Teaching health education in Ubud was such a rewarding and unique experience, I would go back in a heartbeat. The kids were really keen to learn and I felt like I was making a real difference to their lives - I definitely recommend volunteering through IVHQ, you will love it!
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
Program fees
From $767 for 2 weeks
What's included
Find out here
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.
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.
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.
Not sure which program to join?
Get personalized recommendations >
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.
Bali photo gallery
IVHQ Turtle Conservation project
IVHQ Construction and Renovation project
IVHQ Childcare project
IVHQ Health Education project
IVHQ Childcare project
IVHQ Teaching project
IVHQ Environmental Education project
IVHQ Turtle Conservation project
IVHQ Health Education project
IVHQ Childcare project
IVHQ Teaching project
IVHQ Construction and Renovation project
IVHQ Teaching project
IVHQ Teaching project
IVHQ Health Education project
IVHQ Turtle Conservation project
IVHQ Teaching project
IVHQ Construction and Renovation project
IVHQ Teaching project
IVHQ Turtle Conservation project
IVHQ Health Education project
IVHQ Construction and Renovation project
IVHQ Childcare project
IVHQ Teaching project
IVHQ Construction and Renovation project
IVHQ Turtle Conservation project
IVHQ Childcare project
IVHQ Teaching project
IVHQ volunteer Introduction week
IVHQ volunteer Introduction week
IVHQ volunteer Introduction week
Yoga and meditation add-on in Ubud, Bali
Yoga and meditation add-on in Ubud, Bali
Adventure week add-on in Ubud, Bali
Adventure week add-on in Ubud, Bali
Adventure week add-on in Ubud, Bali
Adventure week add-on in Ubud, Bali
Adventure week add-on in Ubud, Bali
Adventure week add-on in Ubud, Bali
Adventure week add-on in Ubud, Bali
Exploring Ubud during the weekend
Exploring Ubud during the weekend
Exploring Ubud during the weekend
Exploring Rice Terraces during the weekend
Exploring Nusa Pendia during the weekend
Exploring Ubud during the weekend
Exploring Ubud during the weekend
Exploring Ubud Markets during the weekend
Exploring Monkey Forest during the weekend
Exploring Uluwatu during the weekend
Group of IVHQ volunteers in Bali
Exploring Water Temple during the weekend
Exploring Nusa Penida during the weekend
Exploring Monkey Forest during the weekend
Exploring Resorts during the weekend
Exploring Ubud during the weekend
Exploring Ubud Markets during the weekend
Exploring Ubud during the weekend
Exploring Uluwatu during the weekend
Group of IVHQ volunteers in Bali
Exploring Mt Batur during the weekend
Exploring Pandawa Beach during the weekend
What recent volunteers said about their IVHQ experience
SC
Stacey Crimp
19 Jul 2024
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CM
Cynthia Mullins
02 Jul 2024
What I felt I gained from my experience was knowledge about sea turtles, local culture and the younger generation. I was a little nervous as I knew at 69 I would be one of the older volunteers, but I was welcomed and treated so well. My fellow volunteers and the coordinators made me feel young again. It was great!
...
SC
Savannah Campbell-Davies
19 Jun 2024
Just go for it! Best case scenario you’ve made friends, seen a new place, learnt about a new culture and come home feeling like you’ve used your time well. Worst case scenario you’ve still used your time to help others-which is always time well spent! I’ve gained knowledge of turtles and Balinese culture and met some really amazing people who I’ll never forget.
...
DK
Daniella Kuzik
27 May 2024
When going into this program I was a bit nervous. I managed to step out of my comfort zone and meet new people as well as get to know new cultures and different places around the world. I gained experience of how the locals live in Bali and experience on everything turtles! This is a great opportunity to get yourself out there and step out of your comfort zone a little, you will not regret it!!
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SV
Silvia Vallone
08 May 2024
Volunteering abroad with IVHQ at the turtle centre in Bali was the best decision I've ever made. Everything was better than expected. The island is like heaven on earth, the coordinators that run the place are so lovely and your smile will never leave your face when you're with them. Working with the sea turtles is magical and they're so cute. Here I met lots of beautiful people who, in just two weeks, became more than just friends and I'm still in touch with a lot of them.
