I feel like I gained the peace of mind of being able to travel to another country by myself independently without having to rely on anyone besides myself and making friends along the way and having a impact on the environment and local communities made this programme all the more beneficial.
Environmental Education Volunteering in Bali - Ubud
Purpose
Teach communities how to live sustainably
Start dates
Programs start every Monday
Duration
Choose from 1-12 weeks
Volunteer hours
3 - 5 hours a day
Age
Volunteers aged 16+ and families
Accommodation
Dormitory-style volunteer houses
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 with an interest in conservation and supporting the delivery of environmental education campaigns. You’ll need to be happy to work with children and able to take initiative in the classroom.
Project details
Love spending time in nature and want to be an Environmental Education volunteer in Bali - Ubud? International Volunteer HQ’s Environmental Education project enables volunteers to teach local elementary school children about recycling and sustainable living, as well as sharing English language skills. Volunteers will gain teaching experience and children will learn how to clean up and look after their home and the natural environment.
What to expect and how you'll make an impact
Plastic waste and other rubbish litter the streets of Bali. It’s a real problem for most of the country. Traditionally Balinese food was wrapped in banana leaves which would rot away when thrown on the ground, but locals now discard their plastic packaging in the same way, leaving their beautiful home strewn with trash. Teaching young children about recycling and what to do with their rubbish will help repair and protect the environment.
As an Environmental Education volunteer, you’ll be teaching local elementary school classes about recycling, sustainability and conservation. You’ll need to plan what and how you’re going to teach, keeping in mind that being creative, dynamic and fun will help keep students engaged. The students may also not speak much English, and schools are often poorly resourced so if you need anything special, bring it with you.
Environmental Education volunteers will:
- Teach classes about responsible waste disposal and recycling
- Plan lessons and activities
- Lead community clean-up campaigns
Important dates to note for 2025:
- 3rd of March to the 7th of March 2025 - School Exams: During this time, the standard volunteer work is not available. Volunteers instead participate in the Childcare project.
- 21st of April to the 2nd of May 2025 - During this time, the standard volunteer work is not available. Volunteers instead participate in cleaning, repairs and renovation activities in local schools for approximately 4 hours a day and have the remainder of their time free to enjoy the festivities.
- 19th of May to the 24th of May 2025 - School Exams: During this time, the standard volunteer work is not available. Volunteers instead participate in the Childcare project.
- 6th of October to the 10th of October 2025 - School Exams: During this time, the standard volunteer work is not available. Volunteers instead participate in the Childcare project.
- 17th of November to the 28th of November - During this time, the standard volunteer work is not available. Volunteers instead participate in cleaning, repairs and renovation activities in local schools for approximately 4 hours a day and have the remainder of their time free to enjoy the festivities.
- 1st of December to the 5th of December 2025 - School Exams: During this time, the standard volunteer work is not available. Volunteers instead participate in the Childcare project.
Why do Environmental Education volunteering in Ubud with IVHQ?
When you volunteer on the Environmental Education project in Ubud, you’ll be adding value to the local community, while also developing personally and professionally by:
- Helping teach children how to live sustainably
- Cleaning up the local environment
- Developing your communication skills
- Gaining teaching experience
- Immersing yourself fully in Balinese life
- Exploring Ubud’s rich culture and natural environment
Volunteer requirements
All volunteers joining for 2 or more weeks must obtain a C6B Visa. This visa does have additional costs to the program fee and can take up to 15 working days to process.
An exception to the above applies if a volunteer will be in Indonesia for less than 30 days and opts to participate in the Culture Week, Adventure week, or the Yoga and Meditation Week, along with one, two or three weeks of volunteering. In this scenario, the volunteer can join with a tourist visa 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 need to be at least 16 years or over to participate on this project independently. If volunteering with a parent or guardian can participate from the age of 3, and must provide IVHQ with parental consent in order to participate on the program, and may be asked to provide additional document to the local team.
Volunteers aged 16 or 17 on their start date, if unable to obtain a criminal background check, can provide two character reference letters instead.
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.
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 Culture Week
IVHQ volunteer Culture Week
IVHQ volunteer Culture 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
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
Set among lush rice paddies and ancient temples, IVHQ’s Ubud program will send you back in time. The 14 villages that make up the historical town of Ubud have streets lined with statues and ornate temples that ooze old-world charm. Ubud is also known for its artistic flair, with countless art galleries, artists’ workshops, craft shops and markets to explore.
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). 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 taken 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 day before your program orientation.
From June to September due to high demand, the local team requests that volunteers arrive on Sundays for airport pick-up. The volunteer house cannot accommodate early arrivals. If you arrive earlier, you can arrange your own accommodation until Sunday and meet the team at an alternative pick-up location. This also applies after the program, as check-out is on Saturday.
There are two options for orientation for the Bali - Ubud Program:
1-day Orientation:
The 1-day orientation begins on your selected start date and covers everything you need to know for your volunteer program. You will have an introduction to the IVHQ Bali - Ubud Program and the local staff, Indonesian customs, rules, expectations, and safety. This will be followed by a project-specific meeting with the project preparation you’ll need to complete for the following day. Volunteers on the Turtle Conservation project choosing this option will need to arrive into Denpasar International Airport (DPS) on the Sunday before 1pm. As you will be transferred straight to Nusa Penida for your one-day orientation the following day.
