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Gap Year Programs in Indonesia

Swings in the middle of the ocean, daily yoga classes, AND getting to hang out with wild monkeys? Think of the best day you’ve ever had multiplied by 20. A gap year in Indonesia is the perfect time to figure out who you are, what you’re made of, and what you want to do with your life! It can be a time to work, save money, explore a new interest, learn a different language, or even volunteer. Lover of animals? More than 60 percent of Indonesia is forested and the constant volcanic activity has produced an environment supporting thousands of animal species.The possibilities are endless with a gap year in Indonesia!
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Seamester

Featured Provider of the Month

34 Gap Year Programs in Indonesia

Indonesia

International Volunteer HQ [IVHQ]

9.55

794

Worlds #1 Volunteer Programs. 40+ Countries from $20/day!

At International Volunteer HQ (IVHQ), we unite people from over 9...

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GoEco - Top Volunteer Organization

9.68

37

GoEco - Top Rated & Award Winning Volunteer Programs Abroad

GoEco is one of the world’s top volunteer organizations, with award-winning and ethical programs selected by sustainable travel experts. Since 2006, tens of thousands of volunteers have taken part in projects and internships worldwide, focusing on wildlife and marine conservation, education, and medical initiatives. GoEco operates in over 50 countries, providing unique cultural immersive experiences that aim to make a positive impact on the environment and society. The organization also offers internships and academic programs for students. GoEco provides safe and meaningful experiences while promoting sustainable travel and reducing carbon emissions.

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Seamester Study Abroad at Sea

9.76

51

Seamester Study Abroad and Gap Year Voyages

Seamester is the educational adventure of a lifetime! For more than 40 years, we have offered unparalleled educational voyages where students spend a semester at sea sailing between islands, countries, and even continents. We design our programs to provide engaging learning experiences with real outcomes in ways that are impossible to replicate in the traditional classroom. Living as part of a close-knit team on an ocean-going vessel, our students learn fundamental lessons beyond academics: teamwork, leadership, and personal responsibility. They receive academic credit from the University of South Florida, along with PADI scuba certifications and IYT sailing certifications. Our programs are designed to inspire students to realize that it’s the journey, not the destination, that matters the most.

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Semester at Sea

9.64

44

Semester at Sea: Global Study Abroad on a Floating Campus

Unlike traditional study abroad or tourism experiences, Semester at Sea offers a unique opportunity for deep, authentic engagement with countries and cultures around the globe. It's more than just the adventure of a lifetime. It's a transformative experience that will give you a global perspective to take on the challenges of tomorrow. Fall 2026: European, African, South American, and Asian Adventure Embark: September 9, IJmuiden, The Netherlands Disembark: Dec 22, Bangkok, Thailand Itinerary: Portugal, Morocco, Brazil, St. Helena, South Africa, Mauritius, Sri Lanka, Vietnam, Hong Kong Spring 2027: Asia, Africa, and Europe Embark: Jan 5, Bangkok, Thailand Disembark: Apr 20, Bremerhaven, Germany Vietnam, Indonesia, Singapore, India, Kenya, South Africa, Ghana, Morocco, Scotland

ARCC Programs

0

0

ARCC Gap: Pacific Islands - Fiji, Sumatra, Bali

Journey to the far reaches of the Pacific Ocean where we immerse ourselves in the island lifestyles of Sumatra, Bali, and Fiji. Students will have the opportunity to assist in native mangrove and coral reef restoration, help restore age-old Bataknese houses in a Sumatran village, and gain insight into environmental sustainability and natural disaster relief. We also explore the unique challenges of local health care and dive deep into local island culture and tradition. Before you will have finished the semester, you will have gained your SCUBA certification and challenged yourself on the waves with several surf classes.

Intern Abroad HQ

9.21

72

Intern Abroad HQ - Affordable Internships From Just 2 weeks!

