Volunteer Programs in Bali
1–8 weeks
Volunteer in Bali in Ubud and Nusa Penida, including Culture Week, Teaching, Construction and Renovation, and Turtle Conservation.
Not sure which Bali program is right for you? Tell us what you're looking for and he'll help you work it out.
You can start every Monday throughout the year.
Our Partner The Green Lion
We work closely with our long-term partner The Green Lion, one of the world's largest, established and trusted operators of volunteer travel.
The Green Lion operates programmes across 45+ countries, 100+ locations and 300+ programmes, covering Asia, Africa, Latin America, Europe and Oceania.
Green Lion's model is important to understand.
They work with sending organisations such as agencies and manage the actual programme delivery on the ground. Their local teams handle programme operations, accommodation, coordinators, participant support and other in-country services.
That's where we come in.
We help you understand the choices available, identify the programs that fit your plans and arrange your experience.
A Relationship Built Over Many Years
Our founder has worked with The Green Lion for more than 15 years. That long-standing relationship gives us something that is difficult to create overnight.
- We know the organisation.
- We know how the programs work.
- And, we know the people behind them.
We work closely with The Green Lion because we believe their approach gives us the combination we want to offer our travellers:
- Quality programmes.
- Experienced local teams.
- A broad international network.
- Meaningful community experiences.
- And genuine choice.
With access to a network covering 45+ countries and 100+ locations, we can look beyond a single destination when helping you plan your trip.
Which Bali experience suits you?
CULTURE FIRST
Start with Culture Week (Ubud)
A structured introduction to Bali before your main volunteer project.
Good for: first-time volunteers, solo travellers and people who want to understand the local culture before starting project work.
Explore Culture Week
Culture Week in Ubud
Culture Week is a one-week introduction to Balinese life before you begin your main volunteer project. It is particularly useful if this is your first time in Bali or your first international volunteering experience.
What you'll do
- Learn about Balinese traditions, religion and daily life
- Explore Ubud market and local areas
- Take Balinese language lessons
- Visit a village, rice terraces and local art areas
- Watch a traditional Balinese dance performance
- Take part in a batik workshop
- Join a traditional cooking class
- Learn to make Balinese flower offerings
- Visit Pura Tirta Empul temple and experience a traditional holy-water blessing
- Meet the local team and prepare for your next volunteer project
Typical weekly schedule
Monday
Introduction to Balinese culture and traditions, Ubud market walking tour and Monkey Street. Afternoon culture class, followed by a traditional dance performance in the evening.
Tuesday
Balinese language lesson, followed by a village walk including rice terraces and local art areas.
Wednesday
Balinese language lesson and batik painting workshop.
Thursday
Traditional cooking class, followed by a flower-offering workshop and welcome/goodbye dinner.
Friday
Visit Pura Tirta Empul for a spiritual and cultural experience, followed by your volunteer project meeting.
Good for: First-time volunteers, solo travellers and anyone who wants a cultural introduction before starting their main project.
Schedules can change because of weather, ceremonies, temple access, group size and local conditions.
COMMUNITY
Teaching (Ubud)
Support local teachers and students through English practice, classroom activities, games and conversation.
Good for: people who enjoy working with children and want a structured community project that benefits the local children.
Explore Teaching
Teaching in Ubud
Support local teachers and students through English practice, classroom activities and confidence-building. Your role is to assist the local teaching team rather than replace them.
What you'll do
- Practise English with students
- Help with conversation and pronunciation
- Support classroom activities and games
- Help students build confidence using English
- Prepare simple educational activities and materials
- Assist local teachers where needed
- Take part in sports or recreational activities when appropriate
You may work with children from kindergarten through secondary school, depending on the placement and current local needs.
Typical weekly schedule
Monday
Orientation and introduction to the school, followed by your first teaching activities and classroom support.
Tuesday
English practice, conversation and classroom activities with students.
Wednesday
Continue teaching support, games and confidence-building activities, adapting to the needs of the students and teachers.
Thursday
English lessons and practical classroom activities, with preparation of activities where required.
Friday
Final teaching activities for the week, followed by feedback and preparation for the following week.
Good for: Volunteers who enjoy working with children, confident communicators, education students and first-time volunteers.
Requirements: No formal teaching qualification is required, but you should be reliable, patient, respectful and comfortable working with children. Background checks or references may be required for projects involving children.
The exact timetable and activities can vary according to the school, local teachers, student needs and project schedule.
HANDS-ON
Construction & Renovation (Ubud)
Get involved in practical work helping improve local community spaces, schools and other facilities.
