# @stephmylife on Instagram

- **Type:** Image
- **Original URL:** https://www.instagram.com/p/DL4ep7vsPzz
- **Gondola URL:** https://gondola.cc/posts/32262673-stephmylife-instagram
- **Thumbnail:** https://img.gondola.cc/tr:w-,h-,fo-auto/postThumbnails/1132493955.jpg
- **Posted:** 2025-07-09T09:45:22.000+00:00
- **Account Owner:** Stephanie Barry Woods (@stephmylife) — https://gondola.cc/stephmylife

## Caption

Here’s something I think you should take *off* your bucket list: visiting Komodo National Park to see Komodo dragons. 

Swipe to see a video of what it’s actually like there 👉🏼

As you likely know. I avoid most animal related activities when I travel. In Asia, the words ethical and sanctuary are attached to way too many animal attractions places that are neither, so it’s easier to just opt out of wildlife activities. 

Originally I decided to skip this part of our trip, just in case - but Tim told me to go, and at least if it was bad I could talk about it on here and help others make the decision. (I didn’t find many negative stories online).

I made it as far as the pier and was gutted with what I saw already. Rubbish everywhere, people crowding around the animals, selfies, super close photos and just zero respect. It’s just like a zoo without enclosures - just sticks to protect tourists. 

The animals are the attraction - so they’re not seen as living, breathing beings, but as something you have a right to take a photo of and with because you’ve paid to be here. 

The entire experience left such a bad taste in my mouth. I felt bad about going, about supporting it and just angry that this is what the park is like. 

So if you’re a traveller who wants to see the world and its wildlife in a responsible, caring way - I don’t recommend adding this stop to your Flores boat trip. Just stay in the boat, or if you have a custom charter you can stop elsewhere. 

I’d also encourage you to opt for a company committed to sustainable, eco-friendly tourism. We went with lepirate_explorer and I’m running out of space but I’ll put more options in the comments ❤️

So here’s a little heads up that I wish I had before I went! As tourists who care about the world, it’s people and animals, we have a responsibility to seek out, support and spend our money with companies who share those goals and seek to protect and not harm 🌍 if you’re ever looking for sustainable or eco friendly trips or experiences, you can always message me and I’ll give suggestions! 

#komodonationalpark #komododragons #komodo #flores #ecotravel #sustainabletravel

## Stats

- **Views:** 1,142
- **Likes:** 1,985
- **Shares:** 0
- **Comments:** 87

## Credits

| Name | Username | Profile | Role |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Stephanie Barry Woods | @stephmylife | https://gondola.cc/stephmylife | Influencer |

## Tags

komodo, komodonationalpark, sustainabletravel, ecotravel, komododragons, flores

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