinks. Those water bottle packages for drink. You can start to bring reusable water bottle to use in Komodo trip, bringing bulk of snacks in container, and preparing your own eat utensils to avoid using the plastic ones.
Keep A Respectful Distance with Wildlife
Komodo is first and best known for its wildlife; the impressive Komodo dragons that’s been living in the wilderness of Komodo Island since million years ago and the brilliant underwater life are incomparable. With that in mind, we want to do everything needed to keep the animals as wild as possible. Not coming close with the dragon is the main rule—especially if you want to keep your limbs intact after the Komodo trip. Do not chase or scare the wild deers that roams around the islands. Never touch a Manta when you snorkel with these majestic giants. Basically keep your hands off every wild living thing in Komodo.
Reef-Friendly Sunscreen for the Komodo Trip
We could never stress it enough. The danger of oxybenzone that is commonly found in sunscreen is real to the health of coral reefs. Accumulated oxybenzone in the water can impair the growth of green algae, induce bleaching and damaging the DNA of coral reefs, induce defection in young muscles, as well as damaging immune and reproductive system in sea urchins and fishes. Start using marine-friendly sunscreen from now.
Likewise, Choose Sulfate-Free Shampoo and Soap
Surfactants in shampoo and soaps make the water “wetter”, and that’s toxic for the marine life. It’s time to switch to SLS-free shampoo and soap, preferably the bar ones to reduce plastic packaging. The chemical you use to clean your body becomes an important matter especially as you are taking the Komodo trip in a sailing boat. Everything you use in the bathroom directly impact the water below. Generally, you want to avoid sunscreen, shampoo, soap, and any beauty products that contain the following ingredient:
Oxybenzone, Benzophenone-1, Benzophenone-8, OD-PABA, 4-Methylbenzylidene camphor, 3-Benzylidene camphor, nano-Titanium dioxide, nano-Zinc oxide, Octinoxate, Octocrylene.
More Komodo Travelling Stories:
What to Do If You Plan for Diving in Komodo
What’s NOT to Do While Visiting Komodo Island
Keep Noise Pollution Into A Minimum on Your Komodo Trip
You don’t want to disturb the underwater life by boasting loud party music in the liveaboard. The loud engine from the ship is enough already. Rather than blasting EDM music, try to slow down and enjoy the quiet surrounding. It’s the essence of going to the remote and idyllic Komodo, after all.
Do Not Do Negative Diving Habits
If you dive the Komodo out of the love of underwater, you know what it takes to keep the marine life healthy. Do not touch corals or hold any fishes for photos. Never “hunt” or chase any wild animal, this will scare them and leave traumatic impact. Do not feed any marine life with your human food. Actually, do not feed the fishes with anything in the first place—this will change the fish’s natural behaviour. They might lose their ability to hunt and start relying on human for food. Komodo’s stunning marine life is not just for us to enjoy; it’s our responsible as well to keep the environment like it should be.