#Galapagos reopens tourist sites after virus lockdown’

The Galapagos Islands on Monday reopened its tourist sites and marine reserve, which had been closed since March due to the corona virus pandemic, Ecuadorian Environment Minister Paulo Proano said.

"Today, under due biosecurity protocols, we are reopening the @parquegalapagos visit sites to contribute to the revitalization of the local economy," Proano wrote on his #Twitter account.

The environment ministry said that visitors must wear masks and use disinfectant gel, adding that "in the case of recreational sites near populated ports, the maximum stay will be three hours."

The Galapagos, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, partially opened its beaches for residents in May, when Ecuador began to ease its coronavirus lockdown.

Only six beaches of the Galapagos National Park were allowed to open for three-hour stretches.

The archipelago, with about 30,000 inhabitants, has recorded just 100 COVID-19 infections.

Mainland Ecuador has recorded 68,500 cases and more than 5,000 deaths, with authorities reporting 3,277 other deaths were likely from the virus as well.

The Galapagos Islands, located in the Pacific Ocean about 1,000 kilometers off the coast of Ecuador, were made famous by 19th-century English naturalist Charles Darwin's studies of their breathtaking biodiversity.

The archipelago received 271,200 visitors in 2019.

Source - The Jakarta Post

Lao Domestic Tourism Targeted for 2020

The Lao government has announced it will begin promoting domestic tourism next year as a way to boost tourism in addition to attracting foreign arrivals.

In a succession of visit year campaigns, 2018 saw Visit Laos Year, which helped the country attract large numbers of overseas visitors. Following the campaign’s success, this year was dubbed Vist Laos-China Year 2019, and included bilateral activities and tourism promotion between Laos and China.

The apparent success of the previous two visit year campaigns has prompted the government to go for a third, with the yet to be named domestic tourism year happening in 2020.

Sources say the campaign may be dubbed Lao Thiao Lao 2020, meaning “Lao visit Laos Year 2020”.

Vientiane Times reported that the department of Tourism Marketing under the Ministry of Information, Culture, and Tourism, is working on a campaign to encourage Lao people to travel within the country, as part of the national socio-economic development plan for 2020.

Consultation with tourism operators has already begun, while an exact target for visitor numbers has not yet been released.

International Tourism Target Set

In 2020, the government expects to attract around 4.7 million international visitors and raise more than US$ 900 million in revenue.

More than 756,900 Chinese visitors came to Laos this year, an increase of about 26 percent over the same period in 2018, with the Vist Laos-China Year being hailed as a success by authorities.

Newly appointed Lao Minister of Information, Culture, and Tourism Mr. Kikeo Khaykhamphithoune, recently met with Trip.com Group CEO Ms. Jane Sun for discussion on ways the website may assist tourism in Laos.

Source - Laotion Times

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'Red lights' as over-tourism threatens #Corsican nature reserve

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"It's nature's magical design," says a tourist guide, waxing poetic as he comments on the impressive red cliffs plunging into a turquoise sea at the Scandola nature reserve on France's Corsica island.

"Amazing!" exclaims Irena Snydrova, a Czech tourist visiting the UNESCO World Heritage site with her family, along with groups from Italy, Spain and France.

Their boat sidles up to the Steps of Paradise, rocks shaped into a stairway some 15 meters long, then glides on to Bad Luck Pass, a former pirates' redoubt.

The ages have sculpted the volcanic cliffs into myriad shapes that beguile the visitor, who might imagine a kissing couple here, a horse's head there, Napoleon's two-cornered hat further on...

The park, created in 1975, is an ecological dream, being a nature reserve and a protected marine zone that is listed by France's coastal protection agency and Natura 2000, in addition to its recognition by UNESCO.

It is a prime destination for the some three million people who visit Corsica each year, 75 percent of them in the summer.

The paradox is that growing numbers of tourists are drawn to Scandola's pristine waters and stunning geological vistas, endangering its fragile ecosystem.

The park, reached only by boat some 40 minutes from the tiny port of Porto, stretches over 10 square kilometers of sea, and a somewhat smaller area of land.

"The reserve is a jewel for Corsica and the Mediterranean, but several red lights are flashing," says marine biologist Charles-Francois Boudouresque, listing flora and fauna at risk, including ospreys, seagrass and fish species such as the brown meagre.

The tourist season coincides with the ospreys' mating season, notes Boudouresque, an emeritus professor at the Mediterranean Institute of Oceanography.

Because of over-tourism, ospreys' "reproductive success is zero or near zero, with either no chicks or just one chick" per year, he says.

