The Complete Step-by- Step Guide to Volunteering in Bali

If you are considering volunteering in Bali, take advantage of this free volunteer in Bali handbook. This short but comprehensive guide is complete with all of the initial information that you need to prepare for an extraordinary experience in the paradise lands of Bali. Here you will learn everything from how to choose the right organization and program to information regarding vaccines, visas, and your most pressing questions answered. The book also covers the topics of free volunteering, affordable volunteering, and paid volunteering opportunities in Bali.

Chapter 1: Getting Started-Volunteer in Bali

Welcome to Bali!

Bali is part of the Indonesian archipelago. This small island, only 5,630 square kilometers, is home to dense tropical rainforests, outrageously beautiful beaches, colorful coral reefs, dry grasslands, vast terraces of paddy fields, and an abundance of exotic plants and animals. It is this lush landscape and picturesque seascape that make up the face of Bali. Massive banyan trees, coconut, fig, and tamarind trees, bougainvillea, water lilies, frangipanis, jasmine, and orchids are just a few of the plants that grace this special island. The Balinese also cultivate ginger and turmeric, among a vast collection of other spices and herbs to use in their traditional dishes, homeopathic remedies, and ceremonies. You can imagine the intoxicating smell of Bali just from the prevalence of the above plants, flowers, and herbs! Thinking about traveling and volunteering in Bali here yet?

Balinese culture is unique and quite intriguing. The predominant religion in Bali is Hinduism. Balinese Hinduism, which is called Agama Hindu Dharma, is a mix between Shivaism and Buddhism. This blended religion originated in Java. The philosophy for this faith comes from India, but the rituals that are performed in Bali come from its indigenous people. In Bali, they say, “The Truth is one; the interpretation is multiple.” Because religion is the epicenter of Balinese life, there are magnificent temples, dances, and rituals that you can witness while exploring and volunteering in Bali.

While Bali is rich in natural beauty and culture, unfortunately it is a province of Indonesia that is deep in poverty. It is estimated that over 77,000 people in Bali are living in poverty. To add fuel to this fire, the rapid and continual growth of tourism in Bali has caused the price of essential goods to increase, valuable and fertile farmland to be overtaken and overdeveloped, and the cost of living to be unaffordable to many Balinese. Many residents in small villages lack access to education, electricity, clean water, and healthcare. Families are being broken up because the men have to travel long distances in order to work in the tourist industry while the women must also find work and take care of the children and home front.

Bali is the perfect destination for volunteer tourism. There are multiple reputable, affordable, and highly recommended volunteering opportunities in Bali. There are incredible volunteer programs in Bali set up to help the people of the Bali, as well as the precious land and animals here. What better way to explore this stunning country and become immersed in the culture and people than to dedicate some of your time to lending a helping hand?

Why you should volunteer abroad in Bali

There are seemingly countless reasons why Bali is the ideal destination for a volunteer abroad adventure. Between the wonderful people, gorgeous landscape, exotic cuisine, and captivating culture, a volunteer trip to Bali will leave you feeling worldlier, more grateful, and more complete. This experience will be a win-win for everyone involved.

Warm and wonderful people

The Balinese have a reputation for being some of the happiest, most peaceful, respectful, devote, and friendliest people. You will feel a great sense of community and family value amongst the Balinese. They more often than not will extend a welcoming hand out to you.  when you volunteer in Bali you will meet amazing people

Vibrant culture and traditions

Bali is a colorful province. There are seemingly endless ornate temples, beautiful flower offerings, elaborate traditional dances, tantalizing fragrances and foods, and communities of devote Balinese Hindus, who practice such a peaceful faith and way of life.  when you join volunteer program in Bali, there is a lot you can learn from the Balinese.

Safe tourist and volunteer destination

Bali is a safe travel destination. As with any foreign destination, common sense and awareness is always important, but there aren’t any major issues that you should be concerned with when embarking on a volunteer trip to Bali.

Stunning surroundings

From the flora and fauna rich forests to the electric blue ocean that kisses white sand and coconut tree lined beaches and everything in between, Bali is one of the most beautiful places on earth. The natural wonders of Bali are something that you should experience. For being such a small island, it is surprising how densely packed with giant trees, flowering plants, and monkeys and other small wildlife this province is. You will have ample opportunities to explore these stunning surrounding while volunteer in Bali..

Make a difference in this spot in the world

There is a great need for compassionate, big-hearted, and adventurous volunteers in Bali. While tourism is booming, much of the local population is struggling. The children, families, animals, and environment of Bali would be ever so gracious for your help. Fortunately, there are some great volunteer overseas in Bali programs operating that are working to do just that and need people just like you.

Gain a more worldly perspective

The more we travel and experience different cultures and ways of life, the more we actually become connected to the world. There are vast life lessons and eye-opening experiences to be had out there. It is these types of experiences that help shape us into more well rounded, tolerate, and educated individuals. It is also when we step outside of our comfort zone and home territory that we give ourselves the opportunity to grow and flourish. There is no substitution to what you learn from volunteering and traveling in Bali.

What are some of the popular programs and projects that are seeking volunteers in Bali?

There are several amazing volunteer options in Bali. It really just comes down to what you are interested in accomplishing while you are there. It is best to choose a program that involves something you are actually interested in and compassionate about.

Volunteer Teaching English

The ability to communicate proficiently in English is a skill set that is highly prized in Bali. Some of the best paying job opportunities are within the tourism industry and English language skills are almost always a requirement. Volunteering teaching English in Bali is an incredible opportunity to help shape the lives of young students by helping them to prepare for a successful future.

Volunteer in tourism and vocational education for high school students

After 8th grade, school is no longer free in Bali. Unfortunately, due to the high levels of poverty, many students do not have the opportunity to continue their education. Without a proper education, the cycle of poverty is likely to continue in each consecutive generation. However, there is a program that offers free vocational education for high school students to help them prepare for a more successful future. Volunteering in vocational education in Bali is an amazing way to give impoverished students a fighting chance at leading a successful and happy adult life.

Volunteer Work with Children at a Day Care Center

If you have a soft spot in your heart for children, then volunteering at a day care center in Bali is an ideal choice for you. This program provides free day care to low-income working families, so that they are able to work full time and know that their children are well taken care of. This service alleviates a lot of stress for these families who would not have childcare otherwise.

Volunteer with a Turtle Conservation Project

Volunteering with the sea turtle conservation program in Bali takes place on the tranquil and ravishingly beautiful island of Nusa Penida. Your help is greatly needed to help protect the precious nesting and hatching sea turtles of this area. This is an exciting volunteer experience for nature and ocean loving humanitarian travelers.

Volunteer with Turtle Conservation and Primary Elementary Education

Can’t decide between helping children and helping sea turtles? No problem! This is a blended volunteer in Bali program where you have the opportunity to teach language classes at a local school in the mornings and lend a helping hand with a sea turtle conservation project in the afternoons.

Volunteer with animal welfare

Calling all animal lovers! The injured, abandoned, and sick animals of Bali need compassionate and dedicated volunteers to help rescue them, feed them, rehabilitate them, and find homes for them. There are a lot of different areas where you can help here. Volunteering with animal welfare in Bali is a heart-warming way to lend a hand to our furry friends in need.

Volunteer in Nutrition and Healthcare

Professional or student nurses, nutritionists, neuropaths, and other healthcare specialties are needed to help bring basic healthcare and first-aid to the local communities, as well as teach nutrition, hygiene, and healthy practices at local schools and healthcare centers. This is an ideal volunteer opportunity in healthcare in Bali for aspiring healthcare professions or seasoned healthcare practitioners looking to give back to a community in need.

Volunteer in Construction

Volunteering in construction in Bali entails helping to build and or repair community centers, schools, playgrounds, and public libraries. If you love working with your hands and being part of a team, this type of volunteer work might be for you. There is a lot of work that needs to be done, but it is some of the most rewarding work.

Where are the best places to do volunteer work in Bali?

