NEW: Deepen your Bali experience - add a small group tour to your volunteer program

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

On this page:

Overview

Requirements

Arrival & Orientation

Volunteer Schedule

Accommodation & Meals

Pricing

Tours & Experiences

Entry & Visa Requirements

Reviews

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 project activities vary depending on the season, but can 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.

To protect the turtles, sunscreen and insect repellents are not allowed while working at the conservation site, so we recommend wearing long sleeves, hats, and other protective clothing instead.

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 for more than 30 days must obtain a C6 Visa. This visa can take up to 15 working days to process.

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 need to be at least 16 years or over to participate on this project independently and may be asked to provide additional document to the local team. Children aged 3+ may join with a parent or guardian.

Families participating with children under the age of 16 are required to upgrade to a private room.

Volunteers aged over 18 on their start date are required to provide a criminal background check to IVHQ before departure.

All volunteers must speak English and 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.

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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.

Bali photo gallery

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.

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 Culture 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 Culture Week will be required, there will also be a transfer fee of $70. Join the Culture 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 that the schedule may occasionally change due to weather, public or school holidays, or other unforeseen events that could affect your placement. We recommend checking in advance whether your intended travel dates coincide with any public or school holidays.

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.

Looking for more ideas of things to do in Bali? Check out our Bali Tours & Experiences!

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.

Private room upgrades can be arranged from $180 per room per week. These are subject to availability and once you have registered you will be able to request an upgrade. These rooms are located just a 10 minute walk from the main center and can accommodate up to 2 people per room.

IVHQ volunteer house entrance for sea turtle conservation project in Nusa Penida, Bali

Volunteer accommodation

IVHQ volunteer house bedroom doors for sea turtle conservation project in Nusa Penida, Bali

Volunteer accommodation

IVHQ volunteer bedroom for sea turtle conservation project in Nusa Penida, Bali

Typical volunteer bedroom

Nusa Penida, Bali volunteer accommodation canteen dish washer with IVHQ for sea turtle conservation project

Typical volunteer canteen facilities

IVHQ volunteer accommodation bathroom for sea turtle conservation project in Nusa Penida, Bali

Typical volunteer shower facilities

IVHQ volunteer toilet for sea turtle conservation project in Nusa Penida, Bali

Typical volunteer toilet

IVHQ volunteer accommodation upgraded bedroom in Nusa Penida, Bali

Typical upgraded accommodation

Volunteer upgraded bedroom in Nusa Penida, Bali with IVHQ

Typical upgraded accommodation

IVHQ Nusa Penida, Bali volunteer accommodation upgraded bedroom

Typical upgraded accommodation

Nusa Penida, Bali volunteer upgraded bedroom with IVHQ

Typical upgraded accommodation

Volunteer upgraded accommodation bathroom in Nusa Penida, Bali with IVHQ

Typical upgraded accommodation bathroom

IVHQ volunteer upgraded accommodation bathroom in Nusa Penida, Bali

Typical upgraded accommodation bathroom

Exploring Nusa Pendia beach during an IVHQ weekend

Visit Monkey Forest in Ubud, Bali with IVHQ

Exploring Monkey Forest during an IVHQ weekend

Visit nearby resort pools in Ubud, Bali with IVHQ

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 Penida Beach in Bali with IVHQ

Exploring Nusa Pendia beach during an IVHQ weekend

Exploring Ubud Markets during an IVHQ weekend

Volunteers visit Monkey Forest in Ubud, Bali with IVHQ

Exploring Monkey Forest during an IVHQ weekend

Exploring Uluwatu during an IVHQ weekend

Group of IVHQ volunteers in Bali

IVHQ volunteers at the Water Temple in Ubud, Bali

Exploring Bali Water Temple during an IVHQ weekend

Visiting the local beach near the volunteer accommodation in Lovina, Bali with IVHQ

