Volunteer in Bali, Indonesia: A 2025 Comprehensive Travel Guide

Last Updated: January 03, 2025

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No one can deny the beauty that the Island of the Gods has to offer. Recently, Bali was named the most popular destination in the world according to Tripadvisor Travelers' Choice. Of course, its beautiful natural landscape combines perfectly with its special local wisdom to make Bali a destination that you should visit at least once in your life!

The main attraction of Bali Island is of course its beach tourism. Almost all tourists who vacation in Bali include the beach on their visit list. The rows of beaches in Bali have their own uniqueness and charm, you know!

One of the most popular beaches in Bali is Kuta Beach. This white sandy beach is famous for its big waves and is also a paradise for surfers. Because of its strategic location, various hotels, restaurants, shops and cafes can also be easily found along the Kuta Beach road.

If you prefer a calm beach atmosphere, just come to the various choices of hidden beaches in the south of Bali Island! For example, Balangan Beach, Dreamland Beach, Melasti Beach, and a row of other beaches which are still relatively quiet.

Bali travel guide for first timers

Most of the star hotels in Bali are located near the beach. Even some exclusive hotels offer private beaches, you know! You can find five-star international hotels, luxury accommodation and luxurious restaurants in the Seminyak area. Meanwhile, the hotels available in the Sanur Beach area have a wider range of prices. For travelers who prefer views of rice fields, you can choose to stay in Ubud.

There are many modes of transportation that can help you get around while in Bali. For those   who don't bring private vehicles, there are already many online transportation operating in Bali. Apart from that, there are also many places where you can rent motorbikes by completing the requirements in the form of an KTP and SIM C and then paying a rental fee per day. Currently, Bali also has a mode of public transportation called the Trans Sarbagita Bus, you know!

1. Air Transportation: Choose Ngurah Rai International Airport in Bali; it offers around-the-clock international and national flights.
2. Airport Note: Ngurah Rai closes for 24 hours on Nyepi Day, typically in March each year.
3. Sea Route from Lombok: Ferry service from Lombok, West Nusa Tenggara to Padang Bai, Karangasem in Bali.
4. Attractions in Karangasem: Explore Candidasa Beach, Luhur Lempuyang Temple, Ujung Sukasada Park, Tirta Gangga Water Park.
5. Sea Route from Java: Ferry from Banyuwangi, East Java to Gilimanuk Harbor, Jembrana, Bali.
6. Nearby Attraction: Visit West Bali National Park to see the rare Balinese white starlings.

Table: Cost Breakdown for a 1-Week Holiday to Bali

Category	Details	Cost Range (IDR)
Transportation to Bali	Flight Ticket	1,000,000 - 5,000,000+
	Local Transportation (Taxi, Gojek, Grab)	50,000 - 200,000 per trip
Accommodation in Bali	Hotel or Villa (3 to 5-star hotels)	500,000 - 2,000,000 per night
	Luxury Villas	3,000,000+ per night
	Economical Alternatives (via rental apps)	Variable
Food and Drink	Luxury Restaurant	300,000 - 1,000,000 per person
	Local Restaurant	50,000 - 200,000 per person
	Supermarket Shopping	More affordable options
Tourism and Recreational Activities	Tourist Attraction Entrance	10,000 - 100,000+
	Recreational Activities (Diving, Snorkeling, Boat Rental)	200,000 - 1,000,000+
Local Transportation in Bali	Motorbike Rental	50,000 - 150,000 per day
	Car Rental	400,000 - 1,000,000+ per day
	Taxibike	20,000 - 50,000
Shop for Souvenirs	Traditional Market	Variable (bargain needed)
Surcharges and Reserves	Travel Insurance	50,000 - 200,000
	Reserved Fund (10% of total costs for emergencies)	Variable based on total trip costs
Overall Estimated Cost for 1 Week	Depends on lifestyle and preferences	5,000,000 - 20,000,000+

Best time to visit Bali

Though the best time to visit Bali could be during the dry season, which runs from April to October. Depending on the destinations and activities you are planning, different times can offer pleasant weather with minimal rainfall, making it ideal for you outdoor activities, beach days, and exploring the island's attractions. Here is the breakdown of best times:

