Bali has long been making travellers happy with its natural beauty, rich culture, and history. Bali is now focused on sustainability, and here’s how you, as a traveller, can make a positive impact.
What is eco-tourism?
First things first, what is eco-tourism? It’s a way of caring for the environment and local cultures while enjoying a destination. Why is this important? The environment is facing the adverse effects of human actions, and Mother Nature is fighting back. The only way to preserve the natural environment for future generations is by living sustainably.
Why is it important to respect local cultures? There are several reasons. First, one of the many delightful aspects of destinations such as Bali is its culture. Plus, local communities deserve to benefit from tourism – a portion of the profits generated by tourism should flow back to the locals. Sustainable tourism achieves all this and more through the sharing of culture, the support of local businesses, and the protection of the environment.
While it all sounds rather complicated, as a traveller, you don’t have to do a lot to be a responsible traveller embracing the green movement. It takes only a little effort to gain a lot.
Stay at an eco-friendly resort
By simply staying at a place like Anantara Ubud Bali Resort, you can contribute to Bali’s green movement. Enjoying the contemporary luxuries of a Bali luxury resort no longer means harming the environment. Some resorts have found ways and taken initiatives to ensure that the environment remains intact and that the local communities benefit while offering travellers the best of the best.
Uluwatu Temple
One of the most popular attractions in Bali is Uluwatu Temple. Perched on a high cliff, the temple overlooks the Indian Ocean and exudes spirituality, paying homage to Bali’s religious heritage. It’s also a place of pristine natural beauty. Dedicated to sea spirits, Uluwatu Temple is among the main religious pillars in the community. Visiting Uluwatu Temple offers a rare opportunity to appreciate both the island’s natural beauty and rich heritage. Here’s how you can keep things sustainable during your visit:
- Carry a reusable water bottle to avoid using plastic ones.
- The area is home to a large monkey population. You can watch them get to up all sorts of antics, but do not feed them.
- Don’t litter – there are garbage cans placed all over for your convenience and to keep the area clean.
Ubud Monkey Forest
This is another beautiful attraction in Bali. Ubud Monkey Forest is a safe haven for long-tailed monkeys in Bali. An eco-tourist spot, the forest offers a blend of wildlife conservation and cultural heritage, all infused with the stunning natural beauty of Bali. Home to several ancient temples, Ubud Monkey Forest is an important religious site for locals. As a responsible traveller, you should stay on the marked trails and avoid disturbing the wildlife.
Take a Balinese cooking class
Joining a Balinese cooking class is a fun way to connect with the island’s heritage and support the green movement. These classes use local, organic ingredients, which helps local farmers and reduces the reliance on imported goods. Taking Balinese cooking lessons is an excellent way to learn how to make mouthwatering local dishes and do your bit in terms of sustainability.
Snorkelling
The waters surrounding Bali are home to an array of stunning marine creatures and corals that will take your breath away. Through activities such as snorkelling, you can experience this enchanting underwater world. However, it’s important to follow eco-friendly practices and consult a tour operator invested in the green movement. What else can you do to ensure the beautiful marine creatures dwelling underwater come to no harm?
- Regular sunscreen has chemicals that are harmful to coral reefs. So, use reef-safe sunscreen.
- However tempting it may be, do not touch marine life.
- Take pictures, but don’t take anything else.
Trekking
Bali’s lush landscapes are best experienced through trekking. A network of trails weaves through Bali’s rice terraces, jungles, and volcanic mountains, offering you breathtaking views. The beauty of the island is as breathtaking as it is fragile, which is why you should follow sustainable practices while enjoying the landscapes. These simple acts will ensure that Bali’s beauty remains unspoiled for generations to come:
- Stay on the marked pathways and avoid fragile ecosystems.
- Take all your garbage with you and leave the environment as you found it.
- Hire local experts to help navigate the island. This not only supports the local economy but also offers you interesting insights.
