Showing posts with label National Park. Show all posts
Showing posts with label National Park. Show all posts

Wednesday 22 January 2020

#Indonesia - Komodo dragons continue to lure foreign tourists to Labuan Bajo


The town of Labuan Bajo, the gate to the famous Komodo National Park, reportedly welcomed more tourists in 2019 than in the previous year.

According to West Manggarai Tourism Agency head Agustinus Rinus, 163,807 people visited Labuan Bajo in 2018, while in 2019 it welcomed 184,206 visitors.

"The number of tourists to this region continues to increase every year, which largely affected regional revenue," said Agustinus in Kupang, East Nusa Tenggara, on Tuesday as quoted by Antara.

In 2018, West Manggarai regency's revenue from tourism fees was said to have reached Rp 34 billion (US$2,490,604), doubling in 2019 to Rp 60 billion. "This is a significant rise following our attempt to curb tourist boats that brought tourists to diving spots."

According to the agency's data, most of the tourists who visited Labuan Bajo to marvel at the iconic Komodo dragons hailed from Germany, the United Kingdom, Spain, Australia, among other countries

Source - TheJakartaPost

Wednesday 4 September 2019

Thailand - Mae Hong Son to open new nature trek route with waterfalls to tourists


The Mae Hong Son Tourism Office is planning to launch a new trekking route to allow tourists to walk through a fertile forest to visit two beautiful waterfalls, an official said.
 
The nature trek route along Mae Sakued creek in Tambon Pha Bong in Muang district was on Tuesday visited by Yothin Taptimthong, director of the Mae Hong Son office of the Tourism Authority of Thailand, and his deputy, Atthapol Thaweesunthorn.

Yothin said the visit was made for his office to prepare a package for tourists who love nature, forests and waterfalls, to take the Huay Mae Sakued Trek.

According to Yothin, the trek is about 1,860 metres long, running along the creek and through a fertile forest with big trees.

He said the highlights of the trek are two medium-sized waterfalls, Kued Luang Waterfall and Mae Sakued Waterfall. The two waterfalls should be visited during the rainy and winter seasons, when there is an abundant cascade of water.

The nature-study trek is under the supervision of the Mae Surin Waterfall National Park and the area is protected by the third protection unit of the national park.

The entrance to the trek and the unit’s office is about 9 kilometres from Mae Hong Son’s provincial seat, with the road to the office another three kilometres along the entrance road.

Tourists can call the Mae Surin Waterfall National Park office at 053-061-073 to learn more about the trek.

Source - The Nation

Thursday 9 May 2019

Thailand - Maya Bay closed for at least another two years


Maya Bay on Koh Phi Phi Ley, closed last June to allow coral restoration and beach recovery, will now remain closed to visitors for at least another two years.

Dr Thon Thamrongnawasawat, assistant dean of the Faculty of Fisheries at Kasetsart University and a renowned marine specialist says, “The meeting yesterday concluded that Maya Bay is to be closed for two more years as the natural environment needs more time to recover.”

Maya Bay’s extended closure will keep the wraps on one of southern Thailand’s most popular tourist attractions. The closure is a blow to Koh Phi Phi tourism but despite protests from tour operators the National Park chiefs have been resolute to plan a more controlled tourist interface in the future. There are already plans in place to limit tour boats visiting the beach whenever it reopens.
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At its peak there were 5,000+ tourists visiting the secluded bay, made famous in the 2000 Hollywood film ‘The Beach’, every day.

Read more about recent extensions to the closure HERE.


Wednesday 8 August 2018

#Thailand - Thousands to be hit by Kaeng Krachan overspill


FLOODING INEVITABLE AS DISCHARGE SWEEPS ACROSS AREAS ALONG PHETCHABURI RIVER

COMMUNITIES IN Phetchaburi’s Muang district are expected to be flooded for about two weeks after run-off from the overwhelmed Kaeng Krachan Dam hit the area last night.


 The dam was discharging between 200 and 250 cubic metres of water per second, as of press time yesterday. The Phetchaburi River, which runs into the Muang district at the heart of Phetchaburi, can hold about 150 cubic metres of water per second. 

“Although we must discharge water from the dam, we are trying to reduce the volume that will go into the river by diverting some 55 cubic metres of runoff to a canal and irrigation systems,” Royal Irrigation Department’s director-general Thongplew Kongjun said. 


 Regardless of their efforts, it would be inevitable that thousands of people in communities in low-lying zones along the Phetchaburi River would face flooding, he said. 

He estimated the floodwater level would be about 50 centimetres. 


