The one fantastic thing these days is that more and more travellers are going green by minimizing their travel footprint and seeking out accommodation that is eco-based and one of responsible tourism.
I particularly like Wikipedia’s interpretation of ecotourism: Ecotourism is responsible travel to fragile, pristine, and usually protected areas that strive to be low impact and (often) small scale (as an alternative to mass tourism). Its purpose is to educate the traveler; provide funds for ecological conservation; directly benefit the economic development and political empowerment of local communities; and foster respect for different cultures and for human rights.
With this in mind, many tourists and travellers alike going to Bali are embracing ecotourism simply because it focuses on destinations where flora, fauna, and cultural heritage are the primary attractions. Bali has numerous eco-hotels and the number is growing thanks mostly to environmental and cultural concerns. Here are five excellent eco hotels in Bali. All information is sourced from their websites.
Puri Lumbung Cottages
Set in the cool mountain air where fans/aircon are unnecessary. Our compound is designed in the traditional Balinese manner modeled on the sacred human form with shrines at the head, guest accommodation at the heart and other facilities at the foot. Guests enjoy spectacular sunsets and stunning panoramas of the rice fields and coast line in the distance.
The first of its kind in Bali, Puri Lumbung Cottages is more than a hotel-it is an eco-tourism project dedicated to the discovery, conservation and enhancement of the unspoiled area around Munduk. The people of Munduk village are involved as much as possible in caring for our guests. We not only provide employment, but engage them in activities that maintain the tropical rainforest and preserve water. We also encourage the young villagers to keep their cultural heritage alive with traditional dance, music and crafts.
http://www.purilumbung.com/
Sarinbuana Eco Lodge: A haven for nature lovers, Sarinbuana Eco Lodge is located at 700m on the slopes of Mount Batukaru in central Bali, only 90 minutes from Kuta and Ubud. Dine in our open air restaurant or in your room, delicious healthy meals made from our organic gardens & its surrounds.
Take a 3 hour walk into the tropical rainforest of Mt Batukaru or a stunning rice paddy or temple trek. Explore our natural waterholes and “Food forest” gardens, meander down the mountain on our mountain bikes, join a workshop or ceremony with our local community
Internationally recognised for environmental practice and social responsibility Sarinbuana Eco Lodge offers you a chance to retreat into nature and be apart of the vibrant Balinese culture. Not “a hotel” No shops, No tourists, No TV’s, A chance for you to reconnect with nature
http://www.baliecolodge.com/
Desa Seni
This is an eco-friendly village resort providing an authentic Indonesian experience through the exploration of culture, art, yoga, organic farming and complete wellness. Desa Seni offers unique accommodations in original antique wooden homes that have been refurbished and restored offering all the modern comforts. Desa Seni is open to all. Whether a resort guest or a day guest, we are an eco-village welcoming everyone with a special Bali moment.
Desa Seni offers unique accommodations in original antique wood homes that have been imported from the many islands of Indonesia. Each house has its own individual history and has been completely restored and refurbished. At Desa Seni, you will live amidst original artifacts and antiques reflecting true Indonesian culture and heritage.
http://www.desaseni.com/
Hotel Uyah Amed & Spa (Amed Salt Lodge & Spa)
Located in Amed, East Bali, an area well known for its natural beauty, fantastic dive sites and traditional Balinese lifestyle and is right on the beach and preserves the traditional production of salt from seawater and strives to protect the environment. Hotel Uyah Amed & Spa works in close cooperation with Amed Dive Center and offers PADI Dive courses and Diving & Accommodation Packages, – all in one ECO friendly resort.
Hotel Uyah Amed & Spa offers 16 spacious bungalows and one family villa (for 4 persons) with private bathroom and solar heated water. The bungalows are arranged in a V shape and are all equipped with private sea view Our guests may choose between six not electrically air conditioned bungalows, five with double beds and one twin, ten electrically air conditioned bungalows, eight with double beds and two twin or our electrically air conditioned Villa. terraces
In our non AC bungalows we have applied an air conditioning /cooling system based on the effect of evaporation. Our system works best with a strong wind that we usually enjoy in Amed. For the convenience of our guest we additionally installed electrical ceiling fans and exhaust fans to support the air ventilation.
http://www.hoteluyah.com/
Pondok Langon: This is the most comfortable, welcoming Ubud villa retreat you could hope for, with great hosts and superb sunsets and sunrises. Located on the edge of rice fields in the artist’s village of Lod Tunduh, Pondok Langon was designed by the owners to maximise the surrounding natural beauty, with rice fields visible from every room.
The property avoided destruction of Indonesia’s rainforests by only using 100% recycled timber. All materials used were sourced directly by the owners, including hardwoods from Kalimantan, old teak windows, doors and carved panels from Java, recycled bricks reclaimed from old Yogyakarta houses, and reclaimed iron fence posts from Java.
The property houses a main residence occupied by the owner’s family, a shared 17 meter pool, and a fully-contained guest’s residence called ‘The Bungalow’, a two level freestanding cottage that comfortably sleeps three people. It features 2 bedrooms with fans in each, a fully equipped kitchen with your own stove and fridge, a bathroom and a very comfortable lounge room. It is ideal for your holiday with family & friends in Bali.
http://www.pondoklangon.com/