Are you a student or young professional looking to enhance your career prospects through international work experience and hands-on learning? At Intern Abroad HQ, we help students and young professionals turn career aspirations into reality. We organize affordable internships in 20 destinations across 24 career fields that are tailored to meet each individual’s academic, professional, or personal requirements. With over 200 internship programs across Europe, Asia, Africa, Central America and South America to choose from, and options to intern from 2 weeks to 6 months either full-time or part-time, in-country or virtually, we facilitate career-enhancing experiences that work for you, not just the host organization. Intern Abroad HQ is proudly brought to you by the team behind International Volunteer HQ. We have collectively supported over 120,000 program participants since 2007 and are the only B Corp certified provider in our field.

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Where There Be Dragons

10

2

Indonesia Semester: Community & Conservation (Gap Year)

Spanning from Malaysia to Australia, with over 17,000 equatorial islands, Indonesia hosts the world's highest level of biodiversity and one of the richest cultural tapestries on Earth. Dragons Indonesia gap year semester begins in Yogyakarta on the island of Java. With our Program House as a base, students engage in arts, language, and topical discussions on themes of religious diversity, creative expression, and cultural and environmental conservation, all while living with carefully selected homestay families. From Java, we head east to the island of Flores where students live in the pastoral village of Langa. Here students stay with generous homestay families, learn about coffee production, hike spectacular dormant volcanoes, explore topics in spiritual plurality, and develop a deeper understanding of traditional farming. We then travel to the southeastern archipelago of Wakatobi, an extraordinary National Marine Park and home to the Bajau people (also known as “sea nomads”). We return to Yogyakarta to conclude this rugged, comprehensive course that introduces students to some of the most significant ecological, cultural, and geo-political conversations of our time.

Volunteer World

8.69

16

Volunteer World: Best Volunteer Abroad Programs Worldwide

Looking to apply your talent and expertise to a good cause? Find a program that matches your interests and skills through Volunteer World! We are the largest volunteer abroad comparison platform around the globe, enabling you to seek and compare offers from major travel agencies as well as smaller grassroots NGOs and local specialists in more than 80 countries. All these with just one click! Find projects in wildlife, teaching, community development, and several other areas. Simply choose your desired destination and desired travel date, and our search engine will compare the best volunteer abroad programs on your behalf. Whether you wish to gain experience at a wildlife sanctuary in South Africa or teach English at a monastery in Nepal, we've got you covered. Volunteer World guarantees a quick and easy application. We will guide you through this process, as well as help plan your next meaningful trip. We provide free access to quality-checked projects and flexible options. And if anything goes wrong, we've got your back with our qualified support team and our refund guarantee.

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Pacific Discovery

9.38

8

Australia & Bali Gap Semester | Pacific Discovery

Embark on a 10-week journey through Australia and Bali designed to challenge, inspire, and transform. Explore wild coastlines, vibrant cultures, and rich biodiversity while gaining confidence, purpose, and lifelong friendships. Snorkel the Great Barrier Reef, surf Bali’s iconic waves, and take part in hands-on conservation and community projects led by trusted local partners. Dive into Indigenous and Balinese traditions through food, dance, and meaningful service, gaining real insight and cultural connection beyond tourism. Along the way, participate in leadership workshops, daily reflection, and immersive group experiences that support your personal growth and self-discovery. Whether you’re on a gap year, seeking an alternative to traditional study abroad, or building real-world skills for your future, this program offers a powerful combination of adventure, impact, and intentional learning. Travel with purpose—and return with clarity. Reach out to learn!

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Legend Diving

10

1

Legend Diving's Marine Science & Diving Internship

Legend Diving Marine Environmental Internship is a thrilling, career-launching dive experience for gap-year students and marine lovers. Set in Nusa Penida, Bali—right in Indonesia’s marine Coral Triangle—it fuses PADI diving certifications (from Open Water to Rescue, with options for Divemaster or Instructor) with hands-on coral conservation, immersive reef ecology, species ID, and survey methods. You're not just learning—you’re making a difference: planting coral fragments, monitoring reef health, and logging iconic species—manta rays, sharks, mola mola, and turtles—while working alongside the Marine Megafauna Foundation and their world-leading database. The program blends dive training, classroom theory, and extensive fieldwork, equipping you for marine conservation careers, dive professions, or simply fueling your passion for the ocean. Set against Bali’s vibrant culture and breathtaking seascapes, you’ll also assist with local marine protected area management.

