BINTAN MANGROVE DISCOVERY DAY TOUR

Description

There are about 70 mangrove species in the world today, some of which are critically endangered. With the continuing threat from the rise in sea levels and coastal developments, mangroves may vanish totally in 100 years. Experts estimate that on a global basis, these tidal wetland ecosystems provide at least US$1.6 billion (S$2.2 billion) worth of services each year, such as protecting the coastline from erosion, improving water quality, and providing habitats for commercial fish species. The one and a half hour eco tour takes you on a back-to-nature encounter with Bintan island’s rich mangrove forests. As you journey through the quiet waterways of Sebung River, you’d enjoy the sights and serenity around you. Observe the myriad plant and animal life forms that flourish alongside the fleshy green mangrove leaves. Wildlife The river plays host to a variety of exotic wildlife. Some of the shy wildlife includes the macaque and silver leaf monkeys, monitor lizards and snakes. You’ll hear the calls of the kingfisher and purple heron, and perhaps see a kingfisher in action as it swoops to the water to snare a fish. The riverbed teems with marine life including coral fish, mudskippers, crabs, prawns, mud lobsters, snails, clams and a variety of small fish. Indigenous folks Traditional life is still very much alive among Bintan’s mangrove forests, and you could say that the homes, boats, fishing traps and daily meals are largely derived from the mangroves. In fact, over 47,000 tonnes of fish are caught in Indonesia’s mangroves every year, and just one hectare of mangroves can yield over 160 kilogrammes of shrimp. On your discovery tour, when the river meanders south, you’ll catch a glimpse of the orang laut (sea gypsies) and kelongs (over-the-water fishing houses built on stilts) of the river folk. Also look out for the traditional charcoal kiln, and static fishing traps (bubus) that fishermen use.