Bali

35+ Years Experience

IVI is an Australian charity & non profit organisation founded in 1989 and is one of the pioneers of overseas volunteering successfully placing over 20,000 volunteers globally.  We accept volunteers from all over the world and place them in meaningful overseas missions.  

Affordable Volunteer Travel

Indonesia is one of most interesting countries in the world for cultural learning for its diverse and sophisticated art forms, such as painting, sculpture, woodcarving, handicrafts, and performing arts.  Indonesia has around 300 ethnic groups, each with cultural identities developed over centuries, and influenced by Indian, Arabic, Chinese, and European sources.

Millions of small farmers, farm workers and fishers are unable to tap into the opportunities offered by years of economic growth. They are often geographically isolated and lack access to basic infrastructure and support.

Bali is a Hindu Island. Traditional Balinese clothing worn by women covers their shoulders and knees, especially, when they go to the temple and for a ceremony day. 

IVI have a variety of programs designed to immerse volunteers into the local lifestyle in order to experience the unique culture, build life long relationships and benefit the people that need it the most.

Bali is situated just south of the equator. It has a hot and tropical climate year round.

The wet season is from November to March, and the dry season from April to October (although there may still be some showers) The rains usually only last for a few hours, so you will usually still get some sunshine during the day. 

The rainy season brings about humidity and it is generally hot year round, in the mid-high 20’s. Cooler temperatures can be found up North in the mountain regions. 

Indonesia is one of most interesting countries in the world for cultural learning for its diverse and sophisticated art forms, such as painting, sculpture, woodcarving, handicrafts, and performing arts.  Indonesia has around 300 ethnic groups, each with cultural identities developed over centuries, and influenced by Indian, Arabic, Chinese, and European sources.

*most projects are located in Ubud

Ubud, pronounced ‘oobood’ is located centrally in the heart of Balinese culture.  Far removed from the tourist crowds of Kuta, it is famous as an arts and crafts hub, and much of the town and nearby villages seems to consist of artists’ workshops and galleries and a general feeling of well being Ubud consists of fourteen villages, each run by its own banjar (village committee).  Ubud is arguably the best place to use as a base if you’re visiting Bali; if you’re looking for culture, comfort, nature and inspiration. Ubud is surrounded by most of the things that bring people to this unique destination – scenic rice fields, small villages, art and craft communities, ancient temples, palaces and rivers.  If you’re looking for peace, serenity, and culture, then Ubud is the place to be.

Seraya Village, located about 2.5 hours by car from the Denpassar airport, is situated on the North Eastern side of Bali with incredible beaches, diving and a tranquil local balinese atmosphere. Due to it’s proximity to the famous holy mountain Agung (Bali’s highest mountain), there are some nice resorts in the region, but luckily the area still feels mostly un-touched by tourism.

Lombok, about 35 km’s from Bali is an authentic Indonesian island east of Bali and west of Sumbawa known for picturesque beaches, prime surfing and very few tourists!  With heaps of wide-open unspoiled beaches, less traffic and pollution, the island’s has plentiful trekking opportunities and natural sightseeing and cultural experiences. Lombok is a popular destination mainly for Indonesian tourists as prices for accommodation, food and attractions are less expensive and the island’s scenic spots are un-tracked compared to Bali.

In Ubud, standard accommodation will be in shared bedrooms in large well equipped and dedicated volunteer guest houses in the outskirts of Ubud within genuine local Balinese communities in a rural setting.  We’re talking pigs, chickens, roosters crowing…. a real Balinese experience. Living conditions are comfortable and clean. You can expect regular interaction with locals where you can practice your new found language skills.  You can expect to share a room with between 4 to 8 other volunteers.  Bathrooms are shared and have hot water and western toilets.

Wifi is available in common areas and there are laundry services in walking distance.  Ubud center is approx 15-20 min by car and there are 2 complimentary taxi drops to Ubud p/week. Volunteers have access to 2 swimming pools which can be used for a fee of approx US$3 and gyms which are located about 10 min by car. 

Enjoy living like a local in Seraya, Bali. This project includes homestay accommodation where you will have your own twin, or quad share room staying with a local family in private, clean, safe & well maintained homes.   The accommodations are simple but comfortable and with all the necessities such as lockable rooms, bed linen, western style toilets, fresh clean drinking water, laundry facilities and WiFI in common areas. (Although most volunteers will purchase a pre-paid SIM to use with their personal device.) 

In Lombok, Sengigi is the traditional tourist area however tourism is nowhere close to what is seen in Bali.   In this regard you are way off the beaten path of tourism.  You’ll enjoy extensive bays with beautiful light sandy beaches and jungle mountains with palm trees.   This area spans approx 10km of coast with amazing surf for the surfers out there and a colourful reef.   The night life is also super fun and very affordable.   The vendors are also not nearly as agressive as in Bali.  The accommodaiton has free Wifi in public areas, spacious rooms, hot showers, a private bathroom shared between max 4-6 volunteers, bed linen included and a fan for the hot nights.  There is no mosquito protection, air-con or towels included. 

*All participants are expected to be environmentally responsible and to use all resources with restraint, especially water, paper and electricity. You will be expected to clean up after yourself, and to play your part to keep the accommodation neat and tidy.

**For couples or those wanting more privacy, there are upgrade accommodation options available in Bali for an additional cost in either a single room (shared toilet), private room (private toilet) or private villa (private toilet, kitchen & balcony).  Please contact us in advance to check availability and pricing. (Prices start from US$125 p/week)

As a volunteer in bali, you’ll receive 3 traditional meals each day on weekdays and 2 meals on weekends (breakfast and dinner). Indonesian food is tasty and diverse and volunteers can expect dishes included nasi goreng (fried rice and vegetables), mie goreng (fried noodles and vegetables),  or gado gado (mixed vegetables with a satay sauce).  For those who do not eat meat, Indonesian cooking uses a lot of tofu and tempeh (soy beans).

Breakfasts are varied and include pancakes, fresh fruit, toast etc. Tea, coffee will be available at the volunteer house. Purified water is available in the volunteer house. We do not recommend that you drink the tap water. If you have any special dietary requirements, please let us know when you apply so we can make arrangements for you.

You may choose to do the 1 week introduction to Indonesia is help to ease into the lifestyle and pace and get to know your town, it’s facilities and everything required to make your stay comfortable including an introduction to Indonesia, it’s customs, culture, expectations, travel options, safety and information about your chosen project. The orientation will also give you a chance to meet other volunteers and swap contact details for weekend travel and fun. If you prefer to move straight into your chosen project, no worries, you’ll receive a short briefing and be introduced to your volunteer coordinator for training and assistance. You may choose after the first few days to move straight into your chosen placement.

An arrival airport pickup is included in the cost of your placement. Accommodation on the Sunday is included in the program fees. Arrivals are on Saturdays and Sundays (please check the individual project for the pickup window times, as they can differ). 

If arriving outside the pickup times we can arrange a private transfer and extra night’s accommodation, depending on availability, or you can make your own way to the project. 

Weekends are always free for relaxing or sightseeing of your choice.  Our ground operators will help you organize additional trips with special (non tourist) rates which can be paid directly in local currency. Be sure to check out the beaches of Seminyak, Kita, Sanur or cycling and trekking tours on Mount Batur, visits to local temples and rice terraces.