Your Arrival

Get ready for a warm welcome to Bali! Your adventure begins the moment you arrive, with our airport pick-up at Denpasar International Airport (DPS) on Sunday. To ensure a smooth transition, we’ll provide you with all the necessary arrival and contact details when you book your program. The local team will be waiting for you, ready to transfer you to your accommodation where you’ll meet fellow volunteers from around the world.

Your Accommodation & Meals

Your accommodation is included from Sunday night until Saturday morning of your last week, so you can rest assured that you’ll have a comfortable place to call home throughout your journey. You’ll be staying in shared rooms with other participants, giving you the perfect opportunity to make lifelong friends from around the world. You’ll be accommodated in single-gender rooms, ensuring maximum comfort and privacy.

But that’s not all – we’ve got your meals covered too! You will have 3 meals per day during weekdays, and 2 meals per day on weekends.

The Bali & Lombok Combo is a 4 week program that covers both cultural and volunteering experiences across Bali and Lombok. In both Bali and Lombok, you will start the program with a week of cultural experiences, adventures, and sightseeing. The second week you will be volunteering in a project of your choice.

You can start on the 1st and 3rd Monday of every month. Arrival is on the Sunday before your program.

Week 1-2: Bali

Week 1: Culture Week in Ubud

Are you ready for a thrilling and action-packed week filled with incredible adventures? Get ready to embark on a journey that will not only introduce you to the vibrant Balinese culture but also create lasting connections within your group.

Throughout this unforgettable week, you’ll have the opportunity to immerse yourself in the essence of Balinese life. You’ll begin by learning the basics of the enchanting Balinese language, allowing you to connect with the locals on a deeper level. Explore the captivating town of Ubud and its picturesque surroundings, discovering hidden gems and breathtaking landscapes that will leave you in awe.

But the excitement doesn’t stop there. Prepare to unleash your creativity as you delve into the art of Balinese Batik painting. Under the guidance of skilled artisans, you’ll discover the secrets of this traditional craft, allowing your artistic side to flourish.

The heart of this week lies in immersing yourself in the Balinese culture. You’ll have the chance to witness a wonderful traditional Balinese show, where captivating dances and performances will transport you to another world. Additionally, you’ll embark on a culinary adventure, as you learn to cook authentic Balinese dishes during a hands-on cooking class.

One of the highlight of the week awaits as you create a traditional flower offering and present it at the magnificent Tirta Empul Temple, a place of profound spirituality. Here, you’ll have the opportunity to submerge yourself in the holy waters and offer prayers for good fortune and blessings.

Schedule

Monday will kickstart your journey with a delightful breakfast, followed by an introduction to the rich traditions and culture of Bali. You’ll then embark on a captivating walking tour along Monkey Street and explore the bustling Ubud market. After a satisfying lunch, you’ll join a class to deepen your understanding of Balinese culture. To conclude the day, dinner awaits before witnessing an amazing traditional Balinese dance show.

Tuesday starts with a delicious breakfast, followed by an engaging Balinese Language Class. After lunch, you’ll embark on a village walking tour, where you’ll witness the beauty of rice terraces, visit an art village, and marvel at scenic hills. The day concludes with dinner, leaving you with memories to cherish.

Wednesday greets you with a scrumptious breakfast, followed by another engaging Balinese Language Class. After lunch, get ready to unleash your artistic talents during a Batik painting class. As the day winds down, enjoy a flavorsome dinner, reflecting on the experiences that have unfolded.

Thursday begins with a delightful breakfast, followed by an immersive cooking class where you’ll master the secrets of Balinese cuisine. After a satisfying lunch, immerse yourself in the art of Balinese flower offering, learning the intricacies and significance behind this ancient practice. The day concludes with a special welcome and goodbye dinner, celebrating the bonds you’ve formed.

Friday commences with a delicious breakfast, leading you on a spiritual tour to the renowned Pura Tirta Empul, the holy water temple. Here, you’ll have the unique opportunity to cleanse your spirit with the sacred waters and savor a late lunch amidst the serene surroundings. The day concludes with a project meeting, followed by a delightful dinner.

Please note that the schedule is subject to change depending on weather conditions, local circumstances, and unforeseen events.

