Page 161 - Volcano and Geothermal Tourism

138 Asia

Figure 8.4 Tourist viewing of fumaroles from the rim of Sibayak Crater
Note: The area shows evidence of erosion at and beyond the site due to uncontrolled access. The area depicted could be selected as a formal viewing
area. The site may need hardening to control erosion and needs to be supported with an interpretive panel.

Interpretive panelling can be used to orientate opportunities for first-hand experiences and active
visitors to the crater area and indicate where involvement; maximize the use of all senses; foster
people are allowed to go. It can also point out self discovery and provide emotional meaning for
safety issues and explain why access is restricted in visitors. These principles imply that interpretation
the crater area (Figure 8.5). is potentially an expensive and complex strategy
The crater floor itself (Figure 8.3) needs ranging from fairly simple information sheets and
rehabilitation work to remove stone lines, names panels through to active tour guiding and the use
and other features that spoil natural values. of built facilities. Although educational materials
for geotourism have been produced in Indonesia
Developing a geosite interpretation plan (Dowling and Newsome, 2006) much remains to
Interpretation is a very important aspect of natural be done to develop a comprehensive interpretation
area tourism and serves to increase visitor strategy for volcano tourism in Sumatra. In the
satisfaction, raise awareness of environmental issues first instance at Sibayak interpretive pamphlets and
and aid in visitor management. It is guided by a panels can be used to achieve some of the
suite of principles originally developed by Tilden objectives indicated above.
(1957) that state: interpretation should be based A geosite interpretation plan for Sibayak needs
on a theme and associated messages; provide to cover the following aspects in English and

Ch08.indd 138 3/28/2010 1:28:18 PM