Simatobat Waterfall Has Potential As Mentawai Tourism Area

Padang, (Antara Sumbar) - Simatobat Waterfall located in Bulasat Village, Pagai Selatan Sub-district, Mentawai Islands District, West Sumatra, has the potential to be developed as a tourism area.

Head of UPTD Unit of Production Forest Management (KPHP) of Mentawai Islands, Tasliatul Fuaddi in Padang, Thursday (Oct 12), said that besides waterfalls, there are also various potentials that can be developed.

"Simatobat Waterfall or commonly known as Bungo Rayo has a height of 15 meters. Then upstream of the river, there are five other waterfalls with different height and width," he added.

Some other potential that is around the waterfall among them are the caves in which there is a stream and in it, there is a swiftlet nest.

"This cave includes a living cave because there are stalactites and stalagmites in it," he said.

In addition, in this area there are wildlife attractions such as, the discovery of deer, the herd of Mentawai endemic primates such as Bilou and Bokoi as well as various species of birds and fish.

Around the waterfall area and along the left and right sides of river are found various types of commercial plants and vegetation.

"Some of this potential has the potential to be developed as a natural attraction of special interest or ecotourism," he continued.

Meanwhile, the Regent of Mentawai, Yudas Sabagallet said to support tourism in the area, it is working to complement the supporting infrastructure.

"South Pagai region is not touched maximally yet, but with this potential, we will focus to it," he said, "he added. (cha)

Editor: Vicha Faradika