Bali

Volunteer Abroad: Keep Bali Beautiful

Volunteer Abroad: Keep Bali Beautiful

I first got involved in addressing the plastic problem in Bali during my time volunteering with Trash Hero around the island. But, I wanted to do more than just pick up trash and be a part of a solution. That’s what led me to work with Keep Bali Beautiful.

Keep Bali Beautiful is a grassroots organization, started by locals who were fed up with the pollution. It is the best way to support a local solution to the plastic problem that is destroying the natural beauty of Bali. 

Through volunteering with this group, you too can learn about the local perspective, support the initiatives on the ground, and make forever friends with this group of sweet people making it all happen!

Water bottle and trash washed up on the beach in Bali

Table of Contents

Learn more about eco-tourism; what it is, what it's not, and how you can get involved!

Environmental Problems in Bali

Bali has been a hot destination for years, partly because of its intense beauty, but also for tourism’s astounding negative impact on the local culture and environment. You probably have seen the picturesque rice fields and waterfalls in the dense jungle…but what you may not have seen is the piles of burning trash and plastic waste clogging the waterways.

Bali has been a victim of over-tourism, mostly since the 2010 release of ‘Eat, Pray, Love’, since this is the magical island where Julia Roberts goes to ‘love’. Overtourism has solutions, and we as travelers have the ability and responsibility to be a part of them.

It’s often said that most of the plastic trash in Bali comes from the locals, but it is the locals trying to keep up with tourism that creates the excess waste. That, coupled with the lack of waste education, government intervention, and a proper disposal system creates a never-ending flow of trash into the environment, and straight into the ocean.

Watch Plastic Island on Netflix to learn more about Indonesia's plastic problems

Keep Bali Beautiful

Keep Bali Beautiful is a true local initiative. Created in the East Bali village of Tangkas, a local man named Darmawan took action to reduce the amount of plastic waste entering the waterways. Volunteering with this organization is the best eco-friendly things to do in Bali!

Keep Bali Beautiful is a grassroots recycling program that partners with local schools and villages to build a sustainable recycling network, as well as to change the beliefs and habits that lead to pollution.

A simple process of collecting trash from local people daily, sorting out the organics from the inorganics, and then selling the plastic waste for profit on Java makes this a replicable and practical solution. 

A group of 8 people working with Keep Bali Beautiful standing on the beach with bags of collected trash in Bali

My Experience

I reached out to Keep Bali Beautiful before I even got on the island. This was an organization I was interested in for years, but their tours and volunteering opportunities were stopped because of COVID. 

Green logo with rice field and trees for Keep Bali Beautiful

Luckily, when I was back on this magical island they were just re-starting their operations, and we had the honor of being the first volunteers back to support their wonderful work! Although it was a long 2-hour drive from our place in Amed, transport across Bali was easy and the drive was beautiful! 

We arrived at 9:00 am and were met by the cheerful guide, Komang. He welcomed us into a traditional Balinese home, owned by the organization’s founder, Darmawan. We sat for coffee and traditional Balinese coconut & banana treats and went over the plan for the day, which would include:

  • Prayer at the Pura Watu Klotok temple
  • 30-minute beach cleanup
  • Planting seeds at the organics processing facility
  • Plastic sorting at the main facility
  • Traditional Balinese lunch
  • Crafting from waste plastic

We were lucky to go on a day when a village ceremony was happening, so the temple was packed! There was music, vendors selling food, and everyone in traditional clothing, and so fun to see everything in action. 

Group of people sitting on the ground in a temple in Bali

Beach Cleanup

After we were in the temple, we headed to the beach with our bamboo tongs and collection bags, really to start cleaning! Although the beach was small – only 100 meters long – it was filled with trash!! We started from one end and worked our way down collecting what we could.

As we slowly made our way down the beach, so many locals came up to ask what we were doing, thank us for our time, or help us collect! The best were the kids – a group of boys came up and were so excited to help out.

They were constantly picking up bottles, coconuts, sticks, and plastic wrappers, asking which goes in the bag. It just shows how difficult it is for them to distinguish what is natural in the environment, vs. what is trash when this is all they’ve ever known. 

Two young Balinese boys standing on a beach with a bag of trash collection

Organics & Seed Planting

We all piled back into the pick-up truck to head over to the sortation center where the organics are collected and processed into mulch. We talked with a few of the women working here and got to work planting some pepper plants! 