In Week 2 you will be volunteering in Bali where you can choose between these projects:

• Culture Week in Ubud
• Kindergarten in Ubud
• Teaching in Ubud
• Construction & Renovation in Ubud
• Environmental Education in Ubud
• Healthcare Education in Ubud
• Turtle Conservation

Kindergarten in Ubud

Would you like to make a positive impact on the lives of young children in Ubud’s surrounding villages? Join us as we work in over different kindergartens, spreading the joy of learning English in a fun and informal way!

Our program not only gives you the opportunity to teach basic English to these enthusiastic children but also offers a glimpse into the authentic Balinese lifestyle. We believe that by instilling a love for learning at an early age, we can sow the seeds of a lifelong educational journey for these bright minds.

In addition to collaborating with existing kindergartens, we are proud to have our own self-run kindergarten exclusively for 4-5-year-olds, who are welcome to attend free of charge. This gives you a unique chance to witness the very beginning of their educational journey and contribute to their English language development, which will undoubtedly prove invaluable as they progress through their academic careers.

Just like in kindergartens worldwide, our teaching approach is informal and focused on creating a playful and engaging environment. While the children will be eager to play and interact with you, you’ll also introduce them to simple English phrases and greetings, igniting their curiosity and setting them on a path of lifelong learning.

The children you’ll meet will be filled with excitement and warmth, as they embrace the opportunity to interact with someone from a different culture. The genuine friendliness of the Balinese people amplifies their open-heartedness, and you’ll be warmly welcomed as one of the few foreigners they’ve had the chance to meet.

Schedule

Monday to Friday will be dedicated to making a difference in the morning hours at the kindergarten. After a nourishing lunch, you’ll have time to plan and organize activities for the following day, ensuring a dynamic and engaging learning experience for the children. Each day will start with an early breakfast, followed by your rewarding work at the kindergarten, where you’ll teach basic English phrases and engage in fun games and activities.

As the afternoon rolls in, you’ll focus on preparing for the next day, brainstorming creative ideas and crafting engaging lessons. The day concludes with a delightful dinner at your accommodation, allowing you to recharge and reflect on the impactful moments shared.

The Kindergarten Project is closed during school breaks in June, July, August, and in December.

Please note that the schedule is subject to change depending on weather conditions, local circumstances, and unforeseen events.

Teaching in Ubud

Imagine immersing yourself in the captivating setting of Ubud, where you’ll embark on an enriching teaching program, empowering children to learn a variety of subjects in English. Get ready to make a lasting impact as you collaborate with local schools, prepare engaging lessons, and witness the students’ incredible growth firsthand.

As Bali’s tourism industry continues to flourish, the need for proficient English speakers among the locals has reached unprecedented heights. While children receive English instruction at school, it is often taught by Balinese teachers, limiting their opportunities to practice conversational skills and interact with native English speakers. This is where you come in. Balinese children possess an insatiable thirst for knowledge and are an absolute delight to teach.

Throughout the project, your mornings will be dedicated to preparing dynamic lessons, which can encompass a wide range of educational subjects or incorporate topics close to your heart. While there is a general syllabus to guide you, previous participants’ lesson plans serve as valuable examples to inspire your own creativity.

The core objective of this project is to showcase the joy of learning English, and you are encouraged to employ innovative teaching methods. Games, songs, art, sports, and music can all be powerful tools in capturing the students’ imagination. If you are new to teaching, consider teaming up with fellow participants to foster confidence and establish greater control in the classroom. The energy and enthusiasm of the students often spill over into moments of pure excitement!

Schedule

Monday kicks off with an early morning breakfast, followed by the preparation of your lesson plans. This crucial step allows you to tailor the content to suit the needs and interests of the children. After lunch, you’ll venture to the local school, armed with your well-prepared lessons. As the day concludes, return to the center and share your valuable feedback on your first day of teaching, reflecting on the rewarding experiences you’ve already had.

From Tuesday to Friday, your mornings will begin with a delightful breakfast, providing you with the opportunity to refine your lesson plans for the day ahead. After lunch, you’ll head to your assigned school, where eager students await your arrival. Engage them with your thoughtfully prepared lessons and partake in interactive activities. As the school day ends, you’ll return to your accommodation, where a satisfying dinner awaits, offering a moment of relaxation and reflection.

The teaching plan will be reconfirmed every Friday, allowing for any adjustments based on school activities and schedules. Your participation requires approximately 5 hours each day, with 2 hours dedicated to morning lesson preparation and 3 hours for afternoon teaching.

