ppst visitor and education centre a p r o j e c t o f t h e m a s a r a n g f o u n d a t i o n...

www.tasikoki.org A P r o j e c t o f t h e M a s a r a n g F o u n d a t i o n

Jalan Raya Tanjung Merah – Kema, Desa Watudambo, Kec. Kauditan, Kab. Minahasa Utara, 95372 Sulawesi Utara

PPS Tasikoki 04-2013 page 1 of 16

Contents

Profile: .............................................................. 2

Day Tours: ......................................................... 5

Lodge Guests: ................................................... 6

Volunteers: ....................................................... 8

Local Schools Programme: ................................ 9

International Schools Programme: ................... 9

Events: ............................................................ 10

Beach Area: ..................................................... 11

Natural Spring: ................................................ 11

Excursions: ...................................................... 12

Bookings and Enquiries:.................................. 15

Location and Directions: ................................. 15

http://www.tasikoki.org/




Profile:

Yayasan Masarang:

Founded in 2001 by Dr. Willie Smits (Indonesian, born in The Netherlands), the aim of Yayasan Masarang, in

English “The Masarang Foundation”, is to save the environment through the active participation of local

people. Through its projects, the foundation works on solutions for the most pressing problems the world

currently faces: climate change, loss of biodiversity, poverty and underdevelopment.

Overseas chapters of the Masarang Foundation (such as in Europe and Hong Kong) help to make its work

visible outside of Indonesia and generate international support towards it cause.

Projects managed by Yayasan Masarang, which strive to protect nature’s flora and fauna by empowering

local people through the introduction of sustainable, locally adapted and culturally acceptable solutions

include:

Biodiversity Monitoring

Tree Nurseries and Reforestation Research

Reforestation and forest protection of the Masarang mountain and other critical peaks in North

Sulawesi

Tasikoki Wildlife Rescue and Education Centre

Tulap Sea Turtle beach

Sustainable agriculture and assistance to smallholder farmers

Scholarships for children and youth

Library and support for local culture

Pusat Penyelamatan Satwa Tasikoki:

Pusat Penyelamatan Satwa (PPS) Tasikoki is a wildlife rescue centre in North Sulawesi, Indonesia, which

specialises in the native primate species (Sulawesi macaques), the birds from Wallacea and Papua, as well as

a variety of other endemic animals such as Babirusa.

PPS Tasikoki is a project managed by Yayasan Masarang. Dr. Smits build PPS Tasikoki at the beginning of the

last decade, along with several other rescue centres across Indonesia, to provide part of the solution to help

stop the illegal wildlife trade.

North Sulawesi has been a hotspot for the smuggling of wildlife out of Indonesia onto the global market via

the Philippines. Animals from all over the vast Indonesian archipelago have suffered this trade route. PPS

Tasikoki is therefore in a strategic location to help the authorities tackle this crime and take care of the

wildlife confiscated from this trade.

Next to the Wildlife Rescue Centre activities, PPS Tasikoki operates a Visitor and Education Centre, which

apart from being a community resource, allows sponsors to visit the project as well as to offer

accommodation for volunteers and other supporters. The Visitor and Education Centre has the mission to:

Spread conservation education, advocacy and awareness of nature protection laws/values

Create opportunities for all visitors to support the mission of PPS Tasikoki

Provide ecologically sustainable services to on-site guests, volunteers and visitors





The Visitor and Education Centre welcomes visitors in a variety of formats, whether members of the local

community, a school group or individuals interested in a day visit, supporters wishing to stay a few nights at

the lodge, or volunteers who stay anything from 2 weeks to 2 months on-site and in some cases as long as 6

months.

Edu Centre Volunteer House Lodge Beach Mangrove





Two of the principle buildings at the Visitor & Education Centre include the edu centre and upstairs volunteer

house (photo above) and the Wisma Tangkasi Lodge with its observation tower on the crest of the hill (photo

below)





Day Tours:

Day visitors are welcomed at the education centre building from where the tour begins with an overview of

the work of the Masarang Foundation and the wildlife rescue activities at Tasikoki, and finishes at the lodge

with opportunities to see the panoramic view from the observation tower. Some of the wildlife enclosures

will be visited, but several areas are restricted to avoid stress to the wildlife under rehabilitation.

