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Sea Turtle Conservation in Bali

Sea Turtle Conservation in Bali

Purpose
Protect & preserve precious marine life
Start dates
Programs start every Monday
Duration
Choose from 2-12 weeks
Volunteer hours
Up to 5 hours a day
Age
Volunteers aged 16+ and families
Accommodation
Dormitory-style
Apply for free
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Who is going?
Group video calls

Once you have secured your place, join regular video calls to meet your Program Manager and other volunteers before your trip.

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This program is ideal for:

Volunteers who have an interest in Turtles, conservation efforts and like being outdoors. Gain hands-on experience and make a real impact in protecting turtles.

Project details

Keen to do Sea Turtle Conservation volunteering in Bali - Nusa Penida? International Volunteer HQ’s Sea Turtle Conservation project is on the small but breathtaking island of Nusa Penida off the southeastern coast of Bali. Volunteers will gain experience in turtle care and marine conservation while helping to increase the population of these incredible creatures in Indonesia.

What to expect and how you'll make an impact

In Indonesia, the endangered Hawksbill and Green Sea turtles face a number of threats to their survival, including overfishing, pollution and human consumption of their eggs. Young turtles are especially vulnerable and for every sea turtle that hatches, only one in 100 will survive to adulthood. Often they die after eating plastic bags they’ve mistaken for jellyfish or when they get a flipper stuck in a six-pack ring.

This means that efforts to help the turtles include protecting their eggs, nurturing young turtles, rescuing injured turtles and cleaning trash from the ocean. These all contribute to the goal of increasing the turtle population and ensuring that these fascinating creatures are around for many years to come.

IVHQ’s Sea Turtle project on Nusa Penida collects turtle eggs from fishermen and keeps them safe until they hatch and grow big enough to have a good chance of survival back in the sea. Locals also find injured turtles which are treated and rehabilitated by volunteers on this project. Volunteers are key to the project’s ongoing success and its impact on marine life.

As a Sea Turtle Conservation volunteer in Nusa Penida your duties will include:

  • Feeding and cleaning turtles
  • Teaching turtles to catch fish
  • Cleaning tanks and equipment
  • Crab catching
  • Beach clean-ups
  • Street area cleaning
  • Construction in the turtle center

It’s worth noting that during peak seasons (June, July, August), there will be a higher number of volunteers compared to other times of the year. The local co-coordinators will have an itinerary in place to ensure that everyone contributes where needed and we encourage volunteers to take initiative with their time, ensuring a fulfilling experience for all while maximizing their impact on the project.

Contributes to United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goal #14: Life Below Water

Contributes to United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goal #14: Life Below Water

The ocean regulates and drives global systems that make the Earth habitable for humankind. Marine biodiversity is critical to the health of people and our planet. Preserving threatened ecosystems, as well as tackling marine pollution and overfishing through conservation activities is key to saving our ocean.

Why do Sea Turtle Conservation volunteering in Nusa Penida with IVHQ?

When you’re volunteering with turtles, you’ll be assisting local groups to protect the extraordinary natural environment while getting hands-on conservation experience and achieving personal growth by:

  • Helping increase the population of endangered marine wildlife
  • Living on one of Bali’s small but beautiful islands
  • Gaining experience in turtle care and conservation
  • Learning about waste management
  • Discovering spectacular Nusa Penida

Volunteer requirements

  • All volunteers joining the program must obtain the C6B Social Cultural Visa. This type of visa is required to join the program, no matter your nationality or duration in Indonesia. The visa has additional costs and can typically take up to 15 working days to process and once registered you will be provided with instructions on how to apply for this visa.
  • An exception to the above applies if a volunteer will be in Indonesia for less than 30 days and opts to participate in the Introduction Week, Adventure week, or the Yoga and Meditation Week, along with one or two weeks of volunteering. In this scenario, the volunteer can join with a tourist visa, which can be obtained upon arrival, for most nationalities.
  • To respect the local culture and customs in Bali, volunteers should be aware that they’re unable to have anything obstructing their face while at their volunteer placement.
  • Volunteers under the age of 16 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian to participate in this program
  • Volunteers aged 16 or 17 on their program start date are required to provide IVHQ with parental consent in order to participate on the program, and may be asked to provide additional document to the local team.
  • All volunteers aged 13+ are required to provide a criminal background check to IVHQ prior to departure. Those aged 13-17, if unable to obtain a criminal background check, can provide two character reference letters instead
  • All volunteers are required to have adequate volunteer travel insurance
Are you eligible to volunteer?

