Volunteer Work in Bali: 7 Ways to Volunteer in Paradise

Volunteering in Bali will be full-on magical, served with a side of altruism! Far-off, tropical destinations like Bali are often mistaken for luxurious locations that only deep-pocketed vacationers can afford. First of all, not true; the journey around the world might cost more than your average beach vacation, but time spent in this Southeast Asian community is sure to prove affordable (and worth it...note, this is not your average beach vacation).

Second of all, why limit yourself to vacationing?! You can get the most out of your stay by avoiding those beach resorts and instead interacting with the local community and supporting some of the most generous and caring people you’ll ever meet—and one of the most beautiful ecosystems you’ll ever be a part of.

Avoiding popular tourist destinations means finding quiet green sanctuaries.

Bali volunteer programs are amongst the best in the world, because they allow you to make a major getaway while exposing you to some completely different cultural traditions and deeply-rooted mystic history from anything you’re likely to have encountered before. Whether you’re curious to put your good work towards helping the impoverished Balinisians themselves, or you’re more interested in nature-based projects like beach cleanups, animal rescue, and local crop production, your opportunities for volunteer work in Bali are plentiful.

It can be intimidating to get yourself started, so we’ve pulled together some of the most varied and most rewarding volunteering in Bali programs out there. Now you can get one step closer to undertaking this earth shattering journey abroad!

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Here’s a sneak peek of some of the most phenomenal volunteer programs in Bali, according to our community of meaningful travelers and past volunteers:

7 best volunteer programs in Bali this year

Editor’s note: This information on Bali volunteer programs was accurate at the time of publishing. Please refer to each individual program for current data.

1. ELI Abroad in Bali—Be the first to review!

Eli Abroad has an overall rating of 9.68. —Read Eli Abroad reviews here

When? 2-12 weeks, available year round
Why? This program is absolutely spectacular for its volunteer opportunities in Bali, as each moment of your journey will be completely tailored to you. This registered, charitable, and education-focused nonprofit focuses on getting you involved in the local community for equal parts cultural experience and professional development. Choose from professional internships on the ground to participating in Bali animal rescues, and you’ll not only have undergone a beautiful cultural exchange, but a personal growth transformation as well.
Get more info on ELI Abroad

2. International Working Holidays—10.0

“Had an amazing time from meeting and interaction with the locals as well as working with turtles. The coordinators and staff go out and beyond to make you feel comfortable and welcomed.” —Read more International Working Holidays reviews here

When? 2-4 weeks, available year round
Why? If the latest anti-plastic trends for protecting the sea turtles have made their way into your psyche, you might be into this sea turtle preservation program for your volunteer work in Bali. We love this program because it grants direct, hands-on experience with tangible results, in a short enough time period to incorporate this journey into your vacation time away from work or school. Spend just two, three, or four weeks working with an endangered species, as well as getting Balinese language instruction, visiting volcanoes and rafting sites, and participating in meditation retreats.
Get more info on International Working Holidays

3. GoEco—9.89

“It was lovely to be able to give back to the people of Bali in volunteering our time in the teaching and construction programme. We found it to be both very enjoyable but immensely satisfying.” —Read more GoEco reviews here

When? 1-8 weeks, available year round
Why? This program is built for quality-time lovers and people persons. Focused in Ubud, a somewhat more secluded and rural neighborhood of Bali, volunteers with this program will work directly with locals to improve their quality of life. Depending on volunteer skillset and community need, volunteer work in Bali through GoEco can involve teaching English as a second language to school children, educating locals about public health and hygiene, or working in construction to improve the infrastructure in different villages. Plus, this program promises a week of cultural immersion activities to reward all your hard volunteer work.
Get more info on GoEco

4. ARCC Programs —10

“This was one of the most life-changing and inspiring trips or experiences I have ever had. I met incredible people who were so enlightening.” —Read more ARCC Programs reviews here

When? 1-2 weeks or 2-4 weeks, available year round
Why? Talk about some activities truly unique to Bali: Restore a natural orangutan habitat, rehabilitate a healthy rainforest for tigers and elephants, and aid in improving infrastructure in impoverished Balinesian villages. ARCC Program’s Operation Orangutan gives volunteers the chance to participate in lifesaving wildlife endeavors (how noble!), collaborate with grassroots NGOs (how attractive on that college app or resume!), and enjoy the splendor of Bali (how enticing!).
Get more info on ARCC Programs

5. Next Step Connections—9.5

“I was pleasantly surprised by the level of service provided by Next Step Connections during my application and stay in Bali, Indonesia. They ensured a quick, smooth, and enjoyable transition into the Indonesian work place. Highly recommended.” —Read more Next Step Connections reviews here

When? 3-6 months, available year round
Why? In addition to luxurious beaches and an ancient, spiritual ambiance, Bali has recently become home to entrepreneurs, shifting the island into a start-up hub as well. Volunteer part of your time in Bali working with children or animals in education or conservation, and part of your time gaining industry knowledge through an internship with various companies throughout the island. Because why not gain professional experience and perspectives through a tropical island lense?
Get more info on Next Step Connections

6. Gili Shark Conservation—10.0

“If you're looking for a way to gain some conservation, research, or dive experience, this project is for you! I joined to get practical dive and research experience prior to applying for graduate school, but I gained so much more than that. You will get to experience Indonesia in a much more real way than passing through for a week on holiday.” —Read more Gili Shark Conservation reviews here

When? 2-12 weeks during summer
Why? One of the absolute best aspects of volunteer Bali programs is the proximity to the ocean—not only for beach bathing or surfing, but for getting deep into some of the clearest and most glorious waters you’ll ever encounter. This program is extra baller because it gets you PADI scuba-certified, and then requires you to use your new training to make the most of your volunteer experience. In collaboration with international organizations and NGOs, you’ll be part of the populace to collect data on marine protection and understand the native shark populations. Talk about some hands-on, lifelong skills!
Get more info on Gili Shark Conservation

7. Love Volunteers—Be the first to review!

Love Volunteers has an overall rating of 9.66. —Read Love Volunteers reviews here

When? 2-12 weeks, available year round
Why? What could be better than stimulating love for language in young minds and lending a hand in improving their quality of life, than doing that PLUS getting the full-on Balinesian experience in return?! Love Volunteers provides all that and more, as one of the most trusted organizations in the volunteer abroad realm. They’ll even help you customize your own experience if you’re not feeling the other options out there. Reach out to a program coordinator and learn more!
Get more info on Love Volunteers

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These volunteer in Bali opportunities will put you on the right track

These volunteer opportunities in Bali will give you insight into the beautiful local culture!

This was just a cursory look at all of the volunteer in Bali opportunities that are out there, and we hope it got your wanderlust senses tingling! There is no shortage of possibilities with volunteer programs in Bali, from teaching English to wildlife conservation to getting scuba certified. You can inhabit this mystical world in a more meaningful way than tourism alone!