Travel Guide Benefits Indonesia’s Wildlife
Indonesia has some of the most extensive biodiversity on the planet, including the world’s second-largest rainforest. Unfortunately, this island nation is growing so fast that its natural wonders are collapsing— with the thousands of creatures that call these gems home.
To help draw global attention to the problem, while promoting more sustainable alternatives, an author and business consultant from the United States has published the second edition of his Language and Travel Guide to Indonesia (2009, Hippocrene Books, New York, New York). The author is donating all of his profits from this publication to wildlife conservation in Indonesia.
Author Gary Chandler hopes to inspire more people to visit Southeast Asia. He believes that more people must see these endangered species and their endangered habitats to help save Indonesia’s tigers, orangutans, elephants, rhinos and other endangered species. His new travel guide will generate funds to promote wildlife conservation, sustainable jobs, and sustainable forestry. With more than 210 million people, Indonesia is the fourth most-populous country in the world. The pressures from that many people are taking their toll on wildlife.
“Indonesia is one of the most fascinating countries in the world,” Chandler said. “It has incredible wildlife, including the Asian elephant, Sumatran tiger, Komodo dragon, orangutan, Javan rhinoceros and many others.”
Indonesia has more than 17,500 islands, including Bali, Borneo, Java, Komodo, and Sumatra.
These incredible islands only represent one percent of the world’s land area, but they provide home to more than 10 percent of all mammal species on the planet—more known mammal species than any other country. Unfortunately, Indonesia has more endangered mammals than any other country.
The new book offers travelers valuable insights and tips for a variety of activities, including wildlife viewing, volcano treks, scuba diving, and the indulgence of Bali’s spas and resorts. The new guidebook also includes a dictionary and phrase guide to help visitors communicate effectively throughout the country.
“We’re encouraging Indonesia to expand its ecotourism opportunities, which will help the locals support their families, while defending these delicate ecosystems,” Chandler said. “These rainforests and these endangered species are important to Indonesia and the entire world.”
Experience more of Indonesia than the average traveler by speaking Indonesian. Simple courtesies and greetings will make your trip more productive and rewarding. Our phonetic style makes it impossible to mispronounce important words. Order your hard copy. Indonesians will sparkle with delight when you speak just a few words in bahasa Indonesia.