Good for: people who prefer physical, practical work, and don't mind getting their hands dirty.
Explore Construction
Construction & Renovation in Ubud
Get involved in practical projects that improve schools, community spaces and other local facilities. The work changes according to current community needs, so you should be prepared to take on different practical tasks.
What you'll do
Depending on the project, you may help with:
- Painting and decorating
- Plastering and basic repairs
- Tiling
- Bricklaying
- Classroom improvements
- Playground improvements
- Community-space renovation
- General maintenance and cleaning
- Other practical tasks requested by the local team
Typical weekly schedule
Monday
Project orientation and introduction to the worksite, followed by initial construction, renovation or maintenance tasks.
Tuesday
Continue practical work such as painting, repairs, building or site improvements.
Wednesday
Hands-on project work based on current site requirements and available materials.
Thursday
Continue renovation or construction tasks, working alongside the local team and other volunteers.
Friday
Complete the week's practical work, clean the work area and review what needs to continue the following week.
Good for: Hands-on volunteers, practical people, outdoor workers and anyone who enjoys working as part of a team.
Requirements: No professional construction experience is required, but you should be comfortable with physical work, outdoor conditions and changing tasks.
Construction and renovation activities depend on weather, site requirements, tools, materials, safety considerations and coordinator instructions.
CONSERVATION
Turtle Conservation (Nusa Penida)
Help the local conservation team with turtle care, centre maintenance and marine conservation activities.
Good for: wildlife lovers and people who want outdoor conservation work.
Explore Turtle Conservation
Turtle Conservation on Nusa Penida
Work alongside a local turtle conservation team on Nusa Penida, supporting the care, recovery and protection of sea turtles. The project combines animal welfare, environmental work and practical conservation tasks.
What you'll do
Depending on the needs of the centre, you may:
- Feed turtles and prepare food
- Clean turtle pools and conservation areas
- Monitor turtle health and development
- Record basic measurements and data
- Support treatment routines for injured turtles under supervision
- Clean beaches
- Help maintain the conservation centre
- Assist with environmental education
- Support nest or hatchling monitoring when seasonally available
Typical weekly schedule
Monday
Project presentation and briefing, followed by turtle feeding, pool cleaning, food preparation and beach cleaning.
Tuesday
Pool cleaning and feeding, collecting seaweed or live food, beach cleaning and other conservation activities.
Wednesday
Turtle care, food preparation and cleaning, with possible health monitoring, maintenance or data collection.
Thursday
Daily turtle-care routines, feeding, cleaning, maintenance and environmental activities according to current priorities.
Friday
Final care and conservation activities for the week, including centre or beach maintenance and a review with the local team.
If a turtle release happens to be possible, it only takes place when the turtles are ready. Releases are never staged for volunteers and are not guaranteed.
Good for: Wildlife lovers, conservation students, marine-focused travellers, outdoor volunteers and people interested in hands-on animal welfare.
Requirements: No previous conservation experience is required. You should be comfortable working outdoors and doing practical tasks. Swimming ability is useful but not mandatory.
Activities depend on weather, season, animal-care needs, nesting and hatchling activity, local conditions.
Schedules can change because of weather, ceremonies, temple access, group size and local conditions.
The important program details
Arrival and Airport Pickup
You should arrive at Ngurah Rai International Airport in Denpasar on the confirmed arrival day. Airport pickup is included. Please wait to book flights until your place is confirmed and your arrival instructions have been sent. Your proposal and pre-departure information will confirm the correct arrival timing, local contact details and next steps.
Bali Locations
Ubud: Main base for Culture Week, Teaching, and Construction and Renovation.
Nusa Penida: Island base for Turtle Conservation.
Orientation
Orientation takes place on your first Monday. It covers local customs, accommodation, health and safety guidance, project expectations, practical rules, daily routines and local coordinator support.
Accommodation
Accommodation is included from the Sunday night before your start date through to Saturday morning of your final week. Volunteers stay in shared volunteer accommodation. Limited private rooms are available at an extra cost, let us know so we can check availability.
Get Your Personalised Program & Price
Join from only €595 / £515 / US$685
Tell us a little about your plans ... when you want to travel, how long you have, what interests you and what kind of experience you’re looking for.
We’ll help you put it together, recommend the schedule that could be right for you, discuss it with you, and make a detailed price quotation for you.
So, complete the short form below. You don’t need to have everything figured out, that’s what we’re here to help with.
There’s no obligation to book. Take your time, ask us any questions and decide whether the proposed trip is right for you.
Ready to see what your trip could look like? Complete the form below and let’s start planning!