 Boudouresque, who also heads Scandola's scientific advisory council, says the osprey could become extinct in 50 years.

 Golden egg'

 

Since last month, at the urging of the scientific council, boats must keep a distance of at least 250 meters from ospreys' nests during the breeding season. 

"It's a good start," Boudouresque says.

As for the marine park's fish species, Boudouresque says he thinks the thrumming of the tourist boats is scaring them away.

But a crew member, who gave his name only as Diego, blamed groupers for the declining population of corb. "They eat everything," he told AFP.

Tensions have arisen pitting tour boat operators and fishermen against the reserve's conservationist Jean-Marie Dominici.

Boudouresque says the seagrass "is not in the best shape," blaming the anchors dropped by the many boats -- some of them private vessels without authorized guides.

 "It's bizarre for a nature reserve to see all these boats," said Pierre Gilibert, a 65-year-old doctor, who is a regular visitor. "It might be wise to allow access only to professional boats."

 Many share the opinion that private boats are not sufficiently monitored or informed of ecological concerns. 

 

"This morning we saw people climbing on the rocks and berthing their boats in narrow passageways, which is not allowed," said Gabriel Pelcot, chief mechanic on a cruise ship of the Corsican company Nave Va.

Nave Va, as well as rival Via Mare, uses hybrid vessels: they are powered by diesel up to the edge of the marine park, then switch to electric for a quieter and less polluting presence.

Pelcot notes that this green option is 30 percent more expensive, but he expects it to catch on.

"We must find a compromise between the need for tourists to enjoy this natural treasure and that of not killing the goose that laid the golden egg," Boudouresque says.

The marine biologist is optimistic that general awareness of the problems is growing.

He envisions ways to marry tourism with preservation. One example, he says, would be to focus cameras on ospreys' nests so that they can be observed without being disturbed.

Source - TheJakartaPost 

'Red lights' as over-tourism threatens Corsican nature reserve

Tourists wait for tour boats on the port of Porto, near Ota, on August 19, 2019, to go on a cruise in the Scandola Nature Reserve, on the western coast of the French Mediterranean island of Corsica.

 "It's nature's magical design," says a tourist guide, waxing poetic as he comments on the impressive red cliffs plunging into a turquoise sea at the Scandola nature reserve on France's Corsica island.

"Amazing!" exclaims Irena Snydrova, a Czech tourist visiting the UNESCO World Heritage site with her family, along with groups from Italy, Spain and France.

Their boat sidles up to the Steps of Paradise, rocks shaped into a stairway some 15 meters long, then glides on to Bad Luck Pass, a former pirates' redoubt.

The ages have sculpted the volcanic cliffs into myriad shapes that beguile the visitor, who might imagine a kissing couple here, a horse's head there, Napoleon's two-cornered hat further on...

The park, created in 1975, is an ecological dream, being a nature reserve and a protected marine zone that is listed by France's coastal protection agency and Natura 2000, in addition to its recognition by UNESCO.

It is a prime destination for the some three million people who visit Corsica each year, 75 percent of them in the summer.

The paradox is that growing numbers of tourists are drawn to Scandola's pristine waters and stunning geological vistas, endangering its fragile ecosystem.

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 The park, reached only by boat some 40 minutes from the tiny port of Porto, stretches over 10 square kilometers of sea, and a somewhat smaller area of land.

"The reserve is a jewel for Corsica and the Mediterranean, but several red lights are flashing," says marine biologist Charles-Francois Boudouresque, listing flora and fauna at risk, including ospreys, seagrass and fish species such as the brown meagre.

The tourist season coincides with the ospreys' mating season, notes Boudouresque, an emeritus professor at the Mediterranean Institute of Oceanography.

Because of over-tourism, ospreys' "reproductive success is zero or near zero, with either no chicks or just one chick" per year, he says.

 

 Golden egg'

 

Since last month, at the urging of the scientific council, boats must keep a distance of at least 250 meters from ospreys' nests during the breeding season. 

"It's a good start," Boudouresque says.

As for the marine park's fish species, Boudouresque says he thinks the thrumming of the tourist boats is scaring them away.

But a crew member, who gave his name only as Diego, blamed groupers for the declining population of corb. "They eat everything," he told AFP.

Boudouresque says the seagrass "is not in the best shape," blaming the anchors dropped by the many boats -- some of them private vessels without authorized guides.

"It's bizarre for a nature reserve to see all these boats," said Pierre Gilibert, a 65-year-old doctor, who is a regular visitor. "It might be wise to allow access only to professional boats."

