The Do's and Don'ts of Living and Volunteering in Bali

Volunteering in Bali is an amazing experience and an ideal opportunity to immerse yourself in the country’s rich culture, all while making a positive impact. However, travelling to a new country and continent can be daunting, especially with unique cultural norms and expectations. 

To ensure your experience is as enjoyable and safe as possible, there are some things you should do and others to avoid. Today, we’ll look at the dos and don’ts of volunteering in Bali, so you start on the right foot when stepping off the plane. 

Do Learn a Few Common Phrases

When volunteering in any country, it’s wise to learn a few common phrases in the local language so you can communicate with locals. While some may speak English, this shouldn’t be assumed, and learning common phrases can help you immerse yourself more thoroughly in Indonesian culture. 

Some helpful phrases to learn before your experience include:

• Selamat pagi: ‘Good morning’
• Terima kasih: ‘Thank you’
• Suksma mewal: ‘You’re welcome’ 
• Om swastiastu: ‘Hello’ 

The locals will appreciate that you’ve made the effort to study their language and may be more willing to converse with you for longer. The longer you’re in Bali, the more of the language you can pick up. 

Don’t Dress Inappropriately 

There’s no getting around it: Bali is a hot country with a tropical climate and average temperatures of 80°F to 90°F. While it might be tempting to pack short shorts and tank tops, Balinese culture is quite conservative, and dressing respectfully is essential. 

Instead of packing your summer beach clothes, make sure you dress for a professional work environment. Keep your knees and shoulders covered, and dress as if you were teaching at a school. Think lightweight, breathable clothing like linen pants and short-sleeved blouses. 

Do Remember to Buy Travel Insurance

Accidents happen in the most unexpected of places. Bali is renowned for its magnificent palm trees, which line the beaches and roads, often adorned with lush coconuts. But did you know that falling coconuts harm more world travellers every year than shark attacks? 

Travel insurance is one of those things you hope you never have to use, but it provides peace of mind while you make the most of your volunteer experience. Volunteering Solutions can provide useful information and advice on travel insurance, visas and more. 

Don’t Expect Things to Get Done Quickly

Bali is a reasonably flexible country when it comes to punctuality and efficiency, so it’s a good idea to check your expectations at the door and become more flexible with your expectations. This gives you more time and effort to focus on community, relationships and being present in the moment. 

Instead, embrace the relaxed pace and be open to spontaneity. Make sure you have extra time allocated in your schedule for delays, and use this time to connect with others or simply enjoy a quiet moment in Bali. By adapting to Bali’s rhythm, you’ll discover a deeper appreciation for the local culture and way of life. 

Do Stop and Chat to Locals

Most volunteers note that Balinese locals are very curious people, and they enjoy hearing about where you’re from and your stories. They might ask you about your family, children, siblings or job, and even want to see pictures. 

While you should never put yourself in a position where you feel uncomfortable or unsafe, stopping to chat can help you make new friends, learn more of the local language, and earn a deeper global perspective. 

Don’t Sleep In After a Long Night

Bali has an incredible party scene, and sometimes, kicking back and letting loose after a long day of volunteering is just what's needed. However, it’s essential that you don’t let your late nights impact your volunteer commitments. 

If you’re expected to be at your project early, ensure you set ten alarms and get out of bed with plenty of time. Your willingness to contribute should trump those extra few minutes of sleep. 

You won’t regret it either, as mornings in Bali are magical. From sunrise views to bustling morning markets, you’ll want to experience all the island has to offer. Plan your nights out wisely and consider skipping the last cocktail if you think it’ll tempt you into tardiness.  

Do Be Respectful, Kind and Curious

Balinese locals are mostly very kind and welcoming, but they also require respect from tourists. Without this, you risk upsetting or frustrating locals, who can significantly impact your experience on the island. Look for ways to respect their culture, such as dressing appropriately and observing religious ceremonies with respect and politeness. 

Remaining curious during your trip can help you further your education, global perspective and personal growth. Whether you’re helping with beach clean-ups for a marine conservation project or supporting teachers in the community, always look for ways to further your and others' experience.  

Don’t Drink Tap Water

Bali tap water may be unpurified and therefore not agree with your body. It may contain bacteria, viruses and other contaminants, increasing your risk of ‘Bali Belly’ or worse. To avoid this, which can put a damper on your volunteering experience, drink bottled water instead. 

Many places also accommodate volunteers and tourists with drinking water dispensers located in high-traffic areas. If you’re concerned about the environmental impact of single-use plastics, consider carrying a refillable water bottle with you to fill up whenever you have the chance. 

Do Haggle at the Markets

It may not seem respectful to visitors, but haggling in Indonesian markets is actually expected and considered a normal part of the shopping experience. So, have fun with it and see if you can earn some lower prices on your mementoes!  

Vendors may roll their eyes and create a bit of drama in response to your request, but make sure you don’t suggest unreasonably low prices. You want to engage in the cultural norm, not insult the sellers. 

Don’t Take Offering Baskets From the Ground

If you see a beautiful offering basket on the ground, step around it and keep walking. While these are often full of human food and very lovely looking, they are often reserved for dogs as part of the religious process.

Don’t shoo dogs away from the baskets or interfere with them in any way. Accidentally stepping on one or kicking them out of the way can be seen as disrespectful, so watch where you’re walking when exploring the streets of Bali. 

Do Remember Your Goals and Reasons for Volunteering

The best volunteering experiences include a plan. More than just your budget and travel itinerary, think about your goals as a volunteer. Are you hoping to develop your professional network and resume, or do you want to do more introspective work to clear your mind? 

Setting clear goals about your intentions can help determine realistic expectations. Think immediate, short and long-term goals, and choose a volunteer experience that will further these goals as much as possible. Bali is a beautiful island, and it can do more for your future than many think. 

Ready to Plan Your Balinese Volunteering Adventure?

Volunteering in Bali is an incredible, once-in-a-lifetime experience. To make the most of your time in Asia, keep our do’s and don’ts in mind. This way, you’ll be able to enjoy your time in Bali without worrying about disrespecting locals. As long as you remain kind and considerate, you shouldn’t have a problem. 

At Volunteering Solutions, we want to make sure your experience is safe and enjoyable. We have team members in every country we host in, including Bali, who can provide 24/7 comprehensive support whenever you need it. 

Check out our volunteer opportunities in Bali to find out more about all the exciting projects we offer. Click ‘Apply Now’ if you’re ready to get the ball rolling on your most enjoyable journey yet!