It was great to see the working conditions and meet the kind people making it all happen. From the Keep Bali Beautiful organization, there is no waste. Even the organics that get collected are processed into nutrient-rich mulch and provided to the local farmers.

Plastic Sorting at the Keep Bali Beautiful Facility

We then went to the main facility where all the action happened.

Daily, trucks will go through the village and collect waste from the local people. This includes plastic bags, wrappers, trash, offerings, coconut shells, and more! There is a team of 5 people working who manually sift through the piles to pull out the inorganic materials.

They follow a structured process to separate cans, thin plastic (bags, wrappers), clothing, and rubber. Each waste stream has its own value when it is sold for recycling. 

The waste is brought to Java, where suppliers will purchase the materials and use them for further processing into furniture, recycle, and more.

Zero Waste Crafts

We headed back to Darmawan’s home where we were greeted with a delicious traditional lunch of nasi goreng, fried bananas, tofu, and fresh fruit. We got to sit and talk with his family and the group leaders to learn more about their lives and goals.

Shortly after we finished, we met with another team member – an expert in turning trash into useful creations. He wore a shoulder bag made entirely from food wrappers woven together and would teach us a bit of the skill behind his creations.

We turned soft plastic trash from laundry detergent into fish! It was such a cute idea, and I can’t wait to use this in future crafting classes with kids.

Pieces of plastic with scissors are used for a zero waste craft with the Keep Bali Beautiful group

Get Involved

When you’re in Bali, supporting the Keep Bali Beautiful is the best way to support action to address the plastic pollution that is plaguing the island.

Tourists and travelers have such a big opportunity to be a part of the solution. By supporting the initiatives of locals, donating your time and money, and educating yourselves on environmental issues, tourism can be a force for good.

Summary - Volunteering with Keep Bali Beautiful

My experience with Keep Bali Beautiful was enriching, educational, and purposeful, and one I recommend to anyone visiting this beautiful island.

It is impossible to travel to Bali and stay ignorant of the plastic problem that litters the streets and beaches. We as tourists have such an impactful role to support local initiatives and be a part of the solution.

Keep Bali Beautiful is a grassroots organization that has developed a closed-loop process to tackle the waste problem in Bali. Until there is additional government support, these organizations rely on outside involvement and support, so make sure to fit a tour with Keep Bali Beautiful into your Bali itinerary!

Explore the other destinations waiting for you in Asia!

Posted by Taylor Mallaber in Indonesia, Volunteer Experiences, 0 comments
6 Best Cafes to Work in Amed, Bali

6 Best Cafes to Work in Amed, Bali

Bali has become one of the best destinations for digital nomads, but finding reliable places to work and travel is a continuous battle! This is my list of the best cafes to work in Amed, Bali, so you can spend more time working and less time asking for the wi-fi password.

 

With so many affordable places, choosing one that has it all for uninterrupted work can be a bit overwhelming. This list goes in order of my top choices after having checked them all during my 1-month stay in beautiful coastal Amed!

 

Silver MacBook latop on a table near tropical plants and windows

Table of Contents

Amed feels like one of the last hidden gems in Bali. It’s pretty far from other more tourist places like Canggu, Ubud, or Uluwatut, making it discouraging for short-term travelers to make the 3-hour drive east. 

Even if you only have 2 weeks in Bali, Amed should be on that itinerary. Small-town vibes, with the best snorkeling on the island, you have to explore this rugged terrain!

Keep your travels going longer by working abroad and any of these top cafes in town! 

#1 Cafe People Point

People Point was my favorite of all the cafes to work in Amed! 

I loved that it was outside of the main area of town, so it was less crowded and fewer digital nomads came here. It’s located near Lipah Bay – one of the best snorkeling spots in Amed, and so nice to take an afternoon swim!

The cafe is really big with outlets and friendly staff so you can stay all day. The interior is so well decorated and open, that you can easily get lost in your work. The food is delicious, although portion sizes are small. 

 

Pro

  • Fast Wi-Fi
  •  Indoor with A/C & comfy outdoor seating
  • Outside of town so much less crowded and noisy
  • Insanely good food (Indo & Western)

Con

  • Not locally owned, although the Czech owner is always around!
  • Food is on the pricier side, but worth it
  • Wi-Fi was getting some work done, it was out twice when we tried to go but hopefully is fixed soon.
View of tables and chairs inside cafe people point in Amed, Bali
Cafe People Point, Poland Aland

#2 Blue Earth Village

Did you know the most beautiful yoga shala in Bali (in my opinion at least) also has a co-working space? This was my go-to spot, especially after 9:00 yoga classes with Valentina – enjoy a cold juice or fresh coffee with the best view you can get.