Table: Best Time to Visit Bali Attractions

Attraction	Best Time to Visit
Nusa Dua Beach	July to October (high tide period for Waterblow)
Uluwatu Temple	Sunset, especially during the Fire Kecak Dance
Nyaman Gallery	Anytime, as entry is free and sight-seeing is permitted
Petitenget Temple	Anytime, possibly during a religious ceremony
Seminyak Beach	Late afternoon for sunset
Canggu Beaches	Morning for surfing and swimming; sunset for relaxation
Tanah Lot Temple	Sunset, when the surrounding sea turns golden
Tegenungan Waterfall	Early morning to avoid crowds and enjoy cooler temperatures
Ubud Monkey Forest	Early morning to avoid crowds and observe monkeys actively
Tegallalang Rice Terrace	Early morning for cooler temperatures and fewer visitors, late afternoon for sunset views with the jungle swing

Best places to visit in Bali

Whether you love the beach ares or the places with culturally rich temples and heritages, here is the breakdown of the best places you can visit in Bali.

1. Nusa Dua Beach and Waterblow

Nusa Dua Beach has a stretch of clean and perfectly maintained sand along the southern peninsula of Bali. The beach is flanked by palm trees and beach resorts on one side and turquoise waters on the other. You can find all the beach activities here, including swimming and sunbathing. If you bring snorkeling equipment, then you can enjoy the underwater views! Nusa Dua Beach is also a prime location for exciting water sports such as Flyboarding and Parasailing, for those who want to start their holiday with an adrenaline rush!

The best part, as well as an attraction that should not be missed at Nusa Dua Beach, is visiting Waterblow. This is an area along the coastal peninsula where huge waves from the Indian Ocean crash against the limestone cliffs so that the water waves rise upwards, presenting a view like the water spray of a whale. During the high tide period between July and October, this impressive spray can reach nearly 100 feet! From Waterblow, you can also enjoy a 240 degree view of the sea water, which is amazing for photos.

2. Uluwatu Luhur Temple

Just after passing the city, located on the seafront, you will find Uluwatu Temple. Perched high on the edge of a cliff, Uluwatu Temple is considered one of the most important temples in Bali. Enjoy the many views of beautiful sculptures and traditional architecture. You may also meet some of the temple's resident monkeys. These mischievous creatures are known for taking visitors' belongings, so make sure you look after your belongings and don't take any jewelry with you. The best time to visit Uluwatu Temple is at sunset, when the Fire Kecak Dance is held in the amphitheater. While you watch the show, you can also enjoy the setting sun as a stunning backdrop.

3. Nyaman Gallery

Your first easiest stop in Bali after Seminyak is Nyaman Gallery, a contemporary art gallery located in the heart of the city. The word "comfortable" is literally very appropriate for what you will feel when you enter this gallery. Enjoy the charm and traditional hospitality of Bali while viewing the artwork of local Indonesian artists such as paintings, sculptures, ceramics, handmade glass and photographs. Almost everything in this gallery is for sale, so you can shop for art here and unique jewelry to decorate your home or to bring as souvenirs to loved ones. Best of all, entry is free and sight-seeing is permitted!

4. Petitenget Temple

Just like Uluwatu, Seminyak also has its own beachside temple known as Pura Petitenget. Built in the 16th century, it is the only cultural attraction in the area, and also a highly recommended place to visit while you are here. This is a fairly small and compact temple featuring traditional Balinese architecture, beautiful views, and relaxing garden spaces. Many religious ceremonies take place at this temple throughout the year, and you may be able to witness them in person if you are lucky.

5. Seminyak Beach

While on holiday on the beaches of Bali, you should not miss the opportunity to spend time on the beaches. Seminyak Beach is a beautiful stretch of golden sand that is popular but tends to feel less crowded than other top beaches in the area. This is a great place for swimming, and also surfing. You can rent a sun lounger and soak in the sun with a cool drink in your hand. There are many public facilities around and many restaurants nearby. When at the beach, make sure to stay here long enough to watch the spectacular sunset.

6. Canggu Beaches

One of the best ways to start a day in Canggu is by going to the beach. The village's coastline is divided into five beaches, each with its own unique features. Whether you're interested in surfing, swimming, sunbathing or sightseeing, there's something for everyone on Canggu's beaches. Berawa Beach, Nelayan Beach, Batu Bolong Beach, Echo Beach, and Pererenan Beach each offer distinct attractions and activities, making them must-visit spots for beach enthusiasts.

7. Tanah Lot Temple

A 25-minute drive from Canggu, Tanah Lot Temple is built on a large rock formation off the coast. The name “Tanah Lot” itself translates to “land in the sea.” The architecture of this temple blends harmoniously with the rocks. This temple can be accessed via a bridge which is filled with various local craft souvenir stalls, food and drinks, and accessories such as sandals, sarongs and clothes. However, the unique location and status of this temple as one of the most iconic temples in Bali makes the price worth it. The best time to visit Tanah Lot Temple is at sunset, when the surrounding sea turns golden.