 Water volume in the Kaeng Krachan National Park, in the upper part of Phetchaburi province, has already exceeded its holding capacity. 

Prime Minister General Prayut Chan-o-cha is expected to inspect water discharge at the dam today. 

“Natural disasters are unavoidable but the government will try to minimise adverse impacts,” he said. 

Agriculture and Cooperatives Minister Grisada Boonrach yesterday said that good preparations had been made to minimise the impact on people living in Phetchaburi’s town. 

“We have even diverted some water into empty farmland along the way. By doing this, the runoff will be reduced. It will also be slower for the runoff to reach the town, giving residents there enough time to move their belongings,” he said. 

Prayut emphasised that people living downstream must move their belongings to higher ground and evacuate if floodwaters continued to rise. 

The weather bureau has forecast increased rainfall and heavier downpours in various parts of Thailand until tomorrow. 


Landslides and flood warnings were issued for 35 provinces. 

Apart from Phetchaburi, Chiang Rai, Phayao, Nan, Tak, Kamphaeng Phet, Sukhothai, Phitsanulok, Phichit, Phetchabun, Nong Khai, Bueng Kan, Udon Thani, Sakon Nakhon, Nakhon Phanom, Mukdahan, Ratchaburi, Suphan Buri, Kanchanaburi, Uthai Thani, Chainat, Nakhon Sawan, Nakhon Nayok, Prachin Buri, Sa Kaew, Chon Buri, Rayong, Chanthaburi, Trat, Prachuap Khiri Khan, Chumphon, Surat Thani, Ranong, Phang Nga and Phuket are also at risk. 

Grisada said if it rained, the water volume going to the Phetchaburi River might be up to 300 cubic metres per second. 

“That means Phetchaburi town may succumb to floods. [However] with current preparations, flooding should not be as widespread as last year,” he said. 

The Royal Irrigation Department has been closely monitoring water levels at large and medium-size reservoirs across the country. 

As of yesterday, water volume at two large dams – Nam Oun in Sakhon Nakhon province and Kaeng Krachan in Phetchaburi – exceeded their capacity. 

About 21 medium-size dams were also overwhelmed, most of them in the Northeast. 
Kanchanaburi Governor Jirakiat Bhumisawasdi yesterday warned people downstream of three local dams – the Srinakharin, Vajiralongkorn and Mae Klong – to be aware of the overflowing river. 

The Srinakharin Dam has now discharged 20 million cubic metres of water, the Vajiralongkorn Dam 43 million cubic metres of water, and the Mae Klong Dam 60 million cubic metres of water. 

“We have noticed that water levels in downstream zones has risen by between 30 and 40 centimeters,” Jirakiat said. 

He said local authorities are preparing flood relief and rescue operations. 
A landslide already hit Mae Hong Son province yesterday morning, with a local road blocked by large rocks. 

Sop Moei district chief Pha-ob Binsa-ard said local officials were trying to clear the blockage with heavy machinery.

Source - TheNation

https://12go.asia/?z=581915
 
 

Friday 14 July 2017

On the bucket list, seeing #Thailand’s biggest tree

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Tourists continue to flock to the latest attraction in Phang Nga – a tree believed to be the country’s largest.

The 500-year-old tree, known as sapung in Thai (Tetrameles nudiflora), is more than 30 metres in circumference and above 50 metres in height.

It’s on Koh Yao Noi in the southern province’s Koh Yao district. 

The locale on the shore of Ao Khien Bay has several other large sapung trees, but none this big. 

 Ao Phang Nga National Park administrators have only recently begun promoting the site as a tourist attraction, seeking to get visitors involved in conserving the trees, which are accessible only by boat or after a trek through the woods.


 Tetrameles nudiflora – whose soft timber has been used to make matchsticks, canoes and ceiling boards – often grows to immense heights and widths. 

Famous specimens wrap around the Ta Prohm temple ruins at Angkor in Cambodia and are admired in Vietnam’s Cat Tien National Park. 

The last time a Thai sapung tree made headlines was last August, when a 40-metre-tall specimen was noticted in a cemetery in Tambon Chaiyapruk in Loei’s Mueang district.