This experience helped me to gain confidence in myself and I couldn't recommend it more. This place will be in my heart FOREVER and I really hope I can come back as soon as possible. If you're reading this, trust me, TAKE THAT FLIGHT, BOOK THIS TRIP, AND DO IT NOW!
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EL
Emily Lamburd
06 May 2024
This was my first time travelling alone and l was scared. All that instantly went away when l was surrounded by others and saw how safe l was with the coordinators. Just letting myself go and be open to experiences was the best thing l could of done.
...
To read all reviews, visit our reviews page.
Academic course credit
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 creditLocation
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 $358. As your transfer from Ubud to Nusa Penida after your introduction week will be required, there will also be a transfer fee of $70. 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.
Volunteer accommodation
Volunteer accommodation
Typical volunteer bedroom
Typical volunteer canteen facilities
Typical volunteer shower facilities
Typical volunteer toilet
Typical upgraded accommodation
Typical upgraded accommodation
Typical upgraded accommodation
Typical upgraded accommodation
Typical upgraded accommodation bathroom
Typical upgraded accommodation bathroom
Exploring Nusa Pendia beach during an IVHQ weekend
Exploring Monkey Forest during an IVHQ weekend
Exploring Resorts during an IVHQ weekend
Exploring Ubud Markets during an IVHQ weekend
Exploring Ubud during an IVHQ weekend
Exploring Uluwatu during an IVHQ weekend
Group of IVHQ volunteers in Bali
Exploring Mt Batur during an IVHQ weekend
Exploring Pandawa Beach during an IVHQ weekend
Exploring Rice Terraces during an IVHQ weekend
Exploring Nusa Pendia beach during an IVHQ weekend
Exploring Ubud Markets during an IVHQ weekend
Exploring Monkey Forest during an IVHQ weekend
Exploring Uluwatu during an IVHQ weekend
Group of IVHQ volunteers in Bali
Exploring Bali Water Temple during an IVHQ weekend
Exploring Bali during an IVHQ weekend
Exploring Bali during an IVHQ weekend
Exploring Bali during an IVHQ weekend
Exploring Bali during an IVHQ weekend
Pricing
Secure your place for just US$329 (approximately $329), pay your Program Fee later.
Spots are limited. For a Registration Fee of just US$329 (approximately $329) 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 FeeDue 30 days before you start, or within 48 hours if you register inside of 30 days. Covers the cost of hosting you.
|
|---|---|
| 2 weeks | $767 Equivalent to $55/day |
| 3 weeks | $1,114 Equivalent to $53/day |
| 4 weeks | $1,456 Equivalent to $52/day |
| 5 weeks | $1,753 Equivalent to $50/day |
| 6 weeks | $2,055 Equivalent to $49/day |
| 8 weeks | $2,579 Equivalent to $46/day |
| 10 weeks | $3,108 Equivalent to $44/day |
| 12 weeks | $3,632 Equivalent to $43/day |
- All programs attract a Registration Fee of US$329 (approximately $329) 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
- Personalized 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
We highly recommend the Bali Adventure program on your Bali trip! The Bali Adventure week is the perfect way to experience the adventurous side of this beautiful little island. Go on a cycle tour, visit an active volcano, tread into spice plantations and rice fields, hike into the mountains and take part in Turtle conservation. The program will unleash the adventure in you.
$449
Bali Yoga and Meditation Week
Many people travel the world to experience Bali as they believe it is a unique place for reflection and contemplation. In fact, they take this a step further and say Ubud is a sanctuary within Bali, an idyllic environment in which you can experience true tranquility. Thus, this program shall help you to get rid of stress, anxiety and physical ailments by engaging in Yoga and Meditation.
$419
Ubud Introduction Week
Learn more about the Balinese culture and tick off some must-do Bali experiences.
$358
Check what's required to visit Bali
Safety and support
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.
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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