BALI BEYOND BEACHES: ECO-TOURISM IN INDONESIA’S LUSH HEARTLAND
One of the best things about traveling is getting to see the natural flora and fauna in your chosen destination. Relaxing on the beach or taking in some city nightlife are both fun options, of course. But in order to get the full picture of a place, it makes sense to go off the beaten path and explore some of the wilderness around you.
On the island of Bali, a lot of focus is put on the beach culture, and for good reason! The beaches are definitely beautiful and popular, but the island doesn’t begin and end there. If you’re traveling to Bali, you won’t want to miss all the lush eco-tourism options on offer. Read on - there are plenty of ideas below on how to inject some natural life into your stay!
Ubud & Tegalalang Rice Terraces
Ubud itself is a must-see. Known as the spiritual heartland of Bali, the human achievements of temples, art, cafés, and galleries are certainly a draw on their own. But another great joy of being in Ubud is the rice fields.
Bali has a rich agricultural history, and you can explore a portion of it by paying a visit to these Ubud rice terraces. They’re all spectacular in their own way, so be sure to explore as many as you can. However, the Tegalalang terraces are often the top priority for Ubud visitors.
These rice terraces at Tegalalang offer something a little different. Less busy and crowded than the others in Ubud, you’ll also find that the area is filled with art galleries, handicraft shops, and local artists.
Renowned for a “perfect balance between the natural world and humans,” the landscape invites you to experience the tranquility of the rice terraces, intertwined with the rich culture and vibrancy of the local art scene.
Bali’s National Parks
There are lots of spectacular sights to behold in Bali. Exploring the national parks is another great way to see what the island has to offer. There are a few options, such as the West Bali National Park, approximately 60 miles from Bali’s capital city of Denpasar.
It’s a huge space with many types of terrain, from rainforests to dry savannas to forests. It’s also home to 160 recorded species of birds, including the exotic White Bali Starling. The park is well-known as a sanctuary for these rare birds.
Also well worth a visit is the Bali Barat National Park. This park was created partly with the vision of being a sanctuary for the endangered Bali Starling as well as the wild banteng, a native ancestor of Balinese cattle. It sports mountainous terrain, forests, savanna, coral reef, and sea access. You’ll be able to stroll, hike, climb, and even take on a diving adventure in this beautiful 19,000 hectare wonderland.
Cycling Tours
One of the best ways to explore anywhere is to hop on a bike and see what you see. Bali is no exception, and you can actually find quite a few options for guided bike tours to various locations on the island. Get some exercise, see a bunch of beautiful sights, and cover some serious ground, all while keeping your carbon footprint low? Count me in!
Hike Mount Batur
It’s not every day that you can say, “I hiked on an active volcano!” In Bali. However, you may find this to be your regular reality! Mount Batur, which erupted most recently in 2000, is a UNESCO heritage site and one of the most popular hiking spots in Bali.
The mountain gets pretty busy, so one thing to consider in your planning is hiring a guide that uses less-busy trails. Also, look for eco-conscious tours and try to prioritize responsible hiking while you’re out.
The hike is considered easy to moderate, although the terrain can be steep and rocky in some areas. If you’ve got some experience hiking, you should have no trouble, and if you’re new, you should be able to find your feet fairly quickly here.
Bali Bird Park & Bali Butterfly Park
If you’re hoping to get up close and personal with some of Bali’s natural wildlife, the Bali Bird Park and Bali Butterfly Park are both perfect options. The bird park offers you opportunities to see rare birds and even interact with them as they swoop by (and sometimes even land on you!). They also have devoted themselves to conservation. Their website states that they are “committed to the recovery of 15+ birds, and the Komodo”. Aiming to be Indonesia’s top authority on captive breeding and management of these native threatened species, the Bali Bird Park puts a lot of emphasis on zoo-based conservation in order to save species before they get too far down the path to extinction.
The Bali Butterfly Park provides a peaceful setting to interact with some of nature’s gentlest creatures. Take some time to wander through the serene gardens, while butterflies surround and interact with you. It’s a perfect way to unwind after a busy day working or trekking around other parts of the local area.
Final Word
Bali is a captivating island that caters to every traveler's taste. For those eager to delve deeper into Bali's natural wonders, the mentioned options are an excellent beginning. Moreover, you can feel good about engaging with nature responsibly and sustainably. Embrace the wilderness and relish the adventure!