Regardless of which volunteer program in Bali that you sign up for, you can rest assure that it will be in the best location for that particular project. There are teaching opportunities in Ubud, turtle conservation on the island of Nusa Penida, and animal welfare projects in Lodtunduh, just to name a few spots.

Ubud

Ubud is often referred to as the cultural center of Bali. It is located up in the mountains about an hour north of the airport and resort areas of the south. Volunteering in Ubud puts you in a perfect place to experience a traditional Balinese town that is famous for its crafts, woodcarvings, textiles, and jewelry. There are a lot of art galleries, studios, markets, and even a museum located that you can explore when volunteering in Ubud.

Nusa Penida

Nusa Penida is the largest of three neighboring islands. There are several conservation and environmental protection programs on Nusa Penida. The island has some of the most beautiful beaches in the area. There are sleepy little fishing villages, hidden waterfalls, and tons of wild pigs running around the island. It is also a less touristy destination, which definitely has its perks. Volunteering in Nusa Penida will be an enchanting experience.

Lodtunduh

Lodtunduh is a quaint little village outside of Ubud. It sits on the edge of a vast rice paddy. There are beautiful temples and frequent ceremonies and celebrations taking place throughout the village. There is also daily fruit and vegetables market. Volunteering in Lodtunduh is bit more peaceful and relaxing than working in the larger Ubud area, but is easy enough to set out from and explore the surroundings areas. Volunteering in Lodtunduh will be a charming and rewarding experience in Bali.

When is the best time of year to volunteer overseas in Bali?

There are two seasons in Bali, wet and dry. The ideal time to volunteer abroad in Bali is during the dry season. Bali’s dry season is between April and September. There are still days when there can be rain showers during the dry season months, but the amount of rain is significantly less than the rainy season months.

According to the average amount of rainfall each month, December, January, and February seem to produce the most. July and August are typically the busiest months of the year. The best time though is the time that works for your schedule. During the rainy season, it doesn’t necessarily rain every day and it rarely rains for the entirety of a day. The rain does bring more mosquitos, dirty run off from the rivers, and high seas and winds.

Chapter 2: Choosing Your Volunteer Organization in Bali

Bali is a popular island travel and volunteer destination. There are quite a few different organizations that offer volunteering opportunities in Bali. With so much information appearing when you type in keywords such as “volunteer projects in Bali,” it can quickly become overwhelming as to which organizations are actually reputable, ethical, professional, and responsible.

How do you select the best non-profit organization in Bali?

There are multiple aspects that must be taken into consideration when judging a volunteer organization in Bali. You want to make sure that the program you spend your time and money on is worth both of those things. Here are a few things that you should consider when searching for your perfect volunteer project in Bali.

Experience as a volunteer organization

Numbers are important: the number of years an organization has been operating, the number of volunteers that have joined their programs throughout the years, the number of successful volunteer programs that are operating, and the number of awards or recognitions that have received for their humanitarian efforts in Bali. These are all things that you can easily find out with a little bit of research. so when you join volunteer program in Bali, please make sure you are joining with experienced program

Programs fees and allocation

What are your programs fees? What do they cover? How much is going toward supporting the actual program and the host families? These are three important factors to look into when choosing an organization. You want to get the most out of the money that you are spending on your volunteer trip to Bali, but also want to make sure that the rest of the money is going to the right places. A reputable and professional organization will be very transparent about how they allocate their program fees.

Social media and online presence

A credible volunteer organization will have a professional and very informative website. The website should be well designed and include a mission statement, organization and project information, volunteer testimonies and reviews, photographs, and contact information. The information that you seek should be easy to find on their website.

If you are planning volunteer trip to Bali, It is also a good idea to check out the organization in question’s Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook accounts. A good organization will frequently post engaging and relevant content and interact regularly with their followers.

Prompt response time and assistance

It is one of the tell tale signs that an organization is legit when they respond to your messages or emails promptly and with the information that you were seeking. Your questions should be answered clearly and with all of the pertinent details. The process of obtaining information, getting your questions and concerns addressed, and booking your volunteer project in Bali should be simple. There shouldn’t be any issues relating to customer (volunteer) service during the process leading up to your trip.

Check reviews

Previous volunteers are likely to write reviews for the organization with whom they volunteered. Volunteer reviews are an excellent resource for potential new volunteers. Volunteers that have had a successful and positive experience will shed some great insight, as will any volunteers that had had the opposite experience. See what others are saying about the organizations that you are interested in.

Chapter 3: Preparing to Volunteer in Bali

Once you have chosen your ideal volunteer work in Bali, submitted your application, and received the notification that you have been accepted into your placement, it is time to start planning your adventure. Traveling overseas comes with some necessary pre-travel planning. This chapter will guide you through the pre-travel process.

Visa

For the majority of countries, a visa isn’t required if you are planning on volunteering in Bali for less than 30 days. If you are staying in Indonesia for more than 30 days, up to 60, you can apply for a visa prior to your arrival or get a visa upon arrival for $35. This type of visa is valid for 30 days, but can be extended one time for an additional 30 days. It should be noted that if you don’t get a visa when you first get to Bali, there is not an option for an extension with the free stamp later should you decide that you want to stay longer.

If you overstay your 30 days visa without renewing or  fail to obtain this type of visa in the first place you will be fined. If you stay over 60 days, there is a possibly that you could be detained and imprisoned.

Passport

You absolutely must have a valid passport to travel to Bali, Indonesia. There needs to be at least six months validity on your passport from the date of your departure for Bali.

Vaccination

Before traveling to Bali or any other foreign destination, it is important that your vaccinations are all up to date. This includes the vaccinations for Tetanus, diphtheria, polio, mumps, measles, and rubella. The last thing you want while on your epic volunteer adventure in Bali is to become severely ill! It is best to check with your doctor and see what additional vaccinations he or she recommends prior to your trip. Vaccines for hepatitis A and Typhoid are also a good idea. Your doctor might suggest other vaccines like hepatitis B, Japanese Encephalitis, Malaria, Rabies, and yellow fever.

For more information about vaccinations and health concerns for Bali, check out the Center for Disease Control and Prevention website:

Airfares

Volunteer and Traveling to Bali, Indonesia can be very expensive. For a better chance at booking a reasonable fare, try these following tips.

• Obtain multiple quotes from different airlines.
• Know what international airports you can fly in and out of.
• Compare online booking sites.
• Look into different flight routes.
• Volunteer in Bali during the off months.
• Use airline or credit card miles, if you have them.
• Check for extra or hidden costs before booking any flights, this includes cancellation or change fees.

Raising funds for your volunteer trip to Bali

Between airline tickets, vaccinations, program cost and additional fees, donation materials, and any necessary personal supplies that you might need to pick up for your trip, the overall cost of volunteering overseas in Bali can be a bit pricy. But there are ways to embark on such a grand volunteer adventure in Bali without necessarily breaking your piggy bank. Where there is a will, there is a way! Try some of these ways:

• Ask family and friends to help support your humanitarian trip.
• Put together a charity fundraising event.
• Gather unwanted goods and have a garage sale.
• Start a small business venture, like pet or baby-sitting, lawn mowing, or private tutoring to save up money.
• Create an online fundraising campaign using crowd-funding sites like Gofundme.
• Check out this site for more fundraising ideas:

Suggested Reading

It’s a really good idea to familiarize yourself with the geography, culture, religion, customs, traditions, safety precautions, must-see sights, and must-try foods and drinks of a new place. The more you know before you go, the more comfortable you will most likely be. Plus, reading up on a new place will only get you even more excited about your trip!
Here’s a list of some suggested reading about traveling and volunteering in Bali:

• Bali-Zen Traveller: A Quick Guide by G. Gabrielle
• Island of Bali by Miguel Covarrubias and Adrian Vickers Ph.D.
• Bali: Sekala & Niskala by Fred B. Eiseman Jr.
• Things You Need to Know About Bali Travel 2015 by Clare McAlaney
• The Rough Guide to Bali and Lombok by Shafik Meghji

Tips for Packing: What to bring when going on a volunteer journey to Bali

It is a good idea to make a list of the essentials for your volunteer trip to Bali before you start packing to avoid becoming overwhelmed, disorganized, or at risk for forgetting something important. Here is our list of some must-bring items to help you get started.

