Samarinda, Aug. 18 -- Pulau Miang Village in East Kutai District, East Kalimantan, is introducing a new marine tourism attraction: direct interaction with whale sharks ( Rhincodon typus ) in its surrounding waters.

"The presence of these marine giants is becoming a new magnet for tourists visiting Pulau Miang," said Viqri Haikal, Head of the Nusabale Pulau Miang Tourism Awareness Group (Pokdarwis), when contacted in Samarinda on Monday.

Haikal noted that the appearance of this species-known for its gentle nature toward humans-presents a promising opportunity to develop conservation-based tourism in the area.

He explained that he and fellow Pokdarwis members are currently conducting research and mapping efforts to better understand whal...