Traveling with Heart
A Guide to Sustainable Travel in Bali
Posted by Christina Zipperlen on September 2nd, 2025
With Bali’s growing popularity comes a responsibility to tread gently. Sustainable travel isn’t just about the environment, it’s about how we show up: with presence, respect, and a willingness to support the communities and ecosystems that make this island so special.
Conscious travel asks us to enjoy the beauty of Bali while leaving as light a footprint as possible.
As we move about the island, we are wondering – what are ways we can reduce our footprint?
How to Travel Sustainably in Bali
Be present. Learn a few Balinese words like suksma (thank you). Take time to connect with locals. Honor the island’s pace and notice the daily rituals that weave life and spirit together.
Tread lightly. Reduce plastic use by carrying a refillable bottle with a water filter, conserve water during showers, and choose eco-conscious accommodations that integrate sustainability into their operations.
Support local. Eat at warungs, buy from Balinese artisans, and opt for locally run tours and experiences. Your rupiah becomes a form of respect when spent in ways that uplift local families.
Respect culture. Dress modestly and appropriately when visiting temples, observe ceremonies quietly without intruding, and always ask before taking photos. Your presence is your offering.
Organizations Making an Impact
Bali is home to inspiring initiatives protecting nature and community. Bye Bye Plastic Bags empowers youth to reduce plastic waste, while R.O.L.E. Foundation trains women and supports environmental education. Supporting these organizations extends your impact beyond your stay. Here are the most important ones:
Sungai Watch
A grassroots movement tackling Bali’s plastic crisis at its source. They install river barriers, mobilize cleanups, and engage local communities—proving small, collective actions create big change.
Bye Bye Plastic Bags
Founded by sisters Melati and Isabel Wijsen, this youth-led movement champions education and advocacy on single-use plastic.
IDEP Foundation
Rooted in Bali, active across Indonesia—IDEP champions permaculture, seed sovereignty, and community resilience.
R.O.L.E. Foundation
Breaking cycles of poverty and environmental degradation by empowering marginalized women with education and skills.
Shop Sustainably: Local Brands to Support
Instead of mass-produced souvenirs, look for local brands that value artisanship and ethics. From handmade textiles to consciously crafted jewelry (like ours at Ananda Soul), these purchases carry stories, not just objects. Seek out boutiques in Ubud, Sanur, and Canggu that prioritize sustainability.
Sensatia Botanicals
Born in a small fishing village in East Bali, Sensatia Botanicals has grown into one of Indonesia’s most beloved natural skincare brands. Their philosophy is rooted in creating products that are good for both people and the planet. Every lotion, cleanser, and serum is made with responsibly sourced, high-quality botanicals, think cold-pressed nut oils, citrus, and Balinese-grown herbs. They also run their own production facility, ensuring fair employment and transparency at every step. Today, Sensatia supplies luxury spas and resorts across the island, while still staying true to their grassroots beginnings.
Republic of Soap
This boutique brand handcrafts soaps, body care, and personal care products in Bali with sustainability woven into every bar. Their small-batch approach uses natural ingredients, minimal packaging, and processes designed to reduce waste and energy use. Republic of Soap is also known for custom formulations for eco-conscious hotels and spas, creating products that elevate guest experiences without compromising the planet. Visiting their shop in Denpasar feels like stepping into a fragrant apothecary of conscious care.
Indosole
Indosole turns discarded tires into stylish, durable footwear. What began as a small project to address Bali’s mounting waste issue has evolved into an international brand recognized by the UN Environment Programme. Each pair of sandals or sneakers helps reduce tire waste while providing comfortable, long-lasting wear. Indosole’s ethos is simple: “responsible footwear for a better planet.” By choosing their products, travelers walk lighter on the Earth – literally and metaphorically.
Threads of Life
Threads of Life is more than a brand; it’s a cultural preservation initiative. Based in Ubud, they work with weaving communities across Indonesia to revive and sustain centuries-old textile traditions. Each piece, from naturally dyed scarves to handwoven wall hangings, carries stories of heritage, ecology, and artistry. Through fair trade practices, Threads of Life ensures that artisans are paid fairly and that younger generations see weaving as a viable, dignified livelihood. Buying from them means carrying home a piece of Indonesia’s living heritage.
Djamoekoe
Inspired by jamu, Indonesia’s ancient herbal wellness tradition, DJAMU reimagines these healing tonics for modern life. Made locally with ingredients like turmeric, ginger, tamarind, and lemongrass, their drinks blend traditional recipes with a contemporary, stylish presentation. They’re a delicious way to support health while connecting with Bali’s indigenous wisdom around plant medicine. DJAMU is part of a growing movement that bridges ancestral knowledge with today’s desire for natural, functional wellness.
