Darwin's Laboratory : The Galapagos Islands

The Phenomenal Theory



When I was in Junior High School, my science teacher explained about Charles Darwin's Theory of Evolution. My teacher emphasised the topic only stop to discuss about the evolution of the bird and giraffe in Galapagos island. Later on, by reading books in my school library, I found out that Darwin is well known as the scientist who working on origin of species, including human race.

Darwin found out evidences of homologies between humans and other mammals and concluded that human races are evolved. Then, this statement interpreted by scientists and public as : human race origin shall be evolved from what species, except for mammals who has the most similarities with us, which is the Apes.

I do not discuss whether this theory is right or not. However, to find something out of the box like this in my junior high school, it was really fascinating! I always fond to meet these unique people who brave to stand out as themselves. People who are become themselves for a reason, not just a follower. People who want to understand about themselves and life, and put efforts on it.

I admire Mr Charles Darwin who made a remarkable break though in his era, in 1872 to challenge himself to be able to questioning life. Moreover, he put accomplishment to find evidence of his questions scientifically.

Another good point I admire Darwin is, he left his comfort zone. Darwin was born from a wealthy family but he chose to leave these comfort to go after his passion, explore the unknown world far away from his home in England. He was 22 years old.

Charles Darwin was the man out of his time.


The Source of Discovery 

When I read "Books that Changed the World : The 50 Most Influential Books in Human History" written by Andrew Taylor, I noticed this Darwin's Theory of Evolution came while he was staying in Galapagos islands. Since his young time, Darwin was the black sheep of family. His father wanted him to be a doctor too. Instead, Darwin went sailing to explore the peculiar strange world for 5 years. He sailed to South America and arrived in Galapagos island.

Galapagos island was the place where Darwin found his AHA moment! People might go to Galapagos and just passed by the animals around them without thinking further. However, Darwin explored and analysed that far!

Darwin asked questions why there was differences of species who live at the certain island in Galapagos islands. He found Galapagos tortoise, finch birds, and other exotic species throughout the islands. He described his theory as the Survival of the Fittest,
"It is not the strongest of the species that survive, nor the most intelligent, but the one most responsive to change."
Reading this, I imagined what did Darwin do? I believe he was looking for and followed these animals in Galapagos islands for months. How he might be seeing them with sparkling eyes like a gold digger found a new pit of gold mine. That's what passion do.

Inspired by this encouragement, I really wish to visit Galapagos island and experience the vividly breathtaking life as what Darwin did.


The Galapagos Islands Today


Nowadays, we do not need to sail in months to reach Galapagos island like Darwin did. From Jakarta, we can fly to Ecuador, and continue to San Cristobal (San Cristobal Airport) and Baltra (Seymour Airport). Get prepared for 29-30 hours flight with 2/3 transits between Jakarta to Ecuador only, not to mention the flight ticket price which is more than 30 millions for a round ticket.


Is It Worth It to Visit The Galapagos Islands?



As United Nations Educational Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) World Heritage Site, The Galapagos Islands is now a nature conservative and number of tourist who can visit these island limited and should be registered to their local tourist agent. Nature and animal welfare is taken care by The Charles Darwin Foundation (CDF).

Most of 97% of The Galapagos islands are conservation area. So that we expect to meet serene life and exotic animals as The Galapagos Islands origin. Moreover we will be spoiled by the magnificent scenery of the nature! The price of history and world nature is that expensive.

To read more about the travel package, you might find it here. It sounds pricy, but one of my backpacker friend, Elly can reach it! She did voluntary job for a month in Ecuador and can manage her time and savings to go backpacker to The Galapagos islands. After all, we Indonesian have free visa to visit Ecuador for 90 days. Another challenge to be faced of.

Hopefully one day, I can visit Darwin's Laboratory : The Galapagos islands to cherish and perceive the sensation of passion. Passion could drive us far, to a destination we have never think of.


Batam, 2 December 2018.

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