So, you are going on Komodo trip. You have paid for everything, packed your every needs, and meet every people you have to deal with. The only thing left is hopping on the liveaboard and start the trip. To sit back in liveaboard’s lounge and enjoy the scenery, thinking about your hard-earned vacation and how lucky you are to finally be able to see Komodo’s wondrous scenery.
To be in this cool place, however, some of you might need to leave someone behind. Parents who have to leave their children, partners who leave their better half, or simply an employee who needs to leave their deck behind as well as their office peers. Before you forget, there’s something you need to do before the Komodo trip come to end:
“What to bring back home from your Komodo trip?”
For you who wants to bring some Komodo-related souvenirs for your beloved back home or probably just need something to fondly remind them to the trip, here are some ideas of Komodo souvenir you can purchase during your time in the island.
Mini Komodo Dragons
Probably the most popular souvenir of all, the standing miniatures of our much beloved dragon. It’s almost inevitable to bring back the cute version of this Jusrassic-looking islander to your living room. You can find sellers of Komodo miniatures almost everywhere; in the end of the track in Komodo Island and Rinca, at the bungalows in Kanawa, and at the gift shops in Labuan Bajo. Komodo miniatures are widely available in wooden or copper form.
Pearl Accessories
Do you know that the Komodo National Park has one of the richest marine life in the world? The water is a part of Coral Triangle which blessed us with very vibrant coral beds and million species of marine creatures. And another greatest gift from Komodo’s water to us is the presence of rich pearls. Today, many pearl farmer has been developing pear farms in the open ocean, giving off white, big, and shiny pearls. Atlas pearl farm is one of th best place to get high quality pearl, though you can always find any pearl charms, necklace, and bracelet practically in any gift shop around Flores. Cheaper pearls are available at the public market, albeit of the lower quality.
Ethnic Boutique
Spend some time to brush off Labuan Bajo’s streets before or after the sailing trip, and you will find awesome local designers shops with very unique products. You might encounter cute sandals with ethnic twist, t-shirts, pants, and even batik baby towel for your nephew back home. Compared to Bali, Labuan Bajo has far fewer ethnic boutique, but they all worth browsing. Especially when you are looking something a little different than what they sell in mainstream stalls.
Traditional Ikat Woven
If you have more time to explore the mainland Flores during your Komodo trip, make time to visit the Manggarai, Waerebo, or other traditional tribal village of Flores. These hand-woven Flores Ikat clothes are very famous for its characteristic colours and patterns.