Environmental and Ethical Travel
-Bali-
“Tri hita karana,” - (HARMONY WITH NATURE)
Sustainable Travel Practices: Reducing Your Environmental Impact
Bali is known for its beautiful landscapes, vibrant culture, and warm hospitality, but the island is also facing environmental challenges like waste management, water scarcity, and over-tourism. By adopting sustainable practices, you can help preserve Bali’s natural beauty and culture for future generations. Here’s how to minimize your environmental impact while exploring Bali responsibly:
Minimizing Waste & Practicing Eco-Friendly Habits:
Cut Down on Single-Use Plastics: Bring your own reusable water bottle, as many hotels and cafes in Bali offer refill stations. Carry a reusable shopping bag for market visits, and pack your own cutlery, straws, and containers for takeout or street food. Avoid using plastic bags and single-use packaging, as plastic waste is a significant environmental issue on the island.
Use Zero-Waste & Reusable Toiletries: Switch to eco-friendly toiletries like solid shampoo bars, bamboo toothbrushes, and natural soaps that don’t come in plastic packaging. Bring refillable containers for toiletries and avoid using single-use mini shampoos and conditioners provided by hotels.
Recycle & Dispose of Waste Responsibly: Proper waste management is a challenge in Bali, so do your part by separating recyclables (like cans, glass, and paper) and finding designated bins for waste disposal. Participate in beach clean-ups if you get the chance, or join a local conservation initiative to help keep Bali’s beaches and natural spaces clean.
Conserving Water & Reducing Energy Use:
Be Conscious of Your Water Usage: Bali often experiences water shortages, so conserve water by taking shorter showers, turning off the tap when brushing your teeth, and reusing towels at your accommodation. Consider staying in accommodations that use water-saving systems and prioritize responsible water use.
Save Energy & Embrace Sustainable Accommodations: Switch off lights, fans, air conditioning, and electronic devices when not in use. Seek out eco-friendly accommodations that use renewable energy, have energy-efficient appliances, and adopt green practices like composting, water conservation, and recycling. Areas like Ubud and Canggu have a variety of eco-lodges and eco-friendly villas.
Choosing Eco-Friendly Transportation:
Walk, Bike, or Use Public Transport: Exploring Bali on foot or by bike not only reduces your environmental impact but also allows you to experience the island at a slower pace. In areas like Ubud, Sanur, and Canggu, rent a bicycle or scooter for short distances. Use GoJek or Grab for ride-hailing if needed, as they offer ride-sharing options that are more eco-friendly.
Opt for Public Ferries Over Flights for Island Hopping: If you're traveling between Bali and nearby islands like Nusa Penida, Lombok, or Gili Islands, choose public ferries or speedboats instead of flights to reduce your carbon footprint. Not only is this a more sustainable option, but it also provides scenic views of the coastline.
Choose Electric Scooters or Eco-Tours: If renting a scooter, look for electric models that are increasingly available in popular tourist areas. Additionally, consider booking eco-tours that use electric vehicles or prioritize walking, biking, and hiking to reduce emissions.
Supporting Eco-Friendly Activities & Responsible Tourism:
Participate in Community-Based & Conservation Projects: Engage in activities that support local communities and conservation efforts, such as visiting organic farms, taking part in traditional Balinese workshops, or learning about sustainable rice farming. For a meaningful experience, you can also join conservation initiatives like coral reef restoration or mangrove planting.
Choose Ethical Wildlife & Nature Tours: Avoid attractions that exploit animals, like elephant rides, animal shows, or marine parks with captive dolphins. Instead, choose responsible wildlife experiences, such as snorkeling or diving with certified eco-operators, trekking in nature reserves, or observing marine life responsibly in areas like Menjangan Island or Amed.
Choosing Accommodations That Prioritize Sustainability:
Stay at Eco-Resorts, Homestays, or Farm Stays: Seek accommodations that actively reduce their environmental impact, support local communities, and practice sustainability. Consider staying at eco-resorts that use solar power, compost waste, or have their own organic gardens. Opt for locally owned homestays or farm stays to contribute directly to the local economy and get a more authentic cultural experience.
Check for Certifications & Sustainable Practices: Look for certifications like Green Globe or Bali Eco Stay that indicate a commitment to sustainable practices. Check if your accommodation follows environmentally friendly initiatives like energy conservation, waste reduction, water-saving policies, and support for local artisans or farmers.
Making Responsible & Low-Impact Travel Choices:
Eat Local & Choose Farm-to-Table Options: Support local farmers, fishermen, and restaurants that source their ingredients sustainably. Look for farm-to-table eateries that use organic produce, locally sourced fish, and minimize food waste. Balinese markets are a great place to try traditional dishes like nasi campur, babi guling, or gado-gado while supporting small vendors.
Respect Natural Spaces & Avoid Littering: Whether hiking in Mount Batur, exploring the Tegalalang Rice Terraces, or visiting Bali’s waterfalls, stick to designated paths, avoid disturbing wildlife, and pack out any trash you bring. Respect natural spaces and preserve Bali's environment by leaving no trace.
Promoting Cultural Sensitivity & Local Engagement:
Learn About Balinese Culture & Customs: Respect local customs, traditions, and religious practices. When visiting temples, dress modestly by covering your shoulders and knees, and wear a sarong and sash if required. Be mindful not to disturb ceremonies or sacred spaces, and always ask for permission before taking photos of people, especially during religious rituals.