The working area is free to use, never crowded, and has the fastest Wi-Fi in town! Enjoy working from a comfortable table or lounging in a bean bag overlooking the Jemeluk Bay. The food at the restaurant was insanely good, although you do pay the price for it.

Blue Earth has a different internet provider than most of the town - so during a rainstorm or construction when the internet suddenly goes down, BEV is up and running!

Pro

  • Fast Wi-Fi (268 mbps download)!!!
  • The most perfect view of Mount Agung
  • One stop for food, exercise, relaxing, and working. 

Con

  • Not indoors – exposed to mosquitos. There are fans and blinds for when it rains
  • Not great in the heat of the day
  • Expensive food
View of mount agung from Blue Earth Village
View from Blue EArth Village, Solène Marolleau

#3 Amed Espresso

Offering some of the best coffee in Amed, Amed Espresso is a must-go for any digital nomad! Tucked away at the end of an inland side street is the cutest restaurant with friendly local staff and easy to get to with your transportation in Bali.

On Tuesdays in the late afternoon (and whenever a crowd shows up), the atmosphere picks up with an outdoor bar, and sometimes live music! This spot was one of the most fun and easy-going cafes to work in Amed!

Pro

  • Fast WiFi (68 mbps download)
  •  A/C & comfy working tables
  • Quiet & cozy, no street noise
  • Locally owned

Con

  • Turns into a lively bar at night – maybe a pro 😉
  • Not a ton of vegetarian options
  • Not huge, but also not usually crowded so this was never an issue
View of Espresso Amed cafe in Amed Bali, with lights and outdoor tables
Amed Espresso, Josi Scherbarth

#4 Good Stuff

Good Stuff is a great cafe with an eco focus. Their fresh food and coffee are delicious, and their eco-store is so perfect. Even if you don’t want to work here, swing by the eco-store to check out locally-made crafts, get some hygiene products, or level-up your reusable gear (only if you need to of course).

This cafe is located in the expat part of town, so you’ll often see foreign divers, divers, and more divers gathering before heading to the ocean. This is a breezy place, although being on the main road it can get a bit noisy!

 

Pro

  • Fast Wi-Fi!
  • Promotes low-waste and low-impact lifestyle <3
  • Great healthy food options

Con

  • Pretty small inside with only a few communal tables, can feel crowded
  • In the expat part of town, so it can get busy
  • Some street noise
Outdoor table and seating at Good Stuff in Amed, Bali
Good Stuff, Kate

#5 MD Amed

MD Cafe is an often overlooked option for cafes to work in Amed. Located between Good Stuff & Oneway Espresso, MD is spacious with great food, and perfect to escape the crowds that gather at the neighboring cafes.

There is a nice A/C flow inside and tons of windows letting in natural light. Although it’s located on the main street, it didn’t feel as busy or noisy as some of the other places! The food had a great selection of Indonesian and Western options at a very reasonable price.

Plus, there was a very cute puppy there, so maybe you’re in luck for some work-break playing!

 

Pro

  • Fast Wi-Fi!
  • Locally owned
  • Quiet with a lot of seating

Con

  • Sometimes eerily quiet (but you can ask them to play music)
  •  Some of the seating is not so comfortable, but only a small con
Interior view of tables and chairs in MD Cafe with big windows
MD Cafe, Théo

Check out the 10 things you need to know before traveling to Bali!

#6 Oneway Espresso

Although it’s probably one of the most busy Western-style cafes to work in Amed, there’s a reason so many travelers flock here. Located right on the main road on the expat side of town, this place gets busy fast. 

It’s not because they’ve won more latte art awards than I knew existed (but it is impressive). The food is insanely good, although expensive, and the vibes match a trendy San Diego coffee shop.

**I only went once and never went back. I prefer a bit more laid-back atmosphere, but I felt it’s worth mentioning since it is a great spot for digital nomads!

Pro

  • Fast Wi-Fi!
  • Intense latte art
  • Quality Japanese food (a rarity in Bali)

Con

  • Stylish tables that aren’t that nice for working
  •  BUSY
  • Expensive food
Interior view of oneway ESperesso cafe to work in Amed, Bali
One Way Espresso, Валерия Осипова

Summary - Best Cafes To Work in Amed, Bali

The digital nomad life comes with so many benefits like financial freedom, personal management, and physical flexibility… but nothing comes without drawbacks. Finding a comfortable location with fast and free wifi, outlets, good food, and coffee to stay all day, can be challenging!

