One thing about Bali is if you smile, you get a smile back. The people of Bali are so lovely and welcoming. But, what has become clear to me, is that overtourism has ruined the true heart and soul of Bali. I don’t know what Bali was like before the onslaught of tourists and plastic, but I would imagine it was a tropical haven with thriving locals and untouched landscapes. Tourists come to party on the beach and get cheap massages without even thinking about its effects on the local community. Plastic pollution is a huge reality, filling ancient irrigation systems running through beautiful rice terraces and spilling into the ocean from rivers and streams.
What can you do to help?
Footprint
Reducing your footprint is one way to combat overtourism in Bali. Avoid buying water that comes in plastic bottles by bringing your own reusable water bottle. Book with sustainable travel companies and accommodations who make it easy for you to avoid single-use plastics. I booked my tour through Intrepid Travel who is a sustainable travel company and a certified B Corp. They made sure we had a jug of water in the van with us everyday and at every accommodation we stayed at, so we could fill up our reusable water bottles whenever we needed. They made sure all of our meals were plastic-free, even our picnic lunch in a rice terrace. I stayed in Bali a few days before I started my tour and made sure to book sustainable accommodations by using Booking.com‘s Travel Sustainable tool.
Community
Keep your money local by staying in locally owned and operated accommodations and buying from local artisans. I bought two bottles of salak (snake fruit) wine from locals in the community we did a homestay in, one we drank while in Bali and one I brought home to enjoy with my husband. I also bought a woven ring box that our homestay host made herself and in turn taught us how to make. If you’re getting massages from any of the little shops, make sure you tip very well. The masseuses make a very small percentage off of an already very cheap price. There’s more to Indonesia than Bali, travel to and explore lesser-known islands, such as Lombok and Raja Ampat. These lesser traveled to islands can offer so much more, to you and to the locals, spread your tourism dollar.
Culture
Bali is bursting at the seams with culture, take the time to learn and partake in it. Although Indonesia is a predominantly Muslim nation, the majority of Balinese people identify as Hindu. Learn how to make Balinese offerings, Canang Sari, to bring delight to the Gods. Visit one of the over 10,000 temples with respect and an open mind. Learn to weave baskets and such from friendly locals. Watch in wonder as you attend a traditional Kecak fire dance performance. Strengthen your mind and body by practicing meditation and yoga with a local guru. The list could go on, but I will let you find out for yourself.
I am in no way telling you not to go to Bali, but go with care and an open mind. I hope my overtourism in Bali blog post was educational and I have given you the tools to travel better in Bali. If you liked this blog post, be sure to check out Everything you need to know about Jordan! Don’t forget to book your trip with your favorite travel advisor, yours truly.
