How is the

Cleanliness

in Bali

Last update: 29/05/2024 20:09

Overview

Discover how clean is one of the world's most visited tourist destinations. Cleanliness is essential to an enjoyable holiday, and Bali is no exception. Concerns about poor hygiene and low cleanliness can often deter travelers from traveling to Southeast Asia. This Guide looks at cleanliness in Bali, including its beaches, public areas, accommodation, and food hygiene. This Guide aims to describe the state of cleanliness in Bali so that you can prepare yourself for what lies ahead and set realistic expectations for your holiday or stay.

📢 Disclaimer: This Guide is written based on our years of experience and shows the reality of the local approach to cleanliness as we encounter it daily. However, it certainly cannot be considered a general standard and truth for all its residents. Of course, it is very individual, and the experiences of others can be quite different, and we believe there are locals with a different approach.

This Guide is divided into the following sections:

Approach by Locals

Attitudes to cleanliness, cleaning, and perceptions of what is and is not clean vary worldwide. This is due to cultural practices, different historical attitudes and developments, materials used (e.g., packaging), and other factors. In this section, we share our experiences of how the people of Bali approach this issue.

For the most part, Balinese people approach cleaning in a "what I don't see, it doesn't exist" style or is considered clean. Thus, you will often find that only what can be seen is dealt with in cleaning, such as accommodation. Waste is managed in the same way.

So you may find that your accommodation looks clean at first glance, but try to look at the surfaces inside, for example, the tops of kitchen cupboards, wardrobes, or the top of the fridge, etc. You will almost always find a layer of dust there.

Locals treat waste in the same way. You will see them sweeping in front of the house every day, only to pour the cleaned mess into the river later or burn it in the afternoon, including the plastic in the uncovered sewer. In many cases, according to the motto "what I don't see, it doesn't exist," they throw everything over the fence onto someone else's property, where it is no longer "their problem."

Burning waste in an open sewer is a common sight

Of course, some locals put their waste in bags and have it taken away by a paid collection service. In our experience, there is a minority of those.

We have encountered that in the villa where we lived for a year; they took the waste to the next property and just raked it under the palm trees in the jungle. When asked if they thought this was normal, we were told that it would overgrow (and not be seen), thus again proving the mantra "what I can't see, that doesn't exist." And although the municipality offered the waste collection for a minimum fee of about IDR 30,000 (USD 1.5/month), we could not convince the owner to manage the waste better, even though we were paying IDR 13,000,000 (about USD 870) for the monthly rent.

You will often find that locals dispose of their waste by throwing it into rivers because the water carries it away, which is "clean." The locals then don't see (or don't want to see?) that the waste goes into the ocean through the rivers, where they bathe or "cleanse" themselves during the ceremonies. And they unanimously tell you that all the garbage in the ocean is "from Java."

It is not only rivers that are used to dispose of waste. For example, the Subak irrigation system and its canals are often used as "garbage dumps" but also as washrooms, laundry facilities, and, last but not least, toilets. Again, this is a short-sighted approach that makes locals blind to the fact that when they use Subak as a toilet, someone upstream of them is probably doing the same and that they are now bathing or washing clothes in it.

Open sewer with garbage

We find this whole approach very paradoxical, given that most locals are Hindus, who are supposed to revere that nature and man should be in harmony.

However, not to sound only negative, we have to say in defense of the locals that a significant influence on the current situation and their behavior is, of course, the lack of general education about waste, its potential impacts on nature and humans, and last but not least the historical development of Bali.

Only about the 1970s, when tourism virtually unspoiled Bali, locals packed goods and food in palm leaves, and disposable plastic was almost non-existent. Throwing the "packaging" anywhere in nature was no problem. Unfortunately, the boom in tourism and plastics has been faster than the population's education. Hence, the older generation of locals probably have no idea that plastic is not the same as a palm leaf, and it is not uncommon to see Balinese throwing plastic cups out of the window of a car or scooter while driving. This behavior is a 'role model' for the younger generation, and although education is already at a better level, what they see from their parents always carries a little more weight. The attitude is passed on to the younger generation.

We believe that many locals burn and throw waste into rivers, unaware that they harm themselves and their surroundings and nature.

Another factor that influences improper waste management in Bali is the laziness and poverty of the population. It is much easier and cheaper to burn a pile of waste than to put it in a bag (which is not for free) and take it to a designated place for collection, for which they also have to pay. And Balinese prefer their own money over nature. For more about the people of Bali, see the People Guide.

People

Beaches

Bali's beaches are relatively clean, but many factors affect their current condition and cleanliness. Besides the weather and the current season (dry or rainy), it is the distance from popular tourist spots. For more on the cleanliness of Bali's beaches, see our Beaches Guide.

