Travel, Language Tips For Tourists
Gary R. Chandler, a public affairs and sustainability consultant, just published the second edition of the Language and Travel Guide to Indonesia (Hippocrene Books, New York, NY). Chandler will use the book to help Indonesia develop more ecotourism opportunities, which can help the local populations preserve the vanishing rainforest, while discouraging illegal wildlife poaching.
The new book offers travelers valuable insights and tips for a variety of activities, including jungle adventures, wildlife viewing, volcano treks, scuba diving, and the indulgence of Bali’s spas and resorts. The new guidebook also includes a dictionary and phrasebook to help visitors communicate effectively with anyone.
Indonesia includes Bali, Borneo, Java, Komodo, New Guinea, and Sumatra—more than 17,500 islands in all.
With more than 210 million people, Indonesia is the fourth most-populous country in the world. These islands only represent one percent of the world’s land area, but they are home to more than 10 percent of all mammal species—more known mammal species than any other country. As a result of a growing human population, Indonesia now has more endangered mammals than any other country, including the orangutan, Javan rhinoceros, Komodo dragon, Sumatran tiger, and the Sumatran elephant.
“Indonesia has some of the most amazing biodiversity in the world, but many ecosystems are under siege by the economic pressures of this rapidly growing nation,” Chandler said. “The country is doing its best to balance development and conservation, but it’s a challenge. If we can help this beautiful country expand its ecotourism opportunities, it will help the locals support their families, while defending their ecosystems, which will benefit the country and the world.”
Indonesia has some of the most extensive biodiversity on the planet, including the world’s second-largest rainforest. Unfortunately, this island nation is growing so fast that its natural wonders are collapsing— with the thousands of creatures that call these gems home.
Chandler, founder of Crossbow Communications, a PR firm in Denver and Phoenix, hopes to use the book to inspire more people to visit Southeast Asia. He believes that more people must see these endangered species and their endangered habitats to help save Indonesia’s tigers, orangutans, elephants, rhinos and other endangered species. His new travel guide will generate funds to promote wildlife conservation, sustainable jobs, and sustainable forestry.
Chandler is donating all profits from this travel guide to wildlife conservation organizations in Indonesia.
“This is a fascinating country that offers something for all travelers,” Chandler said. “You don’t have to be an adventure traveler to appreciate the beauty of Indonesia.”