This list of the best cafes to work in Amed should be helpful to stay productive while relaxing in beautiful Amed.

Amed is a quickly growing town in Bali’s eastern region, and cafes are popping up quickly! Now is the perfect time to explore Amed, and stay for a bit while you work and enjoy the ocean views.

There are a lot of places that are great to work, but my personal favorite Cafe People Point has it all! Check out some of the places on this list and enjoy working in paradise!

Explore the other destinations waiting for you in Asia!

Posted by Taylor Mallaber in Indonesia, 0 comments
My Experience: Being a Trash Hero in Bali

My Experience: Being a Trash Hero in Bali

While exploring the tropical paradise of Bali, it’s hard to ignore the heaping piles of trash that were washing up on the beaches or physically burning along rural roadsides. As my heart hurt for the ecosystems that thrived on this island (and for the lungs of the locals who didn’t know any better), I knew there had to be a way to help.

I quickly dove into researching an organization that is targeting this problem, and joined Trash Hero in Bali, an incredible organization that is doing great work around the world to address our waste crisis.

Check out my experience and how you can get involved in our fight against plastic pollution!

Trash collected in bags from the beach in Bali with waves in the background
Collected Trash with Trash Hero

Table of Contents

Fit your volunteering into your perfect 2 week Bali itinerary!

Environmental Problems in Bali

Bali has been a hot topic for a destination for years, partly because of its intense beauty, and also for tourism’s astounding negative impact on the local culture and environment. You probably have seen the picturesque rice fields and waterfalls in the dense jungle…but what you may not have seen is the piles of burning trash and plastic waste clogging the waterways. 

Bali has been a victim of overtourism, mostly since the 2010 release of ‘Eat, Pray, Love’, since this is the magical island where Julia Roberts goes to ‘love’. Overtourism has solutions, and we as travelers have the ability and responsibility to be a part of them. 

It’s often said that most of the plastic trash in Bali comes from the locals, but it is the locals trying to keep up with tourism that creates the excess waste. That, coupled with the lack of waste education, government intervention, and a proper disposal system creates a never-ending flow of trash into the environment, and all that plastic goes straight into the ocean.

Indonesia, along with many other South-East Asian countries accepted trash from the USA, Canada, and Australia, and would sort it to find valuable materials for resale. However, what is not used is often dumped, and with torrential rain and currents, the trash floods the natural environment. Plastic and debris plague the nation’s beautiful landscape, with no confident end in sight.

Trash collected on the beaches of Bali, shown in the hand of a volunteer
Small plastics collected in Canggu

Watch the 'Plastic Island' documentary to learn more about the plastic pollution crisis in Bali.

Trash Hero Organization

Trash Hero Mission

1. Action and Awareness. The volunteers pick up trash and motivate others to do the same. By spending a few hours together cleaning up, people gain a profound understanding of the need to reduce and better manage waste.


2. Education. Trash Hero engages children through our multilingual kids’ program, connecting environmental values with hands-on experience of the impact that plastic trash has on the ocean. Adults learn through doing, with activities and workshops provided by the volunteers.


3. Sustainable Projects. Volunteers create long-term programs that help communities reduce and better manage existing waste and strategies that will prevent future waste.


4. Inspiration. The organization motivates people to break free from plastic and become Trash Heroes in their everyday lives. With consistently positive messaging and a philosophy of “small steps”, they seek to remove the barriers to change and normalize a vision of a zero-waste world.

Trash Hero Logo

Trash Hero is a global organization involved in educating and inspiring the world on our environmental impact. 

Trash Hero hosts community clean-up events, has established a water refill network, and is active in the global conversation towards a sustainable future.

When I was snorkeling in Amed, the trash in the ocean was overwhelming, and I knew I had to do something about it. I quickly found the Trash hero organization, and got involved on the opposite side of the island.

I got with some friends from the hostel we were staying at and headed over to Pantai Batu Bolong beach (the main area in Canggu). We met up with the rest of the group – a total of 17 people, travelers, and Balinese locals came out to support!

We received a quick rundown of the collection process, how to use the crafty homemade bamboo grabber tools to pick up the trash, and how the recyclables should be sorted separately. Once we had our equipment and knew the plan, we went off in pairs to start collecting for the next hour! 

