Bali Turtle Conservation
1-8 weeks | Join from only €525
Bali Turtle Conservation is a hands-on volunteer program located in Nusa Penida, where participants engage in caring for endangered sea turtles and contribute to vital marine conservation efforts. Volunteers can join for one to eight weeks, starting from just €525 per week, which includes accommodation, meals, and ongoing support.
The program focuses on the recovery, care, and release of sea turtles in one of Indonesia's most fragile ecosystems. Volunteers will be involved in various tasks such as caring for hatchlings, cleaning their tanks, and supporting beach releases. Each activity is designed to foster a deeper understanding and appreciation for marine life, making it one of the most rewarding volunteer experiences in Bali.
What are the requirements to volunteer with sea turtles in Bali?
To volunteer with sea turtles in Bali, participants must be at least 18 years old, comfortable working outdoors, and willing to engage in hands-on tasks. No prior experience is necessary, making it accessible for anyone passionate about marine conservation.
Volunteers should be prepared for physical work and a commitment to the welfare of the turtles. Tasks may include caring for turtle hatchlings, cleaning tanks, and monitoring the health of the turtles. An enthusiastic attitude and a willingness to learn are essential for making the most of this rewarding experience.
Where will you be based during the turtle conservation project?
You’ll be based on Nusa Penida, a rugged island near Bali, known for its stunning natural beauty and focus on conservation efforts. This island is not a typical tourist destination, allowing for a more immersive experience in nature and the project itself.
Living on Nusa Penida means fewer distractions and a deeper connection to marine life. Volunteers can fully engage in the conservation project while enjoying the island's beautiful landscapes, including pristine beaches and lush hills. This environment enhances the experience, providing a tranquil backdrop for meaningful work.
Why start with a Culture Week in Bali?
Starting with a Culture Week in Bali is highly recommended as it helps volunteers adjust to local customs and builds confidence before diving into their projects. The Culture Week offers a comprehensive introduction to Balinese life, ensuring a smoother transition into the volunteer experience.
During this week, participants will engage in various activities designed to familiarize them with local culture, language, and daily routines. Activities may include exploring sacred temples, taking language classes, and learning about local customs. Volunteers who participate in this week tend to perform better in their projects, benefiting from the connections they build and the knowledge they gain.
What does the Culture Week schedule look like?
The Culture Week schedule includes daily activities aimed at immersing volunteers in Balinese culture, such as language lessons, cooking classes, and temple visits. Here's a brief overview of what to expect:
- Monday: Introduction to Bali's traditions, a walking tour of Ubud’s Monkey Street and market, and a traditional Balinese dance show.
- Tuesday: Language classes, followed by a village walking tour where volunteers can admire the rice terraces and art villages.
- Wednesday: Batik painting class, where volunteers can create their own artwork.
- Thursday: A cooking class to learn how to make traditional Balinese dishes and a session on making flower offerings.
- Friday: A spiritual tour of the Pura Tirta Empul temple, culminating in a holy water blessing.
This structured yet flexible schedule helps volunteers gain a solid foundation in Balinese culture while fostering camaraderie with fellow participants.
What will your role be in the turtle conservation project?
In the turtle conservation project, your role will include caring for turtle hatchlings and injured turtles, cleaning tanks, and assisting with beach releases. This hands-on involvement is crucial for the survival of these endangered species.
Volunteers will work at a dedicated turtle sanctuary on Nusa Penida, where they will take on various responsibilities such as monitoring turtle health, preparing food, and cleaning facilities. These tasks are vital for ensuring the turtles receive the best care possible, contributing directly to their rehabilitation and return to the ocean.
What are the main goals of the turtle conservation project?
The main goals of the turtle conservation project are to protect sea turtles and their habitats, support environmental education, and promote community involvement. Conservation efforts focus on addressing the serious threats that sea turtles face, such as habitat destruction, pollution, and illegal poaching.
The project operates protected hatcheries, treats injured turtles, and conducts beach clean-ups to reduce pollution. Volunteers play an essential role in these initiatives, helping to collect data on turtle health, monitor nesting activities, and support educational outreach programs within the local community. This multifaceted approach ensures a long-term impact on turtle conservation.
Bali Culture Week
The Recommended Way to Start
Most volunteers arrive in Bali feeling a mix of excitement and "culture shock." The heat, the pace, and the customs are often very different from home. We strongly recommend starting your journey with our Culture Week in Ubud.
This is a social, low-pressure introduction designed to turn "tourists" into "team members". Instead of diving straight into a project, you’ll spend your first five days:
- Exploring Hidden Bali: Visit sacred temples and local markets with our coordinators.
- Cultural Immersion: Take classes in basic Bahasa Indonesian and traditional Balinese dance or batik painting.
- Daily Life Skills: Learn how to navigate local transport, understand temple etiquette, and master the "dos and don’ts" of Balinese society.
While it is 100% your choice to skip this and go straight into a project on week one, we find that volunteers who take the Culture Week hit the ground running. You’ll start your actual project with more confidence, a deeper understanding of the people you are helping, and a established group of new friends to spend your weekends with.