Many share the opinion that private boats are not sufficiently monitored or informed of ecological concerns. 

"This morning we saw people climbing on the rocks and berthing their boats in narrow passageways, which is not allowed," said Gabriel Pelcot, chief mechanic on a cruise ship of the Corsican company Nave Va.

Nave Va, as well as rival Via Mare, uses hybrid vessels: they are powered by diesel up to the edge of the marine park, then switch to electric for a quieter and less polluting presence.

Pelcot notes that this green option is 30 percent more expensive, but he expects it to catch on.

"We must find a compromise between the need for tourists to enjoy this natural treasure and that of not killing the goose that laid the golden egg," Boudouresque says.

The marine biologist is optimistic that general awareness of the problems is growing.

He envisions ways to marry tourism with preservation. One example, he says, would be to focus cameras on ospreys' nests so that they can be observed without being disturbed.

Source - TheJakartaPost

#Laos - Pakxong – a fine place to chill out

 

People who are lucky enough to spend a few days on the Bolaven Plateau in southern Laos always want to return because of the pleasant climate – it never gets really hot, either in the dry or wet seasons.

The Bolaven Plateau, which is often referred to simply as Pakxong, is located in the hills of Champassak province. I feel I know the area pretty well.

A long time ago I made many visits there when my wife was working for a coffee project in Pakxong. I have never forgotten it and liked this place very much as it was always cool throughout the year, both day and night.

The town of Pakxong is about 50 kilometres from the provincial capital Pakxe. I once went there in April when it’s usually extremely hot in Laos, especially in the south. 

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I stayed at km 35 and always felt comfortable but as soon as I ventured beyond Pakxong, the temperate spiked and it was really hot.

At that time of the year, many people can’t sleep because of the hot weather. Residents of large towns such as Vientiane and Pakxe have to use air conditioning to help them sleep.

But in Pakxong there is no need to use an artificial cooling device and Mother Nature will ensure you remain comfortable. The fresh air that surrounds you throughout the night will keep you refreshed so you don’t wake up feeling exhausted.

Some Thai visitors have been known to say they don’t need to go to Europe to enjoy a cool climate but can come to Pakxong district instead.

I don’t know if things are still the same in Pakxong because I haven’t been there for 15 years. But some people who have spent time in this beautiful area recently tell me that it’s as pleasing as ever.

The Bolaven Plateau runs through Champassak province’s Pakxong district, Saravan province’s Lao-ngam, and Xekong province’s Thataeng district, and boasts a wealth of scenic beauty.

Some of the most dramatic waterfalls in Champassak are Nheuang, Fan, Phasuam, Nong Luang and Champee Nang Sida.
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There are also three more waterfalls of note in Saravan province, namely Lo, Hang and Xeset, and then there is the Sinouk Resort in Xekong province, which are all very popular with both local and foreign visitors.

The Bolaven Plateau is set to be developed as the country’s top agri-business and agri-tourism destination thanks to its year round temperate climate and picturesque landscape.

When visiting Champassak province over the past few years, Prime Minister Thongloun Sisoulith has advised officials to seek more investment from domestic and overseas sources so that the coffee industry can be further developed and other crops can be cultivated on the Bolaven Plateau and nearby.

From Vientiane, tourists can reach Champassak by either road or air transport. And thanks to shared borders with Thailand and Cambodia, there are close tourist links with both those countries.

The local food is another attraction, with a wide variety of dishes on offer that will satisfy all palates. Set a date for a visit soon!

Source - Vientiane Times

#Vietnam - New helicopter allows aerial enjoyment of Ha Long Bay

A helicopter tour launched by a Vietnamese firm adds an extra dimension to the enjoyment of Vietnam’s Ha Long Bay.

Starting May 10, visitors have been invited to book the Ha Long Heli Tours through Fastsky, the country’s first helicopter ride-sharing service run by ride-hailing firm FastGo.

The tour, provided by the Northern Vietnam Helicopter Company, uses two U.S.-made Bell-505 helicopters with five seats each.

The journey will start from the Tuan Chau heliport and go over famous Ha Long Bay attractions including the Thien Cung Cave and Ti Top Island, as well as Bai Tu Long, a lesser-known neighbor of Ha Long Bay.

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The trips, which start at $125 for a 12-minute journey, aim to tap the growing number of tourists to Vietnam, mainly from China, the world's second biggest economy, the company stated.

China has been Vietnam's main source of tourists in recent years, accounting for one third of all foreign visitors. More than four million Chinese visitors arrived in Vietnam last year, up 48.6 percent year-on-year.

