Bali to have giant sea aquarium, SEA's biggest

Bali to have giant sea aquarium, SEA's biggest

DENPASAR, Bali (JP): The island of Bali has long been known
for its exotic scenery, but in the coming years it will also lure
people to come to experience the spectacular view of an
oceanarium.

The Ministry of Maritime Affairs and Fisheries, in cooperation
with local and foreign investors, will start early next year the
construction project of the giant oceanarium, dubbed the biggest
in Southeast Asia, Director General for Sea Research and
Exploration Indroyono Soesilo said here on Wednesday.

With a budget estimated at US$24 million, the project, called
Bali Ocean World (BOW), will consist of a long glass tunnel that
enables people to observe from close range species such as
sharks, sea eels and electric eels.

Indroyono said the species to be displayed would come from
waters off Bali and nearby areas plus other seas in the country.

The project will occupy a five-hectare plot of land in Ketewel
village in Sukawati district in Gianyar, some 27 kilometers east
of here.

"Some 24 scientists from the Indonesian Science Institute
(LIPI) will be involved as consultants on this project,"
Indroyono said.

"We designed it based on the concept of marine tourism and
preservation. There will be pools with dolphins and sea lions, in
which the visitors can interact with the creatures and even swim
with them."

A special tank along with shipwrecks will be part of the sea
world's excitement. The tank will allow coral reefs placed there
to grow naturally, according to Indroyono.

"Visitors can also dive in to enjoy the view," he added.

The ambitious project will also cover an antarctic life
habitat and a seabird exhibition area in the future.

"We hope that the project will absorb at least 250 permanent
employees and also involve hundreds others, excluding scientists
and other experts involved in research," Indroyono said. (edt)