The Bali Culture Week
Master the essentials of Balinese life while building a community of fellow volunteers.
You’ll spend the week exploring how culture, religion, art, and daily routines are connected in Bali. Activities include Balinese language lessons, batik painting, cooking classes, temple visits, traditional dance performances, and creating flower offerings. A spiritual visit to Tirta Empul Temple for a holy water blessing is also included.
We're not just showing you Bali. We're getting you inside it. You'll leave knowing the language basics, understanding the traditions, and having actually experienced what makes this culture so special.
Schedule
Monday
On Monday, you will have breakfast and then get an introduction to the Bali traditions and culture. Then you will go on a walking tour of the popular Monkey street and Ubud market.
After the visit, you will have lunch and then join a class on introduction to Balinese culture. You will then have an early dinner and leave to witness the traditional Balinese dance show.
Tuesday
8.00 Breakfast
9:30 Balinese Language Class
12:00 Lunch
14:00 Village Walking tour (Visit rice terrace, an art village and beautiful hills by walking)
17:30 Dinner
Wednesday
8:00 Breakfast
9:30 Balinese Language Class
12:00 Lunch
13.00 Batik painting class
17:30 Dinner
Thursday
8:00 Breakfast
09:30 Cooking class
12:00 Lunch
14:00 Balinese flower offering Class
18:30 Welcome and Goodbye dinner
Friday
8:00 Breakfast
9:00 Spiritual Tour: we go to visit the famous temple "PuraTirtaEmpul" the holy water temple and you can enjoy a shower with the Holy Water(Late Lunch at the house /Possible to get some snack or drink in the temple)
13.00 Lunch
15.00 Project meeting
17:30 Dinner
* The schedule can be changed as per local conditions and unforeseen circumstances
Turtle Conservation (Nusa Penida)
Protect endangered sea turtles and help restore the delicate marine ecosystem of Nusa Penida.
Work at our dedicated turtle sanctuary to care for injured turtles and hatchlings. From cleaning tanks and preparing food to monitoring health and assisting with beach releases, you will play a hands-on role in ensuring the survival of these ancient marine creatures.
This project is based in Nusa Penida, one of Indonesia’s important turtle conservation areas. Indonesia’s coastline is home to several turtle species, including green sea turtles, hawksbill turtles, olive ridley turtles, loggerhead turtles, and leatherback turtles.
You will be part of a local team at the conservation center and do important conservation work.
The coast of Indonesia is home to olive ridley turtles, green sea turtles, hawksbill turtles, loggerhead turtles, and leatherback turtles. The beaches of Java, Bali, Sumatra, and Papua are important nesting sites where females come ashore to lay their eggs.
However, these turtles face serious threats, including habitat destruction due to coastal development, pollution, climate change, illegal poaching for their meat and shells, and entanglement in fishing nets.
Sea turtles face serious threats such as coastal development, pollution, climate change, illegal poaching, and entanglement in fishing nets.
This project was launched in 2013 and works closely with the local community. Community involvement has significantly reduced turtle poaching and increased long-term protection of nesting beaches.
The main goal of the project is to protect sea turtles and their habitats by:
- Operating protected hatcheries
- Treating injured turtles
- Cleaning beaches and reducing pollution
- Collecting data on turtle health and development
- Supporting environmental education and awareness
- Depending on the time of year, you may assist with:
- Feeding turtles and cleaning pools
- Preparing live food and seaweed
- Monitoring nests and hatchlings (seasonal)
- Treating injured turtles under guidance
- Cleaning beaches and surrounding areas
- Supporting small construction or maintenance tasks at the centre
- Collecting basic data such as shell length, weight, and flipper size
- Turtle nesting and hatching do not happen year-round, so activities change with the seasons.
If you join this project after completing a program in Ubud, transport to Nusa Penida is not included, but the local coordinator will assist with arrangements.
Schedule
Monday
After breakfast, you will receive a presentation about the turtle conservation project and a briefing on the project so that you understand the rules of conduct.
You will then carry out the typical activities you will be doing during the week, such as feeding the turtles, cleaning the pools, catching live food for the turtles, and cleaning the beach.
Tuesday
After breakfast on Tuesday, you will start cleaning the pools, feeding the turtles, and collecting seaweed and live food for the turtles.
In addition, you will make toys for the turtles, clean the beach, and provide medication to injured turtles, if any.
Wednesday
After breakfast on Wednesday, you will start by cleaning the pools, feeding the turtles, and collecting seaweed and live food for the turtles.
You will also make toys for the turtles and provide medical care for injured turtles, if any.
In the evening, you will participate in some sports activities on the beach, where you will play volleyball, badminton, or soccer.
Thursday
On Thursday, you will have breakfast and then start cleaning the pools, feeding the turtles, and collecting seaweed. You will also make toys for the turtles and provide medical care for injured turtles, if any.
Friday
On Friday, after breakfast, you will feed the turtles and have the unique opportunity to release turtles into the sea. Please note, however, that this opportunity is only available if you are leaving the program this week. If you are participating in the project for another week, you will take part in the regular activities at the turtle conservation center.
