Astungkara Way is redefining tourism in Bali by offering regenerative travel experiences that connect visitors with the island’s rich agricultural traditions and support local communities. Astungkara Way’s signature project, the Coast-to-Coast Trail, spans Bali from south to north, offering immersive, educational experiences focused on sustainable agriculture, community education, and environmental regeneration.
Through a range of experiences—including trekking, farm tours, and glamping—Astungkara Way invites travelers to engage directly with Bali’s local communities. These experiences are designed to showcase the regenerative practices that are revitalizing the island’s ecosystems while providing economic opportunities for local farmers. By using tourism as a vehicle for positive change, Astungkara Way supports farmers transitioning from chemical-based agriculture to regenerative farming, helping them sell their products to hotels and restaurants across Bali.
The Astungkara Way Origin Story
Astungkara Way’s roots can be traced back to Tim Fijal’s time at Green School Bali, where he developed programs to connect the international community with local Balinese farmers. Through hands-on experiences like the “Rice Cycle Course,” international participants worked alongside farmers, learning about the environmental and economic challenges they face. This connection sparked the vision for Astungkara Way—a platform that could help regenerate both agriculture and tourism in Bali by supporting local communities and restoring the land.
The agency’s core mission is to reconnect the two pillars of Bali’s economy—tourism and agriculture—by creating a model that allows both to thrive in harmony. Astungkara Way works with local farmers to restore soil health and adopt regenerative farming techniques, providing training, securing markets, and ensuring guaranteed harvests. This not only improves the livelihoods of farmers but also addresses critical issues like food security, climate change, and biodiversity loss.
The Coast-to-Coast Pilgrimage: A Journey of Regeneration
A cornerstone of Astungkara Way’s offerings is the Coast-to-Coast Trail, an immersive pilgrimage across Bali that encourages travelers to engage with the island’s natural and cultural heritage. Originally launched as a 10-day journey, the trail now includes shorter options (6-day, 3-day, and 2-day experiences) to accommodate different schedules. Along the trail, participants visit local communities, learning about regenerative agriculture from the farmers who are leading this movement.
The trail is more than just a physical journey—it’s a transformative experience designed to heal the disconnect between people and the natural world. Each stop on the trail features a Regenerative Farming Learning Center (RFLC), where visitors can learn about sustainable farming practices, contribute to community development, and support local economies. By engaging travelers in this way, Astungkara Way fosters a deeper understanding of Bali’s traditional way of life and the importance of preserving it.
Empowering Farmers and Inspiring the Next Generation
Astungkara Way’s work extends beyond tourism, focusing on empowering local farmers to adopt regenerative practices that restore soil health and increase yields. The organization guarantees harvests for farmers transitioning to natural farming, helping them overcome the financial risks associated with this shift. Astungkara Way also connects farmers with new markets in Bali’s hospitality industry, providing a steady source of income and helping to preserve Bali’s agricultural heritage.
A key part of Astungkara Way’s mission is to inspire the next generation of farmers. The organization employs young people, many of whom have degrees in agriculture, offering them meaningful careers in regenerative farming. By creating stable, well-paying jobs, Astungkara Way provides an alternative to the tourism sector, allowing young Balinese to remain connected to their ancestral land and contribute to its regeneration.
How to Support Astungkara Way
Whether you’re a traveler looking for a meaningful experience or a supporter of sustainable agriculture, there are many ways to get involved with Astungkara Way. You can join one of their immersive travel experiences, support local farmers by purchasing regenerative products, or simply spread awareness about their mission.