Exploring Bali during an IVHQ weekend

Visiting the local temples near the volunteer accommodation in Lovina, Bali with IVHQ

Exploring Bali during an IVHQ weekend

Visiting the local sites near the volunteer accommodation in Lovina, Bali with IVHQ

Exploring Bali during an IVHQ weekend

Exploring Bali during an IVHQ weekend

Pricing

USD
- United States Dollars - $
- Australian Dollars - AU$
- Brazilian Reals - R$
- British Pound Sterling - £
- Canadian Dollars - CA$
- Chinese Yuan - CN¥
- Euros - €
- Hong Kong Dollars - HK$
- Mexican Pesos - MX$
- New Zealand Dollars - NZ$
- Singapore Dollars - SG$
- Swiss Francs - CHF
- UAE Dirhams - AED

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 United States Dollars - $ Australian Dollars - AU$ Brazilian Reals - R$ British Pound Sterling - £ Canadian Dollars - CA$ Chinese Yuan - CN¥ Euros - € Hong Kong Dollars - HK$ Mexican Pesos - MX$ New Zealand Dollars - NZ$ Singapore Dollars - SG$ Swiss Francs - CHF UAE Dirhams - AED
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$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.

Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Airport pick-up
Transport to and from your volunteer project
Accommodation
24/7 in-country emergency 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
Comprehensive in-country day to day support and guidance
Discounts on travel, tours, and experiences
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 tours & experiences in Nusa Penida

Take your volunteer experience to the next level with these popular tours and experiences. Explore your options below and learn how to book them once you've been accepted onto the IVHQ Nusa Penida program.

1 Day Highlights of East Bali Tour

Discover the Heart of Bali with an Ubud Culture & Nature exclusive private tour tailored for a group of volunteers.

$120

1 Day Magic of East Bali Tour

Experience the Magic of East Bali: A Journey Through Culture and Serenity on an exclusive private tour tailored for a group of volunteers.

$105

Bali Adventure Week

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

$477

View all tours & experiences

Check what's required to visit Bali

Entry requirements can change at any time, so it's important you monitor this right up until you depart for your trip.

Safety and support

A smiling volunteer traveller wearing a traditional Andean poncho stands in front of the breathtaking Rainbow Mountain in Peru. The landscape features vibrant red, yellow, and green hues across the mountains, with a small lake visible in the background.

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

What recent volunteers said about their IVHQ experience

Ines Stieger

As a participant in this program, the most important thing is to approach everything with an open mind. This has allowed me to learn a great deal about the country and its culture. I've learned a lot about turtles. I've met many interesting people from other countries and cultures. I had to find my way around a foreign country on my own. This sometimes presented challenges. However, when you overcome them, you feel a great sense of pride and have developed. It's up to each individual what they make of their stay. Whether they surround themselves only with people from their own country or whether they approach people of other nationalities.

I'm proud of myself for having the courage to participate in this program, for openly facing all the challenges and for getting the most out of every day. As the managing director of a company, I have to make decisions every day and bear responsibility. During my trip, I was sometimes forced out of my comfort zone, which allowed me to discover new sides of myself and grow from it.

...

Anna Serret

These three weeks have been the best part of my summer.

I feel like I've grown a lot as a person. I've learned a lot about a culture completely different from my own, and that has also opened my eyes in many ways. If I had to give any advice, it would be: don't be afraid to go alone. There are many people just like you, and it's a way to open up more. Of course, you'll make many more friends, and the connection you'll have with them will be very strong and unforgettable.

...

Abigail Rotta

This opportunity was a great experience. I went alone and I feel like most people went alone so it was super easy to make friends. I feel like I learned a lot from this experience and was able to grow as a person.

...

Jasmine Malem

I felt I have gained so much knowledge on different cultured and experiences, this would be my main advice to someone hesitant about joining to just speak to every single person, I never stopped learning on this trip and I absolutely loved it.

...

To read all reviews, visit our reviews page.

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