Bali discovery vacation, tailor made

Planet

You will visit Menjangan island, situated in the protected marine reserve of the Bali Barat National Park, surrounded by hectares of beautiful coral reef gardens with a very diverse eco biology, and a favourite destination for snorkelers as well as divers.

Although within the protected National Park the reefs were suffering from negative impacts such as anchor damage, over-fishing, dynamite fishing, and litter. In 2010 scientists from the Wildlife Conservation Society started to conduct studies on the reef with the aim of raising awareness for conservation in the area. And in 2011 together with the Sustainable Management Group, to help maintain the area as a reservoir for biodiversity as well as maintain the economic viability for the people of Bali, the Biosphere Foundation initiated a community-based conservation program called “Friends of Menjangan” with a local Non-Governmental Organization (NGO). This community-based conservation movement is led by members of the local community, with approval from the national park and participation by all stakeholders.
Since this they have installed bouys for boats and organized education events and environmental projects in the national park for local Balienese students. And today they are now one of the best-preserved coral reefs in the area. There also plans to initiate a NW Bali Trash Management Program in the future.

In both the Menjangan Island conservation area and the Jatiluwih UNESO site we have chosen environmentally conscious resorts that have a low impact, working in harmony with the natural environment by using indigenous materials to blend in.

Our Ground Agents are very much aware of the environmental impact of tourism and work closely with the charity R.O.L.E. This charity is involved in essential activities such as beach cleaning and environmental awareness training for islanders. By booking this vacation with us, your money helps to continue R.O.L.E’s work in protecting the environment and ensuring that Bali stays postcard perfect.

People

The tour takes clients walking and cycling through rice paddies, coffee and chocolate plantations in remote regions, not only creating little impact on the environment but also allowing them to meet the real Balinese people and support local communities through tourism in the area.

One of the rice paddies clients visit is Jatiluwih which was made part of a UNESCO World Heritage for conservation, celebrating the Balinese Subak System. Indonesia thus far has eight UNESCO World Heritage designations which has been very beneficial, not only to the environment, but also to the local farmers.

In order to keep the UNESCO status, the Balinese must protect and maintain the land and cannot convert it into a different type of land use. The Forum Subak Latur Angga Batukaru was also formed in 2014 to help guide the maintenance of the site. With help from UNESCO and others, farmers are supported and asked first-hand what can be done to best assist them, and are given training and advice.

Farmers are also encouraged to rotate rice with value-added crops in order to provide sufficient income. In addition, GPS has been used to more clearly map the boundaries of the Subaks preventing builders from coming in and developing on zones legally described as Subak production areas.

Our ground agents only employ local guides and drivers to accompany our clients, which we feel is an important way of keeping money in the country but also in offering our clients a ‘real’ experience of Bali. All food in the lodges and hotels is sourced locally, helping the local rural communities wherever possible.