• Original and copies of travel documents (visa, passport, travel confirmation, and travel insurance)
• Credit card
• Bali guide book
• Headlamp and or flashlight with spare batteries
• Comfortable shoes
• Light overnight or day bag for short trips
• Sarong, cotton wrap, or shawl
• Travel towel
• Wet wipes and antibacterial gel
• Camera (memory card and charger)
• Notebook or journal
• Cables for electrical devices
• Travel adapter
• Toiletries
• Medications
• Rain jacket
• Bathing suit
• At least one nice (think smart casual) outfit
• Lightweight, mix and match clothing (pack for comfort and the weather)
• Hat and sunglasses
• Sunscreen
• Insect repellant
• Small first-aid kit

Donations and gifts for your project

It is a nice idea to bring a few small and inexpensive “souvenirs” from your home country to share with your host family and project staff, as a gift of gratitude. It is also extremely appreciated by your volunteer project in Bali when you bring supplies to donate. This could be anything that you feel would be helpful or would be lacking at your project: stationary, educational resources, books, small toys, games, first-aid supplies, pet supplies, etc.

Chapter 4: Information You Need to Know about your Volunteer Project in Bali

There is a range of emotions that you will probably experience prior to setting off on your Bali volunteering trip: excitement, anxiousness, anticipation, and nervousness might come together in a mix of butterflies in your stomach. To quell those fluttering emotions, there are a few things that you can inquire about that will give you a more solidified sense of what you are venturing into.

Obtain all of the details about your volunteer project in Bali.

It is wise to collect all of the important information regarding your volunteer in Bali placement prior to your arrival. Doing so will help you feel even more prepared. You can contact your organization, if they have not already sent you all of this pertinent information, and ask for the following details:

• Name, address, and contact information about your volunteer placement in Bali
• Expectations, rules, and guidelines of the project and organization in which you are volunteering
• General responsibilities
• Volunteer work schedule (days/hours and break time/time off)
• Transportation to and from your project location (is this something that is arranged by the organization or that you are responsible for arranging for yourself?)
• Who is your supervisor?
• Who will you be working alongside?(Other volunteers, a mentor, project staff, etc.)
• Is there any pressing information or tips that you must know before leaving for Bali?

Inquire about your host family

If you have opted or have been assigned to live with a host family during your volunteering commitment in Bali, you might feel more at ease if you learn about your host family prior to arriving at their home. Living with a host family is a truly unique and incredible experience. It is one of the best ways to become immersed in the Balinese culture. You can ask your organization for contact information (if it is available) and reach out to your host family or you can ask your organization to provide you will the following information.

• Where do they live?
• How far away is their home from your project location?
• How many members of the family are there?
• What are the names, ages, and genders of the family members with whom you will be residing?
• Do they have any pets?
• What is your host family’s main occupation?
• What are some of their personal interests or hobbies?
• Will you be sharing a room or will you have your own private room?
• What areas of the house do you have access to? (The living room, kitchen, laundry room, etc.?)
• Are you permitted to have friends visit you at the house?
• What amenities are available within a close range of their house? Internet café, post office, pharmacy, food store, etc.
• Has your family hosted international travelers and or volunteers in the past?
• Are their any specific rules of the house that you need to be aware of so that you may follow them accordingly?

Connect with your local support team

For the entirety of your volunteering abroad in Bali experience, you will have a close relationship with your local support leader in Bali. This is the person who is there to make sure that your time volunteering and exploring in Bali is fabulous and that your volunteering experience is what you signed up for. He or she is also the one who is there should you have an emergency or any sort of issue or concern during your trip.

Your local support leader also has a wealth of information about and experience in Bali and is a great resource when planning your free time activities. You might feel more comfortable if you get in contact with this person before your trip to volunteer in Bali. It is a good idea to just reach out, introduce yourself, and start your working relationship.

Last minute questions, concerns, and details

Before embarking on this Bali volunteer trip of a lifetime, it is a good idea to double check that you have all of the information that you need and that all of your pressing and most important questions are answered. Call your volunteer organization and get all of the last minute details sorted out before you get on your first plane. Double-check the following things:

• Check your flight information and make sure that all of the details that you have received are correct. This includes airline(s), flight number(s), date, and arrival time.
• Ensure that arrangements have been made for your pick-up at the airport.
• Ask how you will identify the one who is transporting you from the airport to your accommodations. (Sign,uniform, name, company, type of vehicle, etc.)
• Make sure that you have the correct emergency contact information.
• Make sure that the emergency contact information that you gave the organization is correct.
• Check that there have been no changes with your project, host family, and or location.
• Ask any other questions that have been on your mind.

CHAPTER 5: Arriving and Volunteering in Bali

How to have the most rewarding volunteering experience in Bali

Volunteering abroad in Bali is sure to be an experience like none other. This is a special life journey where you will gain valuable new insights about yourself and the world around you, become immersed in a captivating new culture, share the gift of your time and compassionate with those who are in great need of it, and have a great deal of fun at the same time. The rewards of volunteering are vast, and then mix in traveling to an exotic island destination and you’ve got a recipe for a memorable and mind expanding adventure.

It is a big decision to embark on such a journey. It costs you money and time to join a volunteering placement in Bali, and also require you to be prepared in a number of different ways. For the most rewarding experience, make sure you do the following:

Do your research

Unfortunately, the world is a volatile place. Things change and happen in what seems like the blink of an eye sometimes: political and economic instability, health advisories, natural disasters and extreme weather systems, and social unrest.  It is important that you are in the know before you go.

It is also important that you have a basic understanding and awareness of the culture, religion, traditions, customs, faux pas, and basic salutations and manners of the Balinese people. Regardless of where in the world that you are traveling to, you should have an understanding as to how to show the greatest respect and not offend the local people. The World Wide Web has made this incredibly simple.

Get to know your host family and the locals

Making friends in a new place can be one of the most rewarding experiences. Being friendly and open-minded is the first step to building new relationships. Your first friendships will likely come from within your host family. It is these people and the locals you engage with during your time abroad that will help to make your volunteer experience in Bali something very special.

One of the best ways to experience a new country is through the eyes of a local. Local knowledge is invaluable. By mingling with the local population, you will experience a unique and authentic taste of this beautiful island in a way that those keeping to themselves and staying at a luxury resort might not.

Remember your purpose

You made the decision to join a volunteer in Bali placement because you are passionate about helping others and wanted to explore this intriguing new destination. If you stick to those two things, full-hearted volunteering and exploration, your time is Bali will be what you imagined it would be. The rewards of this adventure extend out onto you and those whose lives you touch.

Maintain realistic expectations

While you might make a truly noticeable difference in individual lives while you are volunteering in Bali, most problems within a community cannot be completely solved in the duration of your personal stay. To avoid disappointment, know that your commitment to your project is making a monumental impact, even if you can’t see it right away. It is important to recognize how valuable your time, dedication, and love to your chosen project really is and let that realization fill your heart.

Speak up if you have an issue or concern

Volunteering in Bali should be a positive and heart fulfilling experience. If at any moment, you have an issue or concern regarding your host family, volunteer placement, a personal experience, or health problem, be sure to alert your local coordinator as soon as possible. The local team in Bali is there for you and you should never be afraid to bring up something that happened or is bothering you. This is your trip and it should be a happy and memorable one.

Safety protocol while volunteering overseas in Bali

When joining a volunteer program in Bali, or anywhere else for that matter, safety should be of the utmost importance. Between your volunteer organization’s safety protocols and your own common sense, situational awareness, and the research you did prior to your departure, you should feel and remain safe during your volunteer work and travel in Bali.

