Discovering the Astungkara Way: A Transformative Hiking Experience in Bali

By Ivan PetrenkoOct 22, 2024 16:30 PMNews
Share:
Bali, Indonesia
Bali, Indonesia. Source: unsplash

Bali, a destination celebrated for its pristine beaches, lush landscapes, and vibrant culture, offers travelers more than just its famous tourist hotspots. For those seeking a deeper connection with the island and its people, the Astungkara Way provides a unique opportunity to experience Bali through a sustainable and spiritually enriching lens. This hiking journey, which winds through rural villages, terraced rice fields, and dense forests, invites participants to explore not only the natural beauty of the island but also its rich cultural and environmental heritage.

A Journey Rooted in Sustainability and Spirituality

The Astungkara Way is no ordinary trek. It is a carefully curated journey designed to promote sustainable tourism and environmental stewardship while honoring Bali’s deeply spiritual traditions. Astungkara, a word derived from the Balinese language, roughly translates to "gratitude" or "a blessing from nature." This concept is central to the experience, as the trail encourages hikers to develop a heightened awareness of their surroundings and the interconnectedness of nature, culture, and spirituality.

The hike spans roughly 130 kilometers and can take up to a week to complete, depending on the route chosen. Along the way, participants pass through some of Bali’s most picturesque landscapes, including rice terraces, tropical forests, and coastal regions. But this is not just a physical journey; it is also a spiritual and cultural immersion that invites hikers to slow down and appreciate the essence of Balinese life.

Immersing in Local Culture

One of the defining aspects of the Astungkara Way is the close interaction with local communities. The hike takes travelers off the beaten path and into rural areas where traditional ways of life remain largely untouched by mass tourism. Here, participants have the opportunity to stay in homestays, sharing meals and stories with local families. These interactions offer a rare glimpse into the daily rhythms of Balinese villages, where agriculture, spirituality, and family are deeply intertwined.

The trail is also a lesson in sustainable farming practices. As hikers traverse the rice paddies, they witness the Subak system, an ancient cooperative irrigation method that has sustained Bali’s agriculture for centuries. This system, recognized by UNESCO as a cultural heritage, is rooted in the Balinese philosophy of Tri Hita Karana, which emphasizes harmony between humans, nature, and the spiritual world. Learning about this philosophy firsthand allows travelers to gain a deeper understanding of the environmental challenges faced by the island and the importance of sustainable living.

A Commitment to Regenerative Travel

Unlike traditional tourism, which often leads to environmental degradation, the Astungkara Way promotes regenerative travel. This approach goes beyond minimizing harm and seeks to actively restore and rejuvenate the landscapes and communities visited. As part of the journey, hikers are encouraged to participate in activities that contribute to the conservation of Bali’s ecosystems, such as tree planting, organic farming, and water conservation efforts.

Additionally, the trek organizers work closely with local farmers and environmental groups to ensure that the trail supports, rather than disrupts, the natural environment. By choosing this path, travelers are not just observing Bali’s beauty from a distance—they are directly contributing to its preservation.

A Spiritual Experience Through Nature

For many, the Astungkara Way is more than just an adventure—it is a spiritual journey. The hike is designed to foster mindfulness and reflection, with numerous opportunities for meditation and quiet contemplation. As travelers move through Bali’s diverse ecosystems, they are invited to connect with the island’s spiritual energy, which is deeply embedded in the natural world.

Bali, Indonesia
Bali, Indonesia. Source: unsplash

Bali’s Hindu culture places great emphasis on the sacredness of nature, with mountains, rivers, and forests often viewed as the dwelling places of deities. Hikers may come across temples and shrines along the trail, where offerings are made to honor the spirits of the land. These sacred spaces provide moments of pause, encouraging travelers to reflect on their own connection to the environment and the importance of maintaining balance and respect for the natural world.

Preparing for the Astungkara Way

Hiking the Astungkara Way requires both physical preparation and an open mindset. While the trail is accessible to those with moderate hiking experience, the tropical climate and varied terrain can be challenging. Participants should be prepared for long days of walking through diverse landscapes, ranging from flat rice terraces to steep jungle paths. Comfortable, lightweight gear and plenty of hydration are essential for a successful journey.

Moreover, the trek requires a willingness to engage with the local culture in a meaningful way. This means stepping out of the tourist mindset and embracing the slower pace of village life, where relationships with nature and community take precedence over material comforts. Travelers who approach the hike with curiosity and respect will find that it offers a transformative experience unlike any other.

