Last weekend, Bali’s famous beaches got a much-needed cleaning session, courtesy of Sungai Watch and an army of eco-champions. With high spirits, and a mission to protect paradise, volunteers gathered on Saturday and Sunday for a beach cleanup event that wasn’t just about picking up trash—it was a celebration of community, love for nature and the Islands of Gods.
A Weekend to Remember
Hundreds of volunteers joined the Bali beach cleanup on Saturday, as monsoon rains brought what an activist described as “the worst” waves of plastic waste to hit Bali’s beloved beaches. Indonesia, a leading contributor to plastic pollution, faces a flood of marine debris every monsoon season, as rains and winds sweep mountains of plastic waste from cities and rivers into the ocean. Some of this waste travels hundreds of kilometers before washing up on Bali’s shores—especially between November and March.
At Kedonganan Beach in the south of the island, plastic cups, straws, cutlery, and empty coffee sachets were strewn across the sand, mingled with plant and wood debris. Undeterred by the rainy morning, around 600 volunteers, including local residents, hospitality workers, and tourists, tackled the mess head-on. Armed with gloves and grit, they filled hundreds of large sacks with waste, turning a daunting task into a spirited group effort.
Turning Trash into Treasure
By Sunday evening, Sungai Watch’s cleanup efforts had resulted in over 25 tons of waste being collected from Bali’s beaches. Cue the standing ovation! The team meticulously sorted the trash, ensuring recyclables were given a second life and non-recyclables were disposed of responsibly.
Bali’s beach cleanups like these aren’t just about aesthetics (though we’re all for picture-perfect shores). Bali’s beaches are vital ecosystems, home to countless marine species and a cornerstone of the island’s tourism-driven economy. Events like this remind us that we all have a role to play in protecting these natural wonders.
Join the Movement
Missed out on last weekend’s festivities? No worries! Sungai Watch hosts regular cleanup events, so there’s always a chance to roll up your sleeves and make a difference. Plus, you’ll get to meet like-minded eco-warriors and enjoy Bali’s breathtaking beaches in the process.
Pro tip: Bring a reusable water bottle, wear sunscreen, and don’t forget your hat! (Fashionable and practical is the way to go here.)
Bali’s beach cleanup last weekend was more than just an event—it was a movement, a party, and a reminder of what can happen when people come together for a common cause. Sungai Watch’s efforts, combined with the energy and enthusiasm of volunteers, showcased the best of humanity: kindness, community, and a deep respect for the planet.
So, the next time you’re soaking up the sun on Bali’s pristine shores, take a moment to thank the unsung heroes behind events like these. Better yet, grab a trash bag and join them. After all, paradise deserves a little care, and every piece of plastic you pick up is one less threat to our oceans.
Because let’s face it—there’s nothing cooler than saving the planet, one beach cleanup at a time.
Photo by George Bakos on UnsplashDon’t forget to follow the Instagram of Alfred in Bali for daily holiday inspiration!