Chinese visitors have also been encouraged by a new policy that allows groups to visit the border province of Quang Ninh in northern Vietnam, home to the popular Ha Long Bay, for up to three days without a visa.

The Vietnamese government has also allowed Chinese nationals to apply for 30-day single-entry electronic visas for holidays and business trips.

Visitors have two other options - 25-minute and 40-minute journeys, costing VND4 million ($172) to VND7 million ($301).

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Around four hours drive to the east of Hanoi, Ha Long Bay was recognized as world heritage site in 1994 by UNESCO, and voted among the world’s seven new natural wonders by Swiss organization New Open World in 2011.

Recent events that have heightened the bay’s attraction include the filming of "Kong: Skull Island", a Hollywood blockbuster, in 2017; and the launch of Vietnam's first private airport Van Don International Airport late last year, providing foreign tourists with easier access.

Improved infrastructure makes the UNESCO-listed bay increasingly accessible.

However, the tourism boom has also left the once-pristine bay under mounting pressure, threatened by overcrowding and trash pollution that have sparked great concern among environmentalists and heritage experts.

U.K. travel site Rough Guides recently included Ha Long Bay in the top ten UNESCO heritage sites in Asia.

In 2015 the bay was hailed by U.S. travel guide site Smarter Travel as one of the best ecological spots in the world. U.S. news site Business Insider has described an overnight Ha Long cruise trip a "must-try" travel experience in Asia.

Source - VN Expess

#Indonesia - Mount Slamet to welcome hikers starting this weekend

The hiking trail to Mount Slamet through Bambangan, Kutabawa village in Karangreja district, Purbalingga, is set to be reopened on March 2 following improved weather and ecosystem recovery efforts over the past few months.

"Based on the consideration of weather and hiking trails that have been improved, we have decided to reopen the hiking trail to Mount Slamet through Bambangan in Kutabawa starting March 2," Prayitno, tourism department head of the Purbalingga Tourism, Sports and Youth Agency, told kompas.com on Friday. 

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The trail had previously been closed since Jan. 10 as part of an effort to improve the ecosystem balance in the area and preserve the flora and fauna.

"Following massive hiking activities over New Year's Eve, the trail needed to be rehabilitated, hence it was closed temporarily," said Prayitno.

The agency is said to have deployed two workers to guard the first hiking post and attend to cleanup activities and the maintenance of plants. 

Source - TheJakartaPost

#Vietnam - Son Doong Cave an incredible find

The Son Doong Cave in Quang Binh Province is among the most incredible places in the world recently found, The Telegraph says.

The cave, part of the Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park in central Vietnam, is the world’s largest, but it did not feature on Vietnam’s tourism map until it was opened for tourists in 2013.

The Telegraph has included the once-hidden cave on the list of 11 newly-discovered places that are worth an amazing exploration journey.

Son Doong opened to tourists in 2013, four years after members of the British Cave Research Association concluded their initial exploration and declared it the world's largest cave.

The five kilometer-long system, which is 150 meters high and 200 meters wide, contains at least 150 individual caves, a dense subterranean jungle and several underground rivers.

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 Due to limited space, registration for Son Doong tours must be made well in advance. According to Oxalis, now the only company licensed to bring tourists to the cave, only 300 spaces are available for 2019 tours.

A four-day expedition costs $3,000, and there are bus routes running from Hanoi to Dong Hoi, the capital town of Quang Binh, and then to the park.

The Quang Binh government recently raised the limit for number of tourists allowed to visit the cave from 640 to 900 a year.

Other incredible places that are recent finds include the Pico da Neblina mountain in Brazil, Xianren Bridge in China, Cape Melville in Australia, Machu Picchu citadel in Peru and Mount Mabu in Mozambique.

Last month, the U.K.-based travel guide publisher, Lonely Planet, named Son Doong Cave in Quang Binh among the best places to visit in 2019.

The New York Times has named it among the world’s top eight travel destinations, while the National Geographic has called it a "natural wonder."

 Source - VN Express

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#Cambodia - Close to the edge: Hair raising pictures from Kulen Mountain

A new hair raising attraction on Kulen Mountain has finally opened to the public, with people flocking to the protruding cliff edge overlooking green mountainous forests to take photographs.

The giant overhanging rock is situated in an area known as Mahendraparvata – an ancient city of the Khmer Empire era in Cambodia only uncovered in 2012 – with views extending over the beautiful and luscious Phnom Kulen National Park. Its moon-like cratered surface only adds to the otherworldly feel.

Van Vorng, 35, a security guard stationed near the attraction, warns families with children and those suffering from acrophobia (a fear of heights) to be cautious.