Here are some safety recommendations:

• Always carry around a copy of your passport. You should never have your original document on your body,unless specifically required for a reason at some point.
• Make sure that you have your health insurance information in an easily accessible place. You can make a copy of this and keep it with you, as well. Your travel insurance should have a 24-hour support number. Make sure that you have this number.
• Keep up to date on any safety or travel warning advisories for Bali. https://travel.state.gov/content/passports/en/country/indonesia.html
• Ensure that all of your vaccinations are up to date and you are traveling with any necessary medications.
• Send a copy of all of your important documents (passport, credit/debit card, travel insurance) and travel itinerary details to a family or close friend.
• Let your bank know about your travel and volunteer plans in Bali. Also, write down or place in your device your bank’s fraud or stolen card department number, just in case.
• Register your Bali travel and volunteer details with your home country’s embassy.

Australians - https://orao.dfat.gov.au/pages/default.aspx
New Zealanders - https://register.safetravel.govt.nz/login
US Citizens - https://step.state.gov/step/

• Keep all of the contact information for your volunteer organization, volunteer project, local support, host family, embassy, and emergency services in Bali somewhere on you at all times.
• Don’t bring any valuables with you while you are out and about. Pickpocketing and petty theft are a concern in Bali. Always be aware of your possessions and who is around you.
• If you are going to take a taxi, make sure that it is a registered taxi. Ask your local coordinator for recommendations for taxis, private shuttles, or any other type of personal transportation to ensure that you are traveling with a reputable and safe driver.
• Always try and travel around with at least one other person, especially at night. It is never a good idea to walk around alone at night.
• Always be aware of your surroundings and pay close attention to landmarks or street names, especially until you have a comfortable understanding of where you are and how to get around.
• Keep the address and directions to your accommodations with you.
• Listen and trust your instincts. If something doesn’t feel right or a person doesn’t seem trustworthy, just believe that to be true and remove yourself from that situation.

Dos and Don’ts during your Bali volunteer trip

• Always be respectful of the local people and their cultures, traditions, customs, and beliefs.
• Do enjoy the many beautiful ceremonies that take place in Bali.
• Do learn a few Balinese phases.
• Do eat at a warung, a local Balinese café.
• Do make friends with the local people.
• Do explore the beaches, rainforests, rice patty fields, towns, and all of the other wonders of Bali.
• Do be open-minded, friendly, and polite.

• Do not drink the water.
• Do not do or buy drugs. The death penalty still exists in Indonesia and drug offenses are not taken lightly. Avoid them all together to avoid very harsh, even life ending punishments.
• Do not touch the animals. There is rabies in Bali.
• Do not touch the heads of any Balinese people, even children, as this is considered a sacred part of the body.
• Do not wear shoes into any temples or homes.
• Do not walk around without a shirt on or exposing too much skin.
• Do not make rude or derogatory remarks about politics, religion, ethnicity, culture, or any other sensitive and personal topics.
• Do not disrespect the rules and guidelines of your host family and project placement.

Be aware and informed about culture shock

Culture shock can occur when living, volunteering, and or working in a foreign place and especially in a developing country. This is a more common experience for first time volunteer travelers, but can happen to even the most seasoned world traveler. It happens when you are in a place where the culture, customs, beliefs, living situations, and standards of hygiene are very different from what you are used to in your home country. It can become overwhelming to deal with all of these differences all at once.

What’s important to realize though is that immersing yourself in a totally new way of life and living has innumerable benefits and rewards. You just have to grant yourself time to adjust. You will adjust to your new surroundings.

Sometimes it helps to connect with others who have experienced culture shock. This is a common occurrence amongst noble volunteers who set off into developing worlds in an effort to make a positive impact. You can read volunteer reviews, reach out to past volunteers of your organization, talk to the volunteers with whom you are currently working with, and or read online forums and blogs related to culture shock for some more insight. Sometimes just knowing that you aren’t the only one experiencing what you are experiencing can make a significant difference.

Here are a few things that you can do to help lessen your chances or the severity of your culture shock while volunteering abroad in Bali:

• Learn about the culture, customs, traditions, living environments, hygiene standards, and ways of life of the Balinese before you leave for your volunteering trip to Bali. While there is no substitution for actually being there, familiarizing yourself with the Balinese way of life will help take some of the shock value out of it. The more you know the less surprises you will encounter.
• Take an interest and actively participate in Balinese culture. Traveling and truly experiencing a culture firsthand is one of the greatest learning and growing opportunities. You can sign up for cooking classes, observe religious ceremonies and celebrations, visit indigenous communities, or take a language course, among an endless list of other cultural activities during your free time in Bali. Gaining a greater understanding of the place in which you are volunteering will bring you closer to it and make you feel more like you belong there.
• Embrace every moment! While it may be a bit challenging in the beginning, embrace the challenge, embrace your new surroundings, and embrace the fact that you made a noble and brave decision to venture out into the world to make a difference and have a special life experience. The greatest things in life are not always the easiest. Rest assure though, with a positive attitude and an open-mind, you will find your comfort zone.
• Be social. You are in a unique position to make new friends from all over the world. Spending time in the company of others will help alleviate the symptoms of culture shock. Reach out to your local team, project staff, host family, and fellow volunteers while volunteering and exploring Bali. Having a support system will help you feel more connected and not so alone or vulnerable in this new place. It is likely that the people whom you meet during this journey will become some of your best friends.

Things to do while volunteering in Bali

• Visit the Pakerisan Valley
• Bike through the Sidermen Valley
• Explore Jasri, Munduk, Lemongan, and Bingin
• Take a cooking class
• See the rice terraces
• Cleanse your soul at Pura Tirta Empul (The Temple of Holy Water)
• Take the 7 Temples of Enlightenment tour
• Enjoy a traditional spa treatment by the Petanu River
• Soak in the healing Banjar hot springs
• Visit the Bedugal waterfalls
• Learn about the sacred art of Batik printing
• Take a sunset dolphin-watching sail at Jukung
• Explore Jagasari, the oldest city in Bali
• Watch the sunrise from the top of Mount Batur
• Ascend into the underground labyrinth Goa Gala-Gala
• Try cat poo coffee
• Visit the Ubud Palace
• Watch the sunset over the paddy fields
• Watch the Kecak fire dance
• Visit the cave under Uluawatu Beach
• Ride horses along the coastline
• Have dinner at Jimbaran Beach (There are over 30 restaurants!)
• Sun tan at Gegan Beach
• Take a yoga class
• Explore the Alley of Art on Legion Street
• Learn to surf
• Go water rafting
• Go paragliding over the ocean
• Party at Sky Garden
• Try the local food

CHAPTER 6: Completion of Volunteer in Bali Project and Follow Up

Following your incredible volunteering and traveling experience in Bali, there are some great follow-up things that you can do to help the volunteer organization in which you joined to continue to flourish and continue to help the people and animals of Bali. There are also ways in which you can use your experience to inspire others to travel and volunteer. Here are some helpful ideas.

• Create a blog commemorating your experience abroad. Sharing your travel and volunteering stories is a genuine way to inspire others and give hesitant first-time travelers the confidence to do what you did. Make sure to share your photographs too! You can create a series of blog posts about things like:
• What inspired you to travel and volunteer in Bali?
• What volunteer program did you join?
• How was your volunteer experience?
• Share some detailed accounts of how you witnessed how your commitment to your project changed the lives of those whom you helped.
• Share your culture shock experience and how you dealt and overcame it.
• Advice, recommendations, dos and don’ts, etc.
• Where to eat, drink, explore, etc.
• Any difficult moments or experiences
• What was your favorite day?
• What will you miss the most?
• How has your experience changed your life?
• Give constructive feedback and reviews to your volunteer organization. Your organization will really appreciate any feedback or reviews that you can offer them. This can include anything that will help them to improve the booking process, accommodations, transportation, or individual volunteer programs. The information that you provide will only help them to grow and improve their organization.
• Provide on-going support to your volunteer program in Bali. Helping to raise awareness and financial support for your volunteer program in Bali is a great way to continue to help the people and animals of Bali. You can host charity events, talent shows, film nights, fashion shows, fun marathon events, competitive games,and raffles to raise money for your program. You can also share your experiences with others in an effort to inspire more people to volunteer.
• Stay in touch. The relationships that you developed in Bali are most likely worth keeping. Stay in touch with all of the wonderful people with whom you shared your journey. Maybe you can plan a reunion volunteer trip to Bali in the future or organize a trip to a different country.

