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My Bali Tour Guide

By Michèle · Updated on

Travelling respectfully in Bali

Choose local stays, warungs and guides, so your money reaches the people who live there. How to travel respectfully in Bali, with less plastic and more calm.

Canang sari with incense on a pavement
Canang sari with incense on a pavement

In short

  • Choose local stays, warungs and guides: that way your money reaches the people who live there.
  • Use as little plastic as possible; bring a water bottle and refill it.
  • Respect temples, ceremonies and the silence of Nyepi.
  • Don't ride elephants, and skip dolphin tours and animal shows.

Michèle and Dek Leonk

Real people, not a chatbot. During the day in Europe you usually get an answer within a few hours.

Dek Leonk in English or Indonesian, Michèle in Dutch or English.

Tourism has changed Bali in twenty years. It has brought the island prosperity, but also traffic jams, rubbish, water shortages in the south and a lot of construction. As a traveller you can't change all of that, but you can choose where your money and your footprint end up.

Let your money land locally

A big resort owned by an international chain keeps much of your money off the island. A homestay, a small hotel run by a Balinese family, a warung and a local guide do the opposite. That is why, when you travel with us, you pay Dek Leonk and the places you stay directly.

Water and rubbish

You don't drink the tap water, but you don't need to buy three plastic bottles a day either. Many places to stay and cafés have refill points. Bring your own bottle and a bag.

Animals

Elephant rides, photos with civets on coffee plantations (for kopi luwak) and dolphin tours with dozens of boats are bad for the animals. Choose a coffee plantation without cages and a quiet snorkelling trip instead.

Culture

Temples are not a backdrop. Wear a sarong, don't walk through a ceremony, and ask before you take a photo. More on that in Visiting temples and what to wear.

Peace and quiet

Try the east or north for a change, instead of the busy south. You spread the pressure on the island, and you have a better trip yourself.

Rather have someone figure it out for you?

Michèle designs your trip around what you want and Dek Leonk drives you around the island. Ask your question in the chat.

Or use the trip planner

You chat with Michèle (Dutch or English) or with Dek Leonk (English). Real people, not a chatbot. During the day in Europe you usually get an answer within a few hours.