Eco-tourism in Bali, Indonesia

admin 21/05/2008 78 Comments

Bali is a beautiful place, but often too crowded right ? A lot of traffic, people, tourists, discos etc. but it is also the place of surf, religions, nature treks and therefore eco-tourism !

Listed below are a number of nature tour opportunities and eco-tourism facilities in Bali, Indonesia.

BALI MARINE PARK
Welcome to Indonesia’s Marine Conservation Programs…Bali Indonesia considers wise use and conservation of its rich marine resources essential to the nation’s future. Marine conservation programs in Indonesia vary reflecting the diversity of marine habitants and resources of the nation.
The Government of Indonesia has declared 24 marine protected areas throughout the country. There are plans to expand this to 85 reserves covering 30 million hectares.
Recent initiatives include plans for the management of important marine habitants such as coral reefs and mangroves for sustainable use and conservation. Marine animals are also benefiting from marine conservation efforts. Recent laws have banned the hunting of most turtles throughout the country.

THE REEF WATCH PROGRAM
Not only will you enjoy your day trip to Lembongan Island with Bali Hai Cruises, but you also have the opportunity to become involved in our reef watch program at the Reef Appreciation Area. Bali Hai Cruises has recognized the importance and uniqueness of the Lembongan Island Reef and are supporting the Indonesian Government in protecting and managing the reef. To firm our commitment to conservation, Bali Hai Cruises employs a marine biologist to monitor the reef, suggest new ways it can be managed and develop ways that you can learn more about the marine life and fish. The cruises and activities at the Island are designed to create as little disturbance as possible to marine life. Bali Hai Cruises is a member of and supports the Marine Education Society of Australia.

BALI ELEPHANT SAFARI PARK
Don’t leave Bali without visiting these truly unique and spectacular Indonesian Elephants. Located in the cool jungle forest of Desa Taro, (20 mins north of Ubud Bali), the Elephant Safari Park offers you the chance to feed and interact with these wonderful creatures in a natural setting. A 30 minute Elephant Safari ride is available to those who wish to do more than just look. Then watch the Elephants as they take a bath, immersing themselves in the cool waters of the lake. Bali Elephant Safaris are suitable for all ages.

BALI BIRD PARK
Taman Burung Bali Bird Park, Singapadu, near Batubulan. Taman Burung houses over 1000 birds, including varieties from all over Indonesia. One of the aims of the park is to breed endangered species in captivity, including the indigenous Bali Mynah. Those of you who are not necesarily interested in ornithology will be impressed by the two hectares of Bali tropical gardens.

BALI BARAT NATIONAL PARK
Almost the whole of the western tip of Bali, covering an area of over 750 square km, has been set aside as a conservation area. Included within the park’s boundaries are open savanahs, rainforests, mangrove swamps, coral reefs and Pulau Menjangan (Deer Island), a small island off the north coast of Bali. The park is a haven for a wide range of animals and birds, especially the endangered Bali Starling. Pulau Menjangan, home to the rare Java Deer, can also be visited and has very good diving and snorkeling. To enter the park you must be accompanied by an official guide and in possession of a park permit.

BALI BUTTERFLY PARK
Taman Kupu Kupu, Jl. Batukaru, Sandan Wanasari, Tabanan Regency. Recently opened, Indonesia’s only butterfly park is helping to study, breed and preserve many kinds of butterflies from Bali and all over Indonesia.

BALI BOTANICAL GARDENS
Kebun Raya Eka Karya, Bedugul Bali. Established in 1959 these gardens cover over 120 hectares on the slopes of Gunung Pohon (Tree Mountain). The gardens contain a huge collection of trees, nearly 500 varieties of orchid and are rich in birdlife. As a centre for the study of local plants, the gardens also boast a herbarium and library.

BALI REPTILE PARK
Step out of time into the fantastic world that awaits you at the Bali Reptile Park. Enter the dawn of time when Dinosaurs ruled the earth, Komodo Dragons stalked their prey and Crocodiles emerged from the swamps. The Bali Reptile Park can’t give you Dinosaurs, but we still have the Komodo Dragons and Crocodiles, all part of Asia’s most comprehensive collection of reptiles.

BALI SANGEH MONKEY FOREST
Near the village of Sangeh Bali. This forest, of approximately 6 hectares, is filled with giant nutmeg trees that can grow up to 40m high. The main attractions here are the hordes of Balinese monkeys that inhabit both the trees and the temple, Pura Bukit Sari, located in the heart of the forest. Visitors should be aware that these monkeys are attracted to shiny objects, so cameras and jewellery should be left behind or well hidden under clothes or in a bag before setting off to explore Sangeh Bali.

UBUD MONKEY FOREST BALI
Ubud Bali. This forest is smaller than the one at Sangeh but the monkeys are just as wild.

BLAHMANTUNG WATERFALL BALI
Near Pupuan, west Bali. Dropping over 100m, this waterfall is spectacular, especially during the rainy season. Be prepared for a bit of a trek up a steep, and at times rough, track to get there.

GITGIT WATERFALL BALI
10km south of Singaraja Bali. Not far from the main road, Gitgit is an impressive 40m waterfall that gushes into a deep pool. A swim here can be very refreshing, although local legend has it that couples bathing here together will eventually separate.