CHAPTER 7: Most Frequently Asked Questions about Volunteering Abroad in Bali

How will I get from the airport to my host family or volunteer house in Bali?

When you arrive in Bali, there will be an arranged picked up at the airport. This travel arrangement will be made prior to your arrival and you will have all of the details of this service prior to your departure for Bali.

How many other volunteers will be volunteering with me?

The number of other volunteers that you will be volunteering with will vary depending on the time of the year and your chosen project. You can ask for this number when you are applying for your volunteer placement in Bali.

If I volunteer with a friend, can we volunteer and reside together?

In most circumstances, this should not be a problem at all. It is best to make this request right away when applying, so that the necessary arrangements can be made.

Are my meals and accommodations included in my program costs?

Yes, you will receive three meals a day of typical Balinese food. Your accommodations are part of the cost of your volunteer trip to Bali.

Will my host family speak English?

English is the third most common language spoken in Bali. It is likely that your host family will be able to speak at least a little bit of English, since they have hosted international travelers in the past. This is a great opportunity to learn some Balinese though! If there is ever a communication issue, your local coordinator will be able to assist you.

Will I be able to travel around Bali during my days off?

Absolutely! During your time off from your volunteer commitment in Bali, you are highly encouraged to set off and explore. Your local coordinator and or program staff will be able to shed some local knowledge and recommendations on transportations and tours, if you need it.

How will I get to and from my volunteer placement?

This all depends on where your project is located and where are you living. Some host family locations will be within walking or biking distance to your project. Your volunteer organization will be able to coordinate your transportation with you.

Is it possible to speak to past volunteers?

Check to see if your volunteer organization has a volunteer community forum or database of past volunteers. You can also do a search online to see if there are any blogs about volunteering in Bali.

What kind of food will I be eating while I am in Bali?

Your host family will cook three traditional Balinese meals a day. Staples in the Balinese diet include rice, vegetables, and fish or meat.

There are some great Balinese dishes that you should try too, if your host family doesn’t prepare them. These include gado gado (steamed cabbage, bean sprouts, vegetables, potato, and peanut sauce), bubur ayam (chicken porridge), bakmi goreng (fried noodles, meat, and vegetables), satay (skewers of meat flavored with spices and grilled, usually served with peanut sauce), and nasi goreng (stir-fried rice with different spices and served with an egg, meat, and vegetables.

How many hours per day will I be volunteering?

For most volunteer placement in Bali, you will volunteer for 4 to 6 hours a day. This is completely dependent on your specific program though. It is best to inquire about your proposed schedule from your volunteer organization.

How much money do I need to bring?

The amount of money you need to bring to Bali really depends on your personal budget and what you are planning to do in Bali during your free time. If you are planning on doing a lot of traveling, taking tours, dining out, partying, and shopping, you will certainly need more money than someone who is planning on being more low-key. It is recommended that you bring at least $50 per week to cover small personal expenses.

CHAPTER 8: Free Volunteer Programs in Bali

Is there such a thing as a free volunteer program in Bali?

You’ve made up your mind that you want to travel abroad and volunteer in Bali. You are probably now wondering if there are any free volunteering opportunities in Bali? Maybe the sudden thought that went through your head was, “why would I pay to volunteer overseas in Bali?” Good question. The following chapter will help clear up this concern and also fill you in on what you’re actually paying for and how to avoid it if that is the route that you are trying to take.

Why do volunteer organizations need program fees in the first place?

Most volunteer overseas organizations that are offering volunteering opportunities in Bali do not actually own or personally operate the individual Bali volunteer projects. Most of the time, the volunteer organization is acting more like a liaison between the interested volunteer and the volunteer program in Bali.

The volunteer organizations work more like a travel agency. A trustworthy and experienced volunteer abroad organization will offer a selection of volunteer programs in Bali that they know and guarantee are reputable, safe, and truly operating for the cause in which they are serving. These organizations take the guesswork out for you and by using their experience and connections put together an itinerary for you so that you can set off on your journey without worry. Volunteer abroad organizations are a business.

Similar to any other business, they need to pay for staff salaries, rent, utilities, communication, advertising, insurance, and all other business-related costs. Most volunteer abroad agencies do not receive any government or donor funding. A lot of these volunteer organizations also maintain overseas offices in the places that they send volunteers to. The main purpose of this is to help ensure the safety and satisfaction of all of their volunteers. Maintaining these offices and the dedicated overseas staff also requires funding. This is where part of your program fees come in.

The other part of your program fees are typically allocated to the cost of your airport pick-up and drop-off, daily transportation, accommodations, meals, travel insurance, a donation to your project, and any other related expenses, which should be made transparent to you when inquiring through any professional volunteer abroad agency.

Due to all of these costs, it is impossible to volunteer for free in Bali using a volunteer abroad organization.

Where there is a will, there is a way to find free volunteer opportunities in Bali

If you are looking for a way around the expenses that come with joining a volunteer program in Bali through a volunteer abroad organization, then your best bet is to directly contact the humanitarian project in Bali that you want to work for; skip the middleman. There are quite a few NGO’s and non-profit organizations operating independently in Bali that are always looking for volunteers.

Some of these projects might be ones that you have seen on various volunteer abroad organizations’ websites or they might be very small and operating on a much lower scale. Either way, you can most likely find the contact information that you need online and place the call or email to inquire about volunteering for free in Bali.

The following steps are intended to guide you through the process of finding the best free volunteering opportunity in Bali all by yourself.

Search the web

Oh, how much easier things are with the Internet! You can begin your search for free volunteer programs in Bali by doing a simple Google search. Type in keywords like “volunteer for free in Bali,” “Bali volunteering opportunities for free,” or “free volunteer projects in Bali.” A lot of results will appear relating to your search. It is important to keep in the mind though, that a lot of the programs that come up from your search are not actually free and will require fees to cover the type of costs mentioned above.

Following this type of search, try searching for specific types of volunteer programs in Bali and leave out the “free” part. For example, volunteer in an orphanage in Bali, volunteer teaching English in Bali, volunteering with animals in Bali, or volunteer in healthcare in Bali. This might lead you to some different options and some direct website links for local organizations in Bali.

You must navigate and differentiate between the volunteer abroad organizations that charge program fees and the direct website links for individual volunteer initiatives in Bali. Make a list of the project websites that you come across so that you can go back and further investigate them.

Contact the local volunteer program in Bali directly

To avoid paying program fees, your best option is to directly contact the local free volunteer project in Bali that you are interested in joining. Using the list that you made from your initial Google searches, go back and investigate individually each result that you wrote down. You should be able to find the contact information that you need from each website link.

Once you obtain the contact information, send each local organization an email requesting more information about their free volunteer project in Bali. Be sure to include your name and contact information in your email and a short self-introduction, when you are thinking of traveling to Bali, if there are any hidden program fees/costs, and what is the application process. 

Here is a link to a directory of local Bali non-profit organizations:

Talk to friends, relatives, classmates, or co-workers who have traveled or volunteered in Bali (the more recent the better)

One of the best ways to get information about a specific location and any volunteer opportunities there is to talk to someone who has recently traveled to and volunteered in the area of interest. Firsthand advice and guidance is incredibly helpful. If you know someone who has done what you are seeking to do, then they can most likely point you in the right direction and even give you some helpful contacts.

Talk to anyone that you know who is living abroad

Do you know anyone living in Bali? Or do you know anyone who knows someone who is living in Bali? Having a local connection can be very helpful when trying to find a reputable, professional, and safe volunteer project to work with for free in Bali. A local source can most likely share a wealth of valuable information about the area in which you are thinking of traveling to since you won’t have the support and backup of a paid volunteer abroad organization in Bali.