Asia Exchange

9.5

2

Study 1-2 Semesters Abroad in Bali - Warmadewa University

Study for 1-2 semesters in Bali, Indonesia, with the Warmadewa International Program, the most affordable program in Bali! Are you ready for an unforgettable experience on a tropical paradise island? Develop international skills and new abilities in fascinating and career-enhancing subjects such as international business, economics, leadership, and management at undergraduate and graduate levels. The Warmadewa International Program (WIP) offered at Warmadewa University is aimed at international students who want to learn about Indonesian culture and language and expand their major studies with diverse and exciting subjects. Additionally, the WIP includes workshops and excursions to dive deep into Bali's unique traditions! You can earn up to 36 ECTS / 21 US credits in one semester. WIP accepts undergraduate, graduate, and gap-year students. Apply online easily and hassle-free in one of Bali's most sought-after study abroad programs. Choose additional service packages to suit your needs to make your study abroad journey comfortable, worry-free, and memorable. Asia Exchange will confirm your secure study placement within only 24 hours!

Ceningan Divers

0

0

Divemaster and Research Assistant

At Ceningan Divers, gain hands-on experience in marine conservation while completing your Divemaster internship in the stunning Nusa Penida Marine Park. This unique programme blends professional dive training with real-world research, including coral reef restoration, seagrass surveys, and mangrove planting. Dive with manta rays and mola mola, explore diverse reef ecosystems, and work alongside passionate conservationists. Expect 8–12 dives per week, plus snorkeling, data collection, and collaboration with researchers and fellow interns. No prior diving or science experience? No problem! Whether you're a beginner or experienced diver, our expert training will equip you with the skills needed for a career in diving and conservation.

A Guide to Gap Year in Indonesia

Popular Locations

Location! Location! Location! Where you go ultimately defines your overall gap year experience. But with THOUSANDS of islands to choose from in Indonesia, it’s important to narrow your search to meet your particular needs and interests. Do you like the slow paced island life? Or do you prefer the city? Most likely, you can incorporate both into your gap year experience!

Bali. Oh yeah. We’re talking major Eat, Pray, Love scenery. Bali is a popular city for gappers in Indonesia. It’s not just a land filled with infinity pools, stunning beaches, and romantic jungle retreats (as seen online). Instead, it has so much more to offer! Cultural traditions, spiritual atmosphere, luscious nature, adrenaline pumping adventures, artistic vibes, and warm people make this location hard to beat. You can literally visit hundreds of temples and shrines to  experience peace and tranquility at any time during your gap year in Indonesia. Let’s not forget the food. Bali is a vegan’s paradise waiting for you to experience it! 

Jakarta. Interested in the big city experience? Jakarta is known for its party atmosphere and can definitely be the right place to settle into during your gap year abroad in Indonesia. It is the melting pot of Indonesian cuisine where you can sample street foods originating from each of the country’s 33 provinces. If shopping is your thing, you’re in luck because gigantic shopping malls are scattered throughout the city where you can explore for days on end. Plan to take a fat wallet if you’re a party person because most nightclubs will charge a cover fee around $20. If you’re of drinking age, be aware that alcohol is taxed heavily. Mingle with western expats and upper class Indonesian locals in Jakarta to learn how to save more, while still having the time of your life!

Popular Providers

Latest Program Reviews

Great experience ever!

September 19, 2025by: Sarah Williams - AustraliaProgram: Legend Diving's Marine Science & Diving Internship
10

I did a marine conservation internship at Legend Diving and it was an incredible experience. The most powerful part was seeing marine life up close and knowing I was actively helping them. Planting coral felt like I was contributing to a real, living ecosystem, and the feeling of seeing a manta ray or a sea turtle in the wild after learning how to identify them was just pure magic!! The team was fantastic and made the learning feel both fun and meaningful. If you're passionate about marine conservation and want to do more than just observe, I would highly recommend this internship. It’s an experience that will stay with you forever.

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