Submit a free application so we can confirm your eligibility and check availability for your preferred dates.

Apply for free

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'Who is going' users image
Who is going?
Group video calls

Once you have secured your place, join regular video calls to meet your Program Manager and other volunteers before your trip.

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What recent volunteers said about their IVHQ experience

EP
Emily Paterson
06 Sep 2024

Despite only spending 2 weeks volunteering, the time I spent there was very valuable and although I was only there for a short period of time, it was so much more than I thought possible before arriving and I loved playing a small part in helping the big project and wider picture.

To anyone who is hesitant to join the program, I would strongly advise them to just go for it as I know so many people including myself who were traveling alone for the first time and ended up having such an incredible time! It may feel scary, and I definitely felt very nervous solo traveling at 17 years old for the first time, but I picked up on so many general traveling skills too and met lots of amazing people from around the world.

...
AS
Annie Spreafico
19 Aug 2024

Through this experience I ventured into a new culture, immersing myself in customs and traditions, and touched a reality far from mine. Indonesia is a place I have truly fallen in love with, beginning with its outrageous nature, but especially with its heartwarming and considerate people. The program made me learn new things and really gave a sense to the experience, which per gave me a rush of positivity and serenity I hope to carry with me for a while.

...
EH
Elly Hope
14 Aug 2024

This experience has changed my life completely. I have a completely new perspective on the world and on myself. I pushed my boundaries over and over again and I came out stronger. I realized I am capable of so much. I met some of the coolest people ever who I hope to stay friends with for a long time. This experience was life changing and all the nerves I had were for nothing. It is worth it and you will meet some awesome people and change lives. 10/10 recommend

...
MG
Makayla Gregorovich
12 Aug 2024

I would tell future volunteers to just do it! The experience and knowledge you gain is something that lasts with you forever. I have gained another family from being able to volunteer in Nusa Penida with the local team. I've gained a brand new perspective about the world and I can wait to branch out again.

...
AF
Amelia Farthing
12 Aug 2024

This was my first solo trip and it has been amazing. I’ve gained so many transferable skills like independence and resilience. I’ve met so many incredible people that have made my trip one I’ll never forget. I will definitely be doing another volunteering trip in the future as it has allowed me to travel in such an authentic way. Not only did I get to give back to the community but I also get to properly experience what life is like there for locals.

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SA
Sarah Aldridge
06 Aug 2024

As someone who was hesitant myself, this program opened my eyes to travelling and volunteering as a whole. I feel as though I gained more confidence as a person from this program, learning about different cultures from the place I was in to the people I was volunteering alongside with.

...

To read all reviews, visit our reviews page.

Academic course credit

Academic course credit through International Volunteer HQ and Intern Abroad HQ.

Academic course credit

Gain course credit from your college or university and meet your academic requirements when completing a volunteer abroad program with International Volunteer HQ!

Learn about course credit

Location

Volunteer Abroad in Nusa Penida, Bali with IVHQ

Location

The Turtle Conservation volunteer project is located on the small island of Nusa Penida, which is a 45-minute boat trip from Sanur on the southeastern coast of Bali. A nature-lover’s paradise, Nusa Penida is not only a haven for turtles, but is also a recognised bird sanctuary and home to several species of endangered birds which have been released there and are thriving.

Nusa Penida is not a tourist island and there are fewer shops and attractions available, but the beach is practically at your doorstep and the hilly island and its surrounds are bursting with natural beauty.

Arrival and orientation

The Bali volunteer program orientation begins every Monday and volunteers need to arrive in Bali on the Sunday before orientation.

After you have registered for the program, please book your flights to arrive at the Ngurah Rai International Airport, also known as Denpasar International Airport (DPS) before 1pm to catch the boat to Nusa Penida. If you arrive after 1pm on the Sunday you can still get a pick up and will spend your first night at the Ubud volunteer accommodation. Your airport pick-up is included in your program fee. We recommend that volunteers under the age of 18 travel internationally with a notarized letter from their parents to support their documentation.