Top Articles
Not Just a Suitcase: My Personal Checklist for Smart Travelers in 2025

Not Just a Suitcase: My Personal Checklist for Smart Travelers in 2025

Mar 3, 2025 18:00 PM
Practical Eco-Friendly Travel Solutions for Sustainable Tourism

Practical Eco-Friendly Travel Solutions for Sustainable Tourism

Feb 14, 2025 15:00 PM

Top Tips for Securing Your Luggage and Preventing Loss

Feb 7, 2025 14:00 PM

Your Guide to Hand Luggage and Baggage Rules

Feb 4, 2025 20:00 PM
More News
Malaysia Airlines aircraft being loaded at the airport gate

Malaysia Airlines Reinstates Brisbane Route with Expanded Regional Access

Apr 18, 2025 23:21 PM
Aerial view of a beach on Seychelles, with turquoise waves and granite rock formations

Seychelles Launches Marine Programme for Environmentally Minded Travellers

Apr 18, 2025 21:34 PM

Maintenance Work to Impact Summer Departures at Hannover Airport

Apr 18, 2025 19:48 PM

Severe Rail Disruptions Ahead of Marathon and FA Cup

Apr 18, 2025 17:23 PM
Singapore Airlines Airbus A380 aircraft in mid-flight against a grey sky

Asia Travel Made Easier with New Airline Partnership

Apr 18, 2025 15:35 PM
Crowne Plaza hotel building under clear sky

Business Travel Gets Personal: New Hotel Perk Encourages Guests to Bring a Companion

Apr 17, 2025 23:31 PM
Emirates Airbus A380 taking off from the runway during daytime

Easter Flights Bring Seasonal Comforts for Travelers

Apr 17, 2025 20:25 PM
Two people walking with an umbrella during heavy rain on a flooded street

Weekend Weather Threatens Travel Across South West England

Apr 17, 2025 18:47 PM
Wizz Air aircraft in flight against cloudy sky

Wizz Air Expands Naples Routes with New Travel Destinations

Apr 17, 2025 16:33 PM

Maui faces water shortage amid tourist comfort

Apr 16, 2025 22:39 PM

New Direct Flight Simplifies Travel Between Munich and Dubai

Apr 16, 2025 20:42 PM
Interior view of Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 2 with immigration area and directional signs

Changi Lounges to Expand Space and Comfort Over Two Years

Apr 16, 2025 18:24 PM
Rail workers operating heavy machinery to replace tracks during infrastructure upgrade

Train Delays Expected on Pisa to Rome Line This Summer

Apr 16, 2025 16:37 PM
Traveler with suitcase watching airplane take off at airport terminal

Antalya Airport Upgrade Enhances Travel Experience

Apr 15, 2025 16:46 PM
Dynjandi waterfall cascading down a rocky mountain in Westfjords, Iceland

Iceland’s Expanding Appeal for Nature-Loving Travellers

Apr 15, 2025 14:53 PM

Flexible Antalya Trips Now Easier from Graz

Apr 15, 2025 12:37 PM

UK Rain Warning Triggers Travel Caution for Midweek Journeys

Apr 15, 2025 10:44 AM
Ryanair plane landing at airport

Hidden Fees and Access Problems Reported on eDreams

Apr 15, 2025 08:21 AM
Passengers seated inside a city bus

Electric Buses Make Exploring Exeter Smoother for Visitors

Apr 15, 2025 06:39 AM
Munich Airport's central plaza with glass roof and modern architecture

New Munich Route Eases Access to Canadian Rockies

Apr 14, 2025 23:56 PM
Rail workers conducting track maintenance during daytime engineering works

Easter Rail Closures to Impact UK Holiday Travel

Apr 14, 2025 21:42 PM
Ryanair airplane in mid-flight against a blue sky

Expedia Adds Direct Ryanair Bookings Amid Shift in Airline Strategy

Apr 14, 2025 19:38 PM

Traveler Left Without Wheelchair After Hawaii Flight

Apr 13, 2025 21:41 PM

Winter Closure of Burgas Airport Will Impact Air Travel

Apr 13, 2025 19:34 PM
View of an empty airplane aisle from a low angle, showing rows of seats and overhead bins

Avelo Faces Backlash Over Deportation Flight Deal

Apr 12, 2025 22:49 PM
Airplane at airport gate during sunrise with ground crew preparing for departure

Quick Getaways Changing the Way Europe Travels

Apr 12, 2025 19:51 PM