Please note that the schedule is subject to change depending on weather conditions, local circumstances, and unforeseen events.

Construction & Renovation in Ubud

If you’re passionate about making a real difference in communities through construction activities, then look no further. This program is tailor-made for individuals like you, eager to contribute positively and leave a lasting impact.

Our project focuses on supporting small village communities in and around Ubud, aiming to construct and renovate vital structures that are essential for their growth and development. From schools and playgrounds to public libraries, your time and effort will directly enhance the lives of local residents and improve their living conditions.

In this program, you’ll have the opportunity to participate in a range of hands-on tasks, including bricklaying, carpentry, painting, tile laying, and landscaping/gardening. A dedicated local coordinator will provide guidance and training, working closely with local families to ensure your work aligns with community needs.

By engaging in this social project, you’ll have the power to make a real difference. As you immerse yourself in an artistic and relaxed environment, you’ll be responsible for renovating and creating beautiful drawings and paintings in kindergartens and primary schools throughout Ubud. This activity not only supports the local community but also nurtures your own creativity throughout the process, offering a truly rewarding experience.

While it’s important to note that bringing supplies from home may be limited due to baggage weight restrictions, rest assured that any money you raise to support the project upon arrival in Bali will be greatly appreciated. Bali boasts well-established shopping centers where you can easily purchase supplies, ensuring your contribution goes directly back into the local economy. It’s our recommended and preferred method of support, allowing you to focus on the impactful work ahead without the burden of carrying supplies from afar.

Please keep in mind that the program is designed to adapt to the ever-evolving needs of the local communities. Tasks may change depending on what proves most necessary and helpful at any given time.

Schedule

Monday sets the stage for the project as you begin the day with breakfast, followed by project planning alongside your assigned coordinator. After receiving all the necessary information, you’ll enjoy a satisfying lunch before embarking on your journey to the community location where your assistance is needed. As the day draws to a close, return to the center and participate in a meeting, where you can provide valuable feedback regarding your first day at the placement.

From Tuesday to Friday, your mornings will offer some free time for relaxation and personal exploration after a hearty breakfast. After lunch, you’ll venture to your assigned community location, ready to engage in various construction and renovation activities that will truly leave a positive impact on the communities in need. Witness the transformative power of your efforts as you contribute to their development and well-being.

Please note that the schedule is subject to change depending on weather conditions, local circumstances, and unforeseen events.

Environmental Education in Ubud

If you possess a deep passion for environmental issues and crave an immersive experience intertwined with rich cultural heritage, then this project is your golden opportunity. It goes beyond a mere partnership—it becomes a profound connection with the local community, who view their environment not as a separate entity, but as an integral part of their daily lives.

Bali, renowned for its breathtaking beauty and lush greenery, has unfortunately faced adverse consequences due to rapid development and surging tourism. The sight of discarded plastic water bottles and food wrappers strewn on the ground is disheartening, especially considering that Balinese tradition relied on biodegradable banana leaves for food packaging. Recognizing the significance of the human-environment relationship deeply rooted in Balinese culture, our project aims to instill environmental education in children from a young age, imparting vital messages in a fun and dynamic manner.

Our approach emphasizes “hands-on” techniques, actively engaging children in nature and fostering collaborative work. Each morning, participants devote two hours to meticulously planning their campaigns, which they then bring to life in schools throughout the Ubud area during the afternoon sessions. Our primary focus is on primary schools in Bali, where we firmly believe that education serves as the starting point. We encourage students to work together and understand that even the smallest efforts can make a substantial impact.

Schedule

Monday, the inaugural day of your project, commences with a nourishing breakfast that fuels your mind and body for the day’s activities. Your preparations involve crafting a myriad of engaging and educational activities designed to enlighten the children about environmental preservation. After lunch, you embark on your journey to the local school, eager to implement the activities you’ve diligently prepared. Upon returning from the school, take the opportunity to share your experiences and invaluable feedback regarding the program during an evening gathering at the Center. Conclude your day with a delectable dinner, savoring the flavors of Bali.

From Tuesday to Friday, the rhythm of your days echoes with purpose. Energized by breakfast, you immerse yourself in designing activities tailored for each day, carefully considering the impact they will have on the children. Once you’ve finalized the day’s agenda, it’s time to venture to the school after a fulfilling lunch. Engage with the enthusiastic children, guiding them through the activities you’ve thoughtfully crafted. As the day’s activities come to a close, return to the Center, where relaxation and reflection await.