Support Local Artisans & Ethical Shops: Buy handicrafts, textiles, and jewelry directly from local artisans or ethical shops that promote fair-trade practices. Choose souvenirs made from sustainable materials like bamboo, rattan, and recycled products rather than items made from endangered species, coral, or shells.
Ethical Considerations: Responsible & Respectful Travel
Traveling ethically in Bali is about showing respect for local cultures, traditions, and communities while making decisions that benefit the environment and local economy. Here’s how to be a responsible traveler, support ethical tourism, and avoid exploitative practices during your stay in Bali:
Respecting Local Cultures, Traditions & Communities:
Understand & Respect Local Customs: The Balinese people are deeply spiritual and practice Hinduism distinctively. To show respect, understand basic customs like using “Om Swastiastu” (a common Balinese greeting) and following the Tri Hita Karana principle, which promotes harmony between people, nature, and the gods.
Dress Appropriately & Respect Sacred Spaces: When visiting temples, ceremonies, or villages, dress modestly by covering your shoulders and knees, and wear a sarong and sash if required (often available at the temple entrance). Always follow temple rules, which may include refraining from entering certain areas, particularly during religious rituals. Women are expected not to enter temples when menstruating, as it is considered impure.
Engage in Genuine Cultural Exchanges: Build meaningful connections by learning about Balinese culture and traditions, such as participating in local festivals, traditional dance classes, or craft workshops. Approach these experiences as a way to learn and engage respectfully, rather than treating them as a performance or spectacle for tourists.
Supporting Local Businesses & Fair-Trade Practices:
Shop at Local Markets & Ethical Shops: Support local artisans and businesses by shopping at traditional markets like Ubud Market or Pasar Badung. Look for fair-trade and ethically made products like woven baskets, silver jewelry from Celuk Village, or handmade textiles. Choose souvenirs crafted from sustainable materials, like bamboo, coconut, or recycled glass, and avoid products made from shells, coral, or animal parts.
Eat at Warungs & Support Local Food Vendors: Instead of dining at international chains, choose family-owned eateries known as warungs that serve traditional dishes like nasi goreng, sate lilit, and babi guling. Street food vendors and local markets are excellent ways to taste authentic Balinese cuisine while supporting the local economy.
Stay at Locally Owned Accommodations: Opt for locally owned accommodations like homestays, boutique hotels, or eco-resorts that provide a genuine Balinese experience. These businesses often employ local staff, source materials locally, and contribute directly to the community. Consider staying in villages where you can connect with local families and experience rural life.
Minimizing Environmental Impact & Encouraging Sustainable Tourism:
Choose Responsible Tours & Activities: Participate in experiences that support conservation and local communities, such as eco-tours, cultural village tours, or organic farm visits. Choose tour operators that follow sustainable practices, such as limiting group sizes, conserving resources, and respecting wildlife habitats.
Respect Wildlife & Natural Areas: When exploring Bali’s nature reserves, waterfalls, and beaches, stick to designated paths, avoid disturbing wildlife, and never litter. Bali’s coral reefs, rice terraces, and forests are fragile ecosystems, so be mindful of your actions. If diving or snorkeling, do so with operators who practice marine conservation and do not disrupt coral reefs or marine life.
Conserve Resources & Support Green Initiatives: Support sustainable businesses and initiatives, such as accommodations that use renewable energy, waste reduction, and eco-friendly practices. Participate in beach cleanups, visit organic farms, or volunteer with local conservation projects to give back to the community.
Avoiding Harmful Practices & Ensuring Ethical Wildlife Experiences:
Avoid Exploitative Wildlife & Animal Attractions: Unfortunately, some tourist attractions in Bali exploit animals for entertainment. Refrain from activities like elephant riding, swimming with captive dolphins, or taking photos with wild animals in captivity. Such activities often involve cruel training, confinement, and stress for the animals.
Choose Ethical Wildlife Tours & Sanctuaries: For responsible wildlife experiences, choose tours that allow you to observe animals in their natural habitats without interference. Ethical sanctuaries do not allow interactions like riding or feeding and focus on the conservation and rehabilitation of wildlife. Before visiting any sanctuary or animal attraction, research their practices and ensure they prioritize animal welfare.
Understanding the Effects of Tourism on Local Environments & Communities:
Be Aware of Over-Tourism & Its Impact: Popular areas like Ubud, Seminyak, and Kuta often face over-tourism, which can strain resources and disrupt local life. To spread the benefits of tourism, consider visiting lesser-known regions like Sidemen, Munduk, or Nusa Lembongan, where your presence can positively impact smaller communities and offer a more peaceful experience.
Respect Local Spaces & People’s Privacy: Balinese people are welcoming, but it’s important to respect their space and privacy. Always ask for permission before photographing people, homes, or ceremonies. Be aware of your behavior and language when visiting villages or participating in local events, and show appreciation for the warm hospitality extended to you.
Spending Consciously & Making Responsible Travel Choices:
Choose Activities That Benefit Local Communities: Engage in experiences that uplift local livelihoods, such as taking cooking classes, craft workshops, or farm tours run by local families. Opt for community-based tourism projects where proceeds go back to the community, supporting their culture and traditions.
Support Conservation & Sustainable Initiatives: When visiting environmentally sensitive areas like coral reefs, rice terraces, or mangrove forests, choose eco-tours that focus on sustainability and conservation. Your participation in responsible tourism activities can contribute to protecting Bali’s natural heritage and biodiversity.