The magical surroundings of Bali shine brightly but as all natural wonders, they must be preserved and protected for future generations, not only our own. Here at Bali Plus we’ve detailed a small yet stellar list of places to see, enjoy, and participate in. Remember, keep Bali beautiful!
1. Bali Eco Village (http://www.baliecovillage.com)
This Balinese eco-lodge is built on 2 hectares in the blissfully calm area of Kintamani. Their eco-village was built without cutting down trees; with 75% bamboo and 20% of recycle materials and only 5% of industrial material. Adopting the use of bio-gas for all primary and secondary needs, this has created a complete harmony with the environment as much as possible. It is the perfect spot for nature lovers who want to experience unspoiled surroundings and tranquility while enjoying all the amenities of fine lodging and dining.
2. Green School Bali (http://www.greenschool.org)
Originally conceived by jewellery designer John Hardy, the Green School Bali in Ubud aims to create a new paradigm for learning a green education. Green School is striving to have the lowest carbon footprint of any international school anywhere, through use of bamboo and rammed earth for its buildings, growing its own food in its gardens, and plans to generate its own power from the river.
3. Mangrove Park Bali
As a small island, Bali is prone to erosion, but protection of its vast beaches and mangrove forests have helped save much land. The mangrove forests along the highway to Benoa Peninsula in Nusa Dua are one such project that continues to aid locals by contributing greatly to the economic and conservation sectors. Here certain species of fish and crabs use the mangroves to seek food and protection while fishermen are able to make a living off this eco-system.
4. Bali Barat National Park (http://www.tnbalibarat.com)
The Bali Barat National Park was founded in 1941 and its main aim was to protect the Bali Starling and the last of the wild banteng as well as the Java deer. The park lies in the most western part of Bali and today it comprises a total area of mountainous 19,000 ha. Consisting of monsoon forests, mangrove forests, lowland rain forests, savannahs, coral reefs, sandy beaches, and both shallow and deep sea waters, Bali Barat National Park plays host to a wide variety of animals and birds.
5. The Botanic Garden Ubud
(http://www.botanicgardenbali.com)
Situated at an elevation of between 320 and 400 metres above sea level, the Botanic Garden offers a range of micro-climates including ravine, hillside, meadow, a river, waterfalls and natural forest. Situated in the village of Kutuh Kaja, the Garden faces the Bird Village of Petulu, home of the famous white egrets. The Garden is also a unique tourism destination as well as a retreat for Ubud’s residents. Pathways and steps join five hectares of natural ravine that include an orchid garden, a vast collection of ferns, palms, bamboo and tropical trees, Bali’s first garden maze, an Islamic garden and other features.
6. Monkey Forest Ubud (http://www.monkeyforestubud.com)
The Sacred Monkey Forest of Padangtegal is owned by the village of Padangtegal, Ubud and has historically strived to develop and implement management objectives that will both maintain the sacred integrity of the monkey forest and promote the monkey forest as a sacred site that is open to visitors from around the world. Consisting of hundreds of long-tailed macaques, an abundant forest environment, and temple, the monkey forest is truly one of Bali’s greatest attractions.
7. Gitgit Waterfalls
Located in North Bali just 10km south of Singaraja, Gitgit waterfalls are situated in a plateau area with a height of about 40 meters and surrounded by tropical trees that emit a constant natural water debit during the year. Swimming here is very refreshing, although local legend believes that couples bathing here together will eventually separate. Monkeys bathe and drink from here and are a common sight as well.
8. Bali Botanic Garden (http://www.kebunrayabali.com)
Also known as Kebun Raya Eka Karya, these botanical gardens cover over 120 hectares on Gunung Pohon (Tree Mountain) in Bedugul. The four main functions of Bali Botanic Garden are: exploration, inventory and research; conservation; recreation; and education. The institution offers a number of scientific services and facilities in support of plant research and conservation, including herbarium, seed bank, library, glasshouses, nursery, and plant database. Containing a huge collection of trees and nearly 500 varieties of orchids, it is also possesses a rich resource of birdlife.
9. Friends of the National Parks Foundation (http://www.fnpf.org )
This certain project by the FNPF has actively pursued the reforestation and habitat restoration of the island of Nusa Penida since 2005. Together with the local community, FNPF has planted seedlings at several sites in Nusa Penida with farmer’s groups, village elders’ temple board members, schools, and government institutions that subsequently also helps their Nusa Penida Bird Sanctuary project as well.
10. Coral Triangle Center (http://www.coraltrianglecenter.org)
Part of The Nature Conservancy, the Coral Triangle Center initiative, for the area of Indonesia, is aimed at Nusa Penida, Nusa Lembongan, and Nusa Ceningan in Southeast Bali. The protection of these increasingly rare coral reefs is their main objective as programs implement a wide-range of community activities, increasing awareness among local communities and tourism operators on marine conservation issues. The goal of these activities is to strengthen the positive image of Bali’s coasts and seas, which are areas of exceptional natural richness that provide benefits for local communities through tourism, fisheries and seaweed culture.
All pictures here are © to their respective copyright holders.
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