Please note that the schedule is subject to change depending on weather conditions, local circumstances, and unforeseen events.

Healthcare Education in Ubud

If you possess a passion for medicine and aspire to make a difference in the healthcare field, then this program is tailor-made for you in this extraordinary location!

Our program offers two avenues for you to contribute to the healthcare development in Ubud: as a qualified medical professional or as an educator focusing on basic first-aid and personal hygiene. We recognize the diverse needs within the community, ranging from the requirement for skilled healthcare professionals to conduct health camps and dental checkups, to the vital need for individuals who can educate locals on fundamental practices like handwashing, toothbrushing, and general cleanliness. By addressing these areas, we aim to prevent avoidable health issues and the spread of communicable diseases.

Whether you are an experienced medical practitioner or simply interested in teaching basic hygiene techniques, our newly established Healthcare Education project welcomes your valuable contribution. Medical professionals who can offer guidance and expertise in shaping the project’s development are highly appreciated, although prior medical experience is not a prerequisite.

As a participant, you will have the opportunity to actively engage in healthcare campaigns within local schools, emphasizing the importance of basic hygiene practices, teaching correct toothbrushing techniques, handwashing protocols, and overall personal cleanliness. These simple educational initiatives, implemented early on, have a profound impact on both immediate and future healthcare outcomes. Furthermore, for those with medical backgrounds, we can organize check-up clinics for local children and adults, greatly benefiting the community with your assistance.

Schedule

Monday, the inaugural day of your project, begins with a meeting alongside the Medical Officer after a satisfying breakfast. This meeting serves to familiarize you with the prevalent health issues and provide essential training on the tasks at hand. Following the meeting, you will have time to prepare for the day’s activities until lunch. The you will visit a local school, where you will captivate the children with your engaging activities, designed to facilitate easy learning. Once you return from the school, take the opportunity to share your feedback and experiences, wrapping up the day’s endeavors.

Throughout the week, you will dedicate approximately one to two hours each morning to lesson preparation and around two to three hours in the afternoon teaching at local elementary, high schools, or universities. The freedom is yours to decide what subjects you wish to teach, and we will provide you with examples from previous participants to help spark your creativity.

From Tuesday to Friday, the rhythm of your days harmonizes with purpose. After a delightful breakfast, you will prepare the daily activities, ensuring they are both informative and engaging. Following a sumptuous lunch, you will head to the assigned schools or projects, where you will interact with the local children, imparting knowledge and practical skills in first-aid, hygiene, and personal care. Your goal is to design activities that capture the children’s attention, making learning a joyful experience.

Please note that the schedule is subject to change depending on weather conditions, local circumstances, and unforeseen events.

Turtle Conservation in Nusa Penida

Welcome to the Turtle Conservation project, nestled on the picturesque island of Nusa Penida. Join forces with a dedicated local team and play your part in safeguarding Indonesia’s endangered sea turtles. Work alongside a local team and help protect the endangered sea turtles of Indonesia. Through this program, you will contribute to protecting the turtle population in Nusa Penida by working at our turtle conservation center.

Your participation in this program will have a direct impact on protecting the turtle population of Nusa Penida. At our turtle conservation center, you’ll engage in various activities depending on the nesting season. From identifying turtle species and collecting eggs to monitoring nests and witnessing the safe journey of hatchlings to the sea, every moment will be filled with awe-inspiring experiences.

Located just a 45-minute speedboat ride away from mainland Bali, Nusa Penida offers an authentic island lifestyle. Embrace the simpler pleasures of life, as you’ll find fewer shops and attractions here, but fear not, the beautiful beach will be practically at your doorstep!

Indonesia is a critical hub for sea turtle conservation, boasting a diverse range of turtle species that inhabit its extensive coastline. The most common species found in Indonesian waters include the Olive Ridley Turtle, Green Sea Turtle, Hawksbill Turtle, Loggerhead Turtle, and Leatherback Turtle.

Indonesia is home to numerous nesting sites where female sea turtles come ashore to lay their eggs. Beaches in places like Java, Bali, Sumatra, and Papua are vital nesting grounds. Conservation efforts often focus on protecting these sites from human disturbances and preserving suitable conditions for successful nesting.

