Jaringan Ekowisata Desa (JED) is a network of village-owned and community-managed ecotourism groups across Bali. Established in 2002 through the collective vision of four pioneering villages, with support from the Wisnu Foundation, one of Bali’s oldest local environmental NGOs. JED was created to demonstrate that tourism can be driven by communities while protecting the natural and cultural heritage they call home.
Unlike conventional travel agencies, the experiences offered through JED are designed, managed, and hosted by the communities themselves. Each village decides how tourism takes place on their own terms, ensuring that visitors experience authentic village life while tourism directly supports local livelihoods, cultural preservation, and environmental conservation.
What Makes JED Different
Community in Control
Villages lead the way, planning activities, welcoming guests, and making decisions about how tourism develops in their community.
Direct Community Benefit
Tourism income flows directly to community groups, supporting local livelihoods and village initiatives.
Conservation in Action
Ecotourism helps fund environmental protection efforts, from forest and farmland preservation to coastal and wildlife conservation.
Culture as a Living Tradition
Traditions are not staged performances, they are part of daily life, shared naturally by the people who continue to live and practice them.
From Village to Visitor: The JED Ecotourism Journey
JED does not own the villages – the villages own the tourism.
Village Ecotourism Groups
Community members (elderly, women, youth) organize activities in their village.
JED as a Network & Support System
JED management facilitates coordination, quality standards, assistance, partnerships, and learning between villages.
Visitors Join Community Experiences
Guests experience the EcoTour activities, or participate in daily village life, guided by local hosts.
Impact Returns to the Village
Income from tourism supports livelihoods, conservation efforts, and cultural initiatives.
Voices from Our Visitors
Our Villages, Friends’ Stories
What I enjoyed most about JED was their focus on the people and their stories over the physical location itself. I learnt from people who were in touch with their land and community, and was able to observe their daily life away from the bustles of the city. Our tour was led entirely by local women from the village passionate to share their home with us. JED’s sustainable tours are the perfect way to step out of the over-touristed areas and experience authentic Balinese culture while supporting local communities. Highly recommend!
Vivien Deng Australia
JED is doing such important work in such beautiful, meaningful, inspiring ways! I just spent the morning with the Adat Dalem Tamblingan (ADT) team, exploring the rainforest, canoeing the lake, and learning about their community forest and water conservation efforts. Please support their work and help them in their struggle for state recognition by contributing to JED and or joining them for an ecotourism experience. Highly recommended!
Kimberly Laizer United States
JED and the Nyambu village tourism community made sure we were well looked after and had a great experience. If you’re coming to Bali, make sure to check out JED and their sustainable tourism options!
Tyra Beckett Australia
Learning from the Villages
Stories, Insights, and Publications
For more than two decades, Jaringan Ekowisata Desa has been part of a growing movement that connects community, culture, and conservation through village-based tourism. Along the way, many stories, lessons, and research insights have been documented by communities, partners, and researchers.
This collection of publications highlights the experiences of village communities, the evolution of community-based ecotourism, and the people who continue to shape this journey. From community stories to research and reports, these resources provide a deeper understanding of how tourism can support livelihoods while protecting culture and nature.