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“We are worried about people’s safety because the cliff is quite high. People could easily become too bold and fall off, especially when taking photographs carelessly,” he said.

Vorng, a resident of a village on Kulen Mountain, said a popular activity among tourists and locals is a night time picnic and camping under the stars.

“If tourists are worried about their safety at night, they can ask for us to stand guard. Everyone who comes here must clean up after themselves to protect the environment,” he said.

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Kulen Mountain is formed of sandstone and is an isolated chain of small mountain plateau’s lying south of the Dangrek Mountains, 48km north of Siem Reap town in Siem Reap province.

The range stretches for approximately 40km and its highest point is 487m.

This site was added to Cambodia’s national Tentative List for World Heritage on September 1, 1992, is being considered for World Heritage criteria. The effort continued in 2016 when over 300 families were removed from already crowded areas and existing facilities for tourists were upgraded.

Source - PnhomPenhPost

First ever ‘Elephant Travel Mart 2018’ to promote ecotourism in Thailand

A new ecotourism event, Elephant Travel Mart 2018, jointly hosted by ‘Save Elephant Foundation’ and ‘Asian Elephant Projects’, aims to bring together ethical elephant tour operators and tour agencies in Chiang Mai on December 14.

The event, taking place at Khum Kan Toke, Chiang Mai, is conceived by the founder of ‘Save Elephant Foundation’, Sangduen Chailert (Lek), who works tirelessly for the wellbeing of Thailand’s elephants.

Elephant tourism has long been associated with Thailand by travelers from around the globe and helps to attract millions of visitors to the country each year. However, there has been a growing trend away from traditional forms of elephant tourism (such as elephant riding and circus shows) towards ethical elephant tours offering programs that are sustainable and make the well-being of elephants a priority.

Ecotourism values promoting modes of travel with minimal impact on the environment are becoming more widespread, particularly among young people. A growing concern for the environment and for the welfare of animals is changing the landscape of tourism across many tourist destinations throughout the world – a positive change that presents significant opportunities.

A key goal of Elephant Travel Mart 2018 is to provide a venue to bring people together to discuss how the travel industry can continue to adapt to respond to this trend and better meet the shifting demands of travelers.

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Lek Chailert suggests that, “If ethical tour operators using environmentally sound practices and tour agencies work together in response to the demand for sustainable ecotourism in Thailand, a mutually beneficial relationship can be achieved that will create widespread benefits for the elephants, the environment, small communities, and the Thai economy.”

The event will begin with a thank you address to the audience by Lek, followed by an opening ceremony, including a performance by the Chiang Mai College of Dramatic Arts. Elephant tour operators and travel agencies will then meet to discuss potential opportunities for working together.

At the event, there will be 30 booths representing the ‘Saddle Off’ projects promoted by Asian Elephant Projects. Each booth will provide details about their project and hand out brochures and souvenirs to visitors. There will also be lucky draw prizes offering free gift vouchers to visit the various ‘Saddle Off’ projects throughout Chiang Mai province.

In the evening, dinner will be served and entertainment provided by various Thai stars including Rose Sirinthip, Baitoey R-SIAM, King The Star, and Bow Benjasiri. The winners of the lucky prize draw will then be announced. The event will end with a closing address by Prof. Prayat Vorapreecha, Honorary Counselor of Save Elephant Foundation.

It is hoped that this event will provide an important opportunity to exchange and develop ideas as well as build relationships between members of the travel industry in order to take full advantage of the growing popularity of ecotourism.

“The success of this event holds the potential to positively impact the welfare of elephants in Thailand, protect and improve the environment, and provide support to local communities,” concludes Ms. Chailert.

For more information visit saveelephant.org, asianelephantprojects.com. 

Source - TheThager

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NGO's decry vulture decline in #Cambodia

                             Vultures in the Kingdom are facing an increasingly high risk of extinction as the birds have shown a 50 per cent decline in numbers since the late 2000s, a joint announcement from environmental organisations said on Saturday, quoting a report.

The report showed that declines have become particularly noticeable across forestlands in the country’s eastern plains, where historically as many as 30 animals were recorded during a single count. Current surveys often top out at 10.

“It is of great concern that only 121 of these majestic birds were recorded in this year’s national census, the lowest number on record since 2003. Recent assessments indicate that poisoning is the major threat to vulture populations in Cambodia,” the report continued.

Officials cited in the document say that the country’s three vulture species, the red-headed, slender-billed and white-rumpled, are all on the International Union for Conservation of Nature’s red list, indicating they are critically endangered.

