Surabaya Welcomes Viking Orion Guests to the Gunung Anyar Mangrove Botanical Garden (Kebun Raya Mangrove Gunung Anyar)
By Nisfi
Surabaya played host to passengers from the Viking Orion cruise during their visit to the Gunung Anyar Mangrove Botanical Garden on 11 November 2024. This special eco-tourism event was made possible through the collaboration of professional guides from the botanical garden staff and enthusiastic interns from Universitas Negeri Surabaya (UNESA) that consist of Mahareka Hamdan, Dewi Lestari, Rifki Akbar, and Nisfi Ilmaya, who worked hand-in-hand to provide an enriching experience for the visitors.
The Gunung Anyar Mangrove Botanical Garden, a 27-hectare conservation area transformed from a former landfill, stands as a testament to Surabaya’s commitment to environmental restoration. It serves as a habitat for 59 species of mangroves and numerous wildlife, including crabs, monkeys, and monitor lizards, making it a vital ecological site. The garden’s wooden jogging tracks allowed visitors to explore the area while learning about the importance of mangroves in preventing coastal erosion and mitigating climate change.
During the tour, guests participated in interactive activities, such as planting mangrove seedlings, which emphasized the significance of conservation efforts. They were also treated to a delightful culinary experience, sampling five traditional Indonesian snacks: lemper (sticky rice rolls filled with chicken or fish), lumpur (a soft coconut-milk-based cake), wingko (a sweet and chewy coconut cake), kroket (potato croquettes with savory fillings), and pisang goreng (crispy fried bananas). This introduction to local delicacies further enriched their cultural immersion.
UNESA's interns played a crucial role in providing insightful explanations about the mangrove ecosystem, alongside the botanical garden staff who shared their expertise on the conservation efforts and challenges faced in maintaining the area. The collaborative approach ensured that the visitors gained a comprehensive understanding of the site’s ecological and cultural significance.
By the end of their visit, the Viking Orion guests left with not only a deeper appreciation for Surabaya's natural heritage but also a memorable experience of Indonesia’s warm hospitality and rich traditions. This initiative reflects Surabaya's dedication to promoting sustainable tourism while educating the world about the critical role of mangroves in environmental preservation.
