Ecotourism does have a place in Bali’s future. While ecotourism is never going to reel in the big bucks of package tours, it takes advantage of what is already out there, with the least amount of infrastructure needed.
Meeting a lot of tourists in Bali, I sense people sometimes come away feeling they haven’t really touched the island, or culture. A big part of this is their mode of transportation, or lack of. One way to offer people a closer interaction with the natural side of Bali is to develop ecotourism.
As this article in Bali Travel says, Bali has fantastic areas, that can be developed to accommodate small groups wishing to explore in a more personal way. I’ve done a few hikes in the sawah in Tabanan, in Ubud and on various volcanoes. One thing is for sure, when you are working up a sweat and stopping to chat with locals, your time and memories will be way different from shopping in Kuta.
One area in Bali that has not been developed that much is the Bali Barat National Park. West Bali doesn’t see a tremendous amount of tourists, but has a large area of parkland. One thing that could be developed is a ‘Bali Trail’ along the crest of the mountains in the west, finishing at Gunung Batukaru. The government could operate its own ranger stations like those in the US and charge for entry. Licences could be sold to operate guest houses at certain locations. In the far west of the Bali Barat National Park, there are small, 2 hour hiking trails. Problem is you have to hike with a guide, so that might cramp your style, if you are used to adventure hiking.
Developing a Bali Trail and keeping the supporting services regulated, would ensure the area keeps its natural profile and develops the tourist industry at the same time.