It was amazing how quickly our eyes started to recognize the pieces of trash hidden among the sand. At first, it seemed like there wasn’t much to collect, but then we started to distinguish the bottle caps from the sticks, and the thousand tiny styrofoam beads (from a broken bean bag we later found).

While we wove in and out of the beachgoers finding cigarette butts and plastic pieces, most of the problem was localized next to the stands that were selling cold Leo’s and fresh coconuts. Behind their bamboo structures were piles, and more piles of trash. Some of it was on fire, and some of it was washed away into a stream, later to be swept into the ocean. We picked up what we could, but the fumes from the burning petrochemicals made it tough to breathe. 

Shirtless man picking up trash with bamboo sticks while plastic burns in the background
Matt supporting Trash Hero

Although trash collection feels like a reactionary response to an environmental problem, it starts a chain reaction among people recognizing the change that needs to happen. During the 1 hour clean-up, at least 6 vacationers or workers helped pick up things near them to put in my bag and many locals thanked us for our service to keep their home clean.

But think about how many people on the beach saw us with our gloves and tongs sifting through the sand. Think about how many of them stopped and thought twice about flicking their cigarette on the ground, or making sure to not leave anything behind for people like us to have to clean up.

Trash collection doesn’t solve the problem, but it creates a social statement that there is a problem, and we can be a part of the solution.

At the end of the hour, 17 people collected 64 kg (141 lbs) of trash and 11 kg (24 lbs) of recyclables. I had such an incredible time, met new friends, and felt like I made a difference, so I returned the following week with even more people ready to clean the beaches!

Group of volunteers supporting Trash Hero in Bali
Trash Hero Group in Canggu

Get Involved with Trash Hero in Bali

Joining a beach clean-up is one of many eco-friendly activities in Bali. Trash Hero has over 100 chapters worldwide in 12 different countries, the majority of these locations are in the SE Asian countries of Thailand, Malaysia, and Myanmar, where plastic pollution is a serious problem.

There are many ways to get involved, and the best part is volunteering is completely FREE to join! Check out the chapter locations to see where you can support, or donate now to fund the amazing work that is being done on the ground!

Are you in Canggu, Bali? Meet the team every SUNDAY @ 4:30 pm near Old Man’s!

Another great waste-reduction grassroots organization is Keep Bali Beautiful - check out my volunteer experience with the locals who found a solution to keep trash out of nature!

Q&A With Canggu Chapter Leader

After the clean-up, I chatted with the group leader, Sebastian. A Scandinavian traveler who married a Balinese woman and has been living on the island since 2020. He has been a part of Trash Hero chapters since 2018 and is proud of the growth the organization has made in recent years. 

Hear his thoughts on ways travelers can make an impact and his first-hand experience with the plastic problem in Bali!

1. What are the best ways Tourists can support the environment while they travel?

Avoid using single-use plastic when you can. Reducing our use as a consumer is possible for anyone to do, and it gives the message to the business owners that I don’t want this wasteful product. Bring a reusable bottle and bag with you! All it takes is a bit of preparation and thoughtfulness to avoid the single-use waste.

2. Do you think the Indonesian Government is going enough to address the plastic problem?

They banned single-use plastics (straws & bags) in 2017, but that’s not enough. There is no enforcement with business owners or consumers. The local authorities haven’t been involved at all since tourism brings in so much money.  Hopefully, with the crackdown on corruption, these laws can be better enforced. 

3. How can travelers get involved in Bali besides joining a cleanup?

Hold businesses accountable; your money as a traveler goes a long way here! Ask restaurants why they still have straws even though they’re banned, ask your hotel about its efforts towards low waste, and talk about it with other travelers. Just like this group did today, if you see an opportunity to bring awareness to it, the strength in numbers can change the world.

4. What Do You Love About Working With Trash Hero?

I love that it gets the locals out here with travelers, everyone together fighting the same fight. I’ve seen a lot of connections made during the clean-ups and we can’t do this alone!

Learn more ways you can be an eco-friendly traveler in Bali!

Summary - Trash Hero in Bali

It often takes witnessing a problem to realize that there are solutions out there. Seeing (and smelling) the plastic waste around Bali was enough to send me in a whirlpool of action, learning about the problem and partnering with organizations helping on the ground. Trash Hero is an amazing global organization, and I can’t wait to work with them again when I’m near one of their many chapter locations!

