Top Sustainable Tourism Ideas to Try in Bali - Sustainable Living, Balinese Style

Bali's beaches are famous for their white sand and clear waters, but they're also prone to accumulating plastic waste due to tourism and ocean currents. One of the best ways to contribute to Bali's environment is by participating in beach clean-ups. These are organised regularly by various community groups and eco-conscious resorts. Not only do you help keep the beaches clean, but you also raise awareness among other tourists about the impact of waste on the environment. It might sound simple, but beach clean-ups are a great way to meet like-minded travellers and locals while making a positive difference. Many clean-up efforts in Bali also integrate educational talks on marine conservation and plastic pollution. So, if you’ve got an hour or two to spare, grab some gloves and do your part. Your small action can have a lasting impact on the island’s delicate ecosystems.

One of the best ways to experience Bali sustainably is by hopping on a bicycle. Whether you’re cycling through rice terraces, jungles, or small villages, you get a unique perspective of the island while reducing your carbon footprint. Cycling also allows you to go off the beaten path, discovering hidden gems and avoiding the traffic that often clogs Bali’s roads. There are numerous eco-friendly bike tour companies in Bali that offer guided excursions around Ubud, Seminyak, and other scenic areas. These tours are not only sustainable but also educational, as guides often share insights about local agriculture, the environment, and Balinese traditions. It’s a win-win experience: you get to stay active, reduce your environmental impact, and learn about Bali in a more intimate way.

Sustainability starts with where you stay, and Bali has no shortage of eco-friendly resorts that are committed to minimising their environmental impact. These accommodations often use renewable energy, practice waste reduction, and source their food locally, ensuring that their carbon footprint is kept to a minimum. What’s more, many of these resorts offer programmes where you can learn about Balinese culture and the local ecosystem. For instance, staying at a resort that prioritises sustainable practices, like water conservation and plastic reduction, allows you to enjoy a luxurious vacation without feeling guilty. If you’re considering a long-term stay, you might even come across Ubud Bali villas for sale that have been designed with eco-friendly features in mind, blending luxury with environmental consciousness. Your options include Anantara Ubud Bali Villas.

Bali has a growing movement towards organic farming, and visiting these farms is a fantastic way to learn about sustainable agriculture while enjoying some fresh, locally-grown produce. You can tour these farms, participate in planting or harvesting, and even enjoy farm-to-table meals. Some farms also offer workshops on how to grow your own food sustainably, teaching you techniques that you can bring back home. By supporting local farms, you contribute to the preservation of Bali’s agricultural heritage, which is increasingly under threat due to rapid urbanisation and tourism development. Plus, the produce is fresher and healthier, giving you an opportunity to taste the true flavours of Bali. If you’re staying in Ubud, for instance, this could be an excellent addition to your itinerary as it allows you to get a hands-on feel for sustainable living in Bali’s lush countryside.

If you want to make a lasting impact during your visit, consider volunteering with one of the many conservation projects in Bali. These programmes focus on everything from reforestation efforts and wildlife rehabilitation to coral reef restoration and sea turtle conservation. Volunteering gives you the opportunity to work directly with local communities and experts who are dedicated to preserving Bali's natural beauty. One popular option is to volunteer with marine conservation groups that focus on restoring coral reefs around Bali. You’ll get to snorkel or dive while helping to transplant coral, monitor reef health, and remove invasive species.