12 Tips for Being a More Responsible Tourist in Bali

The allure of Bali’s pristine beaches, stunning scenery, and vibrant culture now attracts millions of tourists every year. But this surge in tourism comes at a cost.

As more and more people flock to the island, Bali faces increasing pressures on its environment, infrastructure, and culture. From litter-covered beaches to deforestation, the impacts of mass tourism are taking their toll.

That’s not to say you should avoid visiting altogether. We love Bali and believe that everyone should experience this beautiful island. However, it’s also vital that we all make a conscious effort to be more responsible tourists and minimize our impact.

Below, we've included our top tips for being a more sustainable, ethical, and responsible traveller in Bali.

1. Avoid Unethical Animals Attractions

Animal attractions are some of the most popular tourist activities no matter where you go in the world. But these attractions often come at a hidden cost to animal welfare. And Bali is no exception.

Some of Bali’s most sought-after wildlife experiences include the night safari at Bali Safari and Marine Park and breakfast with orangutans at Bali Zoo.

Unfortunately, these attractions, along with several other wildlife entertainment venues across Bali, were highlighted in a recent report by World Animal Protection as offering “inadequate conditions,” with some “[not even meeting] the most basic need of captive wild animals” (source).

Researchers last visited these Bali attractions in 2023 and reported cases of elephant riding, tigers in overcrowded housing, turtles in small tanks without enough water, and other poor conditions.

Some venues even promote themselves as “rescue centres,” but haven’t rescued any animals in decades.

The report concludes that no wildlife entertainment venues in Bali provide optimum conditions for captive animals.

Until this changes, we think it’s best not to support them. By visiting, you're encouraging these businesses to continue in unethical practices.

The main venues listed as "inadequate" in the report were:

• Bali Zoo

• Mason Elephant Park & Lodge

• Bakas Elephant Park (Bali Elephant Park)

• Bali Safari & Marine Park

• Bali Fantasi Benoa Bay (Turtle Island)

• Bali Bird Park

• Bali Reptile Park

• Bali Exotic Marine Park

• Tasta Zoo

If you do want to experience animals in their native environment, Bali and wider Indonesia have plenty of places for doing so in a more ethical way.

Head up to West Bali National Park to see free-roaming Menjangan deer, black monkies, lizards, and endangered Bali starlings. Or fly over to Borneo or Sumatra to see Orangutans in the wild.

2. Be Wary of Luwak Coffee

Another example of poor animal welfare in Bali that you might not be aware of is luwak coffee production.

Luwak coffee, or Kopi Luwak, is a famous type of coffee in which the beans are produced by luwaks (aka civet cats) that eat the coffee cherries and poop them back out. The cat's digestive system changes the structure of the beans, resulting in a less acidic and smoother coffee.

Due to its difficulty in producing, luwak coffee is one of the world's most expensive types of coffee. Unfortunately, this has led to mass farming and abusive practices where luwaks are kept in captivity in poor conditions.

Many Balinese Lewak coffee producers have agrotourism attractions where you can learn about the process and sample the coffee. However, these are often the same companies using unethical welfare practices.

What's more, local drivers often get a commission for taking guests to these attractions. This means the companies get an endless flow of unsuspecting visitors funding their production.

While there are certainly some ethical luwak coffee producers in Bali, it’s difficult to tell the good from the bad. We recommend you avoid supporting this practice for now, at least until the industry becomes more regulated and ethical.

3. Dress Modestly Where Appropriate

We recently saw a video circulating online of a tourist saying that his favourite thing about Bali is that you don't need to wear clothes. He can go everywhere shirtless.

And while there are plenty of beaches, pool clubs, and resorts where you can roam around freely in your swimwear, doing so in other areas, such as temples, local markets, and traditional villages, can actually be extremely disrespectful.

While not as conservative as other parts of Indonesia, Bali still maintains cultural norms and religious practices that require a certain level of modesty and respect. It's important to dress appropriately in these settings to show respect for the local customs and traditions.

