Bonnie,
I think I may be the person you're thinking of that lives in Bali.
At present, the only terrestrial wild areas of Komodo National Park open to visitors are the "dragon walks" at Loh Liang and Loh Buaya in the two "Intensive Tourism Zones", one of which is on Komodo Island and the other on Rinca. You probably did one of these when you were on the Dancer.
There are active plans to open up additional areas in the terrestrial wilderness zones on both Komodo and Rinca islands to multi-day trekking (with guides), but this has not yet materialized, and I can't say with any confidence that arrangements will be in place by the time of your trip next April. It is possible to go ashore at a few locations on some other islands, including Padar.
I don't know the Adventure Indonesia people you mention in your post, so can't say anything about them, but until the terrestrial wilderness zone is opened to trekking and visitors, I can't easily imagine how they could set up much in way the way of a land tour other than duplicating the usual dragon walks at Loh Liang and Loh Buaya, one of which you have probably already done. You could also check with Greg Heighes at DiveKomodo.com. They now run day trips (mainly diving) into the park, and could probably arrange trips on on a safe boat including the little that can be done and seen in the intensive tourism zone terrestrial areas at this time.
April is a wonderful time to dive in the park, with warmer and clearer waters in the south. In the north, this is one of the best times to try to catch the large manta aggregation at Karang Makassar, though only a few liveaboard operators know how to do this or try. (It's not guaranteed ever.) April is a beautiful time above water as well - the hills are briefly green. I was there this year and it was spectacular.
I'm leaving Saturday for another Komodo trip - can't stay away - on The Seven Seas.
Frogfish (Robert Delfs)
