Wildlife Sanctuary in Besikalung, Bali

WHY we need you in Bali

monitoring

HOW can you help?

WHAT can you do?

Why Involvement Volunteers International?

  PROJECT NAME: WILDLIFE SANCTUARY

LOCATION: TABANAN

  START DATES: WEEKLY (SAT/SUN ARRIVALS) 

  ACCOMMODATION: VOLUNTEER HOUSE

  MIN DURATION: ONE WEEK 

  MIN AGE: 17+

  SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS: C6 Visa Required, Criminal background check required

    

Overview

Nestled on the forested slopes of Mt Batukaru in central Bali, the Besikalung Wildlife Sanctuary is a protected haven for endangered birds and animals. The sanctuary is home to leaf monkeys, macaques, and a rich variety of native bird species.

This initiative brings together five nearby villages and nine farmers’ groups who have implemented traditional regulations to protect wildlife across this zone. It is the first wildlife sanctuary in Bali to be established by private enterprise and covers part of the island’s largest remaining forest—spanning a 5km radius from the famous Besikalung Temple.

Over the years, we’ve released dozens of birds, including white-vented mynahs and peaceful doves, and have undertaken extensive tree planting and forest monitoring. The sanctuary borders the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Jatiluwih Rice Terraces, and we are now preparing to collaborate with UNESCO on a project to preserve the subak—Bali’s ancient 1,000-year-old traditional irrigation system that sustains these iconic rice fields.

Location

Besikalung is a peaceful rural area in central Bali, nestled on the slopes of Mount Batukaru. Surrounded by lush rainforest and rice terraces, it offers an authentic glimpse of traditional Balinese life. The region is also home to the Besikalung Wildlife Sanctuary, where conservation efforts protect endangered species and local ecosystems.

Project Tasks

  • Bird monitoring/nestbox maintenance in the Besikalung temple area where the Bali Starlings are released (in the morning and afternoon)
  • Assisting/participating in the scheduled Integrated agriculture system
  • Assisting/participating in farmer activities. We suggest you bring boots due to activities in the rice fields
  • Conducting fish farming as part of sustainable agriculture initiatives
  • Teaching English for the village staff.
  • Vanilla (vanili) breeding and harvest activities with local farmers

Food & Accommodation

Accommodation is provided in the main house at the rescue centre, offering simple, comfortable living arrangements. Volunteers share a basic bedroom with bunk beds, along with two toilets, a shower, a small kitchen for meal preparation, and a common area for relaxing and socializing.

Because the centre is small and focused on quality care, we can only accommodate a few volunteers at a time. Volunteer fees include accommodation and help cover the ongoing costs of running the centre and caring for the animals.

*Please note, no meals are provided. We do have a simple shared kitchen that volunteers can use to cook their own food. Many of our volunteers enjoy going to the local market and preparing meals together — it’s a nice way to experience the local culture and keep things flexible for everyone’spreferences.

 

Standard
Projects - Lovina


- Wildlife Sanctuary, Besikalung






All prices in USD
  • 1 Week - $210
  • 2 Weeks - $265
  • 3 Weeks - $317
  • 1 Month - $356
  • 2 Months - $550
  • 3 Months - $750
Vol House
What's Included
  • Accommodation
  • 1 Day Orientation
  • 24/7 In-Country Support
  • Project Materials & Equipment
  • Pre-departure Expert Advice
  • Preperation Tools & Checklists
  • Certificate of Completion
  • Conservation donation

Testimonials...

FAQ

You should be in good physical condition and ready for hands-on work in a tropical climate and be prepared for comfortable yet basic accommodation. 

We’re looking for volunteers who are motivated, open, and respectful — people who can adapt to new environments and work well with others. We ask everyone to help create a welcoming and inclusive space, free from any kind of discrimination.

  • Accommodation
  • Orientation
  • In country 24/7 support & emergency assistance
  • Fundraising support
  • University course credits (where applicable)
  • Certificate of Completion
  • Conservation donation that directly supports our wildlife protection and community programs

Airfares

  • Travel Insurance
  • Tours, Souvenirs & spending money
  • Meals
  • Transfer

Arrival transfer is not included. Please see your welcome pack for details on making your own way to us. 

After you arrive, you will join an onboarding orientation. Each centre will give a presentation to introduce the program, schedule, survival tips, and team members to help you get familiar with everything.

Average around 4 hours per day.

  • Bird monitoring/nestbox maintenance in the Besikalung temple area where the Bali Starlings are released (in the morning and afternoon)
  • Assisting/participating in the scheduled Integrated agriculture system
  • Assisting/participating in farmer activities. We suggest you bring boots due to activities in the rice fields
  • Conducting fish farming as part of sustainable agriculture initiatives
  • Teaching English for the village staff.
  • Vanilla (vanili) breeding and harvest activities with local farmers
  • Visit Tanah Lot temple – A famous Hindu temple perched on a rock formation on the coast of Bali.
  • Explore Ubud – A cultural hub in the center of Bali known for its art galleries, museums, and traditional crafts.
  • Try surfing at Kuta Beach – One of the most popular beaches in Bali with great waves for surfers of all levels.
  • Visit the Tegallalang Rice Terraces – A beautiful and iconic rice terrace located in the Gianyar Regency.
  • Go snorkeling or diving at Nusa Lembongan – A small island located southeast of Bali with crystal-clear waters and diverse marine life.
  • Hike Mount Batur – An active volcano located in the north of Bali, offering stunning views from the summit.
  • Watch a traditional Balinese dance performance – Bali is known for its unique and beautiful dance traditions.
  • Relax at a beach club – Bali has many luxurious beach clubs with pools, restaurants, and stunning ocean views.
  • Visit the Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary – A nature reserve and temple complex in Ubud where you can interact with hundreds of friendly monkeys.
  • Dolphin watching in Lovina – Take a morning boat trip from Lovina Beach to spot dolphins swimming and playing in the ocean.
  • Visit the Banjar Hot Springs – A natural hot spring located in Lovina where you can relax and soak in the warm mineral water.
  • Take a cooking class – Learn how to prepare delicious Balinese dishes and immerse yourself in the local culinary culture.
  • Visit the Munduk Waterfall – A picturesque waterfall located in the Munduk village surrounded by lush greenery and a great spot for hiking.

We don’t have any major holidays that affect our programs — we’re open year-round.

Bali does have many local ceremonies, but these don’t disrupt the program. In fact, volunteers are welcome to observe or join these events as part of a unique cultural experience.

The only exception is Nyepi (the Balinese Day of Silence) — a sacred day that happens once a year. On this day, the entire island becomes completely quiet: no flights, no vehicles, no lights, and no outdoor activities for 24 hours. Everyone stays indoors, reflecting and resting. It’s a truly special cultural experience that many volunteers find unforgettable

Indonesia has to be one of the 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, Balinese traditional cultures are still present, making the island charming and beautiful. Traditional Balinese clothing worn by women covers their shoulders and knees, especially, when they go to the temple and when they have 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, from 20 to 30 degrees. Cooler temperatures can be found up North in the mountain regions. 

Bali culture is incredible, rich in tradition and spirituality which focuses mainly on art and religion, with the two often expressed through each other.  Many Balinese people are an artist of some kind and spend their leisure time working on hobbies and artwork that have been passed down through generations.  

Many public areas, homes and paddy fields are decorated by detailed paintaings, intricate carvings, fine weaving, statues and various artworks. Life in Bali is very much communal and centered around local villages with the community institution or ‘Banjar’ responsible for many aspects of life. The Balinese have a word, “Niskala” which means that which cannot be sensed directly, but can only be felt within.      

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