Photo by: Agung Pandit Wiguna
Bali is a land of breathtaking beauty and sacred traditions, a place where nature and deep spirit intertwine in a delicate balance. It’s an island where the seen and unseen are held in harmony, where ceremony lives in everyday life, and where offerings are made not just to the gods—but to the rivers, the mountains, and the rice fields.
Yet this sacred balance is shifting.
As more of us are drawn to Bali’s magic, the island’s delicate ecosystems are being stretched. Fields that once yielded rice three times a year now yield concrete. Springs run dry where water once flowed freely. And yet—amidst all of this—there is still so much right with Bali. So much to protect, uplift, and learn from.
This is not a story of doom. This is a call to return.
To remember the wisdom that has been here all along.
To walk as guests, with humility and reverence.
If we are to honor Bali, we must first honor its land and water, protecting these life-giving forces for generations to come.
The Old Ways Still Whisper
Balinese culture holds a deep understanding of balance—between light and shadow, creation and decay, giving and receiving. It’s written into the land and carried through traditions like the Subak system—an ancient, cooperative irrigation method that honors not just the practical flow of water, but the spiritual relationship between farmers, the land, and the gods.
Traditionally, land was allowed to rest after every third rice harvest, giving the soil time to regenerate. Construction followed guidelines—like never building taller than a coconut palm—so as not to disrupt the spirit of place. Food was wrapped in banana leaves, and waste dissolved back into the earth. These practices weren’t just practical—they were sacred.
But today, the rhythm is faster. Convenience has replaced ritual. Single-use plastics, overdevelopment, and groundwater depletion threaten the very essence of this island.
As Bali’s popularity has soared, so has the demand for hotels, villas, restaurants, and other tourist facilities. This has led to the conversion of agricultural lands and green spaces into commercial and residential developments. In 2023 alone, Denpasar City saw the loss of approximately 100 hectares of agricultural land. This trend extends across the southern regions of Bali—Badung, Gianyar, and Tabanan—where rice fields and natural areas are vanishing at an unprecedented rate.
Still, the wisdom remains.
So how can we honor it?
Photo source: Vice
A call for gentle action – How can we help?
While the government explores policies to pause new developments and protect Bali’s agricultural lands, each of us plays a part in the unfolding story of this place.
Here are small but meaningful ways to walk in deeper respect while you’re here:
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Support businesses and homestays that follow water conservation practices like rainwater harvesting or use local, seasonal produce.
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Refuse single-use plastics, and seek out warungs or markets that use traditional wrappings or biodegradable options.
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Stay in or visit villages that still practice traditional agriculture—ask questions, learn from their rhythms.
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Be mindful of water use. That long shower or pool refill might be drawing from a shared and strained source.
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Understand the land beneath your feet. Was it once a rice field? A spring? Ask. Learn. Witness.
When we choose to listen rather than take, respect rather than consume, we step into a new kind of travel—one that honors both the beauty and the burden of the places we visit.
Lighting the Path Forward
There are already beautiful efforts underway. Local initiatives that clean beaches, regenerate soil, and replant trees. Community leaders who are restoring sacred springs. Farmers who still follow the Subak, despite pressure to sell their land.
When we shine a light on what’s working, we give it energy. We help it grow.
And when we notice where harm is happening—without blame, but with clarity—we can begin to shift course.
Because loving a place means tending to it.
Not just with money, but with presence. With care. With gratitude.
At its core, Bali’s magic lies in its harmony with nature. To preserve this harmony, we must embrace mindful development and regenerative practices. The land is not just soil; it is the foundation of life. The water is not just a resource; it is the island’s lifeblood. Let us move beyond extraction and towards restoration, ensuring that Bali’s spirit continues to thrive, not just for today but for generations to come.
A Prayer for the Future
Let this be our offering to Bali:
May we not only take from its beauty, but contribute to its balance.
May we remember that land is not just property, but ancestor and teacher.
May we walk gently, give thanks often, and carry home more than souvenirs—
May we carry respect.
The land and water are not asking for pity.
They’re asking to be remembered.
The land and water are calling. Will we answer?
Local Initiatives & NGOs You Can Support
If you feel like supporting local organisations beyond your own responsibility as a tourist, here are some local NGOs that care deeply about regeneration, traditional wisdom, water conservation, and conscious travel:
1. Yayasan IDEP
A Bali-based foundation focusing on community resilience, permaculture, disaster response, and environmental education. They support water conservation, local farming, and regenerative practices.
2. EcoBali Recycling
Works with individuals and businesses to manage waste responsibly. They also offer zero-waste consulting and educational programs to reduce plastic pollution.
3. Bye Bye Plastic Bags
Founded by Balinese sisters Melati and Isabel Wijsen, this youth-driven movement is dedicated to reducing plastic use in Bali and globally. Inspiring and impactful.
4. Bali Water Protection (BWP)
A project of IDEP focused specifically on restoring and preserving Bali’s freshwater systems. Offers opportunities for donations and educational outreach.
5. Kembali
A community refill station and education hub in Ubud that promotes zero-waste living and supports sustainable product alternatives.
6. Sungai Watch
A powerful initiative tackling river pollution by installing trash barriers across Bali’s rivers. They collect, sort, and analyze waste to prevent it from reaching the ocean.
7. Green School Bali
An international school built around sustainability, creativity, and community, nurturing future eco-leaders and offering inspiring campus tours and workshops.
8. The Kul Kul Farm
Located next to Green School, they offer hands-on permaculture and regenerative farming education, as well as retreats and internships.
9. Merah Putih Hijau
A local organization creating scalable waste management systems in Balinese villages, combining cultural relevance with modern infrastructure.
For Bali, for Mother Earth.
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