When you arrive, you will be greeted at the airport by a member of the local team and transported to the volunteer accommodation. Your accommodation is covered by your program fee and includes the night before your program orientation. If you are in Bali prior to your volunteer program, we can arrange for you to be picked up in Ubud or Denpasar on the Sunday morning before your program orientation.

It is important to note that due to high capacity during the period from May 27th to September 7th, 2024, the local team requests that volunteers only arrive on Sundays to receive an airport pick-up. As the volunteer house cannot accommodate additional nights for early arrivals before Sunday. If you happen to arrive earlier, you are welcome to arrange your own accommodation until Sunday when you can meet the local team at alternative pick-up locations. This also applies after the program, as check-out is scheduled for Saturday.

There are two options for orientation for the Bali program:

1-day Orientation:

This covers everything you need to know for your volunteer project and stay in Bali. You will have an introduction to the IVHQ Bali program, your project and the local staff, Indonesian customs, rules, expectations, and safety.

5-day Introduction Week:

This not only teaches you everything you need to know for your volunteer project, but also gives you the opportunity to learn more about the culture and tick off some must-do Bali experiences including a language lesson, cooking class, village walk and visits to the Garba Cave and the Holy Water Temple. This week has an additional cost of AU$559. As your transfer from Ubud to Nusa Penida after your introduction week will be required, there will also be a transfer fee of AU$109. Join the Introduction Week by making a note in your application or contacting your IVHQ Program Manager after you register.

Volunteer schedule example

First Day:

On your first day of volunteering, you will be escorted to your placement by a local coordinator and introduced to the placement staff you will be working with.

Weekdays:

A typical volunteer day is as follows:

7:30 - 9:00 AM Breakfast at the volunteer house
9:00 AM Volunteers spend 2-3 hours at the turtle sanctuary, feeding and cleaning the turtles and their tanks, as well as training them to catch live fish.
11:30 AM - 12:00 PM Volunteers break for lunch
2:00 PM Volunteers return to the beach to assist with beach clean ups, seaweed collecting, catching crabs and other turtle conservation work..
5:00 PM Work at the project usually ends. Volunteers are free to travel back to their accommodation or do some sightseeing.
5:30 - 7:00 PM Dinner at the volunteer house.

Please note, this schedule will vary depending on what tasks are needed on the day.

Weekends:

In Nusa Penida you can use your free time to relax on the beach and go snorkeling at the palm-tree dotted Crystal Bay, visit one of the many tiny islands nearby or take advantage of the excellent diving spots where you can see coral reefs and lots of fish and marine life.

There are also daily boats back to the mainland, so the rest of Bali can be at your feet in less than an hour. Bali is packed with museums, temples, stunning natural features, outdoor adventures, art galleries, markets, small farms and rice paddies so you won’t be short of things to do on the weekends.

Accommodation and WiFi

You’ll be staying in a volunteer house in Nusa Penida. Volunteers can expect to share a dormitory style room with one to five other volunteers of the same gender. Each bedroom has a bathroom with showers and western toilets. Bedding is provided.

Living conditions are basic but comfortable with hot water, electricity, filtered drinking water and air conditioning provided. Lockers are available in the office but you’ll need to bring your own padlock. There’s also limited room for your stuff, so try to pack light.

You can walk to the project in 5 minutes, as well as the beach, minimart, ATM and Nusa Penida harbour within 10 minutes.

There is WiFi available at the volunteer accommodation, however the connection is unreliable so it’s a good idea to buy a local SIM card with data for an unlocked mobile phone during your program orientation.

During the peak season typically June, July, and August, you may stay in a volunteer accommodation similar to what is shown in the gallery. Depending on the number of volunteers, you might be placed in one of up to three different accommodations. Regardless of the specific accommodation, you can expect to have the same facilities as mentioned above.

