The Experience Programs for Guest Visits to Begawan

In October, Begawan welcomed a number of visitors to its Breeding and Release Centre as well as its Regenerative Rice Fields and the Permaculture Farm Garden. Begawan is a foundation with established programs in conservation, education and farming. The team aims to broaden Begawan’s impact by linking the foundation’s programs with tourism in Bali, therefore we are now open for visitors to immerse themselves in our guest experiences. We believe our activities are worth sharing, providing visitors with valuable, meaningful and memorable experiences.

Guests Come to Enjoy the Meaningful Tourism Experiences offered by Begawan

Early in October, Begawan’s team was there for the visit of Florian and Iriana to our Breeding and Release Centre. This visit was followed by other guests coming later in October –  Carolina, as well as Anthony Sebastian and his friend, Camilla,  who are wildlife ecologists and conservation planning specialists.  

They were all enthusiastic to know and understand more about the critically endangered Bali Starling. They learned about the breeding process, the preparation of fresh daily food, the process of releasing birds back into nature, and post-release monitoring. These guests were also very excited to sight the free-flying Bali Starlings at our release sites.

Assisted by Begawan’s team, Anthony and Camilla visited the Subak Temple (Pura Subak), following Balinese tradition by wearing a Kamen (sarong), sash, and Udeng (male head-dress) upon entering the temple. The Subak Temple is dedicated to Dewi Sri, the goddess of prosperity and fertility according to Balinese beliefs. There are two valuable cultural concepts related to the Subak. The first is the application of democracy in its management, each person involved in the management is equal in status. The second is the philosophy of Tri Hita Karana, harmony between the universe, humans and God.

After visiting the Subak Temple, they continued their journey to Begawan’s Regenerative Rice Fields. Along the way, they observed closely how Begawan’s water filter for the Subak irrigation works in order to clean the agrochemical contaminated water from the upper stream before entering our farmer’s rice fields. We are implementing a water filtration mechanism using rocks, gravel, and natural plants such as vetiver, water hyacinth, and bulrushes which have a strong pollutant absorbent capacity. 

Fresh coconut water was served while they watched our local farmers working in the rice fields. Begawan’s farmers create and use organic fertilisers, herbicides, and pesticides in the rice fields using natural plants that are locally available. The farmers carry out manual weeding regularly using a hoe, a sickle, and hands instead of agrochemicals. Our ducks are also out in the ricefields daily to tear up weeds, prey on pests and leave their manure behind as organic fertiliser for the rice plants and the soil. (Dhamar & Sintia)