On 11/9, the Management Board of Son Tra Peninsula and Da Nang Tourist Beaches announced a rise in unauthorized trekking tours. These tours, offered by various individuals and organizations, promote nature experiences and wildlife observation within the Son Tra special-use forest.

These unauthorized excursions often involve activities like observing red-shanked douc langurs, feeding monkeys, and exploring unlicensed routes and trails. Of particular concern are tours that venture into restricted zones such as Huc Lo, Mui Nghe, and Black Stone beach, or offer night wildlife viewing, all of which pose significant safety risks.

A representative from the management board emphasized, "We aim to ensure visitor safety in Da Nang and protect the Son Tra forest's landscape and ecosystem." The board also noted that every year, they conduct rescues of tourists who get lost after entering the special-use forest without authorization.

A tourist navigates treacherous rocky terrain at Mui Nghe. Photo: Trung Dao

The management board urges residents and visitors to report any unauthorized tours within the special-use forest to the authorities or the board for investigation and action. Son Tra Nature Reserve operates under specific boundaries, management regulations, and rules for protecting its forest and wildlife. Currently, no eco-tourism, resort, or entertainment projects are approved for the area.

Currently, three routes are open for visitors in Son Tra: Tien Sa - Suoi Om - Ban Co Peak, Ban Co Peak - Bai Bac, and Bai Bac T-junction - Heritage Banyan Tree. Operating hours vary seasonally: from March to the end of September, visits are permitted from 7:30 AM to 6:30 PM; from October to the end of February, hours are 7:30 AM to 5:30 PM. All routes are subject to temporary closure during adverse weather conditions.

This warning follows a tragic incident on 8/8, when 4 individuals were swept away by waves during an unauthorized trekking trip in the Mui Nghe area of Son Tra forest. Following the incident, fishermen and rescue teams located and saved 2 people, but 2 others remain missing.

In response, local authorities have reinforced barriers at unauthorized entry points leading to restricted areas on Son Tra peninsula. Forest rangers will intensify patrols to deter and address individuals who bypass these barriers or use unofficial trails.

Tuan Anh