Pak Fauzi Al is a very proud man, who lives on a small island off the coast of West Kalimantan called Karimata. Al Pak has a plan, he revealed to me sitting in front of his newly built residence.
"We have become a part of a new area that formed in 2007. Before that we were part of Ketapung area (mainland town boat-hour driving distance to three speeds). Since we now are somewhat independent, we can make decisions that will benefit our beautiful island here, "he said. "We get very few visitors, but I believe that our island has some of the best beaches and the friendliest people in this part of Indonesia. I know we do not have at the moment very good facilities, but for the people who seek adventure and ready to rough a little, our island has beautiful forests, beaches and it is very quiet and peaceful here. For those who want out of the most popular tourist islands, then this is heaven. "
" We want to attract tourism, but we do not want people who come here just to set up only the hotels to make money. We want people who are interested in the interaction with the local community and we expect to offer an eco-program, plus you have to like to eat fish! "
There are 403 families living on the island and 350 Karimata owners boats, Pak Al is. The fish are plentiful and the island relies heavily on trade and sale near Belitung Island , off the coast of Sumatra. the fish is exchanged for rice, the rice does not grow on the island. Al Pak hopes tourism will one day provide much needed income for the village and welcomes the opportunity to meet people from other parts of Indonesia and other countries.
"the only foreigners we meet are sailors who sometimes stop on their way from Java to Sumatra, sometimes it includes foreign sailing in the world for a year, but they never stay long enough for us to get to know them. "
Al Pak is Melayu, as 90% of people living on the islands Karimata. It there is a strong influence of Aceh, as there were many traders coming through these waters in the past. In fact, the area was once ruled by a sultan, whose descendants still live on the island, but the kingdom is now history and the royal family are treated the same as everyone on the island.
The islanders still have strong beliefs in the minds of the sea and town cleaning ceremony is held annually. The entire village is strictly Muslim and one can see the influence Acehnese on this beautiful island.
For those who are interested in Karimata islands and support this new tourism initiative start-up ecological, it is accessible via Pontianak speed boat transfer Sukadana and comfortable three-hour private boat. For those seeking a very authentic travel experience, where you have contacts with people from the local village, a million miles from the bustle of islands like Bali, come to visit Pak Fauzi Al on the island of Karimata, West Kalimantan .
Al Pak can be contacted via Canopy Indonesia.
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