It was definitely something like coffee. Before I tried it, I had no idea that I’d needed it and absolutely no desire of having it every morning. Tropics were something that I simply tasted and now I have to keep coming back. For some reason, nobody told me that I’d get addicted.
Bali, Thailand, Philipines, Hawaii… you name it. My absolute favorite spot would have to be Bali. Every year, I dedicate about 3-4 months and spend them in Canggu or Uluwatu (two very lovely places in the island of Bali). Maybe it was the classic palm-tree scenery, the cheap papaya on the street market or the laid-back vibe of the local surfer boys.
A coastal town in southern Bali that slowly took the title of my top little tropics town.
Full of expats from Australia or California, hip vegan places and the best waves on the island. I’d wake up to a yoga session, go to the water before the sun would come up and surf through the sunrise. A delicious breakfast would usually include a big avocado quinoa bowl with a massive smoothie. And all of that for less than 5$. Dip in a pool and back to work. Days spend teaching yoga or taking photos, evenings dancing at the local bar and early morning would rise again, as I’d head back to the water.
I’ve posted quite many stories about my days around Southeast Asia, access those here.
There are definitely many great things about living in the tropics. As well as there aren’t. And before traveling there is helpful to get well-informed and prepped. (as much as I support spontaneous living)
WATER
There’s no drinkable water in places like Indonesia, Thailand, the Cooks, Philipines, and similar popular tropical destinations! When they say there’s no drinkable water, that usually means that we, as tourists can’t handle certain bacteria in water that comes from the tap! Which is fair, we all have different metabolism capabilities, right? Since you can’t drink the tap water, the instant thought that everyone naturally gets is to buy the water! WRONG. You don’t have to buy plastic bottled water every single day, multiple times a day. That is wrong and completely unnecessary.
The thing is, that since more and more places are getting aware of what it means to dump/burn plastic waste… a lot of restaurants are going plastic-free. And many of those places are offering free water for whoever is dining there! So if you want to bring your reusable water bottle and fill it up while you’re there… you can do that! There is absolutely no need to buy plastic bottles, since you can fill your own, anywhere you go. Most of the hotels, hostels, and homestays in those places offer free drinkable water too! You don’t even have to go anywhere to get fresh water! Keep that in mind, when you’re traveling abroad.
TRASH
Something I found out earlier this week has shocked me to the moon and back. According to the United States Coast Gaurd, is apparently totally legal to dump trash and sewage in our oceans! What the ****. Although it is not permissible to dump any plastic into the ocean in 2018, it is perfectly acceptable to dump any raw sewage, paper, rags, glass, metal, bottles, or similar refuse, as long as you are at least 12 miles away from the nearest shoreline.
Wastes were frequently dumped in coastal and ocean waters, in the past, based on the assumption that marine waters had an unlimited capacity to mix and disperse wastes. But that was before and it is 2018 now, how can we still hold on to those beliefs?
According to Logan Connor, from sea-globe.com, Southeast Asian nations are among the worst offenders, when it comes to plastic waste in our oceans.
Plastic Waste Inputs From Land Into the Ocean is a report, issued, by the environmental engineer, Jenna Jambeck. Along with her team, she estimated that eight million tonnes of plastic are being dumped into the ocean each year – the equivalent of five grocery bags full of plastic debris for every foot of the world’s coastlines.
I spoke to many Balinese locals about the plastic-waste topic. The key problem is that people just don’t know. Before plastic came to these islands in 60’s and early 70’s, everyone has been wrapping their food in banana leaves. And after it has been used, they would simply burn it, or dump it in the ocean. And here’s where plastic brought the problems. They simply did not know, what plastic can do! They didn’t know (and still many of them don’t!) that plastic containers aren’t the same as banana leaves. But it was definitely cheaper, more convenient and longer lasting. I still see many local businesses and households, burning their plastic in their backyard. And every once in a while, there is some genius person, who’s decided to get rid of tons of plastic and has a massive bonfire. That easily smokes up the whole Canggu for a day.
But it is getting better though. I don’t want to sprinkle a lot of negative vibes on you, by telling you all these horrific facts. Looking at Bali, in comparison to last year or a year before – it has gotten so much better. A lot of cafes, restaurants, and clubs are going plastic-free, by replacing the straws with metal ones, not giving out plastic bags, only paper ones… and similar! It’s amazing to see changes like that, in the place so close to my heart.
*UPDATE FEBRUARY 2019* Single use plastics have finally been banned in Bali!
And there’s also a great company, called 4OCEAN, cleaning up beaches, one pound at the time, as they like to call it. Make sure to check out what they do!
Because as I explained in my recent article, about sustainable living, the key is NOT recycling. But simply choosing not to consume. And if there’s no demand, there will be no production. All we can do is make these simple changes in our daily lifestyle.
Here’s what you and I can do today while traveling to tropics;
– Bring your own reusable water bottle! Even though tap water isn’t drinkable in most of the third world countries, you’ll still find lots of options to avoid buying plastic water bottles! Most of the hostel, villas, and stay will provide you with drinkable water and all you have to do is fill it up before you go adventuring.
– Eat and pack close to nature. Make the most of your stay and shop at locals markets! It’s a luxury to eat the best mango in the world in Bali (since I know that back home we only have the 7$ flavorless ones). Bring a reusable bag while going shop and say NO to the plastic ones that you’re offered.
– Pack light. It saves whatever transport mode you use, and yourself a ton of energy. Pack purposefully for the destination you’re traveling to. What do you really need?
– Support the small entrepreneurs and go against mass consumerism. We live in a demand-driven society. Help the good brands, without lobbying power and big advertisement budgets, to climb up the ladder. Demand plastic free and toxic free where you can. This way you say no to oil drilling, carbon emissions, and yes to a cleaner way of life.
– If you buy toiletries, buy in bulk to minimise package materials.
Read more about OCEAN WASTE-DUMPING HERE
SUNBURNS
Be careful, since the sun damages can be permanent. As you lie out in the sun hoping to get a golden tan and instead walk away from your lounge chair looking like a lobster that’s been left in the pot too long. It happens to everyone, right? Especially in the water, we don’t even feel like we’re getting burned. Until it’s too late and we go home crying.
Sunburn, basically, is inflammation of the skin. One of the easiest ways to treat inflammation is to cool down the affected area. Taking a cool, soothing shower is a great idea. Be wary of pools, as chlorinated water can irritate the skin more!
And remember, the easiest way to treat sunburn is to avoid it. Go to the beach when the sun is low! And explore the area or work or nap, from 12-2 pm.
PHOTOS
Whoever knows me well, knows good that I love capturing moments in tropical places. The light blue water, palm trees, and secret lagoons… nothing better than that. Which is exactly why I created a course on how to take amazing photos in tropical places. The good news is, that is free.
Pointing out the self-care aspects and benefits of meditation as well as creating a good base for starters – that is why I made this MEDITATION GUIDEBOOK.
Give it a try, don’t give up & invest in yourself.
What are your thoughts on the tropics and how do you get ready, what do you pack, before leaving? Let’s chat!
