Why and how to travel eco-responsibly in Bali

Amanaska is a local travel agency. Based in Bali and in love with everything this island has to offer, we are committed to being eco-responsible. Today, we would like to share with you some ideas and practices that will allow you to become or remain a responsible traveler in Bali…

Becoming an eco-responsible traveler in Bali: a guide.

You are soon departing for your Indonesian discovery; you are starting to pack your bags and you certainly want to avoid making any mistakes. We have developed the habit of packing “just in case” and taking everything that seems indispensable.

However, do not forget that if you are traveling to Bali, you will find many things locally.

Sustainable travel begins before you even leave. When preparing your luggage for Bali, keep in mind that your goal is to leave no waste at the destination you are visiting. Indeed, Indonesia, for example, does not practice selective sorting, and everything you leave behind will be difficult to destroy.

There are only two solutions left: bring a minimum of products that will end up as waste and take them back with you, so that no trace of your visit remains upon your return. Ban disposable products, plastic envelopes, packaging and over-packaging, and cotton swabs; carry medications in airtight boxes; choose eco-friendly sunscreens and makeup products, etc.

Bring your own water bottle! On the market, all kinds of bottles are available, ranging from small sizes to those that keep your water hot or cold; you will surely find what you need. To refill it, initiatives have been set up in Bali to avoid buying plastic water bottles; RefillMyBottle will guide you to the various water refill points.

Every second, nearly 16,000 plastic bags are distributed worldwide, and on average, a plastic bag is used for 20 minutes for shopping before often ending up in the trash. Yet, a plastic bag takes 450 years to degrade in nature. At least 100,000 marine mammals die each year from ingesting plastic, and more than 1 million birds from ingesting small pieces of plastic floating on the surface. To combat this phenomenon, nothing could be simpler: bring your tote bag (cloth bag). Easy to find and very compact, it will allow you to carry your purchases or groceries everywhere, all the time.

Now you are an eco-responsible traveler in Bali, an Amanaska traveler

The itinerary for your Bali tour is confirmed; we assist you in searching for your flights, providing advice on layover times and airlines, keeping in mind that it is up to you to book your flights, which will be simpler and cheaper than going through a third party.

There you go, you have your plane tickets; you can already feel the Bali sand between your toes. You provide us with your dates, we confirm the hotels, proceed with any final changes, and move on to the administrative part, advising you on the choice of your insurance. You are now an Amanaska traveler, but the hardest (or easiest) part remains: waiting.

Your personal coordinator is at your disposal; to help you pass the time, we remain in contact with you and are always here to answer even the smallest of your questions.

We also send you our “Before You Go” guide, an essential document for successfully preparing for your trip to Bali and Indonesia. It brings together all the tips from our previous travelers, our advice to ensure nothing is forgotten, essential or recommended packing lists, and how to organize yourself for a trip that is responsible and respectful of local life, as well as the flora and fauna.

If you encounter flight problems, changes, or delays, we will be there with you to make adjustments and adapt the start of your program; in short, between you and us, it is a matter of trust.

For a sustainable and respectful journey

You are now in immersion mode; you wished to discover a new culture and ancestral traditions. It is time to let go; you are no longer at home, the points of reference are different, and it is up to you to adapt to the rhythm of the country and its customs, and not the other way around.

Learning a few words of the local language beforehand will allow you to make yourself understood at a basic level or at least to ask politely and say thank you.

Observe how locals behave before imposing your culture in a public place or in private homes. For example: remove your shoes before entering a Balinese house, or ensure you are always positioned lower than the priest officiating during a ceremony in Bali.

Always ask for permission from the people concerned before taking a photo, not only regarding individuals but also their property. You know neither the history nor the beliefs of the subjects you have chosen; in some tribes, taking a photo is believed to steal the person’s soul.

Always remain polite and courteous, even if you feel the situation is not in your favor. Losing control, anger, and especially shouting will achieve nothing and will make you appear aggressive. In many Asian countries, anger is synonymous with weakness, and your interlocutors will stop speaking to you to avoid fueling your humiliation.

In many restaurants, plastic straws are still served. The fate of these straws is the same as that of plastic bags; yet, do you really need one? If you truly wish to use a straw, alternatives have been found, such as bamboo straws, which are common in Bali, or metal straws.

In your accommodation, use your towels multiple times. In most hotels, bath towels are changed every day, which requires a lot of water and transport for laundering. Simply inform the staff that you do not wish to have them changed daily.

Do not be “stingy”; a small tip is always appreciated. Remember the exchange rate with your home currency to avoid generously leaving a bill that you think is substantial but actually only represents 30 euro cents.

Do not lecture the locals, but through your behavior, become an example of a responsible traveler who respects the country and its inhabitants; they will be grateful and will respect you for it.

Negotiation has its limits, and it is important to pay a fair price, if only out of respect for the person who made or grew the product you are buying. Negotiation should be done in good spirits and with a sense of rapport. Since the first price given is generally double or triple the final rate, be clever and curious, and use gestures; however, if the transaction does not happen, always remain courteous and smiling.

An Indonesian proverb could be translated as follows: “It is normal to pay to travel, eat, and sleep, but the traveler must not behave like a king in a conquered land, at the risk of being banished from the kingdom themselves.”