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“Northern Cambodia is the only place in Southeast Asia where vultures can still be found in large numbers. Tourists come to see them at our vulture restaurant at Dong Phlet in Chhep Wildlife Sanctuary.

“But during the past five years, at least 30 vultures have been killed in Cambodia due to widespread indiscriminate use of deadly poisons and pesticides across the country, which is severely impacting the vulture population and also threatening human lives,” said Simon Mahood, a senior technical adviser at the Kingdom’s Wildlife Conservation Society.

He said that besides poisoning, Cambodia’s vultures suffer from habitat loss and food shortages caused by low numbers of wild ungulates (hoofed animals) and domestic cattle.

Increased levels of forest loss, land conversion and poaching as a result of economic land concessions, land encroachment and selective logging have negatively impacted the birds through a loss of nesting sites and reduction in natural prey availability as snaring for wild meat has dramatically increased across Cambodia.

“Results of vulture censuses in the last five years show a worrying trend, as less than 130 birds were counted in 2017 and 2018,” said Bou Vorsak, Cambodia program manager of BirdLife International.

Source TheNation

#Thailand - Bid to replant Maya Bay coral hit by monsoon

EFFORTS to restore coral at Maya Bay have been hampered by a strong monsoon and rough sea conditions, resulting in the survival of only 10 per cent of replanted coral.

Two months ago the bay area – one of Thailand’s most famous tourist attractions at Had Nopparat Tara- Mu Ko Phi Phi National Park in Krabi – was closed to all visitors in an effort to re-grow the heavily damaged coral reef.

 The transplanting operation has not met expectations, says the National Park, Wildlife and Plant Conservation Department (DNP). However, other efforts to restore the environment and plan for properly managed tourism activities are going according to plan.

The bay was closed to all tourism activities on June 1, following an agreement between the DNP and local tourism operators. It is hoped that the four-month closure will heal some of the environmental damage to the bay and the surrounding area caused by excessive tourism.

Maya Bay once had a large, colorful, and biologically diverse coral reef. But heavy boat traffic in recent years, combined with excessive tourism activities nearby, have nearly annihilated the entire coral reef. A key part of the recovery effort is aimed at regenerating the coral reefs lying just metres under the waters of the beach, which became famous as the location for the 2000 film “The Beach”.
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Park officers and marine biology experts are working hard to encourage regrowth of the rich marine ecosystems and allow the natural beauty to again bloom for the reopening in October, says Worapoj Lomlim, chief of Had Nopparat Tara-Mu Ko Phi Phi National Park. 

Worapoj says that, so far, the officers have achieved satisfactory progress on the natural regeneration on land. However, the underwater part of the operation has faced major problems from strong monsoons and rough seas, which have damaged most of the replanted coral and eroded the bay’s signature white sandy beach.

Their first try at transplanting produced mixed results.

 The team has successfully replanted 512 colonies of coral in the bay, says Thikamphon Wongthawatchai, a marine biologist at Marine National Parks Operation Centre 3, who was worked on the coral reef restoration since the operation began.

“We replanted corals by collecting the living branches of broken corals from nearby areas and then attaching them to rocks, which we placed on the sandy floor of the bay, so the corals would grow,” Thikamphon explained.

“However, the unexpected strong waves during this monsoon season have washed the corals from the rocks and buried them in the sand, so most of the replanted corals died. Only around 10 per cent of corals, which were replanted deep enough to escape the force of waves, survived.”

Despite the high mortality rate of the replanted coral at Maya Bay, he says there was still hope for restoring the bay’s coral reef. 

 Even after the bay reopens to visitors in October, all boats are prohibited from entering the bay. Saved from the daily assault of boat traffic, the coral reefs might naturally regenerate and gradually recolonise the bay to their previous abundance.

Thikamphon said the coral replanting task would continue until October. Having learned from the mistakes of the first two months, the team was confident that future patches of replanted coral would have a higher survival rate.

Meanwhile, on the issue of managing tourism after the bay reopens, Worapoj says the national park would not allow boats to enter the bay and tourist boats will be required to dock at a new floating pier in Loh Sama Bay. Passengers could reach Maya beach from the rear.

“We have not decided on the final plan of the new pier yet, but … the pier will be a floating pier, which would be large enough to moor eight boats at a time. There will be no solid structure built into the sea,” he said.

“We also have a plan to limit the number of tourists at Maya Bay, but we have not reached a conclusion on this issue yet.”