5-day Culture Week:
The second option is Culture Week, hosted by our Bali team in Ubud. The Culture Week begins on the morning of your chosen start date and runs for the first five days of your stay. It is an awesome way to kickstart your volunteer abroad experience and it covers everything you need to know for your volunteer program in Bali, plus you’ll gain a deeper understanding of local traditions, learn more about the culture and get to tick off a must-do Bali experiences! The Culture Week will also give you a chance to meet other volunteers and swap contact details for weekend travel and socializing.
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
While volunteer schedules depend on the particular projects and placements, a typical day might look like this:
| 8:00 AM | Breakfast at the volunteer house |
| 9:00 AM | Volunteers spend 1 to 2 hours planning for their projects. |
| 12:00 PM | Lunch |
| 1:00 PM | Volunteers head to their placements. |
| 5:00 PM | Work at the project usually ends. Volunteers are free to travel back to their accommodation, go sightseeing, or do some shopping. |
| 5:00 - 6:30 PM | Dinner at the volunteer house. |
Weekends
Whether you’re into arts and crafts, ancient history, exploring nature or after an adrenaline rush, there’s plenty to satisfy you in and around Ubud. You can fill your weekends with statues, museums and temples, hiking to the summit of Mt Batur, seeing waterfalls, snorkeling, white-water rafting, art galleries, shopping at markets or visiting small farms and rice paddies.
Ubud’s central location also makes it easy to get to other places in Bali like the capital city of Denpasar and the glorious beaches and villages that line the southern coast - all less than an hour away by taxi.
Accommodation and WiFi
You’ll be staying in a volunteer house, located about 15 minutes’ drive from central Ubud. The volunteer houses are set in small villages, which it’s a great way to see typical Balinese life.
Living conditions are comfortable and all volunteer houses have fans in the bedrooms. Volunteers can expect to share a dormitory-style room with up to seven other volunteers. These bedrooms are separated by gender. The bathroom is shared with a hot water shower and western toilets. There is a large outdoor dining area for volunteers to socialise and enjoy their meals together.
WiFi is available at the volunteer accommodation and there are great internet cafes in Ubud if you would like to access a higher speed connection.
Each volunteer house has a security guard at night and there is 10:30pm curfew every night at the volunteer accommodation, please be considerate and reduce noise.
If you wish to arrive a day earlier than your recommended arrival date or spend a few extra nights after finishing your program, we can arrange extra nights of accommodation for you at £56 per person per night, including meals, subject to availability. You will be able to book extra nights via your profile after you register.
Private room upgrades starting from £141 per room per week. These are subject to availability and once you have registered you will be able to request an upgrade. These are located a 3 - 5 minutes walk outside from the main centre.
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 balcony
Typical volunteer bedroom
Typical volunteer bedroom
Typical volunteer bedroom
Typical volunteer bedroom
Typical volunteer bedroom
Typical volunteer bedroom
Typical volunteer bedroom
Typical volunteer bedroom
Typical volunteer bedroom
Typical upgraded accommodation
Typical upgraded accommodation
Typical upgraded accommodation
Typical upgraded accommodation
Typical upgraded accommodation
Typical upgraded accommodation
Typical bathroom
Typical bathroom
Typical upgraded bathroom
Typical upgraded bathroom
Typical volunteer breakfast
Typical volunteer breakfast
Typical volunteer lunch
Typical volunteer lunch
Typical volunteer lunch
Typical volunteer lunch
Typical volunteer dinner
Typical volunteer dinner
Typical volunteer dinner
Pricing
Secure your place for just US$299 (approximately £233), pay your Program Fee later.
Spots are limited. For a Registration Fee of just US$299 (approximately £233) 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.
|
|---|---|
| 1 week | $395 Equivalent to $56/day |
| 2 weeks | $577 Equivalent to $41/day |
| 3 weeks | $759 Equivalent to $36/day |
| 4 weeks | $946 Equivalent to $34/day |
| 5 weeks | $1,123 Equivalent to $32/day |
| 6 weeks | $1,280 Equivalent to $30/day |
| 8 weeks | $1,589 Equivalent to $28/day |
| 10 weeks | $1,898 Equivalent to $27/day |
| 12 weeks | $2,207 Equivalent to $26/day |
- All programs attract a Registration Fee of US$299 (approximately £233) 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 emergency 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
- Comprehensive in-country day to day support and guidance
- 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 Ubud
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 Ubud program.
Bali Adventure Week
Are you ready for an action-packed week filled with adventure and unforgettable experiences in Bali?
£352
Bali Yoga and Meditation Week
Ready to unlock a deeper connection between mind, body, and spirit?
£329
Popular
Ubud Culture Week
Learn more about the Balinese culture and tick off some must-do Bali experiences.
£281
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.
What recent volunteers said about their IVHQ experience
HA
Harrison Allsopp
...
LW
Lou-Anne Wang
I gained so much, not only did I learn about the culture of the people living in Bali, I learned about how friendly and open people can be when they work for a common good and how grateful people can be and give you back. There are to many reasons to participate in this program.
...
AR
Adrianna Rajewska
This was an amazing programme! I will recommend to anyone who wants to give back to the global community.
...
GG
Giulia Gallo
I got the chance to learn about a different culture, tradition and share this experience with a lot of people from all over the world who helped me becoming a more open minded person.
...
To read all reviews, visit our reviews page.
Apply to check if you're eligible!
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