Bali’s ecotourism and voluntourism is kind of a big deal. In the last 50 years Indonesia, and especially Bali, has seen a large increase in international visitors. More recently those numbers have drastically dropped, as of June 2020, the number of foreign tourist arrivals to Bali was approximately 0.88 million.
Not harming your destination, people, environment, or economy is part of being a responsible tourist. Preserving the natural environment you visit should definitely be a priority when deciding where you will experience Indonesia. While there are hundreds of organizations that claim they offer alternative ways of travel, it’s best to double-check. I have listed several non-profit organizations that create tours specifically to help their cause and not turn a profit. If you want to add to this list feel free to contact me here: Contact Halo Bule
Twelve Steps to Bali’s ecotourism and voluntourism
- A good ecotourism guide should help you get up close and personal with awe-inspiring features of the natural environment without leaving a destructive footprint on either the ecosystem or Bali’s cultural heritage.
- There are no excuses not to travel responsibly in Bali
- Don’t give money to street kids
- Stay away from “chasing” dolphin tours.
- A good ecotourism guide should help you get up close and personal with awe-inspiring features of the natural environment without leaving a destructive footprint on either the ecosystem or Bali’s cultural heritage.
- An ethical ecotourism operator should allow travelers to enjoy natural wonders without marking or exploiting them in the name of adventure.
- When exploring a new place, responsibility also falls on you, the traveler.
- Select accommodations that are committed to sustainable and ethical business practices.
- Ecotourists can contribute to the restoration and regeneration of natural assets in their chosen destination in many ways.
- Ecotourism opportunities are a fantastic way to become acquainted with a new destination
- Select responsible hotel and tour companies, as some of the ones listed below.
- Keep a reusable water bottle with you at all times
Ecotourism and Sustainable Tourism In Sumatra
Situated in the Northern region of Sumatra, Indonesia, only a short 1-hour flight from Asia’s hub of Kuala Lumpur, lies one of the most bio-diverse places in the world – The Gunung Leuser National Park. Home to the second-largest concentration of orangutan, as well as many other endangered species like the Sumatran tiger and rhinoceros, the Gunung Leuser National Park has become their sanctuary and the people of this region have become their guardians.
Locals practice responsible tourism that aims to protect the forest and its animals. Many of the rainforest regions of Indonesia have been destroyed by deforestation by illegal loggers who ignore federal laws. Tourism acts as an alternative income for many people here who have moved away from illegal means of income.
By visiting the park, you are directly supporting their guardians. You will have a clear conscious knowing you are helping such a great cause while trekking, tree planting, observing orangutans, and water rafting.
You Can Book Tour here: A different Travel Company
Tel: +44 (0)788 169 86 23
Email: info@different-travel.com
The Bali Sea Turtle Society or BSTS is a charity group that aims to protect sea turtles. Six out of seven sea turtle species around the world are threatened or endangered by either getting caught in fishing gear or plastics in the sea. Some are even consumed by curious foodies around the world. Their eggs are also consumed in a lot of developing countries due to the false belief that they are an aphrodisiac. Shells are turned into jewelry while the plastic in the ocean and global warming is always a threat. BSTS has organized tours that directly support their efforts to save the turtles.
Bali Sea Turtle Society (BSTS)
PO BOX 3434 Denpasar 80034 Bali
0811 3882683
Friends of the National Parks Foundation (FNPF)
FNPF protects the wildlife, restores habitats, and educates local communities through projects that protect the forests in the Kalimantan region in Bali’s Mt. Batukaru as well as forests in the Nusa Penida Island. To support this cause, take your family on one of the FNPF’s eco-tours
KALIMANTAN
FNPF takes groups on traditional Klotok boats on the Sekonyer River throughout the National Park. You can even camp in tents inside Indonesia’s rain forest where you will hear and maybe see orangutans, hornbills, and other wildlife. You will see reforestation projects, mining camps, palm oil plantations, meet with local villagers.
NUSA PENIDA, BALI
The FNPF Center is located on a beach on the north side of Nusa Penida, close to the village of Ped. You can visit their nursey, snorkel their coral reef, or just relax while wild birds visit you.
NEXT STEPS IF YOU WANT TO STAY WITH FNPF ON NUSA PENIDA
If you would like to stay at our Center in Nusa Penida, then please CLICK HERE TO APPLY and send the application form to fnpf.id@hotmail.com.