Sourse - TheNation

#Vietnam - On cloud nine in the Tà Xùa mountains

Tà Xùa, a high mountain range locating in the natural border between northern provinces of Sơn La and Yên Bái, has been known as "Paradise in the Clouds", which hosts forests of ancient Shan Tuyết tea trees, some several hundred years old. 

The range consists of three peaks - according to the map by the People’s Army, the highest peak is 2,879m, the second is 2800, the lowest named Dinosaur Backbone is 2,582m.

Photographers and backpackers who’ve been to Tà Xùa always talk about hunting moving clouds on the dangerous routes.

The mountains covered with clouds create a mysterious beauty, which is more alluring when viewed from Sống Khủng Long (Dinosaur’s Backbone), which located in Bắc Yên District of Sơn La Province.

The Dinosaur’s Backbone, seems to lie in the middle of the sky.

The path to its peak is dangerous. In some places, there is only one small path with deep abysses on both sides.

When stepping on that path, strong winds can shake travelers’ bodies, forcing them to double over or be blown off.

A sign erected on the top of the peak says: “Tà Xùa Paradise of Clouds” - an official acknowledgement of the nickname.

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   People talk a lot about the beauty of the clouds. If lucky, tourists will see a sea of clouds nestled below them in the centre of the huge mountain range. They often come in all shapes and colours. It’s a fairy land.

Yet getting to this heaven is not simple. We reached Tà Xùa on a rainy day. The zig-zag roads were steep, muddy and covered with humid grey clouds.

Phạm Vũ Khánh, a low-land man, who has settled down in the locality for dozens of years, received us.

He said many people climbed up to Tà Xùa, but few were lucky enough to see the legendary "cloud land" appear.

He wished us good luck. That night, Khánh invited us to have Tuyết Shan tea, Hang Chú rice wine and some dishes made from a local species of black pig.

We enjoyed the local delicacies, which kept us warm, but worried a lot because it was raining cats and dogs. 

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   Most of us went to sleep wondering if we would be able to see the magic clouds in the morning.

Before dawn next day, we were awakened. Khánh urged us to get in a car to the Dinosaur Backbone peak without delay.

Because he has lived there for a long time, he senses when and where beautiful clouds will appear. It seems to depend on the seasons and time of day.

It was still raining, but much less than before. Khánh was correct. White clouds were flying up from the valleys. We had to reach Dinosaur Backbone as soon as possible to catch the beautiful images.

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Lake of clouds: Standing on top of Dinosaur Backbone Peak, one can see terraced fields and a valley filled with clouds. VNS Photo Trần Mai Hưởng

Three kilometres from the peak, our car could go no further as there was a landslide. We all continued by catching motorbike taxis servicing the remote area. My driver was fairly agile. He was only 16.

The last trek was only 2km, but extremely hard. From a distance, the path curving along the side of the mountain looked fairly romantic, but we slipped and fell when we took our first steps.

We had to overcome high slippery slopes in the rain. We pushed forward, pressing down with our toes on the path as there was nothing to hold on. We were lucky to reach Dinosaur Backbone peak together with many other young people hunting for clouds.

Then the sun started to shine. From the furthest edge of Dinosaur Backbone, we could see clouds hanging here and there.

The feeling of travelling on top of clouds, above the clouds, flying between land and sky was so special.

We took great photos of clouds of unforgettable scenes before it rained again.

Everything was then submerged in a huge grey blanket of fog. We returned to the small path with abysses on both sides.

The wind blew strong as if it would lift us off. What an experience!

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Domestic and foreign tourists are seen at Pink Beach in Komodo National Park in West Manggarai

Tips for a beginner’s solo trip to Flores

Traveling solo to an unknown destination might sound like a terrifying idea. But there are advantages to taking a trip on your own.

First of all, as pointed out by lifehack.org, it is a great way to discover your true self, as being alone out there on the road will require you to make decisions, overcome fears and rely on yourself. There will be experiences that test your ability to overcome obstacles, challenge you and help you grow as an individual. Don’t forget, all these challenges and chances to grow come with the beauty of a new place you have never been to. Feel like packing your bag now?

Choosing a destination for your solo adventure is at once exciting and thrilling. Especially if it’s a place you’ve never been to. And if you’re looking for a beautiful destination with a healthy dose of challenge in one place, Flores is the answer. You will meet the natives with their distinctive culture, and some of them will probably offer to take you to the hidden gems in the area. Not to mention you will also meet fellow travelers who may end up becoming your new friends.

Here are a few tips to get you ready for the adventure as compiled by tempo.co:

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Take a flight to Ende from Denpasar if you are planning an overland journey. Bear in mind that upon landing, the locals will be rather pushy about offering their transportation services .