Reach out on social media

With the help of social media, we are more connected than ever. You can utilize social media platforms to post that you are interested in volunteering for free in Bali or even for a specific organization in Bali and ask for recommendations, advice, and reviews from other travelers and volunteers out there. In general, people are usually keen to give their opinions about a positive or negative experience when asked. Social media can be a very valuable tool when assessing whether or not a specific organization is a good choice. Put it there and see how people respond!

Read online travel forums

Forums such as Lonely Planet and Trip Advisor are a great resource for those looking to travel and volunteer abroad for free in Bali. You can read through the reviews of other travelers and volunteers and see what they have to say about their experience volunteering for free in Bali. Most of the time, those who are posting on these sights have some valuable insight to offer and specific information about the places that they visited or volunteered at.

Talk to people in Bali

If you are already abroad and have decided that you want to find a way to dedicate some of your time to volunteering, reach out to the locals. If you are staying at a hostel or a hotel, talk to the owner, manager, or anyone else that is working there about what you want to do. Ask if they know anywhere that is looking for volunteers. Ask about specific volunteer projects that you have previously researched to see if they know anything about them or have any insight to offer you. 

Ask the right questions

It is important that you ask and answer the right questions about the free volunteering opportunity in Bali that you found before jumping the gun and buying a pricy airline ticket. You need to do all of the research, background checks, and planning that a paid volunteer abroad organization would do to make sure that you are making the right decision. If you don’t take the time to do the proper research and planning, you run the risk of wasting your money (airline ticket, accommodations, meals, transportation, etc.) on an unpleasant or unsafe trip.

Find out the following information when researching, background checking, and planning your volunteer trip to Bali:

Where does the organization receive its funding to operate?

If there aren’t any program fees required of volunteers, then the organization must be receiving funding and donations from somewhere else. Is this organization offering accommodations and meals to its volunteers? If so, how is this being paid for? It is a good idea to find out what the local program is offering to its volunteers in terms of accommodations, meals, transportation, necessary supplies, safety gear, or training, if any of these things are offered at all. Basically you want to find out, how and why are they free?

Is the local volunteer organization offering free volunteering in Bali legitimate and reputable?

Especially when you are going to be traveling far away from your home country and family, it is crucial to do some investigatory work to ensure that the local organization that you are venturing off to work for is actually legitimate. There would be few things more disappointing than to arrive in Bali and find out that your free volunteer program in Bali isn’t at all what you thought it was going to be. Find out:

• Are they affiliated with any other reputable organizations?
• Are they registered with the local government?
• Have they won any awards or received public praise and recognition?
• Have they been highly recommended by other travelers and volunteers?

Is their website well-organized,transparent,and comprehensive?

What is your feeling when you read the about page, history, and project mission? You should always trust your gut reaction! Is the information that you are seeking present on the website? Do they seem like they are putting everything out on the table and being honest and upfront? You shouldn’t have to dig deep to find basic information about your organization and their free volunteer project in Bali.

Are they active on social media? Is their blog current?

A professional and credible free volunteer organization in Bali will be active on social media and provide current blog posts to attract volunteers, provide relevant information, and connect with potential, current, and previous volunteers. Be wary and do a little deeper searching if there are large gaps of time (months/years) between posts. Proof that they are active, working to promote their cause and trying to inspire potential volunteers to lend a helping hand is very important.

Do the reviews and testimonials from previous volunteers sound genuine?

Not all reviews will be positive as everyone will likely have a slightly different experience, however, the majority should be on the positive side. As you read through the reviews and testimonies, do they seem genuine? Sometimes, a company will pay someone to write reviews and testimonies for them. Oftentimes, reviews that do not come from actual volunteers will be riddled with errors and seem like the same person is writing as multiple different people. Again, what does your gut tell you? If the reviews and testimonies are not real, you most likely will be able to tell after reading through several of them.

You can search for reviews and testimonies for a specific free volunteer placement in Bali that is not located on their actual website. The reviews and testimonies that are located outside of the website cannot be controlled by the organization. Also, check to see if there are any comments or responses to the reviews from the local organization. How did they respond? A professional organization will respond to a comment in a timely manner and will always be polite, whether the original comment was positive or negative. You are playing the role of an investigator to make sure that your free volunteer project in Bali is everything that they are making it out to be.

Are there any hidden costs?

Does free really mean free? Even if you are aren’t paying a program fee, there are still quite a few costs that you will be responsible for paying when deciding to volunteer abroad in Bali. You must pay for your airfare, vaccines, insurance, visa, pick-up from and drop-off at the airport, daily transportation, accommodations, meals, and any other personal expenses. There is no such thing as a completely free volunteer trip to Bali.  Some organizations, while they might not charge a program fee, do require a project donation (which seems like a bit of an oxymoron). Make sure you find out for sure if you are required to donate financially or with supplies to your project. A credible organization will be very transparent about their funding and anything required monetarily from their volunteers.

Are they professional and timely when responding via email or phone call to you?

A worthwhile local free volunteer organization in Bali will be quick to respond to your initial inquiry and any further emails. They will always maintain a professional tone and be clear and concise in their answers to your questions. A credible organization wants volunteers to join their cause, so they will be enthusiastic and very helpful throughout your entire experience, from application to program completion. Be skeptical of free volunteer programs in Bali that take a long time to respond or evade answering certain questions. You can imagine that if an organization is difficult to work with in the beginning, what they will be like when you actually arrive in Bali.

What is their volunteer plan?

It is a good idea to find out ahead of time how your time, energy, and effort will be put to use. A good organization will have worked with numerous volunteers in the past and be able to explain what the volunteer’s roles are during their commitment to the free volunteer project in Bali. While being a volunteer means also being flexible, a general idea of the types of tasks and responsibilities you will have is important. You want to know that there is actually a use for you and that the project is organized enough to give you a basic idea of what you will be doing.

CHAPTER 9: Finding Budget-Friendly Volunteer Programs in Bali

Instead of searching for free volunteering opportunities in Bali, try searching for affordable or budget-friendly volunteer programs in Bali. You will be surprised to learn that there are actually quite a few highly rated affordable volunteering projects in Bali that won’t break your bank. What’s even better is that even though these projects are incredibly affordable, they don’t cut corners on the important things like comfortable accommodations, healthy and locally inspired meals, transportation, safety, and local support.

If you want to have a truly amazing experience traveling and volunteering, then look for a reasonably priced volunteer program Bali. You are paying to not have to do all of the research, background checking, and planning all by yourself.

This is not to toot our own horn, but if you will find and come to realize through your research the Global Crossroad offer some of the most affordable volunteer programs and has several of them located in Bali. Global Crossroad has been connecting volunteers with reputable and affordable volunteer programs in Bali since 2003. Over 20,000 happy volunteers have served the local communities in 18 different countries around the world. Their budget-friendly volunteer programs in Bali might be just what you have been seeking this entire time!

Global Crossroad offers four exciting and affordable volunteer options in Bali. Each of these programs can also be customized for a family, high school, or college group or as an alternative spring break trip.

• Volunteer with children in Bali: This is a perfect budget-friendly volunteer opportunity in Bali for those who love working with children. This program is providing free daycare to low income families in Bali. This service is providing a safe and caring place for parents to leave their children so that they can work full time. Most families can’t afford daycare services and would be in a difficult situation if this program were not available to them.
• Volunteer teaching English in Bali: Global Crossroad offers a very affordable English education program in Bali if you are interested in teaching English to children at a local school while also having the time to explore the beauties of Bali. Your commitment to these children will make a long lasting difference in their lives.
• Volunteer with turtle conservation in Bali: How would you like to spend your days on beautiful white sand beaches helping to protect the sea turtles of Bali? This budget-friendly turtle conservation program in Bali is a great way to help these special marine animals while also spending your days in one of the most beautiful settings in the world.
• Sea turtle conservation and primary education program in Bali: This is a unique blended volunteer opportunity where you will have the chance to work with sea turtles and children. You will spend half of your time tending to sea turtle eggs, little hatchlings, and injured turtles and the other half teaching English to young Balinese children at a local school. Your work with both of these programs will be incredibly rewarding.

