Based on the description above, it can be concluded that the tourists are the ones who do the activities with the purpose of obtaining pleasure trip, not to
work, settle down and earn living.
2.1.3 Definition of Nature Tourism
Nature tourism is responsible travel to natural areas, which conserves the environment and improves the welfare of local people. It is tourism based on the
natural attractions of an area. Examples include bird watching, photography, stargazing, camping, hiking, hunting, fishing, and visiting parks. These
experiential tourists are interested in a diversity of natural and cultural resources.
Nature tourism provides incentives for local communities and landowners to conserve wildlife habitats upon which the industry depends – it promotes
conservation by placing an increased value on remaining natural areas. As nature tourism becomes more important to the local economy, communities have
additional incentive to conserve their remaining natural areas for wildlife and wildlife enthusiasts.
2.2 Ecotourism
2.2.1 Definition of Ecotourism
Hector Ceballos-Lascurain 1987 says, “Nature or ecotourism can be defined as tourism that consist in travelling to relatively undisturbed or
uncontaminated natural areas with the specific objectives of studying, admiring,
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and enjoying the scenery and its wild plants and animals, as well as any existing cultural manifestations both past and present found in the areas.
In 1991, The International Ecotourism Society TIES say, “ecotourism is responsible travel to natural areas that conserves the environment and sustains the
well being of local people.” The World Conservation Union 1996 say that ecotourism is environmentally responsible travel and visitation to relatively
undisturbed natural areas, in order to enjoy and appreciate nature and any accompanying cultural features – both past and present that promotes
conversation has low negative visitor impact, and provides for beneficially active socio-economic involvement of local populations.
Generally, ecotourism deals with living parts of the natural environments. Ecotourism focuses on socially responsible travel, personal growth, and
environmental sustainability. Ecotourism typically involves travel to destinations where flora, fauna, and cultural heritage are the primary attractions. Ecotourism is
intended to offer tourist insight into impact of human beings on the environment, and to foster a greater appreciation of our natural habitats.
Responsible ecotourism programs include those that minimize the negative aspects of conventional tourism on the environment and enhance the cultural
integrity of local people. Therefore, in addition evaluating environmental and cultural factors, an integral part of ecotourism is the promotion of recycling,
energy efficiency, water conservation, and creation of economic opportunities for
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local communities. For these reasons, ecotourism often appeals to advocates of
environmental and social responsibility. 2.2.2 The Ecotourism Activities
Activities to do in ecotourism, namely: • Trekking
Trekking is a part of adventure travel, it involves visits to remote areas, lodging in tents and minimal accommodation. It is done for adventure and
expedition. • Hiking
Hiking is an outdoor activity which consists of walking in natural environments, often in mountainous or other scenic terrain. People often
hike on hiking walls. Studies have confirmed the health benefits of different types of hiking, including losing excess weight, decreasing
hypertension, and improving mental health. • Camping
Camping is an outdoor recreational activity. The participants known as campers leave urban areas, their home region or civilization and enjoy
nature while spending one or several nights outdoors, usually at a campsite. Camping may involve the use of a tent, caravan, cabin, a
primitive structure, or no shelter at all. Camping as a recreational activity became popular in the early 20
th
century.
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• Rafting Rafting is the challenging recreational outdoor activity of using an
inflatable raft to navigate a river or other bodies of water. This is usually done on white water or different degrees of rough water, in order to thrill
and excite the raft passengers. The development of this activity as a leisure sport has become popular since the mid-1970s. it is considered an extreme
sport, as it can be dangerous.
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CHAPTER III DISCUSSION
3.1 History of Bukit Lawang
