Pangkalpinang, Bangka Belitung, Nov 20 (ANTARA) - The local government of Belitung has planned to develop an integrated tourism destination in Batu Mentas, Badau subdistrict, to attract more visitors, according to the manager of Batu Mentas natural park, Budi Setiawan.
"Batu Mentas is a new tourism destination, which will be developed on the principles of conservation and local people's empowerment," he said here on Tuesday.
In an effort to achieve that goal, the Batu Mentas Expo will be held on November 24-25.
"At the expo, we want to highlight the potential of the place as a new tourism destination. Visitors can also find a unique species of Belitung, called Tarsius Bancanus Saltator, showcased at the event, along with traditional art and culture through local souvenirs and handicrafts," Budi stated.
He noted that one of the main objectives of the integrated tourism project was to get the local people involved in the development of the destination and improve their economic welfare.
"We do not want the local people to be left behind while Belitung tourism makes rapid progress. We want them to take part in this," Budi said.
The plan to develop Batu Mentas as an integrated tourism destination in Belitung began to take shape in 2011.
"The place offers plenty of scope for wildlife education. Visitors can enjoy the wildlife sanctuary at night-time, watching the native Belitung animal," Budi explained.
"Batu Mentas can also serve as a natural amusement park. Visitors can engage in jungle trekking and can set up camps," he continued.
"ourists can also teach English to the local children while learning about local handicrafts at the Batu Mentas workshop and souvenirs centre,"Budi stated.
"At the expo, there will be traditional art performances such as Beripat, Beregong, and Begambus," he added.
Batu Mentas, which is managed and run by the local community, is fast becoming a popular tourist destination. Visitors can enjoy the natural experience of Belitung by paying only Rp5,000.