Friends of the National Park Foundation (FNPF)
Jl. Bisma No. 3, Ubud
0828 972 096 33
Bali Sharks, Serangan Island
Hawaiian surfer started this project to stop shark poaching in the area. They capture injured sharks that are in need of medical attention.They are then kept in a nursery for rehabilitation until they are ready to be released again into the wild. Anyone can swim with sharks. There is a free nursery tour for kids below five. Species include Black & White Tip Reef Sharks and sometimes Bambu and Wobbegong (carpet sharks.)
Bali Sharks
Agus Bar & Restaurant, Serangan Island, Denpasar
0361 996 5101
Raja Ampat Biodiversity Resort
One of the most beautiful remote destinations in Indonesia, West Papua province. Biodiversity is passionate about preserving this natural habitat which is home for 75% of the world’s marine species. While this resort is hard to get to, it’s a popular scuba diver spot. Biodiversity also tries to regulate rules on capturing sea turtles while they also educate local communities about alternative proteins in their diet other than sea Turtle meat and eggs.
the data they collect will provide key information to help establish an official ruling for the protection and conservation of Sea Turtles in the area. . Coral reef conservation is also another passion of theirs, the following are rules they go by:
1. We promote safe diver and snorkeler practices
2. We do not sell shell or coral local crafts
3. We promote the use of reef-safe sunscreens
4. We safely dispose of our rubbish
5. We regularly do beach clean-ups
6. Our boats do not anchor on reefs, we use mooring lines here on our house reef
7. We only buy Line-caught fish and no reef fish.
8. We have set up and are maintaining Coral Nursery to help with reef restoration
9. We are planning an artificial reef
Website : https://rajaampatbiodiversity.com/en/
info@giliecotrust.com
+62 (0)813 39 600 553
E-Bikes Bali Electric Bicycle Tours, Ubud / Sanur
Cruise on your eco-friendly electric bike on back roads through local villages, rice fields, and some of Bali’s most spectacular scenery. Visit temples, local Balinese family compounds, coffee plantations, rice terraces, and Bali’s majestic countryside. This is a great way to see Bali while leaving a smaller carbon footprint.
E-bikes are bicycles with a battery-powered “assist” that comes via pedaling and, in some cases, a throttle. When you push the pedals on a pedal-assist e-bike, a small motor engages and gives you a boost, so you can zip up hills and cruise over tough terrain without gassing yourself.
Contact : https://www.ebikesbali.com/contact-us-2/
Soul Surf Project, Legian Beach
There are hundreds of surf lessons all around the coast of Bali but why not help a great cause while you’re learning how to surf at Legian beach! In this experience, you will learn your basics of surfing in a safe way, together with their partner and sponsor RipCurl School of Surf. The class lasts approximately 1.5 hours and they provide a standing guarantee, meaning that they guarantee that you will be able to stand on your board by the end of the lesson. This is a chance to support a local NGO working with local underprivileged children and leave a positive impact behind after your holiday.
Westerlaken foundation focuses on improving human and children rights in Indonesia.
At this moment the foundation finances impactful research especially for children’s rights within orphanages in Bali.
In cooperation with other foundations, movements, NGO’s and GO’s Westerlaken foundation finances research and initiatives to protect the coastal and marine environment by raising public awareness, campaign, research and fight against captivity.
Their surf school is usually booked so make sure you book in advance prior to arriving in Bali.
They Do NOT accept interns or volunteers.
Contact them here https://www.soulsurfprojectbali.com/contact
Book here: BOOK SOUL SURF
OR BOOK ON AIRBNB
Plataran L’Harmonie ,West Bali National Park
West Bali is popularly known for its national park, One hundred and sixty species of bird have been recorded in the park, including the near-extinct Bali Starling, Mammals found inside the park include Banteng (bull), Javan Rusa (deer), and Indian Muntjac deer, as well as Wild Boar and Leopard Cats which are both quite common but seldom encountered.
Thank You For Reading
Balancing adventure with environmental consciousness might require a bit more effort from you, but it will make for spectacularly memorable encounters that leave a lasting positive impact. To help you plan your next green vacation, we’ve rated the best ecotourism experiences in Bali – why not add them to your bucket list?