Beaches

Accommodations

Due to its popularity, Bali offers accommodation in all categories and at all price levels, from small budget-friendly homestays to luxurious five-star resorts, where you'll be pampered from the first minute at prices over IDR 50,000,000 (approx. USD 3,300) per night. However, as you might expect, the cleanliness of each accommodation is not directly proportional to its price.

Five-star resorts offer a better standard overall, and you'll usually get a well-kept, European-standard room for your money. However, in lower category accommodation, it's usually a case of which particular accommodation you come across regardless of price/location/amenities. Your room may be well-cleaned, but it's also not uncommon to find hair and, for example, sand from the beach in the bathroom. The initially clear glass shower door will become opaque frosted glass covered in limescale, and the faucets will leave parts in your hands. However, you'll find perfectly aligned swan-shaped towels and soaps next to a disposable toothbrush in the room. Limescale (and, unfortunately, often mold) is not very often considered dirt in Bali but a feature.

Limescale is not often cosidered dirt

For example, we found quite a lot of sand in the bathroom immediately after arriving at our new accommodation. We called the manager and asked for better cleaning. We were just told that the bathroom had already been cleaned and no further cleaning was needed as everything was clean. You will encounter this in almost every accommodation when traveling in Bali.

💡 Tip: We recommend lowering your standards of cleanliness, which are mostly from developed countries, to a lower level. Otherwise, you will probably still be dissatisfied with the realistic level of cleaning compared to your expectations.

Cleaning your own house is similar if you pay a cleaner. We've generally found that "If you want it done right, clean it yourself," or you have to accept that while you won't be doing it yourself and you'll save time, it will never be 100 % done.

For example, our cleaning lady didn't know the toilet brush we bought for the house. We came home from lunch and saw her using the brush to clean the shower and bathroom floor. We explained to her that the brush was just for the toilet. The next day we saw her using the brush correctly for the toilet, but from outside and also on the toilet seat. Of course, it was our fault for expecting her to know that "for the toilet" meant on the inside, not the outside. So another round of explaining ensued.

People from Western cultures already take certain things for granted and as standard. Bali will quickly cure you of any expectations, especially regarding the quality of service and cleaning; believe us. 🙂

Public Places

Although it may not seem like it from the previous sections, the Balinese are very particular about cleanliness. They sweep in front of their houses (where you can see it) every day, often before dawn, and with the typical "ssss, ssss" sound that most ex-pats don't like, they make their village nicer and tidier. Even the children at school learn to sweep, as they have to bring their broom made of branches! Sweeping is such a Balinese national sport. They sweep everywhere and everything, even grass clippings.

Remains of offerings from previous days

Of course, the cleanliness in Bali cannot be compared to the cleanliness in Austria, but we find Bali clean personally. Temples and main streets give a tidy impression. In the side streets or canals, you will occasionally find clutter or small piles of rubbish, but that's just because they haven't had time to be set on fire and have it burned because it hasn't rained for a long time, and the water hasn't carried them away.

The streets are sometimes "polluted" by the remains of the offerings from the previous days and are often perceived by tourists as rubbish. We take it as part of the island's culture and no longer see it as a mess. Moreover, it is mostly just flowers, rice, and palm leaves that do not harm nature significantly.

Remains of the offerings from previous days

Food Hygiene

Although Bali boasts many establishments that adhere to high standards of cleanliness and freshness of food, there are also instances where hygiene in restaurants is not always a top priority, as people are usually used to from Western developed countries. So what is essential to look out for when exploring the island's culinary delights?

Eating out on the street is common in Bali, offering a plethora of tempting options but also posing a challenge when it comes to food hygiene. Some street food places do not have access to proper sanitation facilities and do not follow food safety procedures. As a result, there may be an increased risk of contamination or illness from poor-quality food. Be cautious and consider factors such as the establishment's cleanliness, food preparation methods, and the place reviews on Google Maps, for example, before indulging in street food.

Despite efforts to promote food hygiene, enforcement can be inconsistent in some areas of Bali. Limited resources and varying levels of oversight can lead to gaps in monitoring and enforcement, making it necessary that, as consumers, you are vigilant and discerning when choosing where to eat. For more information on food threats and recommended vaccinations before traveling to Bali, see the Vaccination Guide.

Vaccination

Another aspect of food hygiene to consider in Bali is the quality of water used in food preparation. Tap water on the island is not suitable for consumption. However, restaurants and street vendors almost always use filtered water, including for ice cream and ice. These are generally considered safe and should not be avoided. For necessary hydration, we recommend choosing bottled water, ideally filtered water, distributed in 19-liter containers that significantly reduce the use of plastic bottles.

Tips for Ensuring Food Hygiene

Choose well-established and well-rated businesses; prefer restaurants, resorts, and cafes with positive reviews and a reputation for cleanliness and quality. Online platforms provide valuable information from previous visitors. We recommend using Google Maps.

