270 islands in the heart of the West Philippine Sea mark the next frontier of ecotourism. The Natuna Islands are home to some of the most beautiful and biologically diverse natural wonders in the world; mountainous slopes lead down to breath-taking beaches, where the water is so clear you can see the bustling coral reefs through the transparent waters.
A 2021
report by Coherent Market Insights details the expected boom of the ecotourism
market in the coming years. Regional analysis shows consistent growth in
Southeast Asia’s ecotourism sector, and local governments and businesses are
already generating revenue from visitors seeking to experience the tropical
landscapes.
Welcome to Natuna
- Estimated population: 82,000
- Language spoken: Indonesian, Malay
- Majority religion: Islam (97%)
- Main industries: Fishing and Natural Gas
- Natuna’s Motto: In Malay: Laut Sakti Rantau Bertuah English: Sacred Ocean, Fortune Land
A New Bali?
Bali receives 80% of its income through tourism; Like Natuna Islands, it’s part of the area with the greatest marine biodiversity in the world.
The reputation of Bali as a mystical and exotic destination began under Dutch rule when the island started to develop an impressive infrastructure.
The beginning of mass tourism on the island was heralded in the late 1960s by the opening of an international airport and Bali’s first high-rise hotel.
After the release of a short surfing documentary by Australian filmmaker, Australian visitors flocked to the island, which led another Australian to start a club to cater to foreigners.
The island became home to anthropologists and artists who portrayed Bali as an enchanted land of aesthetes at peace with themselves and nature. Celebrity visitors also helped make Bali synonymous with a latter-day Garden of Eden; some would even get married there, like Rolling Stone Mick Jagger and supermodel Jerry Hall.
As “cultural tourism” blossomed, Bali became the venue for many international events, including Miss World.
Today, many say that Bali has become “too touristy,” and the Indonesian government is set on developing 10 new Balis’. Development has started to boom on the neighboring island Lombok, Natuna will likely be next.
