Why Traveling Sustainably in Bali Matters
If you’re looking to explore Bali in a way that honors its people, culture, and natural beauty, you’re not alone.
Tourism accounts for nearly 70% of Bali’s economy, and in 2024, the island welcomed over 6.3 million international visitors.
That means responsible travel isn’t just polite—it’s essential.
1. Community-Based Tourism
For an authentic cultural experience, visit villages like Penglipuran, where tourism is run by locals and directly benefits households.
This approach preserves tradition and ensures your presence supports, rather than disrupts, the community.
2. Eco-Friendly Stays
More travelers now opt for regenerative farms, eco-lodges, and wellness retreats committed to restoring soil, conserving water, and sharing profits locally.
These stays feel good and do good.
3. Waste and Beach Pollution
Bali’s rainy season often brings medical supplies and plastic waste ashore, especially on beaches like Kuta and Legian.
Packing reusable bottles, joining cleanup tours, and avoiding single-use plastic help keep Bali clean.
4. Staying Safe in Bali
Curious—Is Bali safe? Overall, yes. Violent crime targeting travelers is very rare, though petty theft and scams can happen in crowded areas.
Earthquakes occur occasionally but are usually minor—stay alert and follow local guidelines.
5. Dengue Fever Alert
In 2024, dengue cases more than doubled in popular areas like Ubud, Canggu, and Seminyak.
Bali recorded around 14,800 cases and 16 deaths by the end of the year, with significant regional increases in Badung and Gianyar (The Bali Sun⁴, Bali Discovery RMS⁵).
Use mosquito repellent, wear long sleeves at dawn and dusk, and watch for symptoms like fever or rash.
6. Cultural Etiquette Tips
Strict new rules now prohibit menstruating women from entering temples, enforce modest dress in sacred zones, and penalize disrespectful conduct or littering—often with fines or removal.
The rules even include requirements to use QRIS payment, dress respectfully, and engage only licensed guides or accommodations
7. Best Time to Visit
Plan your trip between April and September for favorable weather and fewer crowds.
The rainy season (October to March) is more prone to flooding, debris-laden beaches, and unpredictable conditions.
8. New Smart Tourism Measures
Bali is testing sensing technology and smart crowd control to manage overcrowding in hotspots, improve public transport, and prevent tourist areas from being overwhelmed.
These innovations help ensure high-flow destinations don’t wear out their welcome.
9. Overdevelopment Moratorium
To curb unchecked tourism growth, Indonesia has placed a moratorium on new hotels and resorts in several parts of Bali.
The goal is to slow expansion, ease infrastructure strain, and protect temple areas threatened by overdevelopment.
10. Coral Restoration Projects in Nusa Dua
One powerful sustainability effort now underway is the massive coral restoration project in Nusa Dua.
Funded by Indonesia’s Maritime Affairs and Fisheries Ministry, this initiative deployed thousands of steel substructures to anchor coral gardens, employing local workers displaced by COVID-19.
The project helps revive reef ecosystems while creating jobs for local communities.
11. Final Thought
Traveling in Bali thoughtfully means choosing community-led experiences, supporting eco-conscious businesses, respecting local customs, and staying health-aware. That way, your trip becomes an experience that honors the place and its people.