Species likely to be seen include wildlife endemic to Sulawesi such as babirusa, as well as a variety of non-

native species confiscated from the illegal wildlife trade along the smuggling route out of Indonesia across

the border to the Philippines. Examples include a host of bird species from Papua and the Molluccan Islands

as well as Bornean wildlife such as sunbears and orangutans. Please be aware that at no point are visitors

permitted to touch, feed or in any other way interact with the wildlife. Professional photographers are asked

to donate any photos taken on site for educational use. No entrance fee is charged to day visitors.





Lodge Guests:

Please note this is not a commercial hotel facility, Tasikoki offers its sponsors and collaborators the

opportunity to stay on-site on the basis of a minimum donation.

The lodge, “Wisma Tangkasi” has five suites configured as doubles or twins depending upon requirement.

Guests have unrestricted access between the lodge and the education centre and from the lodge to the

beach. Recreation facilities in the upstairs function room and WIFI are available as well. Please note, visitors

are not permitted to enter the wildlife rescue facility unaccompanied. A tour of the rescue centre is offered

with a guide as per the day tours, with more extensive coverage of the project.

Cooked meals are offered at the lodge for lunch and dinner, mostly vegetarian dishes with some fish and egg

dishes and all ingredients sourced locally. Breakfast is self-service from a selection of fruit, oats, bread/toast

and a variety of spreads. Tea, coffee and drinking water are continuously available as self-service and we

only offer Masarang Palm Sugar, which is certified organic and produced at a zero-waste factory in Tomohon.

A small selection of soft-drinks and snacks can be purchased from the minibar.





5 suites in a variety of different formats available with view out to sea and the surrounding mountains.





Volunteers:

The volunteer house has separate male and female dormitories furnished with bunkbeds with a total

capacity of 20 people. The house has shared bathrooms, a small kitchenette and a communal living area for

dining and relaxation. Each dormitory has a balcony and beds are separated in personal spaces with lockable

cabinets. Volunteers are welcome on site with a minimum commitment of 2 weeks, due to the necessary

guidance and training given. Volunteers assist the work of the Wildlife Rescue Centre under the supervision

of designated coordinators during the rescue centre working hours (06:00am – 16:00) and are hosted at the

Visitor & Education Centre for their meals, accommodation and free time activities. During free time,

volunteers can access the same services as lodge guests and are subject to the same restrictions. Volunteers

not willing to stay in the communal living house with dormitories may opt to “upgrade” their

accommodation to a private room in the lodge for an additional minimum donation. Volunteers may also

opt to stay a night at the lodge for their day off if rooms are available.





Local Schools Programme:

Focussed upon activities at the education centre, teachers and school children are hosted on a regular basis

as part of the environmental education programme. Through a mixture of video presentations, slideshows,

games and discussion, local students are taught the importance of the local ecosystem, what is unique about

the local endemic flora and fauna, why the wildlife and forests are protected by law and what the legal

protection means. Further topics, such as awareness of pollution and waste management are also covered.

School groups are also offered access to a guided tour, similar to the day visitor tours, whereby the

maximum group size for these tours is restricted to 10-20 people. Education programmes run independently

and also in collaboration with other NGOs as well as government agencies.

International Schools Programme:

Service Learning Opportunities are on offer to international schools and universities who provide residential

trips to their students. Accommodation at the Tasikoki Visitor & Education Centre is typically at the lodge,

whereby up to 3 of the 5 suites can be converted into dormitories for the duration of the trip to be able to

host up to 18 students. The trip itinerary offers a mixture of work, recreation and learning, and typically runs

for 6 nights, although we have run longer programmes for 2-3 weeks. Students assist the volunteers at the

rescue centre for some of their activities as well as some pre-determined project work throughout the week.

During the course of the trip, there are opportunities for excursions to other Masarang projects (e.g.

reforestation and sustainability projects in the Minahasan Highlands, as well as a sea turtle nesting beach)

and other activities such as snorkelling and climbing one of the local volcanoes. A packet of curriculum

modules is under development in collaboration with Masarang HK Society Limited with teachers from the

European Schools Federation of Hong Kong to maximise the educational experience of international

students.

