My experience from volunteering through IVHQ will always be treasured. I met so many other solo travellers from all across the world who I believe will be lifelong friends. The chance to volunteer and make an impact with likeminded individuals and be immersed in a new culture is something I will forever be grateful for!
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
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 must obtain the C6B Social Cultural Visa to join the program, regardless of nationality or duration of stay in Indonesia. This visa is not included in your program fee and typically takes up to 15 working days to process. We will provide you with instructions on how to apply once you have registered for your program. You may need to provide a copy of your passport, a color passport photo, bank statements, and flight details.
- 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 Turtle Conservation 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
IS
Imogen Strowger
12 Dec 2024
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LC
Li Chen
12 Dec 2024
Just go for it. The turtle conservation project has been run for a very long time. It is well-structured and you will get plenty of support right from the beginning and throughout the program. The local team put in a lot of effort into the program and it’s a valuable experience to be part of it.
...
KC
Kiara Campbell
11 Dec 2024
If you’re thinking about joining, I would say go for it! An opportunity like this is always going to be special and anytime is the right time if you make it a priority. If you’re a solo traveler, you’ll likely meet a lot of like minded people. You might not always make any special friendships or you might eat dinner alone sometimes, but at the very least you’ll meet some cool people and have a special experience to always look back on. During the program, if you’re ever unsure about instructions or have any questions, don’t be afraid to ask questions or seek clarification from the IVHQ team, or other volunteers. In my experience, everyone is generally nice and helpful. Lastly, read the program guide, reviews, and any information provided by IVHQ. It will help you so much in getting prepared and will make your time on the program much more comfortable.
...
SN
Selena Najera
27 Nov 2024
I've gained so much wisdom and made so many memories meeting so many people. If you are hesitant in doing IVHQ I'd say just do it. You will not regret it. The people, the places, the experience, and the memories you make on this trip will stay with you forever. Once you start volunteering you won’t want to stop. I’m already planning on doing 8 more volunteer trips in the future.
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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.
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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.
...
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$299 (approximately $299), pay your Program Fee later.
Spots are limited. For a Registration Fee of just US$299 (approximately $299) 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 | $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 $299) 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.
Popular add-ons & experiences in Nusa Penida
Take your volunteer experience to the next level with these popular add-ons and experiences. Explore your options below and learn how to book them once you've been accepted onto the IVHQ Nusa Penida program.
Bali Adventure Week
Are you ready for an action-packed week filled with adventure and unforgettable experiences in Bali?
$451
Bali Yoga and Meditation Week
Ready to unlock a deeper connection between mind, body, and spirit?
$421
Ubud Introduction Week
Learn more about the Balinese culture and tick off some must-do Bali experiences.
$360
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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