We woke up early morning and got ready for the adventure. Eight taxis were waiting in front of the hotel. Soon we departed for Muara Angke port at 5 a.m after Subuh (morning pray for Muslim). Smell of fish gave a sign that we already arrived in the port. There were totally 27 foreign people from 12 countries who joined trip to Thousand Island. Me and my friends guided them during the trip. I saw their facial expression when they stepped on the muddy land through fish market to reach the port. Some of the girls showed repugnance, in the other hand most of the tourist were looked interesting. Simon from Belgium said “Thanks for showing me the real Indonesia!”
“Hi friends, welcome to the port! Now we’re waiting for the boat that will directly take us to Pramuka Island. We’ll spend about three hour to reach the island.” I explained
The boat’s machine turn on, every passenger already took a comfort seat. I chose the main deck in front of the boat, some of them sat beside me. In those seats, we felt the fresh breeze wiped gently our faces. Side of ship passed through sea wave. Our boat was moving away from the port. I saw Anthonio and Miguel, my friends from Portugal brought surf board. Yet the smooth wave around the island, unfortunately I had to say that they couldn’t surfing there.
“Look, you were born in this beautiful place.Lucky you!” Anthonio said
“Thanks, but not all of us understand how to preserve our nature more than we explore it.” I sadly commented
“Yeah, I saw Jakarta and it’s terribly destroyed. Jakarta is a big city, but it’s not a good icon of your country regarding with the pollution and traffic jam.” He added
“We’re still working on it.” I said
After spending 3 hours on the passenger deck, we arrived in Pramuka Island. We put the bag in the villa and walked around the small island before lunch time. Our energy has been charged from lunch menu then we enjoyed some agendas such as snorkeling in three spots around the island. All the snorkel equipments were fixed out, they got down into the water, swam beneath the wave, spinning around the coral, and took some underwater pictures till sunset. They called Indonesia “paradise”, also admired our beautiful coral and many kind of fish species.
The trip was not just end up. The day after we arranged environmental agenda: coral reef transplantation and mangrove conservation. All of the tourists were people who concern about environmental issue. When I explained the next agenda they really understood the importance of conservation effort in order to preserve our nature. The conservation program in Thousand Island was conducted by Bogor Agricultural University (my college). Couple years ago, fisherman in the island used some chemical compound for fishing thus the coral was treated. Nowadays, through social approach the society know the risk if the coral were damaged. Aside from that, mangrove plays important role to preserve coastal area from abrasion. This plant also preserve water supply of the island.
This trip is more than just traveling experience. The tourists are able to feel the atmosphere of tropical land. We also nurture them how to protect the nature from any damages.
by: Titis A.P. Apdini
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