Home Bali North Bali Coral Reef Restoration and Scuba Diving Volunteer Program

North Bali Coral Reef Restoration and Scuba Diving Volunteer Program

Volunteers in this program become a part of a local diver team whose responsibilities is to monitor and keep the coral reefs growing healthily.Volunteers will spend most of the work time both under water and in the local community.

Bali
country
2-8 Weeks
duration
from $1,059
price
18 years+
min age
Highlights
  • Support the local community in their efforts to protect the coral reefs 
  • Become passionate about marine conservation
  • Create unforgettable memories in Bali, meeting incredible like minded people from all walks of life
  • Live with the local community in North Bali
  • Discover hidden waterfalls during jungle treks through North Bali
  • Explore other beautiful parts on Bali on the weekends
  • Work directly with one of Indonesia’s best coral restoration expert

Under this project, volunteers work with a non-profit organization which focuses on restoring damaged coral reefs across Bali and Indonesia.  Volunteers will be a part of a local diver team whose responsibilities is to monitor and keep the coral reefs growing healthily. If you are not certified SCUBA DIVER, then you may take OPEN WATER SCUBA course on the first week of your program. After mastering SCUBA DIVING skill, you will be part of its coral restoration team, the front-liners of the grass-root community based coral restoration effort. Volunteers will spend most of the work time both under water and in the local community, with minor tasks of reporting/computer work. You will be expected to work in the restoration center in the morning and in the local community in the afternoon, or it could be reversed depending on the appointment and weather and sea conditions. There is a possibility of no diving days especially if safety is the main concern.

Want to see other ways to make an impact? Check out our Volunteer in Asia programs.

Volunteer Roles & Responsibilities

  • Commitment to contribute 4 days a week, Monday to Thursday, 5 hours a day (8Am to 1PM)
  • Cleaning coral reef structures 
  • Replacing/ Attaching corals on the structures
  • Hunt/Protect corals from the predators, such as: Crown of Thorn and Drupella Snail 
  • Participate in Regular Underwater and Beach Clean Up 
  • Creating sponsor names from wires for the structures 
  • Providing Data for Project Database 
  • Writing articles, report, or any required materials 
  • Teaching English or other skill/knowledge to local schools Mentoring the use of computer and internet to the local team 
  • Providing information to visitors in the Center and encourage them to donate or join the NGO’s program

Requirements & eligibility

The following requirements are there to participate in the program :–

  • Participants should be of at least 18 years old 
  • Physically fit to swim and SCUBA Diving
  • Environment/Biology/Fisheries (interests and studies)
  • SCUBA divers with a license minimum Open Water or A1
  • Willingness to blend in and adapt with locals
  • Energetic, kind, and responsible
  • Comprehensive command of spoken and written English
  • Capability in basic Bahasa Indonesia will be an advantage
  • Able to drive scooter and own valid international driving license
  • Willingness to live in quiet area where almost no night or town style entertainment available
  • Open to assist with social media work and documentation

 

Volunteer work schedule

A typical day

As a volunteer for the Marine Conservation Program in Bali, your general schedule would be:

Day 1-2 (Saturday/Sunday/Monday) – Arrival and Orientation
Volunteers are expected to arrive at least 1 day before your program starts. Our program coordinator will assist with your airport pick up transfer to your first accommodation before your trip to North Bali. Please note the distance from the international airport of Ngurah Rai Bali to the coral program is 134 KM away or around 4 hours car ride. As soon as you arrive at the coral center, our team will introduce and accompany you for your first orientation day, you will get a tour around the premises, getting introduced to all the team members, neighbors, we will also accompany you to check in to your volunteer accommodation and ensure you have received all of the information we prepare on the welcome checklist. Important safety information ,emergency contact, important addresses, visa information and so forth.  You will also receive a local SIM card on this day or the upcoming day depending on your arrival time. 

Day 3–end of your volunteer day
You will start your volunteering program on this day, you will start assisting the team member with all of the assignments discussed on your first introduction day. You will only be diving with the dive master at all times. Dive equipment and dive masters are included in the program fees. You will be expected to dive everydays on a regular basis, physical strength and stamina is required. 

Weekends
By the weekend volunteers are having days off, you may relax or travel and explore north Bali or even further down to the south Bali area. Please inform the team members when you wish to leave the village, you may get assistance in getting to the city by hiring or renting a car, please ask the costs directly. 

End of your volunteering day
In your last week, Friday is your official last day in the program. You will check out from the accommodation and continue your travels in Bali or take flight back home. Please inform our team if you wish us to arrange an airport pick up or any type of transportation for you if you need our assistance. 

