Uninhabited Japanese Island Offers Survival Adventures

Diaoyu Islands. Photo: AFP
Diaoyu Islands. Photo: AFP
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Uninhabited Japanese Island Offers Survival Adventures

Diaoyu Islands. Photo: AFP
Diaoyu Islands. Photo: AFP

Feeling ground down by the pressures of everyday life? Wish you could get away from it all? The island city of Iki in Nagasaki prefecture has an unusual and appropriate holiday destination, and its name is Tsumagashima Island.

There are many uninhabited islands that dot the coasts of Japan, and Tsumagashima, in particular, lies off the coast of Nagasaki. While humans did live on the island at one point, it was declared uninhabited in 2002, and since then has lain in relative obscurity—although people who fish treat the island as a especially lucky spot, according to the Japan Today website.

You can access the island with relative ease from Nagasaki's Indoji seaport, but it's far removed from civilization and the chance of bumping into strangers is practically zero, reported the German News Agency (dpa).

You can take also a 30-minute airplane ride from Nagasaki Airport. Prospective campers need not worry about the safety of the island—the campsite areas are being tended to and monitored by capable staff, which is currently undergoing a survival adventure of their own.

Camping on the island allows guests to try out a unique camping experience where they stake out their own lodgings, forage for food, fish, and cook their own meals using bamboo and camping tools.

And speaking of camping tools, only the barest minimum is included in the camping plan. Vacationers can also expect a beach reserved for their own use, a jungle expanse to venture through, and a stimulating environment without electricity or running water.

A two-day, one-night stay will cost 19,800 yen, while a three-day, two-night stay will cost 29,800 yen per adult. Elementary school students are expected to pay half of that price, while children younger than that can attend for free. Your party must consist of four people or more.

Don't worry if you aren't a serious camper because the island will also offer camping experiences for beginners where a qualified instructor will assist you on your survival experience.



Saudi Arabia Announces Discovery of Largest Sea Turtle Nesting Site in Red Sea

Sea turtles play a crucial role in the ecosystem, making their survival vital for maintaining environmental balance. (SPA)
Sea turtles play a crucial role in the ecosystem, making their survival vital for maintaining environmental balance. (SPA)
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Saudi Arabia Announces Discovery of Largest Sea Turtle Nesting Site in Red Sea

Sea turtles play a crucial role in the ecosystem, making their survival vital for maintaining environmental balance. (SPA)
Sea turtles play a crucial role in the ecosystem, making their survival vital for maintaining environmental balance. (SPA)

Saudi Arabia, represented by the General Organization for the Conservation of Coral Reefs and Marine Turtles in the Red Sea (SHAMS), announced the discovery of the largest sea turtle nesting site in Saudi waters, located at the Four Sisters Islands in the Red Sea.

In a statement on Saturday, SHAMS said this significant environmental discovery is part of ongoing initiatives aimed at boosting protection for sea turtles and their habitats in the Red Sea, ensuring their sustainability in line with the goals of Saudi Vision 2030.

On this occasion, CEO of SHAMS Dr. Khaled Isfahani confirmed that the Four Sisters Islands have been designated as a species management area to protect the turtles' nesting habitats. This step aligns with environmental goals and contributes to safeguarding biodiversity. These efforts are part of a broader plan to turn 30 percent of Saudi Arabia's land and sea areas into nature reserves by 2030.

The Four Sisters Islands—Marmar, Dahreb, Malathu, and Jadir—are renowned for their high concentration of sea turtle nesting sites. (SPA)

The Four Sisters Islands—Marmar, Dahreb, Malathu, and Jadir—are renowned for their high concentration of sea turtle nesting sites. To date, over 2,500 turtle nests have been recorded on these islands, establishing them as a crucial breeding ground for endangered sea turtles in the Red Sea.

Remarkably, the sea turtles consistently return to these same nesting sites each year, underscoring the vital need to preserve these areas for the survival of these species. Furthermore, the islands host an exceptional number of endangered green turtles and critically endangered hawksbill turtles, making them some of the most significant sea turtle nesting sites in the region.

Isfahani said the organization is currently developing a comprehensive management strategy to safeguard sea turtle nesting sites along the Red Sea coast. Thanks to the diligent work of SHAMS' environmental expert teams, over 180 nesting sites have been identified.

This discovery is part of SHAMS' mission to protect the unique marine life in the Red Sea. (SPA)

The plan also aims to boost sustainable tourism and entertainment opportunities around this unique marine ecosystem, he added. This initiative helps enrich the protected area and ensures that sea turtles continue to thrive in their natural habitats, promoting environmental sustainability.

This discovery is part of SHAMS' mission to protect the unique marine life in the Red Sea. Sea turtles play a crucial role in the ecosystem, making their survival vital for maintaining environmental balance. The effort aligns with the Saudi Green Initiative and Vision 2030, reflecting a national commitment to safeguarding Saudi Arabia's natural heritage and marine biodiversity.