The Singaporean Who Moved To Bali To Save The Ocean | Singapore Hour

Parangai, Bali: Marine Restoration, Community Integration, and a Singaporean’s Journey

Key Concepts:

• Coral Reef Restoration: Active intervention to rebuild damaged coral reefs using techniques like coral gardening and reef stars.
• Regenerative Tourism: Tourism that actively contributes to environmental and social improvement, going beyond simply minimizing negative impacts.
• Tri Hita Karana: Balinese philosophy emphasizing harmony between humans, nature, and the spiritual realm.
• Reef Star: A modular structure used to support and grow coral fragments during restoration efforts.
• Marine Conservation vs. Restoration: The shift from observing and protecting existing reefs to actively rebuilding damaged ones.
• Community-Based Conservation: Engaging local communities in conservation efforts to ensure long-term success and sustainability.

1. Introduction & Personal Background

The speaker, Lehon Boy, a former computer scientist from Singapore, recounts his 20-year journey as a diver and his eventual relocation to Parangai, Bali in 2020. Initially drawn to Bali’s underwater world, particularly the diving around Parangai, he transitioned from leading diving trips with Living Seas (starting in 2005, initially in the South China Sea) to focusing on marine restoration. The pandemic proved pivotal, providing the time and opportunity to dedicate himself fully to this endeavor. He emphasizes that his decision to stay wasn’t driven by dissatisfaction with Singapore, but by a desire to explore and a growing commitment to the ocean.

2. Parangai: Location & Community Context

Parangai, Bali is described as a relatively small area, smaller than a single street in Seminyak. It’s located near Padang Bai, the first natural harbor on Bali’s east coast, serving as a transit point for ferries to Lombok and the Gili Islands. The population is estimated at around 4,000 people. Lehon highlights the importance of integrating with the local community, emphasizing Bali’s tight-knit social structure where relationships are crucial for success. He notes that building trust and involving locals – like Sur and his family – has been essential for gaining support for the restoration project. He states, “This is their ocean. This is their land. And if we don't convince them that what we're doing is a good thing, then we'll never get the support.”

3. The Shift to Marine Restoration & Initial Observations

Lehon’s commitment to restoration stemmed from witnessing the rapid degradation of coral reefs. He vividly recalls a dive site near Phuket, Kobon, in 2010, teeming with life, which was completely decimated by the time he returned in October of the same year. This experience fueled his desire to actively intervene. He observed that many degraded sites around Parangai hadn’t shown natural recovery over 15 years, reinforcing his belief in the necessity of active restoration. Living Seas has now primarily shifted its focus from conservation to restoration, with diving activities centered around coral planting.

4. Restoration Process & Techniques

The restoration process involves harvesting wild corals from areas slated for development (specifically, corals threatened by a beach reclamation project covering a few thousand square meters). Approximately 36 crates of coral were harvested on the day described in the video. These corals are temporarily stored in the water before being attached to nurseries for further growth. A key component of their approach is the use of “reef stars” – structures capable of holding up to 18 coral fragments, allowing them to grow and expand. The current restoration site covers almost 6,600 square meters. Lehon emphasizes the goal of creating an emotional connection with the reef through hands-on participation: “You get to touch it, feel it, smell it, uh interact with it and you leave some kind of emotional connection with the reef.”

5. Applying a Singaporean Perspective to Bali

Lehon believes his background as a Singaporean provides a unique advantage. He brings a mindset focused on efficiency, experimentation, and rapid scaling, which contrasts with more traditional approaches. He states, “One of the benefits as a Singaporean coming here to Bali is seeing Bali through Singaporean eyes. How do we move faster as a business? How do we test and experiment things and and that gives us an edge because most other places are not thinking the same way.” This allows Living Seas to stand out and innovate in the field of marine restoration.

6. Regenerative Tourism & Tri Hita Karana

Lehon aims to develop a tourism model that goes beyond ecotourism, embracing “regenerative tourism.” This means actively contributing to the health of the reef and the well-being of the local community. He connects this approach to the Balinese philosophy of Tri Hita Karana, which emphasizes harmony between humans, nature, and the spiritual realm. He believes that restoration isn’t just about changing the ocean, but also about positively impacting people.

7. Community Involvement & Local Support

The success of the restoration project is heavily reliant on community involvement. Sur and his family represent a key example of this collaboration, with multiple family members contributing to the effort. Lehon emphasizes the importance of building relationships and gaining the trust of local residents, recognizing that their support is crucial for long-term sustainability.

8. Personal Reflections & Finding Home

Lehon reflects on his journey, acknowledging past failures and the challenges of adapting to life in Bali. He describes finding a sense of purpose and belonging in Parangai, stating, “I have a life here that gives me purpose.” While Singapore will always be home, he feels a strong connection to the work he’s doing in Bali and the community he’s become a part of. He even opened a restaurant serving Singaporean food, a “little piece of home,” reducing his need to return to Singapore frequently.

Data & Statistics:

• Population of Padang Bai/Parangai: Approximately 4,000 people.
• Restoration Site Area: Almost 6,600 square meters planted.
• Coral Harvested (on the day described): 36 crates.
• Reef Star Capacity: Up to 18 coral fragments per structure.

Notable Quote:

“This is their ocean. This is their land. And if we don't convince them that what we're doing is a good thing, then we'll never get the support.” – Lehon Boy, emphasizing the importance of community engagement.

Conclusion:

Lehon Boy’s story illustrates a compelling transition from a tech-focused career to a passionate commitment to marine restoration in Bali. His success hinges on a combination of scientific understanding, innovative techniques, a pragmatic approach informed by his Singaporean background, and, crucially, deep integration with the local community. He’s not simply restoring a reef; he’s building a sustainable ecosystem – both ecological and social – rooted in the principles of regenerative tourism and the Balinese philosophy of Tri Hita Karana. His journey highlights the power of personal connection, community collaboration, and a willingness to adapt and experiment in the pursuit of environmental conservation.