Hello! Halo! Kumusta! Xin chào! สวัสดี! မင်္ဂလာပါ! ជំរាបសួរ! ສະບາຍດີ!

🏖️ We kicked off 2025 by branching out and diving into a vacation spot where we could leaf our worries behind, escape the concrete jungle, and immerse ourselves in nature’s finest! It was certainly a tree-t 🌴

🏝️ Welcome to Plataran Menjangan Resort & Spa, a hidden gem nestled within the lush embrace of West Bali National Park—a 190 km² national park at the Northwestern tip of Bali. It’s an eco-paradise where barefoot luxury meets lush landscapes, where sustainability and serenity go hand in hand, and where every stay is an adventure. Trust us when we see that this is undoubtedly one of Bali’s best-kept secrets!

🤔 What’s the deal with Sustainable Tourism in Southeast Asia?

♻️ While Southeast Asia is home to some of the world’s most breathtaking landscapes, it’s also one of the regions most vulnerable to climate change and environmental degradation. The rapid growth of tourism is a double-edged sword, bringing economic benefits but also significant ecological challenges: from coral reef destruction to deforestation and plastic pollution. With the region containing 20% of the world’s known plant and animal species, making conservation efforts more crucial than ever (ASEAN Centre for Biodiversity, 2023). However, the island of Bali, where the resort is located in is experiencing signs of overtourism that’s leading to an increase in tourist deportations, coastal degradation, and severe waste management problems to name a few issues (CNA, 2024).

🌟 This is why sustainable & responsible tourism, like the kind that’s practiced at Plataran Menjangan, is so critical to safeguarding these fragile ecosystems and ensuring that environmental degradation does not occur. By supporting eco-conscious accommodations, reducing waste, and engaging in conservation activities, travelers can play a vital role in preserving Southeast Asia’s rich biodiversity. Sustainable travel isn’t just about seeing the world—it’s about saving it, one eco-friendly choice at a time (World Tourism Organization, 2023). This initiative has earned the resort a Traveler’s Choice Awards for TripAdvisor for World’s Top Safari Stays in 2021.

🌏 From using eco-friendly materials and cutting down on single-use plastics to restoring natural habitats, the resort is all about treading lightly on the planet. Their Endemic Tree Planting Program helps combat deforestation, while their farm-to-table dining approach supports local farmers and reduces carbon footprints, ensuring a more sustainable supply chain. Staying here isn’t just a vacation—it’s a way to make a real, positive impact! Plataran Menjangan is tackling these issues head-on by using eco-friendly construction, minimizing single-use plastics, and restoring natural habitats. The Endemic Tree Planting Program, as mentioned, helps fight deforestation, which contributes nearly 10% of global carbon emissions.

🌱 Eco-Activities at Plataran Menjangan That Will Have You Rooting for Nature

1. 🌴 Endemic Tree Planting – Let’s Get Down to Earth!
   Want to make a lasting impact? At Plataran Menjangan, you can put down roots—literally! The Endemic Tree Planting Program lets guests plant native trees, helping restore Bali’s delicate ecosystem. Each sapling gets a tag with your name, ensuring your green legacy flourishes long after your vacation ends. And don’t worry—unlike that neglected houseplant, these trees are in good hands with expert conservationists.

2. 👣 Trails of Life – Take a Walk on the Wild Side
   If you like your nature with a side of adventure, the Trails of Life hike is for you. This guided trek takes you through West Bali National Park’s stunning landscapes—from mangrove forests to coastal savannas. Along the way, expert guides share fascinating facts about the region’s biodiversity, from medicinal plants to elusive wildlife. It’s an eco-education and workout wrapped in one wild, unforgettable journey!

3. 🕊️ Bird Watching – A Flock-tastic Experience
   Get ready to tweet about this one—Plataran Menjangan is home to the critically endangered Bali Starling. Once on the brink of extinction, these dazzling white birds with bright blue markings are making a comeback thanks to dedicated conservation efforts. Join a guided bird-watching tour to spot them in their natural habitat. It’s a rare sighting that’s truly for the birds!

4. 🛶 Mangrove Kayaking – Paddle Through Paradise
   Glide through the peaceful mangrove forests, nature’s very own coastal protectors. These incredible ecosystems prevent erosion, store carbon, and provide shelter for marine life. As you paddle through the winding waterways, you’ll spot wildlife, soak in the serene scenery, and gain a new appreciation for these unsung environmental superheroes. It’s a shore thing that you’ll leave feeling inspired to protect them!

5. 🤿 Snorkeling & Diving – Sea the Change
   Bali’s reefs are bursting with color and life, but they need our help. Plataran Menjangan offers eco-conscious snorkeling and diving experiences where you can explore vibrant coral gardens while learning about marine conservation. Coral reefs are like the rainforests of the sea—home to 25% of marine life—so protecting them is essential.

6. 🌅 Sunset Cruises – Set Sail for Sustainability
   End your adventure on a high note with a sunset cruise across West Bali’s crystal-clear waters. As you sip an eco-friendly cocktail and watch the sky burst into fiery hues, you’ll also learn about marine conservation and sustainable tourism. It’s the perfect way to unwind while keeping the planet in mind—because nothing should ruin a sunset, especially not pollution.

💚 By staying at eco-conscious resorts like this and supporting sustainable initiatives, travelers can enjoy Indonesia’s stunning landscapes without leaving a negative footprint. After all, vacationing responsibly means keeping paradise, a paradise!

📚 Want to learn more about Plataran Menjangan?

…and its other initiatives? Check out their website to learn more!

🗞️ Recent News

📣 Special shout-out to our dear friend, Eddy Speirs, who wrote a similar piece covering Plataran Menjangan for his publication NOW! Bali 3.5 years ago.

❓ Did you enjoy this week’s issue? If yes, please do forward to your friends who would enjoy the read as well.

📧 Also, feel free to let us know what you thought by giving us feedback at [email protected].

🌊 SEA you next time!

Karina & Massimiliano