The Education Centre can function as a lecture hall as well as a learning activity centre for students





Events:

Government / NGO work shops

Community events

Training courses / conservation based seminars

The Education Centre has capacity for more than 100 seated individuals, and our events are managed with

eco-friendly aspects of catering and waste management. During the wetter season (October – March) we

like to combine all events with some tree-planting activities and welcome participants to bring native

seedlings to Tasikoki. Use of the venue is free to non-commercial entities based in North Sulawesi, we only

ask for the right to present some brief info on nature conservation and for at least two tree seedlings to plant

in our arboretum area.

On most Saturday evenings, we invite local community residents to the Education Centre to see free

screenings of nature documentaries and seek support to help expand our video library with educational

material in Indonesian or with Indonesian subtitles.

The Visitor and Education Centre also hosts a variety annual events in honour of a variety of environmental

calendar days, such as National Waste Care Day (February 21), World Water Day (March 22), Earth Day (April

22), International Day of Biological Diversity (May 22), World Environment Day (June 5), National

Conservation Day (August 10), World Animals Day (October 4), with participants from local schools and other

nature conservation NGOs in the region.





Beach Area:

As part of the 55ha compound, Tasikoki manages 1 km of mangrove-fronted black sand beach. The beach is

open to the public on the basis of a common understanding of nature protection. Visitors to the beach are

not permitted to engage in any polluting or destructive practises and are welcome to join our volunteers on

Sundays for the weekly beach clean-up when we try to mitigate the effects of litter washing up from the sea.

Globally, much rubbish ends up in rivers and washed out to sea of which a portion eventually returns to the

coast with each tide. Such litter in our ecosystems is damaging for human health and ultimately threatens

the balance of nature, but serves as a bold reminder that we must all be active to save our environment for

humanity to survive.

Tasikoki beach at sunset with Klabat mountain in the background, the lodge tower can be seen on the left.

Natural Spring:

The water for the Wildlife Rescue Centre is sourced from a natural spring flowing on site, which filters down

from the mountains. As part of our commitments to the local community, we give access to the clean water

source before it flows naturally on to the mangrove swamp. The spring serves also as a place of local

worship and educational value about the water cycle.





Excursions:

For on-site guests and volunteers, the Visitor & Education Centre organises a weekly communal excursion on

Wednesday afternoons to local sites within approximately one hour drive from Tasikoki and offers assistance

in the organisation of personal excursions. A variety of options are available depending on time available.

Some examples include;

KKllaabbaatt VVoollccaannoo HHiikkee TTaannggkkookkoo SSnnoorrkkeelllliinngg MMiinnaahhaassaa HHiigghhllaannddss SSeeaa TTuurrttllee SSaaffaarrii

Mount Klabat Hike 35-40 minutes drive from PPS Tasikoki

The highest peak in the Minahasa region (1,995m) with a spectacular view to the coasts and islands all

around, Klabat is a popular hike for local residents as the trail is in good condition. It is possible to complete

the climb as a day hike, although the 1,750 m elevation gain with a steep and steady climb makes this quite

challenging. 4 to 6 hours are required for the ascent and approximately 4 hours for the descent.

Night hike for sunrise view from the summit – starting at 1 or 2 am.

Day hike from sunrise – starting at 5 am. Climbing as the sun rises to hopefully reach the peak before

the midday clouds gather on the summit.

Tangkoko-Duasudara Batuangus Nature Reserves 1,5 hour drive from PPS Tasikoki

Tangkoko is particularly attractive for its unique wildlife that can be observed roaming free in the forest on

easy level walks, such as the critically endangered Macaca Nigra, also known as black crested macaque, the

nocturnal Spectral Tarsier, and various bird species, like the Sulawesi Knobbed Hornbill.

Snorkelling various distances near and far from PPS Tasikoki

Sulawesi is located in the coral triangle bioregion, quite possibly one of the best dive and snorkelling

destinations in the world. The PPS Tasikoki Visitors and Education Centre promotes certified diving centres

that actively contribute to nature conservation and offer preferential rates to our sponsors and volunteers.