Source - TheNation
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Monday 3 April 2017

West Java national park offers fun treks for the family

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Those seeking a fun outdoor family activity might consider a trek in Mount Halimun Salak National Park (TNGHS) in Kabandungan district, West Java.
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With up to 70 percent of the park consisting of tropical rain forest, the park is a nature laboratory for research and monitoring of endangered species such as the Javan leopard (Panthera pardus melas), silvery gibbon (Hylobates moloch) and Javan surili (Presbytis comata).
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There are several trekking routes available at the site. There are 2, 5 and 7 kilometer routes, as well as a long route that requires visitors to stay overnight. Along the route, trekkers can expect to witness the silvery gibbon's movement in the surrounding trees, learn about a variety of herbs and flowers and, during rainy season, see luminous mushrooms at the research center, reported kompas.com.
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The park is also a habitat for the Javan hawk-eagle (Spizaetus bartelsi), making it an ideal place for bird-watching.
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 How to get there
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Visitors can reach the national park by private car or public transport. Those using private vehicles can depart from Sukabumi or Bogor. As for public transport, visitors can take a train from Bogor city center to Sukabumi, stop at Parung Kuda station and continue by public transport to reach the site.
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Where to stay
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Those who want to spend a night in nature may build a camp at the camping ground at Citalahab village. Cikaniki research station also offers a lodge that can accommodate 20 people. Homestays at villagers' houses are also available with prices ranging from US$5.57 per person. 
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Source - TJP 
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Tuesday 14 March 2017

Five must-visit places in Komodo National Park

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Five must-visit places in Komodo National Park
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Komodo National Park in Flores, East Nusa Tenggara, is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the country. With a total size of 1,817 square kilometers, the place covers three major islands, namely Komodo, Padar and Rinca, in addition to numerous islets.

Established in 1980, the park was initially intended to conserve the endangered Komodo Dragon and its habitat. As its popularity increased, more tourists could be found visiting the site to explore its other attractions as well.

Here are the top five recommended destinations available at the national park according to kompas.com.
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 Loh Buaya
Loh Buaya is the main habitat of Komodo dragons in Rinca Island. It takes two-hour boat ride from Labuan Bajo to reach it.
While in Loh Buaya, tourists will be accompanied by a tour guide, allowing them to learn more about the giant lizards. Other recommended activities in Loh Buaya include trekking and chilling on the beach.
Pink Beach
Pink Beach is among the must-visit places in the Komodo National Park. Its unusual and striking color comes from a microscopic organism called Foraminifera, which produces a red pigment on the coral reefs. According to Wonderful Indonesia's website, this beach is the perfect place for snorkelers and beginner divers as its shallow water allows amateur sea explorers to catch a glimpse of the breathtaking underwater life.
Gili Laba
Gili Laba is a small island in Komodo National Park. Popular for trekking, the small hills allow adventure-seeker to enjoy breathtaking views of the national park. During the dry season, the green hills turn into a yellow savanna.
Kelor Island
A trip to the park is not complete without marveling at its marine life. Home to 206 types of corals and thousands of fishes, Kelor Island makes a suitable snorkeling destination.
Komodo Tourism Village
In Komodo Tourism Village, tourist will be able to witness a day in the life of Komodo natives. Home to 1,700 residents, the place also allows tourists to purchase some unique souvenirs, such as Komodo dragon wooden sculptures.
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Source - TheJakartaPost


Friday 20 May 2016

Severe coral bleaching threatens popular Phi Phi dive spots

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Coral bleaching is rife in Phi Phi national park - the worst ever recorded in Thailand - alarmed conservation officials reported Thursday.
Many varieties of coral have been affected by the bleaching, which is due to the sea temperature rising to between 31 to 35 degrees Celsius, said an official from the Department of National Parks Wildlife and Plant Conservation (DNP).

Staghorn coral, lesser coral, mushroom coral, cauliflower coral, and hump coral are all being affected by the bleaching, which is far worse than observed in 2010, said Tikamporn Wongtawatchai, a specialist from Marine National Park and Protected Areas Innovation Center (MNIPC).

"Coral bleaching has been recorded all over the Hat Noppharat Thara-Mu Ko Phi Phi marine national park, but the bleaching is worse at Koh Kai," said Tikamporn.

This is the first time hump coral has been affected by bleaching, indicating that the bleaching is far worse than ever before. The bleaching has occurred in several popular dive spots, including Pileh Bay, Loh Samah Bay, Koh Yoong, Monkey Beach, Koh Pai and Koh Gai.
Conservationists earlier this week proposed closing off Maya Bay to tourists to help restore the bleached coral and other endangered marine life there (story here).

"We cannot control nature. However, we can stop people from disturbing the marine life in these spots. Hopefully, this latest report of the extensive damage will persuade the DNP to take quick action by closing off Maya bay and other spots in Phi Phi national park affected by the bleaching," said Tikamporn.
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