Bali is one of the world's most famous island tourist destinations in the world. This island in Indonesia has idyllic beaches, endless surf, easygoing population and exotic culture which make it a must visit for many.

Eco-tourists will enjoy all the diverse and environmentally friendly options Bali has to offer. Beaches, volcanoes, and lush tropical forests offer beautiful, natural scenery for all to enjoy.

There are plenty of Green choices on Bali in all facets of the travel experience. There are eco-friendly choices for transportation, lodging, eating and just green sight-seeing.

Known as the “Island of the Gods,” Bali draws everyone from surfers to young backpackers with only a few dollars in their pocket to ultra-wealthy resort-goers. Many focus on the beach, the water and the nature and culture sites. However, the island is filled with eco-tourism opportunities because of its natural interior and its diverse set of landscapes, which include mountains, terraced rice fields, forests, savannas and a coastline that fluctuates between rugged and pristine.

The main form of public transportation is provided by minibuses known as bemos. These minivan-type vehicles are found throughout Bali.. One semi-public-transit option is to book a shuttle bus from a tour company.These have more amenities their bemo counterparts. These are useful for cross-island travel.Brave visitors who can deal with any traffic and safety concerns can rent small (125 cc or less), gas-sipping motorcycles and bicycles.

Eco-tourists can find many options for green lodging. Some of our favorites include the Udayana Kingfisher Eco-Lodge. It overlooks a beach and is also within eyeshot of Agung Mountain, one of Bali's tallest and most picture-worthy peaks. Udayana’s 24 acres are a haven for birds and butterflies, with more than 80 species of the colorful insects and 50 avian species (including several varieties of the lodge's namesake kingfishers) on site.

Hotel Uyah Amed located,in eastern Bali, was built using sustainable, environmentally friendly principles. The Uyah has green features like solar power, efficient appliances and an on-site organic garden. Diving and trekking opportunities are available within a short distance.

It is easy to eat local, fresh foods while on the island. Vegetarians and vegans will find themselves with a wide variety of meatless eating options from upscale specialty restaurants to local Vega-oriented eateries. Most of these places serve traditional Indonesian, Balinese and Chinese cuisine, so visitors are likely to find a solid list of local dishes instead of the funky fusion and faux meat dishes that plague some places' vegetarian scenes.

For fresh local foods, the Ubud Organic Market in the central Balinese town of Ubud is a unique option. This market runs each Saturday and features produce, herbs and artisanal products (of an organic nature) sold by local producers. Another green spot in Ubud is Sari Organic, a small, hard-to-find restaurant that can best be reached by foot. It is adjacent to a farm that bears the same name. Imagine eating fresh food from the fields across the street.

Bali is known for its surfing even though it does not boast the mammoth waves of Oahu's North Shore . Beaches on both the east and west parts of the island's coastline have virtually uninterrupted surf. Surfing schools are available for the beginner.

Underwater sports like snorkeling and scuba diving are very popular sports on Bali. Tulamben Bay, in northeastern Bali, is has clear waters and an unspoiled marine-scape. Nusa Dua, on the opposite end of the island is also the location of some of the island's best dive spots. Coral reefs hold abundant wildlife, and the shallow depths mean that the area can easily be explored by snorkel by people who don't want to strap on oxygen tanks.

Bali Barat National Park (Taman Nasional Bali Barat) is a 190-square-mile area of protected land in west Bali. It is the island's only national park. Landscapes inside the confines of Bali Barat include savannas, mountains and monsoon-fed jungle. There is also an additional 27 square miles of marine landscape and coral islands off the coast. The park is home to hundreds of species of plants and animals, the most famous being the endangered Bali starling.

Bali's monkey forests are popular with tourists (though they are probably not  what most nature-lovers would consider high-quality eco-tourism attractions). The Sangeh Monkey Forest is easy to reach from both Denpasar and Kuta Beach.  The Sacred Monkey Forest in Ubud is less touristy and boasts similarly natural landscapes to go along with its headlining primates.

Bali Bird Park is a conservation-minded attraction that includes a five-acre bird sanctuary with botanical-garden-like landscapes. Tropical birds, parrots, the local endangered Bali starling, along with more than 40 protected bird species call the park home.

Mount Agung, a picturesque volcanic mountain, is one of Bali's highest peaks and a great spot for mountain trekking. The trek to the top can take less than a day and can be done without guides, though guides are available in the towns near the trailheads where the ascent starts.

The Bali Mangrove Information Center is a Japanese-funded project that seeks to preserve mangrove forest and educate the public about this type of eco-system. There are boardwalk trails through the surrounding protected areas.

If you want a full-on eco-adventure or just a quiet, sandy spot to listen to the surf rolling onto the beach, Bali is an  ideal destination for all eco-tourists.

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Bali is definitely on my bucket list. I have always wanted to travel there, and it is even more inviting as an eco-tourism destination. Its wonderful knowing you can take a vacation to one of the most beautiful places and still be environmentally friendly. To me, that is like sprinkles and a cherry on top of the hot fudge sundae.

Let me know if you think of any other beautiful, environmentally friendly destinations I can share with our fellow tourists. I look forward to reading all of your comments! Green travels to all!