Explore Lombok’s natural beauty and laid back charm with a former shark fisherman who has hung up his nets in favour of guiding tourists.
An eco-tour of Lombok with an ex-shark fisherman
The Dorsal Effect
THE DIFFERENCE YOU MAKE
Booking an eco-tour could help fulfill Kathy’s audacious dream - to get more shark fishermen to switch to leading such eco-tourism tours for a sustainable income.
Demand from responsible travellers like you encourages fishermen to consider eco-tourism as an alternative to hunting sharks for income.
In the long run, this could improve the situation for the shark population in the region, and result in a healthier marine ecosystem in and around Lombok.
See our story about The Dorsal Effect and its impact.
Getting there
Travellers can fly to Lombok, or catch a boat from nearby islands. The Dorsal Effect can pick you up from Kuta, Senggigi or Mataram. Costs differ depending on your selected pickup point. Tours usually start at the fish market in Tanjong Luar.
About the host
An ex-secondary school teacher from Singapore, Kathy Xu’s passion for the environment and dismay over shark trade spurred her to start The Dorsal Effect. Her solution? Persuade shark fishermen to earn their livelihoods as eco-tour guides, and save sharks from being hunted down for their fins. "When you see sharks in their natural habitat, I think there is a point where something would change in you and you really want your future generations to able to experience that as well," says Kathy.
Traveller's Notes
The Dorsal Effect advocates sustainable tourism, so littering is a no-no.
Do not pick up corals from the seafloor or take them out of the water.
You may be asked to help pick up litter from the beaches — all part of helping the environment.
Wear a rash guard while snorkelling to protect yourself from the sun and pesky jellyfish.
Pack a reef-safe sunscreen. You wouldn't want your trip to damage the marine environment.
Bring along a handy torchlight
This is not a luxury cruise – be prepared for the simple charms of rustic travelling in the great outdoors.