If you're visiting one of Bali's many temples or sacred sites, make sure to follow the dress code. Always wear a sarong (usually given to you at the temple) and dress modestly - cover shoulders, no bikini tops, nothing too low-cut, etc.

If you're leaving a beach club and jumping on a Grab/Gojek bike, put on something to cover yourself. The same goes if you're popping into a mini-mart after a day at the beach. It doesn't take much effort to throw on a T-shirt or light dress.

4. Respect Local Culture and Customs

Known as the "island of the Gods," Bali is an island with a deep-rooted Hindu culture, which you can see in its many beautiful temples, festivals, and ceremonies.

Balinese people really value and respect their island and its traditions, something that's evident in all aspects of their daily lives.

As a responsible tourist in Bali, it's important that you also respect the local culture and traditions. Here are a few tips to get you started:

5. Reduce Your Environmental Impact

To be a responsible tourist, it's also important to respect the local environment.

Increased tourism in Bali is taking its toll on the island and leading to problems such as deforestation, pollution, and waste management issues.

Fortunately, there are ways you can reduce your environmental impact as a tourist:

6. Join a Clean Up Event

Even if you're not the one leaving litter on the beach, you can still be a responsible traveller by joining a clean-up event. Many local charities and organisations run regular beach clean-ups all across Bali. These are always free to join.

Some beach cleans you can join as a tourist:

You'll also find some cafes and beach bars offering incentives for cleaning the local beach. Penida Colada Beach Bar on Nusa Penida gives you a free drink for every bag of trash you clear from the beach (see more). Keep an eye out for other places in Bali doing the same.

7. Explore Off The Beaten Path

Over-tourism is becoming a serious issue in Bali, with the infrastructure in the key resort areas of the south struggling to keep up with high demand.

To spread out your environmental and economic impact on the island, head the beaten path and explore some less-visited areas of Bali.

If it's beautiful nature and authentic local culture you're looking for, head to the villages and terraces of Sidemen. For epic waterfalls, Munduk is a must-visit. Or for peaceful temples, stunning scenery, and amazing snorkelling without the crowds, check out Pemuteran and West Bali National Park.

8. Support Local Businesses

Make sure that the money you spend on your vacation remains in Bali by buying locally and supporting local businesses.

Staying at homestays (locally run guest houses) is a great way to save money on your accommodation while also supporting local families. We regularly stay at homestays all across the island and have found some truly amazing places.

You can also eat at local restaurants (aka warungs), which usually serve Balinese and Indonesian specialties buffet style, and shop at local markets rather than the big supermarkets.

Spending your money locally helps to support the local economy and have a more positive impact on the island.

9. Support Local Charities

Another way you can make a difference in Bali is by volunteering or donating to local charities and non-profits. There are many amazing charities doing fantastic work on the island.

Some Bali charities you can support:

10. Choose Eco-Friendly Accommodation

Even if you're not staying in local homestays, you can still be a more responsible tourist by choosing sustainability-focused and eco-friendly accommodation. Fortunately, there are plenty of these in Bali!

Look for accommodation that minimizes its environmental impact through practices such as using sustainable building materials, conserving energy and water, reducing waste, and supporting local communities.

In 2024, The Apurva Kempinski, one of Bali's most luxurious resorts, became the first hotel in Indonesia to receive certification from the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC) for its commitment to sustainability (read more).

Some of the top eco-resorts in Bali:

11. Choose Eco-Friendly Tours, Activities, and Attractions

When planning your Bali itinerary, look for attractions and activities that prioritize responsible and sustainable tourism practices, such as wildlife conservation, cultural immersion, and eco-friendly tourism.

12. Don’t Support Child Labour

Like many places in Asia, it's common to find Balinese children selling things to tourists on the streets and beaches. As heartbreaking as it is, buying from these children often does more harm than it does good.

Often, the money they make is simply taken by adults and not used for the child's welfare. And even if it does go to their family, it encourages parents to keep their children begging and selling on the streets rather than sending them to school.

While it's fine to talk to the children you meet in Bali, it's best not to support child labour practices. If you do want to help local children, it's better to volunteer or donate to locate charities (see those mentioned above).