Focus on cleanliness. When dining in any establishment, pay attention to cleanliness indicators such as proper food storage, utensils, and general hygiene of the place.

Choose cooked food. Choosing thoroughly cooked foods can reduce the risk of foodborne illness compared to raw or undercooked foods. For example, sushi or rare steak is only recommended at renowned restaurants with high traffic and food turnover, so the food is always fresh.

Observe hand hygiene. Regularly washing your hands with soap and water or using hand sanitizer before and after eating is a simple but effective way to minimize the spread of bacteria.

Iniciatives

The Balinese government and voluntary organizations recognize the importance of preserving this unique environment and are actively working to create and support initiatives to improve the island's cleanliness. From waste management programs to community efforts, Bali is making strides toward a cleaner and more sustainable future.

State and Municipalities

The Balinese government has introduced several measures related to waste management. One of the crucial policies is the Provincial Regulation No. 5 of 2013 on Household Waste Management, which provides guidelines for waste management practices at the household level. It emphasizes waste segregation, recycling, and composting. In addition, the government has adopted regulations on waste collection and disposal to ensure that waste treatment meets specific standards and guidelines.

Another crucial law in the fight against pollution bans using plastic bags, straws, and polystyrene in Bali. The Governor of Bali passed it on 21 December 2018, and came into force on 23 June 2019. Unfortunately, even today, you will find sellers in Bali who distribute plastic bags and straws in large numbers despite the law. Therefore, it is debatable to what extent this law is enforced and beneficial to the actual situation and to what extent it was just "functional" marketing by the Balinese government. Those who lived in Bali before the law and now during its implementation do not observe any noticeable difference.

Other government measures include the introduction of waste sorting and recycling initiatives in selected communities. These programs aim to reduce waste going to landfills by promoting recycling and good waste disposal practices. The initiative is implemented, among others, through the smallest administrative units (called Banjar), which motivate residents to sort waste and offer rice in exchange for plastic waste. If citizens bring 5 kg of sorted plastic waste, they get 5 kg of rice for free.

Voluntary Organizations

In addition to government initiatives, several voluntary organizations are actively involved in addressing environmental issues in Bali. Below is a list of selected organizations:

Trash Hero

Trash Hero organizes regular clean-up events and involves locals and tourists cleaning beaches and rivers. Their activities aim to raise awareness about plastic pollution's consequences and promote responsible waste management.

Sungai Watch

Sungai Watch (Sungai means river in Indonesian) is a community-based initiative to protect and restore rivers in Bali. It organizes river and beach clean-up events, monitors water quality, and educates local communities about the importance of river protection. By engaging volunteers and using technology, Sungai Watch aims to improve the condition and cleanliness of Bali's rivers.

ROLE Foundation

The ROLE (Rivers, Oceans, Land, and Ecology) Foundation focuses on strengthening local communities through education and sustainable development. Their initiatives include waste management programs, environmental workshops, and vocational training.

Bye Bye Plastic Bags

Bye Bye Plastic Bags is an organization founded by two Balinese sisters and advocates for reducing the use of single-use plastic bags. Through education campaigns, beach clean-ups, and lobbying, they aim to create a plastic-free Bali and inspire global change. This organization and its work are responsible for, for example, banning plastic bags, straws, and polystyrene in Bali.

Tips

What can we, as tourists, do to make Bali cleaner?

Manage waste properly: Make sure to dispose of waste in the designated containers or take it with you until you find a suitable place to throw it away. Do not throw rubbish on the streets or in natural areas such as beaches and forests.

Reduce single-use plastics: Bring reusable water bottles, bags, and utensils instead of single-use plastics. You can also refuse plastic straws or other unnecessary plastic items.

Do you really need a plastic cutlery?

Support local initiatives: Look for volunteer opportunities with organizations such as Trash Hero or Sungai Watch, which organize beach and river clean-ups. You can also support local businesses that promote sustainable practices such as recycling and reducing plastic use.

Help educate the locals: if you talk to the locals, try to explain why throwing plastics into nature is not okay and how they can preserve the island for their own children. Educating the locals is what the island needs in the first place.

Responsible tourism is essential to preserve Bali's natural beauty and maintain its cultural heritage for future generations. As travelers, we are responsible for ensuring that our activities do not harm the environment or local communities. We can support this effort by promoting and participating in initiatives to keep Bali clean.

Through responsible tourism, we can reduce our ecological footprint and contribute to the sustainable development of Bali. This includes simple activities such as proper waste management, avoiding single-use plastics, and using eco-friendly products such as sunscreen. In addition, supporting local initiatives and community programs can significantly reduce waste and promote better waste management practices.

Together we can ensure that Bali remains a beautiful and sustainable tourist destination for future generations.