East Kutai Offers New Bahari Tourism, Miang Island Whale Shark

JAKARTA - Pulau Miang Village, East Kutai Regency, East Kalimantan offers the charm of new marine tourism, which is direct interaction with whale sharks (Rhincodon Typus) in these waters.

"The habitat of marine mammals has become a new magnet for tourist attractions to Miang Island," said Nusabale Tourism Awareness Group (Pokdarwis) chairman Miang Island Viqri Haikal when contacted in Samarinda as reported by ANTARA.

According to Viqri, the emergence of this species known to be human-friendly opens up great opportunities for conservation-based tourism attraction in its area.

He explained that currently his party together with other Pokdarwis members are conducting research and mapping to understand the pattern of the appearance of whale sharks.

The observations carried out include determining the specific location and the best time for tourists to be able to watch and swim with these marine mammals.

So far, initial monitoring has identified the whereabouts of about four whale sharks active in the waters of Miang Island.

Viqri added that weather conditions and tides are the main variables that affect the emergence of whale sharks at diving points. Therefore, further studies are needed so that the arrival schedule for tourists can be arranged more precisely and safely.

Reflecting on similar destinations that were first advanced, such as in Gorontalo, Pokdarwis Nusabale, Miang Island is determined to design this tourism management in a professional and sustainable manner.

For this reason, he said, the next step is to draft the best tourism concept by involving various parties, including local governments and marine experts.

"We will consult with the relevant agencies first so that these destinations can attract tourists continuously and sustainably," said Viqri.

The consultation aims to get input on standard operating procedures (SOPs) that are safe for tourists, interaction guidelines that do not interfere with animals, as well as effective promotional strategies.