Is it safe to visit Komodo Island while on my period?

Yes. There is no scientific evidence that menstruation increases your risk of a Komodo dragon attack. This concern comes from travel folklore that conflates dragons’ powerful sense of smell with an attraction to human blood. The reality is more nuanced and less alarming.

Komodo dragons detect carrion from 4 to 9.5 kilometers away using their Jacobson’s organ-a sensory structure in the roof of their mouth that processes particles collected by their tongue. They are wired to find rotting meat, not fresh human blood. Menstrual blood is chemically and biologically different from the decaying tissue signals that trigger a dragon’s hunting response. No peer-reviewed study has demonstrated that menstruating women are attacked at higher rates, and park rangers do not treat menstruating visitors differently or restrict their access.

That said, the remote setting can make managing your period less convenient than at home. Bring sufficient supplies, since you cannot buy tampons or pads in Komodo National Park. Pack zip-top bags for waste disposal, as most boats have limited trash storage and the park has strict leave-no-trace policies. If you use a menstrual cup, bring backup cleaning supplies since fresh water can be limited during multi-day cruises. The physical inconvenience is real; the dragon threat is not.