Destinations in every region have their own unique charm, and this is also true for the tourist spots in Pariaman City, West Sumatra. It's no secret that Pariaman has stunning natural beauty that is a must-visit.
But did you know, Sobat, that there is a village tourism destination in Pariaman that made it to the top 50 in the 2021 Anugerah Desa Wisata Indonesia (ADWI)? Yes, it's Desa Wisata Apar, a tourism destination based on nature, culture, and local wisdom. This village is located about 50 kilometers from Padang City, which can be reached in less than 2 hours.
As the first village tourism destination visited and evaluated by the Minister of Tourism and Creative Economy, Sandiaga Salahuddin Uno, along with the ADWI jury on August 27, 2021, Desa Wisata Apar offers a variety of tourist attractions that showcase its potential and appeal to visitors. As the Minister mentioned, Desa Wisata Apar has significant tourism and creative economy potential, starting from its beautiful and clean beach, mangrove trekking, sea turtle conservation, and not to mention the Sekolah Tinggi Ilmu Baruak (STIB).
Curious? Here are 4 exciting activities you can enjoy while exploring Desa Wisata Apar.
1 | Explore the Mangrove Forest at Apar Pariaman Mangrove Park
Tired of the hustle and bustle of the city? A retreat to nature is the perfect solution. This 11-hectare area offers various facilities to enjoy the charm of the mangrove forest, such as trekking, gazebos, insta spots, and a viewing tower to observe the wildlife. If you want a more adventurous experience, you can explore the mangrove forest by canoe. The mangroves in Desa Apar are not only a scenic spot but their fruits can also be processed into drinks and food!
2 | Visit the Sea Turtle Conservation Center
As nature lovers, it's a must to visit the Sea Turtle Conservation Center located on Syeh Abdul Arif Street, North Pariaman District, Pariaman City. It's only about 10 minutes from downtown Pariaman.
Here, you can see how the sea turtles living around Pariaman are cared for in a sanctuary. There are facilities for visitors such as incubation rooms for turtle eggs, hatcheries, and quarantine rooms. You can also learn about the different species of sea turtles like the leatherback, hawksbill, and green turtles. It’s not just a walk, but an educational experience as well!
3 | Surf and Enjoy the Beautiful Sunset
Not to be outdone by beaches in Java, Desa Wisata Apar also boasts a beach with perfect waves for surfing! Tourists also enjoy fishing and watching the stunning sunset along the coast.
4 | Watch the Coconut-Picking Macaque Performance at the Sekolah Tinggi Ilmu Beruk
Have you ever seen a macaque going to school? Yes, not only humans go to school to learn skills. In Desa Wisata Apar, wild macaques are trained to pick coconuts at the Sekolah Tinggi Ilmu Beruk (STIB). This unique attraction allows visitors to watch the macaques pick coconuts from the trees upon the trainer's command, which they then hand over to the tourists.
So, to experience the fun of visiting Desa Wisata Apar, let’s support the recovery of the tourism sector and creative economy by getting vaccinated and following the 6M health protocol: wear a mask correctly, wash hands with soap, maintain physical distancing, avoid crowds, limit mobility, and avoid dining together so we can travel safely and comfortably!
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