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. 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.
3. 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.
4. 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.
5. 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.
6. 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.
7. 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.
8. 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.
9. 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.
10. ROLE Foundation (http://www.rolefoundation.org)
ROLE Foundation helps to lift needy families and their communities out of poverty through a series of educational programs and job creation, which in turn, will help build a sustainable environment. Located in Sawangan, Nusa Dua, 1.5 hectacre Eco Learning Center serves as a ”hands on” ecologically friendly job skills training center for the community, which allows students to learn by doing and enables them to create a sustainable living and income from mother earth. The Organic Agriculture Program involves environmental education that teaches modern, effective and alternative agriculture methods based on permaculture principles.
11. 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.
Luxury Organic Cuisine in Bali
for those who love the eco - living lifestyle, for getting the right food is really essential to maximize the balance of your health. places to get the best yet luxury organic cuisine in bali.
1. Alila Manggis  (http://www.alilahotels.com)
At alila Manggis, food is a way of life that reaps from the rich land around. The taste of goodness from fresh ingredients is always naourishing and definitively nurturing. From regional speciaties to contemporary dining with a strong health selection. Alila Manggis has a Cooking School that promises you the opportunity to experience the tru essence of the Balinese lifestyle up close and personal through excursions into the heartland of Bali, Conducted by Alila Manggis's team of chefs.
 2. Aroma's Cafe
Aromas Cafe has been long time favourite for lovers of great and healthy food. Fourteen years ago, the local owners, Ketut Nugra, Michele and Peter stevens, had a vision of a business in which they could inject their life's philosophy to use only thr fresh of ingredients, completely vegetarian an organic. the original concept was to create an exciting alternative for vegetarians, presenting an impressive menu with a blend of eastern and western cuisine.
3. Bali Budha Cafe (http://www.balibuddha.com)
Bali budha is well-know for its super healthy and tasty organic dishes. Ordering in is for many expats the easiest option, and for the friendly staff members a pleasure. Having breakfast, lunch. or dinner in the cosy restaurant, however, is what makes the 'Bali buddha-experience' complete. By shopping and eating at Bali buddha Cafe and health food store, you support an environmentally and socially responsible business.
4. Desa Seni (http://www.desaseni.com)
Desa Seni 5 Star organic Cuisine. Providing an authentic Indonesian experience through the exploration of culture, organic living foods and complete wellness, Desa Seni owns organic gardens to supply its restaurant, Rumah Makan, with freshly picked produce. Its innovative menu of Indonesian inspired Eropean cuisine has great emphasis on a healthy balanced diet that not only tastes fantastic but is also nourishing and healthy. Open seven days a week for breakfast, lunch and dinner they provide the perfect setting for a romantic candle-lit dinner for 2 or an elegant party celebration.
5. glow Restaurant at Como Shambhala 
(http://www.comoshambhala.como.bz/)
COMO Shambhala does not stipulate calorie-counting diets, but fosters a more balanced approach, encouraging guests to enjoy their food and its creation while maintaining a life-long interest in the benefit of good nutrition. This is in line with the values of COMO Shambhala cuisine, some eight years in development, which are reflected in Personal Eating Plans drawn up by the Estate’s Executive Chef, Amanda Gale, who also hosts cooking demonstrations.
The cuisine utilizes organic produce estate grown & locally sourced; delivered from field to table with minimum delay. The menu is largely vegetarian but seafood, free range chicken & premium grain & grass fed wagyu beef & lamb also feature, allowing all guests to eat healthily whatever their preferences. Tastes & flavours span the globe from The Mediterranean to the Southern Indian backwaters, regional Indonesian & local Balinese flavours also feature prepared in the traditional manner with minimal oils. The broad range of menus can accommodate any food intolerances (soy milk instead of cow’s milk, and yeast-free breads). Minimal salt & wheat free soy are used, raw unprocessed honey & stevia replaces sugar. Raw vegetables & fruit are also critically important to the Estate’s menus & on offer is a complete “raw food” menu, there is also an extensive juice and vegetable extract menu, which is favoured by those on detoxification programs. Glow is a contemporary designed space, seating 50, and is an all-day dining space.
 6. The River Cafe at Maya Ubud (http://www.mayaubud.com)
Located in the spa area of Maya Ubud Resort on the banks of the Petanu River, just outside of ubud, the covered-open air River cafe provides casual and light meals as well as Spa cuisine. Low calorie and rich-Vitamin food materials for its spa cuisine, like tofu, green asparagus, salmon, scllop and seaweed, and fresh vegetables are taken from selected organic farms in Bali. Maya Ubud substitutes some ingredients for a helthier style, such as unrefined sugars, fresh fruits nectars, and lots of high-fiber veggies, organic greens and bali natural sea salt as well as extra virgin olive oil.
All pictures here are © to their respective copyright holders.
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