According to experts, the 70 or so mangrove species present today are critically endangered and may not be around in about 100 years. Mangroves provide many advantages to the environment such as improving the quality of water and producing habitats for a myriad of fish species. However, with the increasing threat in rise of sea levels and worsening climate change, these mangroves may not be around for long.
The lush mangrove forests along the Sebung River offers a recharge for the mind and soul, away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Slow down and relax as you cruise down the quiet river. Take in the sights, sounds and serenity that surround you. Observe the wildlife and variety of mangrove species that thrive along the waterways.
Here's all you need to know about the mangrove experience you’ll never forget:
Discover Bintan’s Mangroves in the Day
The day tour through the Sebung River allows you to experience the disappearing mangroves of today in a unique journey. Keep an eye out for the indigenous folks going about their daily life along the riverbank. These indigenous folks are commonly known as orang laut (sea gypsies) who live off the river. Orang laut along the river live on land among the lush mangrove forests and often fish from huts which they build as resting and storage places for fishing traps and are built using natural materials from the mangroves. A common fishing sight here is done from stilts or by laying static fishing traps called bubus. If you’re lucky, you may even get to see some of them in action!
Part of the eye-opening experience on Bintan’s Mangrove Day Tour includes spotting the different exotic wildlife. Keep your eyes peeled and you may just get to observe silver leaf monkeys, mangrove snakes and monitor lizards! At the same time, learn about the various types of mangrove plants based on their roots. Bask in the calm and tranquility of the forest on the 90 minute eco adventure ride and learn more about this fascinating yet diminishing eco system.
Be Awed by A Blanket of Twinkling Fireflies on the Night Tour
The journey through the mangroves is both enchanting and magical at night. The daily night tour starts at 7.30pm with a slightly different route from the day tours.
Be mesmerized by the blanket of stars as you cruise down the river amidst fireflies by the mangrove roots. Fireflies, or kunang-kunang, are a type of beetle that produces light and are attracted to the mangrove plants. Preferring warm and tropical environments, the best time to go on the night tour is during the summer time and try to avoid the monsoon season.
If you are heading for the Mangrove Tours, do not forget to stop by Masjid Al-Muhajirin – a 10 minute drive from the area. The mosque is the biggest mosque in Bintan Resorts and it can hold about 1,500 people at any given time.
For more information on the Mangrove Discovery Day and Night Tours, contact BRC Tours at +62 770 692917/18 Ext 107 or
[email protected]
