When the self begins to get bored doing activities at home, invitation to join a virtual tour to Bintan was immediately accepted. The invitation is like a date invitation from a lover. Make the heart flowery. Not until 30 minute, These fingers immediately move to help themselves register as virtual tour participants.
Yes, It has been two months since my feet felt itchy and wanted to go on adventurous tours. However, daydream and reality do not go together. The encouragement of doing activities at home to prevent the spread of the Covid-19 virus makes these feet unable to walk for a trip.
Then, invitation to a virtual tour to Bintan was also welcomed by Travel Diva. At least, imagination can play during the virtual tour held by the alumni community across high school generations 1994, be94ul, with Banyan Tree and Pirtual Project. Bintan Mangrove is one of the tourist destinations in Bintan which is included in the virtual tour list that afternoon, 28 May 2020.
Walk along the mangrove forest
The mangrove forest which is split by the Sebong River is a conservation area. Along Bintan Mangrove you have to use an engine boat. The adventure begins by crossing a narrow bridge that connects to the pier. From the dock, we were taken by boat. One boat can be filled up 8 person.
When you arrive at the dock, the boat's engine was started. Unbelievably happy when the boat started running. Without realizing, the boat suddenly sped into the middle of the river. Along the way, we could see mangrove trees and a place to eat. Apparently, The place to eat is a stop for fishermen and tourists to buy fish while dining there.
Thrilling journey
The journey starts to get thrilling when you find out that this mangrove forest is a habitat for crocodiles and snakes. "In that little river, we can meet crocodiles and snakes,"Said the tour guide. At least there is 5 kind of snake there. Snake ring gold, rice field snake, green snake, cobra and mangrove forest water snake. Not long after the tour guide delivered the information, all participants immediately excited to see the crocodile.
There are two kinds of tours there. Day and night tour. The night tour is called the Firefly Tour because the trip seems to be accompanied by the light rays of thousands of fireflies that sparkle from behind the bushes. Whereas snakes and crocodiles can usually be seen during the day.
Even though the heart is pounding, little hearts hope to see a snake or a crocodile. Dear, that hope was dashed. Until the end of the journey, not a single snake and crocodile we encountered.
When Corona was not yet endemic, Bintan Mangrove is crowded with foreign tourists. Tourists from Singapore usually visit there for educational tours. Mangroves are very strong and functional plants. It lives from seawater to fresh and brackish water.
Its strong roots create a natural water treatment system. Mangrove forest in Bintan Mangrove looks beautiful because the mangrove leaves are in contact with each other. In Sungai Sebong there is 4 kind of mangrove. The root of the Avicennia pencil, Rhizophora skull root, Bruquiera knee root and Xylocarpus tape root.
Satisfied exploring the mangrove forest, the tour guide took us back to the pier. It is on the pier that the adventure story of exploring the mangrove forests in Bintan Mangrove ends. So, You don't have to go all the way to Costa Rica to see mangroves. There is also Bintan.