Typically, the next destination after Ende airport is Moni village, from where you can depart to the iconic Kelimutu lake for a spectacular sunrise. Another must-visit area is the town of Bajawa, famous for its cultural festivals, picturesque nature and natural hot springs. Consider also visiting Bena traditional village, spiderweb rice field, and trekking to Wae Rebo to see the authentic traditional houses where you can spend a night or two.

Meanwhile, if you are into island hopping around Komodo, choose a flight to Labuan Bajo from Denpasar. Living on board is a great option that will enable you to hop on and hop off the islands and beaches. Komodo Island, Pink Beach, Manta Point, Gili Laba, Kanawa Island and Padar Island make excellent places to include in your itinerary.

Source - TheJakartaPost 

#Thailand - TAT official denies boat ban at Phi Phi’s Maya Bay as parks grapple with environmental toll

                             A PROPOSAL to close Maya Bay on Koh Phi Phi Ley to boats to limit damage to the beach was just an idea that was still being considered, the head of Krabi’s tourism office said yesterday.

Apichai Aranyig, director of the Krabi office of the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), denied reports in international media that said the once-pristine Thai bay, which became a tourist magnet after the 2000 movie “The Beach”, would be closed to boats for several months this year to prevent further damage to coral.

Hordes of tourists flock daily to Maya Bay on Koh Phi Phi Ley to take selfies and relax in front of the famed limestone cliffs and blue waters, leading to complaints of environmental damage.

Apichai said there were several proposals to protect the beach being discussed by an advisory committee of Hat Noppharat Thara Beach and Phi Phi Islands National Park. The measures include closing the beach to boats, allowing boats to drop tourists off at the beach and pick them up later, and requiring boats to moor at a designated area, from which a trail would be constructed to the beach.

“We won’t close the island or the beach. We just try to find a solution to allow the beach to regain its natural beauty,” he said. 

“Currently, boats occupy 70 per cent of the beach area, leaving only a small area for recreation. So it is necessary to prevent the ruin of the tourism area,” said Apichai, who declined to disclose the number of tourists and boats that visited the beach each day. 

The committee had not yet made a decision, he said. 

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 His response came after AFP reported on Wednesday that Worapoj Lomlim, an official with the Phi Phi islands National Parks, had told the agency that the picture-postcard beach would be closed to boats from June to September this year.

“For around 20 years the bay has welcomed boats to moor in front of the beach ... but their engines have damaged coral reefs and caused problems with the sand,” said Worapoj. 

“Overcrowded tourist boats have also blocked the view,” he added, saying tourists would still be able to reach the beach by foot from an adjacent bay where boats could park.

Apichai will today meet Worapoj, who is responsible for the measures, to discuss the matter.

The plan is the latest effort to mitigate damage caused by tourism, a major revenue-earner for the Thai economy with more than 35 million visitors coming to the country last year.

Environmental experts and officials are worried that mass tourism is causing irreversible damage to idyllic beaches, with litter and unchecked development disrupting local ecosystems.

Smoking has been banned on 20 of the country’s most famous beaches since the start of high season, with hefty fines or even jail for smokers who violate the law.

Source - TheNation

Yogyakarta sets cap on number of tourists allowed in Pindul Cave

The Gunungkidul Tourism Agency has set a limit to the number of daily visitors allowed in Goa Pindul (Pindul Cave), a natural cave and tourist attraction located in Gunungkidul regency, Yogyakarta, as the government aims to preserve the site's ecosystem. 

"The maximum number of visitors to Pindul Cave is limited to 2,600 people per day," Hary Sukmono, the agency's secretary, said on Monday as quoted by kompas.com.

The limit was set based on Environmental Management Efforts and Environmental Monitoring Efforts (UKL-UPL), a guidance document that also includes information on village-owned enterprises, such as tour operators.

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Hary urged tour operators to refer to the document, adding that he hoped the new system would help to preserve Pindul Cave's ecosystem. 

"The limitation of visitors is an effort to preserve the environment of Pindul Cave," Hary said. 

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Separately, Saryanto, the director of the Bejiharjo village-owned enterprise, which oversees the cave region, said the organization would obey the rules. He further said that, in any case, the number of visitors to Pindul Cave was far below the limit. 

According to data obtained by the agency, 145,081 people visited the cave in 2017.

Saryanto said village-owned enterprises would continue to coordinate with tour operators, adding that should the number of visitors exceed the cap limit, the visitors would be directed to other attractions. 

"We will accommodate everyone for the good of all," he said.

Source - TheJakartaPost