8. Tegenungan Waterfall

Tegenungan Waterfall is located about an hour's drive from Canggu and half an hour from Ubud. This is one of the most famous waterfalls in all of Bali, and is definitely worth a visit. The trail down from the entrance to the falls consists of about 100 steps, and the views from below are truly stunning. You'll also find some great waterfall attributes to photograph, including a huge swing! Because it is so popular, Tegenungan Waterfall can be very busy. However, there are many secluded places in the waterfall area that you can use to take a break from the crowds. Facilities include showers, changing rooms and also a cafe so you can relax for a bite to eat and drink and even go for a swim if it's a hot day! Tegenungan Waterfall deserves to be one of the tourist attractions that must be visited in Bali.

9. Ubud Monkey Forest

Once you arrive in Ubud, your first stop is the Ubud Monkey Forest. Located right in the middle of the city, this forest is a sanctuary for Balinese long-tailed monkeys. A visit to the Ubud Monkey Forest provides an interesting opportunity to witness monkeys in their natural habitat. This forest also serves as a temple complex, which is an important spiritual and cultural site. There are over 700 monkeys in the forest, and over 150 different species of trees! This forest is the right place for those of you who want to be one with nature in Ubud. Visitors are asked not to feed or have physical contact with the monkeys, but you are welcome to observe their cuteness.

10. Tegallalang Rice Terrace

Tegallalang Rice Terrace is only a 20-minute drive from the northern part of Ubud. It is one of the most visited tourist attractions in the area, and a destination that should be on any itinerary to Bali. The lush, terraced rice fields are an agricultural icon and a symbol of the region's prosperity. Located in a valley, the rice fields seem to stretch very wide. They are brilliant green in color, which makes some of the photographic images really look stunning. If you're ready for a bit of a thrill, you can try the jungle swing or flying fox ride! A holiday to Bali would not be complete without a visit to Tegallalang Rice Terrace.

Volunteer Programs and Opportunities to Explore in Bali

Bali can offer you extensive opportunities in volunteering in the different disciplines from the teaching program to the environment conservation projects. Here is the breakdown of some opportunities that you can explore:

Turtle Conservation in Bali

Bali has many initiatives running to protect and conserve the endangered sea turtles. Different organizations are working hard to bring some positive changes in this regard. As a turtle conservation volunteer you can make contributions by enrolling in different activities such as nesting site monitoring, caring for the hatchlings, joining rescue attempts and spreading awareness and education.

Environmental Projects

For the nature and environment lovers, Bali has different volunteer opportunities centered around environment conservation. You can sign up for these projects and make your contribution as environment volunteer while exploring the scenic beauty of Bali.

Teaching in Community Schools of Bali

You can enjoy a fulfilling experience of teaching in Bali's community schools as a volunteer. It is an unmatched experience where you can share your skills and knowledge for the welfare of the student while exploring the unique culture of the communities of Bali.

FAQs

What's the best time to visit Bali?

The dry season, from April to October, offers pleasant weather with minimal rainfall, ideal for beach days and exploring the island.

What are the top attractions in Bali?

Must-visits include Nusa Dua Beach, Uluwatu Temple, Seminyak Beach, and the Tegallalang Rice Terrace for their unique beauty and activities.

How can I get around Bali?

Options include taxis, rental motorbikes, and public transportation like the Trans Sarbagita Bus. Hiring a professional driver is also recommended for convenience.

Are there any special considerations for visiting Bali's temples?

Yes, visitors should dress modestly and be cautious of the resident monkeys, especially at Uluwatu Temple, where they may snatch belongings.

What kind of accommodation is available in Bali?

Bali offers a range of accommodations from luxury hotels with private beaches in Seminyak to more economical choices through rental apps, especially in places like Ubud.

In a Nutshell: Volunteer and Travel Bali

So here we explore how Bali stands out as a world-renowned destination, offering a rich tapestry of cultural and natural attractions. Tranquil natural landscapes and traditional temples, Bali promises a memorable experience. Welcoming people and a variety of accommodations ensure that your stay is comfortable and convenient, making it easy to see why Bali remains a top choice for volunteer travelers around the globe.

We hope the information we provided here was helpful to you to understand in detail about Bali. If you are planning to embark into your next volunteer trip to Bali, please consider the suggestions and advice we enlisted above.

Have a nice trip!