How to Travel Bali Plastic-Free

How to Travel Bali Plastic-Free: A Mongolian Traveler’s Guide to Sustainable Paradise

Bali—a name that conjures images of emerald rice terraces, shimmering temples, and the gentle lull of the Indian Ocean. Yet beneath this enchanting surface lies a challenge: plastic pollution, a modern shadow cast over the Island of the Gods. As someone who grew up beneath the endless blue Mongolian sky, where the land and its people are inextricably linked, I’ve learned that every journey is an opportunity to honor the earth. Today, I invite you to journey through Bali, not just as a traveler, but as a steward—embracing the island’s beauty while treading lightly, and leaving only memories behind.

The First Step: Mindful Packing

Long before you set foot on the tarmac at Ngurah Rai International Airport, your commitment to a plastic-free journey begins at home. Pack a sturdy reusable water bottle—many Balinese cafes and eco-hotels offer free refills of filtered water. Add a set of bamboo cutlery, a cloth shopping bag, and a metal straw. These small items will be your constant companions, helping you sidestep single-use plastics at every turn.

Tip: Seek out a water bottle with a built-in filter, perfect for filling up at RefillMyBottle stations across the island.

Where to Stay: Eco-Conscious Retreats

Bali’s spirit of hospitality is legendary, and many accommodations now embrace sustainable practices. Consider Bambu Indah in Ubud, where bamboo villas overlook the Ayung River, and every detail whispers of environmental care. Or find tranquility at Mana Earthly Paradise, where composting toilets and organic gardens are the norm, not the exception.

Each of these places offers filtered water, encourages guests to refuse single-use plastics, and educates them about the island’s delicate ecosystems—a true immersion into the Balinese philosophy of Tri Hita Karana: harmony among people, nature, and the spiritual.

Eating & Drinking: Savoring Without Waste

Bali’s culinary scene is a vibrant tapestry, best experienced with a clean conscience. At Zero Waste Bali in Kerobokan, you can shop for snacks, spices, and even shampoo—all plastic-free. Don’t miss a meal at Earth Cafe in Ubud or Seminyak, where plant-based dishes are served with compostable packaging and all the warmth of Balinese hospitality.

Many warungs (local eateries) are happy to fill your container with nasi campur or sate if you ask—just say, “Tanpa plastik, ya!” (No plastic, please!)

Tip: Download the Eco Bali Guide app for a map of zero-waste shops and cafes across the island.

Exploring Bali: Sustainable Adventures

From the mystical waterfalls of Sekumpul to the sacred springs at Tirta Empul, Bali’s natural wonders beckon. As you wander, carry your reusable bottle and snack pouch, so you can skip the plastic-wrapped treats so often sold at tourist sites.

For those drawn to Bali’s sparkling reefs, join a snorkeling tour with Bali Eco Dives, a pioneering operator committed to ocean conservation. They provide eco-friendly gear and organize regular beach clean-ups—an inspiring way to connect with both the sea and the local community.

Insider’s Tale: On my last visit to Amed, I joined local fishermen at dawn for a traditional jukung boat ride. As the sun rose, we collected drifting plastic from the waves—reminding me that every small act is a thread in the tapestry of stewardship.

Giving Back: Join a Beach Clean-Up

To truly immerse yourself in Bali’s spirit of gotong royong (mutual cooperation), join a beach clean-up with Bye Bye Plastic Bags or Sungai Watch. These grassroots movements, led by passionate Balinese youth, are restoring rivers and coastlines one handful at a time.

Tip: Check their social media pages for upcoming events—you might find yourself chatting with locals, learning traditional songs, and forging friendships that outlast any souvenir.

Souvenirs with a Story

When it comes to mementos, choose wisely. Seek out handcrafted goods at Threads of Life in Ubud, where every textile supports rural artisans and ancient traditions. Or pick up coconut bowls, bamboo crafts, and natural soaps at Bali Buda—all wrapped in nothing but good intentions.

The Journey Continues

Traveling plastic-free in Bali is not just about reducing waste; it’s an invitation to slow down, to connect, and to honor a land where every offering, every smile, is a gift. As the Balinese say, “Rahayu”—may peace and harmony be upon you.

So pack your bag, fill your bottle, and let the island’s green heart guide your steps. In Bali, the true path is not only toward hidden waterfalls or sunlit temples, but toward a deeper harmony—with the earth, with the people, and with yourself.

Erdenechuluun is a Mongolian traveler and storyteller, weaving together the wisdom of the steppes and the vibrant rhythms of Bali. He invites you to journey beyond the surface, to explore, and to cherish our world with open hands and a gentle heart.