Manado City & Shopping 1, 5 hour drive from PPS Tasikoki

Manado city is the provincial capital of North Sulawesi. “The Boulevard”, a 3km stretch of road along the

sea front, has been established as the largest shopping centre in Eastern Indonesia, and became the

trademark of Manado with numerous malls, restaurants and bars as well as nightclubs, karaoke and cinemas.





Minahasa Highlands 1, 5 hour drive from PPS Tasikoki

A excursion of breathtaking scenery heading through the city of Tomohon, known locally as the “city of

flowers” which sits about 900m elevation in a saddle between two volcanoes Mt. Lokon and Mt. Mahawu.

You could visit the local market, the traditional Minahasa wooden house building in Woloan Village, or stroll

around the sulphurous lake Linow near Lahendong village, or a visit to Pulutan village - the center of local

pottery. Easy climbs up to the crater rim of Mahawu volcano are possible for views to Lokon-Empung and

beyond. Have a coffee at the large volcanic lake Tondano, drive through Tondano town and admire the view

of terraced vegetable gardens around Rurukan village, to end up having dinner at the exclusive organic

restaurant “Gardenia”.

Tomohon is also the headquarters of the Masarang Foundation and several of the foundation’s core activities

can be explored in this region. The Masarang mountain, which has three peaks, can be easily viewed from

several lookout points, including from Rurukan Village, which is one of the communities supported by the

Masarang Foundation with scholarships and other social initiatives as well as access to clean water springs

managed on the mountain. Since the turn of the century, the foundation has been reforesting this mountain

to ensure natural balance for the region which suffered as a result of historical wide-scale logging of the

mountains and plantations on the slopes. Having restored the forest; problems of erosion, landslides, lack of

water catchment, dried up streams and rivers, lack of cloud formation and other issues have been solved.

The number of annual harvests on the plains has increased thanks to the ecosystem services provided by the

biodiverse forest. Furthermore, the reforestation work has been combined with integrated organic agro-

forestry to ensure efficient use of land for agriculture in balance with nature. Beyond this, the foundation

has piloted a number of schemes to process and export agricultural produce - in particular from the sugar

palms. Technology developed by Dr. Willie Smits enabled a sugar factory to be implemented which runs off

of the waste steam of a geo-thermal energy plant. The sugar factory serves benefit to the energy plant by

utilising excess energy in the steam and giving back water needed for the energy production process. In turn,

the factory is able to up-scale production of sugar from the local farmers using clean energy without the

farmers having to cut huge amounts forest for fuel wood to cook their juice. With a large, professional and

certified organic production, the palm sugar from this factory is of quantity and quality for export and

thereby generating a valuable income for the local farmers. Farming cooperatives are supported by the

Masarang Foundation in several ways, including the extensive agricultural land-use planning system called

GIS Mapalus and the large amphitheatre built for farmers and communities to hold meetings. Apart from the

sugar factory using geo-thermal steam, a pilot project of the Village Hub has been built up to demonstrate an

alternative means of producing sugar and bio-ethanol in remote villages throughout the tropics with an

integrated zero-waste concept that combines inputs and outputs of different processes. The principle input

is juice from the sugar palm, and the outputs next to sugar are bio-fuel, electricity, communications, distance

education and healthcare, banking/credit system and essentially a whole social welfare system to benefit

those small communities living near the last areas of biodiversity worth protecting.

On request, educational visits can be arranged to the Masarang Sugar Factory and Tree Nurseries, to some of

the reforestation sites and other aspects of the foundation’s work. Please note that vision and mission

activities come first and there may not always be someone available to give a tour in a foreign language.





Masarang Sea Turtle Project 1 hour drive from PPS Tasikoki

Tulap is located in North Sulawesi about an hour’s drive south from Tasikoki Wildlife Rescue Centre, and also

one hour from the Masarang Foundation headquarters in the city of Tomohon. It is the gateway to a 3km

stretch of beach, managed as a protected sea turtle nesting area by the Masarang Foundation since April

2011.