This is also a reminder to be aware of the environmental degradation that is occurring near you, and take action to be a part of the solution.

Explore the other destinations waiting for you in Asia!

Posted by Taylor Mallaber in Indonesia, Volunteer Experiences, 0 comments
10 Things To Know Before Visiting Bali

10 Things To Know Before Visiting Bali

Bali is on everyone’s travel list – the waterfalls, the ocean, the cost, and the friendly people have made it a top destination in recent years. While it is relatively easy to navigate (since most people speak English), there are still a few things to know before visiting Bali!

Check out what is awaiting you on the ‘Island of the Gods’, and use this Itinerary for 2 Weeks in Bali before your trip so you hit the ground running to all of the top destinations (and hidden gems)!

View of a small island peninsula extending into the ocean in Nusa Penida

Table of Contents

1. Language

Bali is one of the thousands of islands in Indonesia. Although the country’s national language is ‘Indonesian’, Bali people primarily speak ‘Balinese’. If you plan to go to a few different islands, learn some Indonesian so that is serves you beyond one island!

Although most locals speak English very well (less so in rural areas), putting in some effort to speak their language is always appreciated! 

English Balinese

Please

Tolong

Good Morning

Selamat Malam

Selamat Malam

How are you?

Apa kabar?

2. Religious Influence

Bali is a Hindu island, with spiritual practices performed daily. You will commonly see offerings on the street, in shops, homes, etc. for the gods and spirits that exist in their religion. 

Hinduism brings a beautiful feeling of oneness with others, and respect for the world. Visiting temples is one of the main things to experience in Bali! My favorite temple was Tanah Lot, north of Canggu.

Bring a sarong with you, or buy one early. It will save you money in the long run as they are required on any temple grounds - and there are temples everywhere! Sarongs are available for rent for around 15k IDR.

Basket with Balinese offerings and incense
Bali Hindu Offerings

3. The Happiest People

If you ask anyone who has been or is from Bali, the local people are among the most genuinely polite and caring people. You can wander through the rice fields and streets, and be met with consistent smiles and eye contact that make you feel welcome to the space. Bali people in general feel very thankful for tourism, and all the jobs it creates for local people!

Supporting local businesses will help stimulate the economy, and bring money to the Balinese people. Try to avoid major investment properties that only look to exploit the area, rather than enhance it.

4. Safety in Bali

Bali is considered a very safe island, and it’s known to be warm and welcoming to visitors. The Hindu influence permeates deeply through society, where people lean heavily into the idea of Karma and how your actions will follow you into the next life. 

You don’t have to worry about being robbed or pickpocketed in most areas. The religious influence, partnered with the overwhelming positivity that is carried amongst the people has created a safe and spiritual place within Bali.

There are potential dangers to be aware of everywhere you go. Luckily, Bali is relatively very safe.. but there are still snakes, intense weather, crime, and tourist traps to be aware of!

5. Affordability

Bali is a very affordable country compared to many locations in Western culture. You can grab a local meal of Mie Goreng for IDR 30k ($2), get your laundry done for 15k/kg ($1), and rent a motorbike for 65k/day ($4).

Like anywhere, you live as budget or lavishly as you want (and can afford). Bali has become a digital nomad hotspot because of the low cost of living, but you can definitely have an expensive vacation as well! 

Keep cash on you at all times! Most small vendors and restaurants will not accept cards.

Currency: Bali (and all of Indonesia) uses the Indonesian Rupiah - IDR. 1 USD = 15.000 IDR 1 EUR = 16.140 IDR

6. Plastic Pollution

It is no big secret that the trash in Bali is a major problem. You will see it piled up in waterways, roads, beaches, and in burn areas. There is no single culprit to blame for this unreasonable problem, it is due to a few reasons including; 

  1. Poor education for the local people who end up burning a lot of their residual waste
  2. The tourism industry creates a mentality of quick profits, not long-term solutions
  3. Lack of government attention and support in accountability and resources

Did you know that single-use plastic straws, plastic bags, and polystyrene were outlawed in June 2019? Unfortunately, there is little oversight in this change, and these materials are everywhere. You can help by asking your accommodation or any restaurant why they aren't abiding by the law - your money helps push a lot of changes!

Monkey holding a plastic waterbottle in Ubud Bali
Monkey with plastic in Ubud Monkey Forest.. DON'T LITTER!

