A village in Indonesia’s Gorontalo province has become a tourist destination for whale shark encounters, bringing new income to local residents but raising concerns about the impact of feeding and frequent human interaction on the endangered species.
Botubarani, once dependent on fishing as its main source of income, now attracts visitors hoping to see and swim alongside whale sharks, the world’s largest fish.
Among those benefiting is 47-year-old former fisherman Ansar Lasimpala, who now operates a glass-bottom boat.
He earns up to 3 million rupiah ($167) a month, compared with around 400,000 rupiah from fishing. He is one of about 80 villagers earning money through boat rentals, diving services and drone operations.
The village gained wider attention in 2016 after videos showing around a dozen whale sharks together went viral on Facebook. Although residents say the animals have appeared off the coast for decades, the posts helped turn Botubarani into a tourism destination.
Visitors travel to the area specifically to see the animals. Dutch tourist Renee Westerbeek, 55, said he had chosen Gorontalo for the opportunity to snorkel with them.
Locals call the whale sharks “Serli”, short for the Indonesian expression sering terlihat, meaning “often seen”.
Sukirman Tilahunga, head of a monitoring team established by the fisheries ministry, said the waters off Botubarani provide a feeding ground for whale sharks throughout their life cycle.
The animals commonly seen near the village are young males measuring between four and six metres. Whale sharks can live for up to 100 years and grow to around 18 metres.
Despite the economic benefits, conservationists warn that frequent feeding and tourist interactions could disrupt the animals’ natural behaviour and pose health risks.
Environmental group Konservasi Indonesia estimates that 699 whale sharks remain across the eastern islands of the Indonesian archipelago. The species is classified as endangered.
Authorities have been trying to reduce feeding activities, which are not permitted under existing regulations. Sukirman said whale sharks visit the area because food is naturally available in the waters.
He has also developed a solar-powered marine attractor that uses light to draw plankton and small fish, providing a natural food source for the animals.
However, Iqbal Herwata Putra of Konservasi Indonesia said further measures were needed, including a formal code of conduct for tourism operators.
“If interactions take place from morning to evening, how can these whale sharks continue their normal activities?” he said.
A village in Indonesia’s Gorontalo province has become a tourist destination for whale shark encounters, bringing new income to local residen...
New Zealand’s ruling centre-right National Party has taken a narrow lead over the opposition Labour Party in Saturday’s general electio...
Azerbaijan, the United States and Armenia have launched trilateral technical planning groups to advance the Trump Route for International Peace and...
Democrats' sweeping victory in the U.S. midterm elections has sent technology stocks plunging, as investors fear tougher AI regulations could slow infrastructure development and threaten the boom that has driven market gains this year.
Romanian authorities said late on Thursday that two additional planes had received bomb threats including a KLM flight to Tel Aviv that had a layover in Bucharest.
U.S. President Donald Trump has predicted a breakthrough in efforts to end the war in Ukraine after meeting Russian President Vladimir Putin’s envoy, Kirill Dmitriev, ahead of U.S.-mediated peace talks between Moscow and Kyiv in Abu Dhabi on 10-11 November.
U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has vowed to fight attempts to impeach him, dismissing the growing campaign against him as politically motivated amid mounting criticism of his handling of the war in Iran.
Two people, including a child, were killed and 16 others injured when an intercity bus crashed in eastern France on Friday morning, authorities confirmed.
Azerbaijan's first Gabala Gastronomy Summit has brought chefs, local producers and international experts together to explore how traditional cuisine can attract tourists, extend stays and strengthen the region's appeal as a year-round destination.
Azerbaijan Airlines (AZAL) carried 419,000 connecting passengers through Baku in the first nine months of 2026, up 29 per cent year on year, highlighting the capital's growing role as an international aviation hub.
Azerbaijan is seeking to attract more European visitors by improving air connectivity and raising its profile as an international tourism destination, with a new direct route between Brussels and Baku expected to support those efforts.
Saudi Arabia is opening up to more international travellers as tourism expands beyond religious travel. In Riyadh, historic landmarks stand alongside new developments and a rapidly changing skyline, while AlUla and Diriyah offer a glimpse into the kingdom’s heritage.
Kazakhstan and Azerbaijan are considering restoring passenger ferry services across the Caspian Sea, six years after the route was suspended.
You can download the AnewZ application from Play Store and the App Store.
What is your opinion on this topic?
Leave the first comment