Global Crossroad charges a one-time registration and application fee of $299. Then depending on the program you choose and length of time that you choose to volunteer, there is a weekly fee, which goes directly to your local coordinator who will then distribute the money to your program and host family. Global Crossroad is very transparent about where the money that you pay goes. For what they offer volunteers, their fees are surprisingly low!
https://www.globalcrossroad.com/bali/volunteer-in-bali.php

Traveling and volunteering abroad in Bali can be affordable!

With the right researching and planning ahead of time, your volunteer journey to Bali can actually turn out to be a comfortably affordable trip overseas. Volunteering abroad is a priceless experience and opportunity to explore a new culture, meet likeminded individuals from around the globe, and gain a new perspective on life outside of the comfort bubble of your home.

There are thousands of organizations and programs around the world that are constantly in need of compassionate, big-hearted, open-minded, and enthusiastic volunteers. Bali is no exception. The people, communities, and animals of this small island would benefit greatly from someone like you visiting their country and dedicating some time to any one of the legitimate and affordable volunteer opportunities in Bali.

Follow the guidance that is offered below and you will be packing up your suitcase and setting off to your dream destination on a budget-friendly volunteer trip to Bali in no time!

Search using the right keywords

Similarly to when you were searching for free volunteer trips to Bali (which by now you have realized do not truly exist), you can search for affordable, budget-friendly, cheap, reasonably priced, or inexpensive volunteer programs in Bali.

Be creative and play around with your keyword combinations. Basically include adjective (cheap, affordable, budget-friendly, inexpensive, etc.), destination (Bali), and purpose/what are you looking for (volunteer, volunteer work, volunteer program, volunteer project, volunteer organization, volunteer opportunity, etc.). Start searching!

During this initial search session, keep a running list of the results that stick out the most to you. You will use this list later to go back and further investigate. There is a wealth of information available online if you just take the time to look for it.

Decide your budget and what’s important to you

Before you dive into further investigating each one of the results that you put on your list from your initial search, it is good to know what it is you are actually looking for when it comes down to choosing an affordable volunteer program in Bali. What are the most important factors? What is the most amount of money that you are comfortable spending on program fees?

Ask yourself the following types of questions:

• Do I want to stay with a host family? In a hostel? In a private apartment or room?
• Do I want all of my meals included?
• Do I want to live within walking or biking distance to my project site or does that not really matter?
• Do I want my transportation arranged and included?
• Do I want someone to pick me up and drop me off at the airport?
• Do I want organized cultural outings?Language classes?
• Do I want 24/7 local support?
• Do I want a team leader who accompanies me and/or my group to, during, and from my volunteer work?

These are the types of things that program fees cover. You have to realistically evaluate what these things would cost separately and the time and effort it would take to set all of this up by yourself if you opted not to pay a set price by an experienced volunteer organization in Bali. When you really think about it, the cost of your program fee might not seem like very much once you realize what it really covers. Remember, a reputable and professional volunteer organization will be very transparent about what your program fees cover and do not cover.

Narrow down your options

Narrow down your choices based on your set budget and list of priorities. Once you have a more manageable sized list, you can start directly contacting these organizations to receive more information and work toward starting the application process with one of them.

How to reduce your costs of volunteering in Bali

The cost of traveling can quickly add up. There are quite a lot of things to consider when preparing for a budget-friendly volunteering overseas trip to Bali. You will incur costs for your program fees, airline tickets, luggage and personal supplies, insurance, currency exchange and international banking fees, transportation in Bali, personal food and drink consumption, and entertainment and souvenirs, just to name a few of the major expense categories. However, if you plan properly, manage your money carefully, and follow some of these money-saving volunteer travel tips, you will be able to enjoy this incredible journey for way less than you might have imagined.

Selecting an affordable volunteer in Bali program provider

There are surprisingly quite a lot of volunteer organizations that have at least one type of affordable volunteer in Bali placement. Not all volunteer organizations are created equally though! There are program fees that will range anywhere from $200 for two weeks to $2000. Don’t be fooled by the idea that the more expensive volunteer organizations are the better ones. Your program fee should ideally cover the cost of your room, food, and project.

With a little research, you can find out what different organizations’ program fees cover and do not cover. The best approach in the end is to pick the least expensive program with the highest reviews and reputation. This is simple enough, completely doable, and will make a world of financial difference in the end.

Inquire about discounts

It never hurts to ask! Sometimes volunteer organizations will run a promotion or discount for a particular trip during a specific timeframe. It is a good idea to ask about these or if any are coming up. Also, if you get a group together and book as a group, oftentimes there is a group discount. Most of the time it just comes down to asking about discounts or special deals.

Bali, like most other counties with a tourist and volunteer industry, has a high and low season. The high season typically coincides with the best weather months. There are however months that are particularly “high.” It is best to avoid these months, which in Bali are July and August, because flights, especially, can be far more expensive.

Use airfare saving tricks

Airfare to Bali can be very expensive, especially because most volunteers don’t live particularly close to Bali and will need to take more than one flight. Follow these money saving tips to book your flight for your budget-friendly volunteer trip to Bali:

• Book a round trip ticket. Round trip tickets, especially using the same airline company, are usually much cheaper than booking two separate one-way tickets.
• Book in advance.
• Take advantage of air travel discounts. Sometimes, airline companies offer discounted tickets to college students and senior citizens.
• Fly indirect. If you are able to spend a few days getting to Bali, you can find cheaper tickets that have a one or two-day layover in another country.
• Set-up a Google alert. You can enter in your travel dates and destination and receive notifications when prices are lower.
• Use compare and save websites to find cheaper flights.
• Have flexible travel dates for your volunteer adventure to Bali.

Be smart about luggage and personal items

Every airline company has a slightly different luggage policy and fee scale. Make sure that you check this out before you start packing. Some airline companies allow for one free checked bag, if this is the case, go for it and check your suitcase. However, make sure it is not above the allotted weight. If there is a charge for checked baggage, try and pack everything you need for your budget-friendly volunteer journey in Bali in a carry-on bag. It might be doable!

You can bring travel-size toiletries to get you started and buy basic brands of shampoo, conditioner, body wash, toothpaste, deodorant, and laundry detergent there, as a way to save space in your luggage and avoid overage fees. If you are not overly picky about your brands, these items can be picked up at a relatively cheap price. However, it is advised that you bring your own high quality sunscreen and mosquito repellent, as these two items can be costly.

Remember, you can take two carry-on pieces with you (an overhead bag and an under the seat bag). Doing the research prior can save you a lot of money, as some companies charge exorbitant rates for overweight or excess baggage.

Pick the right travel insurance policy

Some volunteer organizations require you to use their travel insurance provider, which most of the time only costs a few dollars a day. Travel insurance, especially basic insurance that is just covering you for the extent of your reasonably priced volunteer trip to Bali, isn’t overly pricy. However, like anything that requires a payment commitment, it is a good idea to look at several different providers and choose the one that fits your budget and personal needs.

Some credit card providers like American Express, even offer travel insurance and emergency help while abroad. A little research can go a long way and save you a lot of money. Getting insurance is also far cheaper than getting in a situation where you need it but don’t have it while volunteering overseas in Bali.

Take care of your finances beforehand

• Notify your bank that you are traveling internationally to Bali to volunteer. Let them know where you will be and for how long. Doing this will avoid the potential and very inconvenient freezing of your account while you are in Bali.
• Store some money on prepaid travel money cards. This is the “new traveler’s check.” You can get these at your local bank. Most of the time, there is even a better exchange rate this way.
• Do not exchange your money at the airport. One of the best and cheapest ways take out rupiah (Indonesian currency) is actually by taking out money at an ATM. You shouldn’t be carrying around large amounts of cash with you, so just take out what you need and maybe a little extra to hide in various spots in your luggage and belongings. If you do have cash that you need to exchange though, you can ask your local coordinator what local place has the best exchange rate.