This beach is of high conservation value because it is a nesting site for all five of the species of sea turtles that

are native to the region. The tropical calm waters and associated beach morphology make it possible for the

various species to nest across half the year, with at least 2-3 turtles laying eggs most nights (most sea turtles

nest under the cover of darkness). The species include: Loggerheads (IUCN Endangered, 1996), Leatherbacks

(IUCN Critically Endangered 2000), Green Sea Turtles (IUCN Endangered 2004), Olive-ridleys (IUCN

Vulnerable, 2008), and Hawksbills (IUCN Critically Endangered 2008). Sea turtles form an integral part of our

marine ecosystem and are currently threatened with extinction due to a variety of human impacts.

This project has the unique opportunity to boost global sea turtle populations from a small beach in North

Sulawesi. Visitors will not see turtles held captive in tanks or have any opportunity to touch turtles, as our

programme is focussed on increasing wild populations that already suffer too much human disturbance. If

patient for a night safari, there may be chance to witness hatchlings emerging from the nest and going to

sea. It may even be possible to witness turtles nesting during the season which runs from March-September,

but this is often difficult as the presence of visitors can deter the turtles from coming to shore.

Please note the project is not generally open to visitors after dark (turtles are not active on shore during

daylight), and only where there is a qualified guide available to ensure minimum impact to the natural cycle

of the sea turtles.

Visitors will be able to learn more about the sea turtle ecology, including demonstration of their nesting

behaviour and explanation of their life cycle, as well as gain understanding as to the threats they face.

Olive Ridley Sea Turtle Nesting on Tulap Beach at night.





Bookings and Enquiries:

For schools, local community programmes & events, day tours or lodge Bookings and Enquiries:

[email protected] 085299918674

Office Hours: Mon-Fri 08:00 – 12:00 / 13:00 – 16:00

Visiting Hours for Day Tours: 09:00 – 14:00 (Mon-Fri only, until further notice)

Check-in Time for Lodge Guests: 11:00 – 18:00

Please note, the Visitor & Education Centre may be closed to general visitors at certain times if events are

running or there is lack of availability of guides. Guests are welcome if booked in advance; we reserve the

right to turn away unannounced visitors if there is no guide available at the time.

For volunteers: Volunteer application form can be downloaded from www.tasikoki.org and enquiries sent to

[email protected]

Donations can be received in cash during office hours or bank transfer to Yayasan Masarang as below:

Beneficiary's account name: Yayasan Masarang

Beneficiary's account number: 150-00-07064320

Beneficiary's bank: Bank Mandiri

Branch: Bank Mandiri Cabang Tomohon

Address: Jl. Raya kompleks RS. Bethesda Tomohon, North Sulawesi, Indonesia

IBAN/Swift code: BMRIIDJA

Location and Directions:

From MANADO (approx 1.5hrs):

Follow the main road to BITUNG (Jalan Raya Manado – Bitung) for approx 1hr.

At the KAUDITAN intersection, turn right towards KEMA. Follow this road for approximately 10 minutes until

the next sign-posted T-Junction, turn left here towards TANJUNG-MERAH.

Follow this road (Jalan Raya Tanjung Merah – Kema) for approximately 5 minutes until you reach Tasikoki on

the right hand side.

From BITUNG/GIRIAN (approx 25 min):

Follow the main road towards MANADO (Jalan Raya Manado – Bitung) until you pass MANEMBONEMBO

TERMINAL TANGKOKO (right side) and SARI PLAZA (left side). Approx 1km after SARI PLAZA, in the village of

Sagrat there is a factory on the left called PETRA TECH (red letters on a white/grey wall). Turn left at this

junction.

Follow this road for approx 5mins until TANJUNG MERAH, where there is a 90 degree bend in the road going

left.

About 50 metres after this sharp bend, take the first right turn, followed by another right turn at the T-

junction towards KEMA.

Follow this road (Jalan Raya Tanjung Merah – Kema) past the graveyard for approximately 2 minutes until

you reach Tasikoki on the left hand side.


mailto:[email protected]


mailto:[email protected]




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