Rimmba
Rimmba is a Bali-based slow-fashion label creating exquisite silk dresses dyed with plants, flowers, and roots. Each garment is crafted in small batches, honoring the natural rhythm of dyeing and weaving. Their aesthetic is at once contemporary and timeless, with flowing silhouettes and earthy, muted hues that echo Bali’s landscapes. By choosing natural dyes and traditional techniques, Rimmba avoids toxic chemicals and supports local artisans, proving that luxury and sustainability can go hand in hand.
Studio K
Based in Bali, Studio K is a conscious lifestyle brand that blends contemporary design with ethical craftsmanship. Their collections range from clothing to home goods, all created with natural fibers and low-impact dyes. Every piece is produced in small batches, ensuring quality over quantity and honoring slow-fashion values. Studio K works closely with local artisans and tailors, supporting fair wages and preserving handcraft traditions while offering designs that feel fresh, modern, and effortlessly wearable. Their minimalist yet soulful aesthetic captures the essence of Bali’s creative spirit, making each item both timeless and deeply rooted in place.
Stelar
Stelar is a Bali-based brand redefining luxury bags through heritage and sustainability. Each piece is handwoven using ata grass or other natural fibers, crafted by Balinese artisans whose weaving traditions span generations. Beyond producing timeless designs, Stelar’s model directly connects customers to the artisan through a unique digital code on every bag, allowing you to learn the story of the maker and the craft. This radical transparency supports fair trade, empowers rural communities, and keeps traditional weaving alive. Stelar proves that fashion can be both contemporary and deeply rooted in cultural heritage.
Experiences with Heart
Travel becomes truly transformative when it connects us to the people and stories of a place. In Bali, that means seeking out experiences rooted in nature, tradition, and community. From learning age-old crafts to sharing meals grown in local soil, these moments invite us to slow down and discover the island in a way that honors both its beauty and its people. You can join a Balinese cooking class, learn traditional dance, or spend time in a permaculture garden.
Taman Sari Waterfall & Community Clean-Up
Many Balinese villages host community clean-ups along rivers, beaches, and waterfalls, and visitors are warmly invited to join. Participating is a beautiful way to give back to the island, connect with locals, and leave Bali better than you found it.
Balinese Offering-Making Workshops
Step into the heart of Balinese spirituality with a hands-on class in creating canang sari offerings. Guided by local women, these workshops teach not only the art of arrangement but also the meaning behind the daily practice of gratitude and devotion.
Nadi’s Herbal Walk – Ubud
Led by Pak Nadi, a farmer and traditional herbalist, this gentle walk winds through rice fields and forest paths near Ubud. Along the way, you’ll meet the healing plants of Bali and learn how herbs are used in food, daily rituals, and medicine. A grounding, soulful journey into the wisdom of the land.
Ubud Story Walks
Created by Balinese anthropologist and cultural storyteller I Made Sidia, these guided walks explore hidden temples, ancient banyan trees, and sacred pathways. Woven throughout are myths, philosophy, and the Tri Hita Karana worldview – offering an unforgettable glimpse into the living spirit of Balinese culture.
Subak Walks in Sidemen
Discover Bali’s UNESCO-recognized subak irrigation system with a local farmer as your guide. These walks reveal not only the stunning beauty of the rice terraces but also the spiritual and communal philosophy behind them, supporting both cultural preservation and sustainable farming.
Bali Indigenous Tours – North & Central Bali
Run entirely by local communities and elders, these tours invite you into traditional villages to learn weaving, wood carving, gamelan music, dance, and sacred rituals. Community-led and heart-centered, your visit directly supports cultural pride and empowerment.
Coral Restoration Workshops – Amed & Pemuteran
Along Bali’s northern coast, groups like North Bali Reef Conservation and Gili Eco Trust invite travelers to join reef restoration projects. You can help build coral structures, learn about marine ecology, and even snorkel above the very reefs you’ve helped regenerate.
Bali Pure Cooking & Cultural Experience – Singaraja (North Bali)
Spend a day immersed in daily Balinese life with a local family. Begin at the market, then cook traditional dishes, visit a family compound, and learn about customs and rituals. A warm, authentic experience far from tourist crowds.
