Bali is truly a diverse island, providing volunteering opportunities in the fields of wildlife rescue, healthcare, education, non-profits, agriculture, conservation and more. It is often regarded as an ideal volunteer destination and is trusted by thousands of volunteers. In addition to being extremely affordable, the country’s volunteer programs are highly reputable and incredibly rewarding. Signing up for such programs is the perfect opportunity to broaden your cultural horizons while making a difference in the lives of the less fortunate.
There are hundreds of volunteer organisations in Bali, each of which operates their own set of projects. Researching about all of them is surely a tedious task. We have compiled a list of the most reputable and affordable volunteer organisations to give you a headstart.
Volunteer Programs and Organisations to consider:
1. Volunteering Solutions
Volunteering Solutions often partner with local Balinese organisations for their programs. Their projects revolve around Education and Conservation. They aim to provide help and support to underprivileged kids with regards to their education. Volunteering Solutions is also a good opportunity to gain meaningful teaching experience.
2. International Volunteer Headquarters (IVHQ)
International Volunteer Headquarters offer a diverse set of programs. Their projects mostly comprise of Education, Wildlife, Medicine and Community Development. Volunteers with IVHQ get a chance to participate in proactive conservation efforts like waste management improvement, beach cleanups, turtle conservation, etc.
3. GoEco
GoEco is an eco-tourism as well as a volunteer organisation that focuses primarily on environmental initiatives. They operate reputable and affordable programs that are guaranteed to be life-changing experiences. Their volunteer programs in Bali mainly revolve around education, community work and sea turtle rescue.
4. Plan My Gap Year
Plan my Gap Year was founded by volunteers for volunteers. They are an international organisation working to promote sustainable and life inspiring travel and volunteering trips. Their programs are known to be extremely affordable and are being executed in over 14 countries.
Some of the other volunteering organisations that you can look into are Involvement Volunteers International, Volunteer Programs Bali, IFRE Volunteers, Global Crossroads, Love Volunteers, ELI Abroad, Travellers Worldwide, Frontiers etc.
Things to know before you Volunteer
It’s clear that Bali has plenty of diverse and exciting volunteering opportunities to choose from. However, there are a few things to keep in mind before heading out.- Make sure you lay out a detailed plan for yourself, outlining your goals, budget and even travel itineraries. It is advised to be prepared in advance instead of figuring things out on the go.
- Volunteering in Bali is not free! Unfortunately, none of the volunteer programs in Bali are free. Nonetheless, most of them are reasonably priced, especially when compared to other destinations. Keeping this in mind, you might want to look into some fundraising options to help you achieve your goal.
- Do research about the weather conditions in Bali during your volunteering period. The tropical, humid climate that swings between a rainy season and a dry season is not everyone’s cup of tea. You can consider the volunteering opportunities in the mountainous regions if you’re looking for a cooler climate.
- Learn to respect the Balinese culture while you’re there. Despite the influx of tourism, the local culture is alive and thriving. It is advised to keep an open mind and to keep your attitude in check.
- Be careful about your choice of drinking water. Most volunteer programs require you to put in constant hard work that is bound to leave you tired and often, thirsty. Don’t give in to the local tap water in the heat of the moment and ensure that you consume purified water only.
- The traffic in Bali is quite wild. Most locals do not follow or respect the traffic rules. You might want to plan your commute accordingly.