Meals

Volunteers are served mainly Balinese style dishes and should expect light vegetarian meals like:

  • Rice, fresh vegetables and occasionally tempeh/tofu
  • Nasi goreng (fried rice and vegetables - often considered as the national dish)
  • Mie goreng (fried noodles and vegetables)
  • Gado gado (mixed vegetables with a satay sauce)

Western meals may be served during the week. Breakfast can include fresh fruit, toast, and eggs. Tea, coffee, and toast will be available throughout the day. Purified drinking water is also available in the volunteer house; we do not recommend that you drink the tap water.

On weekdays you’ll get three meals a day, but during the weekend only breakfast and dinner are provided. If volunteers wish to eat out in Ubud, there are a large number of restaurants to suit all tastes and budgets.

If you have special dietary requirements, please let us know when you apply so that we can make arrangements for you. However, you should not expect to eat as you normally do at home and need to be as flexible as possible. We will do our best to see that you are well taken care of.

Pricing

  • USD

Spots are limited. For a Registration Fee of just US$299 (approximately AU$467) you secure your spot and unlock all our preparation and training tools.

You don't need to worry about paying your Program Fee until you get closer to your start date.

Duration
Program Fee
Due 30 days before you start, or within 48 hours if you register inside of 30 days. Covers the cost of hosting you.
  • USD
2 weeks $777 Equivalent to $56/day
3 weeks $1,124 Equivalent to $54/day
4 weeks $1,466 Equivalent to $52/day
5 weeks $1,763 Equivalent to $50/day
6 weeks $2,065 Equivalent to $49/day
8 weeks $2,589 Equivalent to $46/day
10 weeks $3,118 Equivalent to $45/day
12 weeks $3,642 Equivalent to $43/day
  • All programs attract a Registration Fee of US$299 (approximately AU$467) in addition to the Program Fee. This covers all pre-departure support services.
  • A 5% international banking fee is added at point of payment.
  • Recommended spending money: Volunteers in Bali - Ubud generally find US$80-100 per week to be sufficient for expenses.
  • Breakfast, lunch and dinner
  • Airport pick-up
  • Transport to and from your volunteer project
  • Accommodation
  • 24/7 in-country support
  • In-country program orientation
  • Pre-departure support from your Program Manager
  • Personalised preparation tools, guides and check lists
  • Access to IVHQ’s preferred insurance and flights partners
  • Discounts on travel and tour add-ons
  • Certificate of International Volunteer Service

Learn more about what's included in your IVHQ Registration Fee and Program Fee.

  • Return to the airport when your program finishes
  • Flights
  • Visa (if required), travel insurance (mandatory), vaccinations, criminal background check.
  • Personal spending money for snacks, laundry, public transportation, drinks and leisure activities during your free time.

Free-time experiences & tours in Nusa Penida

Take your volunteer experience to the next level with IVHQ's affordable activity and tour add-ons in Nusa Penida! Explore your options below and learn how to book them once you've been accepted onto the IVHQ Nusa Penida program.

Bali Adventure Week
Bali Adventure Week

Are you ready for an action-packed week filled with adventure and unforgettable experiences in Bali?

AU$704
Bali Yoga and Meditation Week
Bali Yoga and Meditation Week

Ready to unlock a deeper connection between mind, body, and spirit?

AU$657
Ubud Introduction Week
Ubud Introduction Week

Learn more about the Balinese culture and tick off some must-do Bali experiences.

AU$562

Check what's required to visit Bali

Safety and support

Safety and support with IVHQ

Safety and support

IVHQ follows best practice and industry-leading health and safety procedures, which are regularly reviewed and optimized as part of the B Corporation recertification.

  • All volunteers encouraged to complete our interactive pre-departure training.
  • All local teams trained on best practice volunteer management & First Aid.
  • All IVHQ programs are required to adhere to IVHQ's Risk Management Policy.
  • All volunteers have access to 24/7 in-country support from our local team.
Learn more about IVHQ's safety

Essential country information

Essential country information

Capital Denpasar
Population 4.22 million
Languages Bahasa Indonesia
Currency Indonesia Rupiah (IDR)
Time zone UTC+08:00

Weather and climate

Bali has a tropical climate with year-round warm weather and an average temperature of 30°C (86°F). High humidity can be expected during the wet season from October to April. The dry season is between the months of May and September and has the lowest humidity.

Apply to check if you're eligible!

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How to get started

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Pay the Registration Fee to secure your place and upgrade your MyIVHQ account
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