Sea turtles in Indonesian islands face various threats, including habitat destruction due to coastal development, pollution, and climate change. Illegal poaching for meat, eggs, and shells remains a significant concern, and turtles are also vulnerable to accidental capture in fishing gear, impacting their populations.

Turtles are known for their nesting habits, where females lay eggs on sandy beaches. The incubation period and sex determination of turtle eggs are influenced by the temperature during the nesting period. Warmer temperatures typically result in more female hatchlings, while cooler temperatures produce more males. Climate change can pose a threat as it may skew the gender ratio and affect the overall population.

Turtles have a remarkable ability to navigate across oceans, guided by Earth’s magnetic field. They are adapted to life in the water, with streamlined bodies and flipper-like limbs. Turtles are capable of holding their breath for extended periods, but they still need to come to the surface to breathe. They primarily feed on jellyfish, sea grass, and other marine creatures. Turtles face various challenges in their survival journey, including predation, habitat loss, and human-related threats.

Turtles are endangered due to a combination of natural and human-induced threats. Sea turtle conservation is of paramount importance due to the ecological, economic, cultural, and scientific significance these creatures hold. Protecting sea turtles not only ensures the survival of a unique and ancient lineage but also contributes to the overall health and resilience of marine ecosystems worldwide.

As a participant, you will work alongside a local team and help protect the endangered sea turtles of Indonesia. You will contribute to conserving the turtles by working at our turtle conservation center. Depending on the time of the year since turtles do not nest all year round, you may be identifying turtle species, collecting eggs, monitoring nests or seeing hatchlings get safely to sea.

In fact, as part of the marine ecosystem, turtles play a key role in keeping seagrass beds and coral reefs healthy. These, in turn, are important sources of food and shelter for countless marine species.

Moreover, the project has had engagement from the local communities from the beginning. This has been a catalyst for the drastic reduction of sea turtle poaching and for strengthening communities’ capacities to play a crucial role in the protection of the species.

Finally, You must be prepared for a more basic standard of living on the island, with fewer shops and attractions available (bearing in mind the beach is practically at your doorstep)! Besides that, you may also have the best time throughout your stay as you will engage in fun, relaxing and recreational activities held after a long day of your program alongside other participants.

Schedule

Monday
After having breakfast, you will see a presentation about the Turtle Conservation project and also receive a project briefing which will help you to understand the dos and don’ts of the project. After that you will engage in the typical activities you are supposed to do throughout the week such as feeding the turtles, cleaning the tanks, catching live food for turtles, and also cleaning the beach. In the evening, you will then see a documentary about Turtles which will help you to widen your knowledge about these amazing creatures.

Tuesday
After having breakfast on Tuesday, you will start cleaning the tanks, feeding the turtles, and collecting seaweed and live food for turtles. In addition, you will also create turtle toys, clean the beach and provide medicine for injured turtles if there are any.

Wednesday
After having breakfast on Wednesday, you will start cleaning the tanks, feeding the turtles, and collecting seaweed and live food for turtles. In addition, you will also create turtle toys and provide medicine for injured turtles if there are any.

In the evening, you will then engage in some sports activities at the beach where you will play either volleyball, badminton, or football.

Thursday
On Thursday, you will have breakfast and start cleaning tanks, feeding the turtles, and collecting seaweed. you will also create turtle toys and provide medicine for injured turtles if there are any.

Thursday night will be a special one for you to enjoy the welcome and farewell dinner by a Bonfire at the beach. This would be a great opportunity to get to know the newcomers and say goodbye to those who are leaving.

Friday
On Friday, after having breakfast, you will feed the turtles and get an amazing opportunity to release turtles into the sea. But please do understand that this opportunity is only if you are leaving the program this week. If you continue another week at the project, you will engage in regular activities at the turtle conservation centre. For those who are leaving the program, there would also be a feedback session regarding the program. After having lunch, you all can engage in activities such as feeding the turtles, cleaning tanks, and measuring the turtle growth.

Other activities you would engage in include cleaning the beach, making garbage bins for the local area, creating a Turtles/Environment campaign for the local area, releasing injured turtles after treatment and cleaning the beach, and turtles site construction work: such as extra turtle tank or wall, painting the walls etc and collecting turtle information such as length of carapace, size of flippers, checking its weight etc.

Please note that the schedule is subject to change depending on weather conditions, local circumstances, and unforeseen events.