Living

Accommodation & meals

Airport Transfer

All volunteers will have to reach Ngurah Rai International Airport, Denpasar (DPS), on Saturday or Sunday. The local team will arrange your transfer from the airport and a designated driver shall be there to pick you up. Since the distance from the airport to project location is around 4 hours, we recommend you to arrive during day time. Alternatively, it is a good idea to arrive a few days before to explore the touristic areas of Kuta and Seminyak and then head out to the project location on the start date.

Accommodation

In the North Bali coral reef restoration program, volunteers are accommodated in Balinese owned local homestay. You will stay in accommodations owned by the team members of the coral reef organization. The traditional Balinese house homestays are located walking distance to the beach and to the coral reef center site. Each room has a sit out area and fans are installed. There is Wifi within the accommodation but it can be intermittent.There are common areas where volunteers can have meals or can sit and chat. Towels are provided. At a short distance from the accommodation, amenities such as ATM, minimart are available.

Orientation

You will be provided with all the details about the project, about the work that you’ll have to do, as well as information about the place. If you have any questions regarding safety issues, traveling and projects, the local team will be there to assist you.

Meals

For volunteers in this program, breakfast will be provided each day from Monday to Friday. A general breakfast will comprise Pancakes, seasonal fruits, fried banana, toast, tea/coffee. Volunteers generally eat out on a daily basis for lunch and dinner. The village has many options of local warungs (food stalls) at affordable prices. Simple yet nutritious and fresh meals of a typical Indonesian meal consisting of rice or noodles with side dishes of steamed vegetables or saute vegetables and meat or tofu and soya cake will cost starting from 90 USD per meal.

During Free Time

During your time in Bali, you will be based in Pemuteran bay, this region is much quieter in comparison to other touristic parts of the island. During your extended weekend from Friday to Sunday, you can travel and explore other parts of Bali such as Ubud or head down south to Uluwatu or Seminyak. Taxis and other modes of transport are easily available for traveling within the island. 

Transportation

To hire any motor vehicles, volunteers must possess an international drivers license. Regular automatic scooter rental per day is starting from 100,000 IDr or around 6 USD, monthly rental is starting from 79 USD or around 1,200,000 IDR (110 CC). The bigger engine costs more. For those who do not own any drivers licenses to drive internationally, getting transported via online translation app is one of the best ways to get around, please download Gojek app. Please be informed that in some areas of Bali, Gojek does not operate due to infrastructure and different region’s public transportation regulations, always ask questions to us, to your neighbors or anyone to make sure you are able to travel around with this app. Gojek does not operate in North Bali.

Dates

Start dates

Weekly start dates, year-round — pick any week across the next two years.

AvailableFilling fastFully booked
Costs

Program fees by duration

A one-off application fee ($249 / £179 / €229 / AU$350) is charged in addition to the program fee — valid for one year, during which you may enrol in multiple programs. A 5% international banking fee applies to credit-card payments in USD or AUD.

DurationProgram fee
1 week$1,059
2 weeks$1,250
3 weeks$1,575
4 weeks$1,845
5 weeks$2,145
6 weeks$2,425
7 weeks$2,710
8 weeks$2,995

Indicative conversion — your booking is charged in the currency you choose at checkout.

✓ What you're paying for

  • Pre departure information and support
  • Visa assistance (incl. visa documents)
  • Airport pick-up
  • Welcome package
  • Indonesian SIM card number (Purchase and registration at GSM Provider Center)
  • Accommodation with breakfast
  • Introduction to the project at the first orientation day
  • Local contact person & support during your volunteer program
  • Project visits & satisfaction assessment
  • Information about events and intern meetings
  • Assistance with visa extension
  • Travel & Medical Insurance (available at extra charges)

Not included

  • Return Airport Drop
  • C6B visa charges for Indonesia
  • Tourism/Leisure activities 
  • Flights
  • Lunch and Dinner
  • Personal Expenses
Good to know

Frequently asked questions

Application & getting started
When should I apply?

Apply as soon as your dates are decided — spots are limited. The application fee is valid for a full year, so you can apply early to secure your place.

How do I apply and when do I pay?

Fill in the online application form and pay the application fee. The program fee can be paid later, even in instalments, but must be complete 45 days before the program starts.

What are the requirements?

Participants must usually be at least 17 (families welcome with younger children), with an open mind, good health and respect for local customs. A clear criminal background check is required from all adults.

Accommodation, meals & support
Where will I stay and what about food?

You stay in a volunteer house or with a host family, with meals provided. Private-room upgrades are usually available.

Is there support while I'm there?

Yes — a local coordinator gives you an orientation on arrival and is available 24/7 throughout your placement.

Health, safety & visa
Do I need insurance and vaccinations?

Valid travel-medical insurance is mandatory (available from us at a nominal cost). Consult your travel doctor for recommended vaccinations; your pre-departure pack covers the details.

Do you help with the visa?

Yes — all enrolled participants get visa-requirement information in the pre-departure manual, and your point of contact can answer questions.

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