Consider applying for a scholarship or grant

There are fellowship programs out there that offer funding to graduating students to help them to affordably travel and volunteer abroad in Bali. Two credible ones are: Fulbright and Watson. There are all sorts of other scholarships available too. Some simple online searches will point you in the right direction. Sometimes there is funding available for specific parts of your trip, such as airfare or program fees.

Here are some available grants that might be able to help you volunteer in Bali for an affordable price:

• http://unofficialambassadors.com/our-programs/aua-mosaic-scholarship/?utm_source=volunteerforever.com&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=vf-200-volunteer-abroad-study-abroad-scholarships-grants
• http://www.gooverseas.com/volunteer-abroad-scholarship-application?utm_source=volunteerforever.com&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=vf-200-volunteer-abroad-study-abroad-scholarships-grants
• https://www.volunteerhq.org/ivhq-scholarships/#1

Organize a fundraiser in your community

If you are need of a little financial aid for your upcoming budget volunteer trip to Bali, fundraisers are always a great way to raise some capital. People love supporting others who are setting off to do great things for those in need. A fundraiser to help you to help the people, community, or animals in Bali can cover some or even all of your costs. It is important to be clear about what you are seeking to do in Bali, what the organization you want to work with is all about, what the funds your are raising are going toward, and ultimately how much you need.

It is also a good idea, if you are going to take the fundraising route, to have a way for those who donated to your cause to be able to follow your journey. You can set up an Instagram account, a Facebook page, or even a blog that documents your volunteering adventure in Bali. People who donate to a charitable cause like to see what there money went toward.

Commute like a local

Private taxis or car rentals can become expensive over a period of time. In order to save money, it is best to travel around like a local. This means biking, walking, taking the local bus (called bemos), or sharing a ride. You can rent a bicycle, motorcycle, or scooter for getting around in Bali too. Just be careful on the roads!

If your budget-friendly volunteer in Bali placement offers transportation to and from your project location, always take that. Depending on the organization and project location, program fees will often include the cost of daily transportation. Nothing beats a free (or rather included) ride!

Eat and drink on a budget

Most program fees include three meals a day, especially if you are living with a host family. This is the cheapest and most authentic way to eat in Bali. However, especially on free days from your affordable volunteer work in Bali, you might want to indulge a bit. Here are some tips for eating and drinking on the cheap.

• Avoid touristy restaurants and bars.
• Eat at local restaurants. Balinese food is absolutely delicious. You will definitely want to experience some traditional Balinese dishes while on the island. Talk to the locals. See where they like to eat and try out some of those spots.
• Buy food from a local market and make your own meal. You can pack yourself a great picnic for way less than eating at a restaurant.
• Talk to your host family. Your host family is most likely on a very tight budget and can offer you some local insight on the best spots to go on a budget.
• Bring a re-useable water bottle and boil your water the night before at your accommodation instead of always buying bottled water. Some accommodations might offer filtered water,which you should take advantage of. Buying bottled water can become expensive quickly.
• Look for weekly specials or coupons for the places that you are interested in.

CHAPTER 10: Paid Volunteering in Bali Opportunities!

Now that we have your full attention, there truly isn’t such a thing as paid volunteer work in Bali…those words together create an oxymoron! However, there are compensated volunteer opportunities available for volunteers looking to lend a helping hand without having to make a modest financial sacrifice. While these opportunities might not be as readily available because of the financial constraints of most small volunteer programs, some larger organizations have the capability to help volunteers help them.

Things to consider

Paid doesn’t necessarily mean a paycheck

There are organizations that will compensate volunteers for their time by covering the costs of accommodations, meals, transportation, airfare, travel insurance, visas, and/or other costs that a volunteer would incur for setting off to volunteer. Some programs will offer volunteers a stipend at the end of their commitment or an allotted amount of money for living expenses, but it is more likely that you will find paid volunteer opportunities in Bali to mean paying for your cost of living and volunteer program. If you were truly being a paid a salary, it would be a job and not volunteer work.

If you adjust your idea of what it means to get paid for volunteer work in Bali, you are more likely to find programs that are capable of compensating their volunteers in one way or another.

“Paid” volunteer opportunities in Balih require a bigger time commitment

Most organizations or companies that are willing and capable of covering travel and living expenses, paying a stipend, or any other type of compensation require a serious time commitment. It is unlikely that you will find a volunteer organization that will compensate you for donating two weeks of your time. Typically, there needs to be at least a six-month commitment.

“Paid” volunteer opportunities in Bali have stricter application requirements

Most organizations or companies that are willing and capable of covering travel and living expenses, or any other type of compensation aren’t seeking entry-level volunteers. If an organization or company is going to invest in bringing a volunteer to work for them, there must be some higher credentials met. These might include:

• College degree
• Specialized skill
• Foreign language skills
• Professional experience
• Recommendation letters

Ways to get paid

Cover the costs of volunteering in Bali

As mentioned above, some organizations in Bali are willing to pay for your transportation/airfare costs, accommodations, meals, and/or insurance in compensation for dedicating a substantial amount of time to their volunteer project.

Don’t forget that there are inherent rewards that go hand and hand with volunteerism. The experiences and skills that are gained while volunteering abroad in Bali might even help you land a great paying job once you return to your home country. Volunteering looks great on a resume!

Internships and college credits

Another way to get “paid” is by receiving college credits for a volunteer internship in Bali. This is something that you can talk to your guidance counselor and/or university study abroad department to see what types of internships are credible and what the requirements for receiving college credit are.

There are a lot of volunteer organizations that need help with marketing, social media, fundraising, finances, project planning, management, and website development among so many other niches and can’t afford to pay something to do this work. This is where you can come in and share your specialized skills. This type of work looks great on a professional resume, as well.

Get paid to teach English in Bali

Through TEFL (Teaching English as a Foreign Language)/TESOL (Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages), you can receive an online certification to teach English abroad in Bali after completing and passing a 100 hour course. There are also courses offered at TEFL centers in 25 locations around the world.

Private institutions around the world are seeking native English speakers with a TEFL certification to come teach English. The ability to communicate proficiently in English is becoming more and more of a prerequisite for better paying jobs, especially in developing countries like Bali. This is actually a paying position. Through the TEFL website or through TEFL job forums, you find job openings and apply for ones that interest you in Bali. This is a great opportunity to travel and live in Bali and help prepare your students for a brighter and more successful future. The gift of education is priceless! 

Be a professional do-gooder

If you are seeking a career being a do-gooder, there are full time job opportunities at non-profit and humanitarian/conservation/animal-focused companies and organizations in Bali. The Peace Corps, The United Nations, and Voluntary Service are just a few that are seeking out experienced, specialized, educated, compassionate, hard working, big-hearted, and adventurous individuals who want to help to make the world a better place as their full time job.

• The Peace Corps operates in 65 different countries around the world. There are projects that focus on education, health, youth development, agriculture, environmental protection and conservation, and community economic growth. If selected, which is very competitive, you must commit to 27 months. There is no cost to join and volunteers receive a stipend and transitional funds at the end of their service commitment.
• UN Volunteers operates in 130 countries across the globe. There are 25 different types of projects that include themes like refugee and displaced people aid and emergency relief. Volunteers are expected to commit to at least a year. Volunteers who are chosen from a highly rigorous application process will receive money to cover the cost of transportation, a stipend, and some other benefits.
• Voluntary Service Overseas is a widespread organization that has programs that focus on animal protection, natural resources conservation, social development, health, education, and HIV/AIDS awareness and care, just to name a few. Selected volunteers will receive a stipend, transportation funds, and insurance.

This free E-book was written to help volunteers interested in volunteering overseas in Bali. So please only use this book as a general reference and source of information. As the world is constantly changes, we cannot guarantee that this guide will always be 100% up to date, as we are not constantly updating it. This is just some simple information to get you started on the right path to your grand Bali volunteer adventure.