Discover Botubarani: Home of Gorontalo’s Gentle Giants

From Fishing Village to Whale Shark Sanctuary

About us

Botubarani was once a quiet traditional fishing village in Bone Bolango Regency, facing Teluk Tomini. Everything changed when whale sharks began appearing regularly near the shore, attracted by nutrient-rich waters from a former shrimp processing facility. Instead of seeing this as a challenge, the local community — led by dedicated fishermen — chose a sustainable path. They transformed their village into a community-based ecotourism destination, creating jobs while protecting the marine ecosystem. Today, Botubarani stands as a shining example of how local wisdom and nature can work together.

Powered by the People of Botubarani

We are not a big corporation. Botubarani is 100% community-managed by local families through our tourism group (Pokdarwis). Every guide, boat operator, and host is a proud resident of this village.

Your visit directly supports:

• Alternative livelihoods for former fishermen

• Education and skills development for young people

• Marine conservation efforts

• Village infrastructure improvements

Meet Our Team / Local Heroes

Mr. Taufik

Ibu Rostin is the heart and visionary behind Botubarani Whale Shark Village. A dedicated local leader with deep roots in the community, she has successfully transformed Botubarani from a traditional fishing village into an award-winning ecotourism destination. Her passion for marine conservation and community empowerment ensures every visitor receives an authentic and responsible experience.

Ms.Martha

Mr. Rein

Martha is the backbone of our operations. With a keen eye for detail and strong financial management skills, she ensures smooth daily operations, transparent accounting, and excellent service quality. Her dedication keeps everything running efficiently so our guests can focus on creating unforgettable memories with the gentle giants.

Rein leads our marketing efforts with creativity and enthusiasm. He works hard to showcase the beauty of Botubarani to travelers from Indonesia and around the world. Passionate about responsible tourism, Rein ensures every guest feels welcomed, well-informed, and inspired to support our community and conservation efforts.

Owner

Accounting

Marketing

Ms. Rostin

Owner

Ibu Rostin is the heart and visionary behind Botubarani Whale Shark Village. A dedicated local leader with deep roots in the community, she has successfully transformed Botubarani from a traditional fishing village into an award-winning ecotourism destination. Her passion for marine conservation and community empowerment ensures every visitor receives an authentic and responsible experience.

Award-Winning Sustainable Tourism

Our community-led model balances active marine conservation with sustainable local livelihoods, earning top honors across the Indonesian archipelago.

ADWI Top 75

Local Livelihoods

Ethical Sanctuary

Recognized officially among Indonesia's top tourism villages for outstanding community-managed conservation and ethical travel.

Every tour directly supports Botubarani families, funding village infrastructure, education, and continuous marine patrol efforts.

Strict no-touch policies and regulated boat distances ensure whale sharks remain safe in their natural shallow-water habitat.

Ready to Meet Our Gentle Giants?

Experience the magic of Botubarani for yourself. Join us for a responsible, unforgettable encounter that supports the local community and protects these magnificent creatures.