The warm island paradise of Bali is one of Indonesia's most famous regions. Known all over the world for its clear oceans, pearly beaches, hidden Hindu temples and captivating culture, Bali has lured in Western travelers since the official Tourist Bureau was founded in 1908.
The sudden availability of cheap holidays towards the end of the 1960's had a dramatic effect on Bali. Having previously been a destination for wealthy people and hippies, the area suddenly attracted a whole new type of traveler by the thousand.
The government attempted to contain the
influx, isolating the tourist trade to specific parts of Bali. This had a
number of negative side effects, both economically and environmentally. Keeping
all the lucrative tourism industry in certain areas led to a geographical
wealth divide, while placing a disproportionate strain on the water and waste
resources in the area. In addition, coastal erosion became concentrated in the
areas with high tourist footfall.
The Environmental Reality
The government has since adopted a more
modern environmental policy, but there are still limitations. Aside from the
fact that the officials of the decentralized government have little
incentive to inhibit the profitable tourist trade, 700 hectares of Bali is lost
to development every year. In a day, every four-star hotel room has used 300 liters of water (which could cause a drinking water shortage by 2015) and the
island has gained an extra 13,000 cubic meters of waste only half of which is recycled.
The attitude to tourism is starting to
change, however. One of the most powerful arguments is that the tourists are
attracted to Bali because of the culture and environment and by destroying
these assets the tourist trade seals its fate. But it is the tourists
themselves who are increasingly insisting on environmentally-friendly
alternatives in Bali.
Where to Stay
Menjangan Resort, currently one of the
most highly rated hotels in Buleleng, is one of those alternatives. Providing
an escape from the crowded tourist hotspots, it is one of several large resorts
which offer eco-conscious travellers a space to enjoy Bali's unique culture and
wildlife. Other resorts like Puri Lumbing Cottages, Udayana Eco Lodge and the
Munduk Moding Plantation all limit the impact their guests have on the
environment.
Some resorts go even further. Bali Eco
Stay was the first in Bali to generate its own power and there are several more
'off-grid' establishments which meet some or all of their electricity
requirements sustainably.
What to Do
While tourist accommodation is a
colossal drain on Bali's resources, ecotourism is about more than just hotels.
Green tourists are increasingly becoming aware of the environmental
implications of their excursions, putting the pressure on tour operators to
maintain high levels of eco-friendliness.
Bali's diving schools, which enable
tourists to experience the rich aquatic ecology that surrounds Indonesia, have
worked together with the Gili Eco Trust to encourage the renewal of damaged
coral, much of which has been adversely affected by destructive blast fishing
and exploitative tourism.
Bali welcomed 2.88 million foreign
tourists last year and expects the figure to exceed 3 million in 2013. But with
an ever-increasing emphasis on environmental considerations and a growing
ecotourism sector, Bali might still be an island paradise in generations to
come.
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Kaninong guest post toh???
ReplyDeleteTourism is always used as a solution to tackle poverty and stimulate development. Yes it helps local people if they are directly involved. Luckily in Bali many Balinese profit from the mass tourism but there are many downside too.
ReplyDeleteEnviroment is suffering, people are loosing land and many outside investors take all the profit.
But like you said people are becoming environmentally aware and eco friendly and community oriented hotels and restaurants are being built. Everywhere, except for the South of Kuta where massive resorts are still being built as if there is a large shortage of it….
sounds very familiar.. the threat of too much development for the sake of tourism. I hope that the government does take this issue seriously.
ReplyDeleteThis is a very good post. Thanks a lot for sharing.
ReplyDelete