Explore the best ways on How to be an Eco-Friendly Traveler in Bali. Or, join a local effort to reduce plastic pollution like with Keep Bali Beautiful, or Trash Hero!

7. Driving in Bali

Simply stated, driving in Bali is chaos. It’s not for everyone, and if you’re even remotely cautious you may think driving in Bali is downright insanity. There are very few stop signs and street lights, lines on the roads are mere suggestions, and the traffic lanes are a soup of beeping and swerving potholes.

Sounds fun right?

As crazy as the driving may seem, it really does make sense. There are fewer ‘rules’ of the road and more common sense that allows a more natural flow. People merge when they want, and people make space for others. It is a constant flow and it is actually really enjoyable to drive in Bali once you’re on a bike!

I highly suggest you rent a motorbike and give it a try! Read more about everything you need to know about transportation in Bali.

 

Girl sitting on motorbike in Bali with two backpacks
My biking setup in Bali

8. Bali Belly

Maybe you’ve heard of Bali Belly, but if you haven’t.. listen up. Bali Belly is no joke, it’s a few days of very rough food poisoning that quite a few travelers get. Getting Bali Belly will basically ensure you’re no more than a few meters from a bathroom for days

But what exactly causes it? Well, poor sanitation and water quality (gross). There is quite a bit of E. Coli swimming around in the tap water, which everyone uses to wash their hands (and then cook food). 

If you’re worried, here are some helpful tips to keep your body ready!

  • Ask if ice in drinks is made from filtered water
  • When refilling a water bottle, clarify that it is to drink
  • Avoid brushing your teeth with the tap water
  • Look where people are eating, if the restaurant is empty, keep looking
  • Avoid fruit that isn’t peeled (strawberries, blueberries, apples, etc.). The skin was likely washed with tap water
  • Check ratings and reviews online
At the end of the day, you can be as precautious as you want, but you never know where you could get it. Don’t let the fear of Bali Belly stop you from experiencing anything while you travel. My partner got it from a pasta dish at an expensive Western restaurant. Go to local warungs, eat all the mie goreng your heart desires, and stay focused on the beauty of the area.

9. Avoid Drugs At All Costs

Bali is notorious for its insanely strict drug laws, with signs in the airport stating it is punishable by death. They’re not messing around. 

You may be offered some marijuana or magic mushrooms on the beach, and while smoking a joint on a beach at sunset sounds too good to be true, it is. It’s estimated that 1 in every 3 people selling drugs to tourists is an undercover cop! 

Instead, try Bali’s local liquor, “arak“. It is made from fermenting either banana leaf, coconut, or rice, and you’ll notice that it is quite a bit cheaper compared to other cocktails!

10. The Police

And on the note of being set up by the police, or fined for any crimes you commit, be aware of the cops. Being a tourist instantly puts a target on you. You don’t fully know the laws, you don’t have the protections you may be used to at home, and you have a lot of money.

Corruption is high in Indonesia, and although there is a big crackdown by the government, it can happen. When a cop is threatening jail time or a $1,000 payment, you’re not really in a place to argue. 

The best thing you can do is to avoid any reason for a fine. Wear your helmet, don’t drive without an International Driver’s License, don’t do drugs, don’t be loud and disruptive, and follow what the locals are doing. 

Check out the essential packing list for the ultimate Southeast Asian Adventures!

Summary - Things to know before visting Bali

Bali is a traveler’s haven where you can connect with people, do some soul-searching, as well as off-the-path adventuring. Its affordable price and picturesque views have made Bali a top destination in recent years.

Be aware of the scams that are targeted toward tourists, be smart about the health and safety of where you are, and respect the Balinese culture and traditions. Don’t let the fears of a place scare you away, but be aware of the risks that exist!

 

Posted by Taylor Mallaber in Destinations, Indonesia, 0 comments
2 Weeks In Bali – The Ultimate Itinerary

2 Weeks In Bali – The Ultimate Itinerary

If you’re interested in breathtaking landscapes, friendly local people, and cheap prices, Bali should be at the top of your travel list. How do you even plan where to begin with so much available? Check out this Ultimate Itinerary for 2 weeks in Bali that will take you to the vastly different corners of Bali.

Create your perfect holiday with waterfalls, temples, local food, beaches, snorkeling, hiking, and meeting other travelers in this destination hotspot.

Girl standing on abandoned wood structure on a cliff next to the ocean in Nusa Penida
Cliff Side Views in Nusa Penida

Table of Contents