Jatiluwih Rice Terraces
SA UNESCO World Heritage site, Jatiluwih spans more than 600 hectares of emerald-green rice fields nourished by the ancient subak system. Walking here is not just a visual delight, it’s a journey into the timeless relationship between Balinese culture, nature, and spirit.
Where to Sleep with Purpose
Where you rest in Bali can be more than just a bed for the night – it can be a way of supporting communities, preserving nature, and experiencing the island’s soul more deeply. These eco-conscious stays invite you to slow down, connect, and tread gently.
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Ubud
Bambu Indah
A pioneering eco-retreat where bamboo architecture meets sustainable living. This jungle haven honors Balinese culture and community.
Mathis Retreat
Nestled among rice fields with natural materials and warm Balinese hospitality. Tranquil views and mindful design.
Swasti Eco Cottages
Organic gardens, natural building, and a community-focused spirit. Yoga, workshops, cultural classes, and a fresh café.
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Uluwatu
Uluwatu Surf Villas
Cliffside villas with reclaimed wood and stone. Low-impact stays with sweeping views of the southern coast.
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Tabanan
Bali Eco Stay
Hydroelectric power, organic gardens, and local farmer partnerships in a jungle setting.
Batu Karu Coffee Estate
Organic farm & coffee haven with immersive nature walks and sustainable agriculture experiences.
Bali Silent Retreat
Off-grid sanctuary for meditation, yoga, and nourishing farm-to-table meals amid rice fields.
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North Bali
Munduk Cabins
Contemporary cabins with sweeping highland views—sustainability woven into design and comfort.
Sumberkima Hill Retreat
Perched above the coast, rooted in reforestation, local employment, and mindful development.
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East Bali
Bloo Lagoon Eco Village
Solar-powered eco-village with passive cooling and recycled water systems; a model for sustainable living.
Balila Beach Resort
Off-grid, solar-powered escape with ocean views and a strong ethos of harmony with the land.
Mathis Lodge – Amed Hills
High above Amed with panoramic views of Mount Agung and the sea. Local materials and solar power.
Eat Local & Well
Warungs (family-run eateries) serve fresh, seasonal food with minimal packaging. Try nasi campur or gado-gado and savor the heart of Balinese cooking. Many plant-based cafés in Canggu and Ubud also lead the way in zero-waste practices. Eating local is both delicious and sustainable.
Zest (Ubud)
Bright, plant-based, and bursting with flavor—creative vegan dishes crafted with fresh, thoughtful ingredients.
Ibu Oka Warung (Ubud)
Beloved family-run spot serving real Balinese soul food—supporting small warungs honors local flavor and tradition.
Dapur Mula (Tejakula)
Organic, plant-based fare with ingredients from gardens and local farms—slow, joyous meals in an open-air setting.
Locavore (Ubud)
Award-winning fine-dining that sources almost entirely within Indonesia—innovation with small-scale producers at heart.
Herbivore (Ubud)
Plant-based sister of Locavore—seasonal, hyper-local tasting menus that showcase Indonesia’s edible biodiversity.
Alchemy (Ubud/Uluwatu/Canggu)
Pioneering raw-vegan café and health hub—salad bar, juices, raw chocolates, holistic therapies, and an eco store.
Moksa (Ubud)
Plant-based kitchen and permaculture farm—menus evolve with each harvest; dishes crafted by hand with intention.
Nusantara (Ubud)
Locavore’s soulful sister—deeply researched home-style Indonesian dishes made with local ingredients and stories.
Hujan Locale (Ubud)
Farm-to-table gem celebrating regional street food and heritage recipes—creative, grounded, and deliciously local.
Malaika Secret Moksha (Denpasar)
Surprising, almost entirely vegan menu with Japanese–Balinese fusion and lots of heart.
Jhoii Local Eats (Sanur)
Healthy café focused on ethically sourced produce and vegetarian-friendly plates loved by locals.
Drifter Surf Shop & Cafe (Uluwatu)
Surf-themed café with excellent coffee and vegan-friendly smoothies—perfect pre/post surf fuel.
The Cashew Tree (Bingin Beach)
Garden café near Bingin Beach—fresh, healthy meals, standout smoothie bowls, and frequent live music vibes.
Land’s End Café (Uluwatu)
Cozy, plant-forward café near Uluwatu—hearty vegan breakfasts, smoothie bowls, fresh juices, and lovely community feel.
Closing Thought
Traveling consciously in Bali means honoring the island as a living temple. Every choice – where you eat, sleep, shop, or simply how you walk down a street – becomes a prayer of respect. When we show up with presence and heart, Bali doesn’t just change us, we also give something meaningful back.
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