Sustainable Travel Tips in Bali That Actually Make a Difference

Let’s be real. We all love Bali. Its sunrises, the food, the temples, the waves. But behind that beauty is an island that’s under pressure—from overtourism, plastic pollution, and a pace of development that’s left many locals struggling to catch up.

If we love Bali, we have to travel in a way that gives back. Not performatively. Not just for Instagram. But for real. For the land, the people, and the stories that make this island sacred.

This is your honest, practical, and personal guide to sustainable travel in Bali—the kind that doesn’t just look good, but does good.

Understand That Every Choice Counts

When it comes to responsible tourism in Bali, the little things matter. It starts before you even land—what you pack, where you stay, and how you think about the journey ahead.

Ask yourself:

• Do I really need to stay at that 200-room beach resort?

• Can I bring my own bottle and bag?

• Am I here to take… or to connect?

Sustainability isn’t about perfection—it’s about awareness. Every small shift toward eco-friendly Bali travel creates ripples. Multiply that by thousands of travelers, and suddenly, it’s not small anymore.

Stay Where Sustainability Is More Than a Buzzword

Not all accommodations are created equal. Some boast “eco” in the name but offer little more than bamboo walls and a recycled soap sign. Others—quiet, humble, maybe not even Insta-famous—walk the walk.

Look for places that:

• Compost and recycle

• Support the local economy (through local staff, food, and crafts)

• Use solar or renewable energy sources

• Limit plastic (filtered water refills, no single-use amenities)

• Actively give back to the community or environment

From eco-villas in Sidemen to jungle homestays in Munduk, Bali is full of gems where sustainable travel feels like a lifestyle—not a marketing tagline.

Refill, Don’t Repurchase – Say No to Plastic Bottles

The stats are staggering: Bali discards tons of plastic bottles every day—most from travelers.

Instead of buying bottled water:

• Bring a reusable water bottle

• Refill at cafés and hostels that offer filtered water (many do)

• Use apps like RefillMyBottle to locate nearby refill stations

You’ll save money, stay hydrated, and avoid contributing to the island’s growing waste problem. Trust us—sustainable travel in Bali starts with one bottle, one choice, one day at a time.

Eat Like a Local, Choose Like a Traveler

Food in Bali is more than just fuel—it’s cultural expression. And the best way to eat sustainably is to eat local.

Choose:

• Warungs (local eateries) over imported chain restaurants

• Dishes made with seasonal ingredients—nasi campur, tempeh, sayur urap

• Cafés that use organic produce from Bali’s farms (look for Ubud-area cafés with permaculture gardens)

Avoid:

• Imported seafood (it’s overfished and carbon-heavy)

• Restaurants using excessive packaging or plastics

• “Western-only” menus that don’t reflect or support the local food economy

Food connects you to place. So let your food choices tell a story of respect—for the island and the people who feed it.

Support Real Locals, Not Just Pretty Shops

Tourism can empower or exploit—it depends on where your money goes.

Instead of buying from mass-produced souvenir stands or foreign-owned boutiques, seek out:

• Family-owned businesses

• Artisans in villages like Tenganan, Mas, or Celuk

• Social enterprises like Threads of Life or Yayasan Widya Guna

• Independent tour guides and transport providers

If you book a cooking class, make sure it’s run by a local family. If you take a cultural tour, ask if it includes community-based activities. Your rupiah is power. Spend it where it matters.

Think Before You Tour – Ethical Activities Only

Let’s talk about ethics in Bali tourism. Not all experiences are created equal—and not all animals want your selfie.

Avoid:

• Animal tourism that exploits (like elephant rides or photo ops with sedated animals)

• Tours that enter sacred spaces without permission

• Companies that promote unsafe practices in natural areas

Choose:

• Dolphin watching in Lovina with responsible operators (who don’t chase or disturb pods)

• Ethical wildlife sanctuaries (like Bali Bird Sanctuary, not roadside zoos)

• Local-led village walks, temple experiences, or Balinese dance classes

If a tour prioritizes education, conservation, and cultural respect, it’s a win for everyone.

Rethink Your Transport – Carbon Footprints Are Real

Yes, Bali’s traffic is chaotic. But that doesn’t mean your only option is a Grab car or a rental scooter.

For sustainable travel in Bali, try:

• Cycling in Ubud or Sidemen

• Walking short distances (especially in towns like Sanur or Amed)

• Booking shared transport or public shuttles (like Perama or Kura-Kura Bus)

• Using electric scooters (becoming more popular)

And if you do hire a driver, opt for local operators or community-owned transport services. They know the roads, the customs, and the hidden stops worth seeing.

Mind Your Trash – And the Trash You Don’t See

Bali has a waste crisis. You’ll notice it the moment you see plastic floating in a river or a beach cleanup post on social media.

You can help:

• Bring reusable bags, straws, and containers

• Say no to unnecessary packaging (you don’t need that extra plastic bag)

• Pick up trash when you see it (especially if you’re snorkeling or hiking)

• Participate in local clean-up events—check out organizations like Sungai Watch, Trash Hero, or Bye Bye Plastic Bags

You might not solve the island’s waste problem, but you’ll be part of the solution—not the mess.

Learn Before You Share – Respect the Sacred

There’s a fine line between appreciation and appropriation. Between capturing beauty and invading privacy.

Bali is filled with sacred sites, ceremonies, and symbols. Before you snap a photo or post to social media, ask:

• Is this a public space, or a private religious moment?

• Did I ask permission?

• Am I dressed respectfully?

This is especially true at temples, during cremations, and when wearing traditional Balinese attire. Posting aesthetic content at the expense of cultural integrity helps no one.

Sustainable travel also means ethical storytelling.

Offset What You Can’t Avoid

Even the most conscious traveler leaves a footprint. But you can take steps to minimize and offset your impact.

Ideas include:

• Supporting tree planting programs in Bali

• Donating to local NGOs focused on conservation or community welfare

• Booking flights that offer carbon offset options

• Staying longer in one place instead of hopping across the island

Sustainability isn’t about guilt—it’s about balance. You give where you can. And when you can’t? You find ways to support those doing the hard work.

Ask Questions, Stay Curious

Perhaps the most powerful tool in your sustainability toolkit is curiosity.

Ask your host:
“Where does your water come from?”
Ask your guide:
“How does tourism affect your village?”
Ask yourself:
“What would this experience be like if I lived here?”

When you start asking, you shift from tourist to thoughtful traveler. And that’s when real transformation happens—for both you and the places you visit.

Let Bali Change You, But Leave It Whole

Travel is a gift. And Bali gives generously—its beauty, its rituals, its warmth. But what will you give in return?

Sustainable travel in Bali isn’t about being perfect. It’s about presence. It’s about leaving each place a little better than you found it. Whether that’s through your choices, your awareness, or simply your gratitude.

So pack your bottle. Say no to that plastic straw. Walk instead of ride. Tip the local driver. And smile—because you’re traveling in a way that matters.