SAMARINDA (BelTA - ANTARA) - Pulau Miang Village in East Kutai District,
East Kalimantan, is introducing a new marine tourism attraction: direct
interaction with whale sharks (Rhincodon typus) in its surrounding
waters.
“The presence of these marine giants is becoming a new magnet for tourists visiting Pulau Miang,” said Viqri Haikal, Head of the Nusabale Pulau Miang Tourism Awareness Group (Pokdarwis), when contacted in Samarinda.
Haikal noted that the appearance of this species - known for its gentle nature toward humans—presents a promising opportunity to develop conservation-based tourism in the area.
He explained that he and fellow Pokdarwis members are currently conducting research and mapping efforts to better understand whale shark behavior and occurrence patterns.
These observations aim to identify specific locations and optimal times for tourists to safely observe and swim with the whale sharks.
Initial monitoring has recorded around four whale sharks actively swimming in the waters off Pulau Miang.
Haikal added that weather conditions and tidal patterns are key factors influencing whale shark sightings at dive sites. Further studies are needed to establish a safe and reliable schedule for tourist activities.
Drawing inspiration from more established destinations such as Gorontalo, the Nusabale Pokdarwis team is committed to developing a professional and sustainable tourism model.
“Our next step is to design a comprehensive tourism concept by involving various stakeholders, including local government and marine experts,” Haikal said.
He emphasized that consultations with relevant agencies will be essential to ensure the destination is developed responsibly and sustainably. These discussions will focus on establishing safe standard operating procedures (SOPs), creating guidelines for respectful animal interactions, and crafting effective promotional strategies.
“The presence of these marine giants is becoming a new magnet for tourists visiting Pulau Miang,” said Viqri Haikal, Head of the Nusabale Pulau Miang Tourism Awareness Group (Pokdarwis), when contacted in Samarinda.
Haikal noted that the appearance of this species - known for its gentle nature toward humans—presents a promising opportunity to develop conservation-based tourism in the area.
He explained that he and fellow Pokdarwis members are currently conducting research and mapping efforts to better understand whale shark behavior and occurrence patterns.
These observations aim to identify specific locations and optimal times for tourists to safely observe and swim with the whale sharks.
Initial monitoring has recorded around four whale sharks actively swimming in the waters off Pulau Miang.
Haikal added that weather conditions and tidal patterns are key factors influencing whale shark sightings at dive sites. Further studies are needed to establish a safe and reliable schedule for tourist activities.
Drawing inspiration from more established destinations such as Gorontalo, the Nusabale Pokdarwis team is committed to developing a professional and sustainable tourism model.
“Our next step is to design a comprehensive tourism concept by involving various stakeholders, including local government and marine experts,” Haikal said.
He emphasized that consultations with relevant agencies will be essential to ensure the destination is developed responsibly and sustainably. These discussions will focus on establishing safe standard operating procedures (SOPs), creating guidelines for respectful animal interactions, and crafting effective promotional strategies.
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