Other activities include cleaning the beach, making trash cans for the surrounding area, organizing a turtle/environmental campaign for the surrounding area, releasing injured turtles after treatment and cleaning the beach, as well as construction work at the turtle site, e.g., additional turtle pools or walls, painting the walls, etc. as well as collecting information about the turtles, such as the length of their shells, the size of their flippers, checking their weight, etc.
* The schedule can be changed as per local conditions and unforeseen circumstances
Arrival & Airport Pickup
Forget navigating the chaos of Denpasar airport alone. From the moment you clear customs, the host team has you covered. Airport pickup is arranged by the Local Partner on Sunday from Denpasar International Airport (DPS). Full arrival instructions are provided after acceptance, so please wait to book flights until your place is confirmed.
If you are already in Bali before Sunday, we can arrange pickup from one of the designated meeting points.
All arrival details and local contact information are shared in advance to ensure a smooth transition.
A member of the local team will meet you and transfer you to your accommodation, where you’ll meet other volunteers.
Orientation
On your first Monday, the local coordinators host a comprehensive induction.
Local Knowledge: Safety briefings, cultural "do's and don'ts," and a guide to local laws.
The Essentials: They help you get a local SIM card, show you the best ATMs, and navigate local transport.
Orientation takes place on Monday and is led by an experienced local coordinator.
It covers:
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local culture and customs
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health and safety information
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program expectations and daily routines
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practical information about your placement and accommodation
This session helps you settle in, understand how things work locally, and feel prepared before starting your project.
Orientation is led by an experienced local coordination team who manage placements, accommodation, and day-to-day support in Bali.
Accommodation & Meals
The local volunteer houses are designed for community.
Accommodation is included from Sunday night to Saturday morning of your final week.
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The Setup: Shared, same-sex rooms with comfortable beds and lockers for your valuables.
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Amenities: Most houses include a communal lounge areas, and reliable Wi-Fi.
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Safety: 24/7 support from our resident house managers and coordinators.
You’ll stay in shared accommodation with other volunteers in single-gender dorm-style rooms. This setup allows you to connect with other participants while maintaining comfort and privacy. WiFi is available at the accommodation.
Single rooms are available at an additional cost, subject to limited availability. Please contact us in advance if you’re interested.
Meals included:
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Three meals per day from Monday to Friday
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Two meals per day on weekends
Your local hosts provide three freshly prepared meals a day during the week (Monday–Friday) and two on weekends, featuring authentic Balinese flavors and Western options (vegetarians welcome!).
Dietary Friendly: We easily cater to Vegetarians, just let us know!
Unlimited clean, filtered drinking water is available at the house at all times.
Meals included:
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Three meals per day from Monday to Friday
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Two meals per day on weekends
FAQ
Will I work directly with turtles?
Yes. You’ll help care for hatchlings and injured turtles under supervision from conservation staff.
Do I need experience?
No. This program is beginner-friendly and all training is provided on-site.
Where is Nusa Penida?
It’s an island about 45 minutes from Bali, known for its marine conservation work.
Is this program physically demanding?
It can be. Tasks include cleaning, carrying water, and working outdoors.
Should I take the Culture Week first?
Yes. It helps you adjust before moving to a more remote island environment.
Program Fees
| Duration | EUR (€) | GBP (£) | USD ($) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 Week | €525 | £495 | $645 |
| 2 Weeks | €725 | £655 | $875 |
| 3 Weeks | €1,045 | £945 | $1,265 |
| 4 Weeks | €1,395 | £1,275 | $1,695 |
| Extra Week | €335 | £315 | $415 |
* All programs attract a Registration Fee of £185 | €200 | $245 in addition to the Program Fee
* Project Surcharges: Turtle: +€95/£90/$115 per week
Requirements to Join
- Minimum age: 18
- Insurance: Travel Insurance is Mandatory.
- Background: Criminal background check (or two reference letters).
- Visa: A Social Cultural Visa is required (approx. €225, independent cost). We will provide details how to get this visa.
What is Included?
- Placement
- Comprehensive Pre-Departure Guide
- Airport Pickup & Local
- Orientation
- Volunteer Housing & Meals (3x Mon-Fri, 2x Weekends)
- 24/7 On-the-ground support and project supervision
What is Not Included?
- Flights to/from Bali
- All programs attract a Registration Fee of €200 |£185 | $245 in addition to the Program Fee.
- A 5% international banking fee is added at point of payment.
- Mandatory Travel Insurance
- Visa costs & Criminal Record Check
- Return airport transfer & Personal spending
Secure Your Spot with a Flexible Registration Fee
- You don’t need to pay the full amount immediately. Lock in your placement today with a simple €200 |£185 | $245 Registration Fee.
- 1-Year Validity: If your plans change, your Registration Fee is valid for a full 12 months to use on any program worldwide.
- Ultimate Flexibility: Change your project or start date up to 8 weeks before departure.
- Easy Planning: Secure your place now, and pay the Local Project Fee balance just 8 weeks before you arrive.
Ready to Start Your Journey? Don’t miss out on your preferred dates, as placements fill up fast.
Volunteer Teaching (Ubud)
