Enggano Community Near Bengkulu Offers Mangrove Ecotourism

Bengkulu, June 26 (Antara) -- The indigenous community of Enggano Island, located some 106 nautical miles from Bengkulu city, offers mangrove ecotourism in a number of places in the region. "Mangrove forests in Enggano are located in protected areas, and some are located outside the areas," Enggano Youth Leader Yudi Ariawan said here on Friday. He added that the mangrove tourist sites are in Kio Gulf, Kahabi, Berahau, Kiyoyo, Kitap and Kiabah, among other places. Of the six locations, Kio Gulf, Kiyoyo and Kiabah are in conservation areas under the management of the Natural Resources Conservation Center of Bengkulu. "The three locations outside the conservation area are in Kitap, Kahabi and Berahau," Ariawan stated. Among the activities offered to tourists are boating to explore the mangroves, fishing and a cruise around the forests. The indigenous community also offers flora and fauna observation in the mangrove ecosystem as part of special interest tours. "Observing the migratory birds that stop in Enggano in certain seasons is an interesting tourism activity," the youth leader pointed out. To accompany the tourists exploring the mangroves on the island, local residents based in Meok village act as tour guides. According to Ariawan, underwater activities such as surfing, diving, and snorkeling can be done around the islands of Dua and Merbau. Furthermore, Head of Bengkulu's Tourism Office Rudi Perdana noted that the potential of ecotourism was one of the province's mainstays to attract tourists in the region. "Underwater ecosystems and tropical forests are the primary attractions, including the Rafflesia flower habitat and the elephant habitat in Seblat National Park," Perdana affirmed.