Bone Bolango's Astonishing Whale Shark attraction in Botubarani Village, temporarily put on hold, receives a vote of confidence from Ishak Ntoma, the Regional Secretary (Sekda) of Bone Bolango Regency, as it sets its sights on achieving recognition at the prestigious 2023 Indonesian Tourism Village Award (ADWI).

Ishak shared his positive outlook during a gathering held in Bone Bolango Regency, Gorontalo, where he revealed that the ADWI assessment team had recently visited Botubarani Village. Among the distinguished guests were Azril Azhari, an advisor to the ADWI 2023 jury, and Putri Ayu Anggraini, a jury member, who joined in assessing the remarkable potential of Bone Bolango's Whale Shark.

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Ishak emphasized that the village attracts numerous domestic and international tourists due to the captivating and extraordinary presence of whale sharks. He stated, "The whale sharks are incredibly unique and fascinating, which is why they draw the attention of so many visitors."

Botubarani Village has improved its tourism infrastructure with two homestays for overnight stays and support from the Bank Indonesia Gorontalo Representative Office for boat services, enhancing accessibility to the village's captivating marine attractions. These initiatives contribute to the community's socio-economic development and demonstrate a commitment to sustainable tourism while providing memorable experiences for visitors.

In Botubarani Cap Ishak Village, the primary tourism attractions revolve around the opportunity for tourists to witness whale sharks from boats and engage in activities such as snorkeling and scuba diving. However, the appeal doesn't stop there.Visitors can also savor a wide array of Gorontalo's culinary specialties, including delectable seafood dishes and local snacks, providing a complete gastronomic experience, as highlighted by Ishak.

The uniqueness of whale shark tourism in Bone Bolango, as disclosed by the Regional Secretary, stems from its convenient accessibility near the main road and its location right on the beach. Furthermore, the ADWI assessment team provided valuable advice regarding this prominent tourist attraction, emphasizing the importance of additional supporting facilities such as designated parking areas to ensure visitors' comfort upon arrival.