Environmental Volunteer in Ubud, Bali

This program is all about inspiring the next generation of changemakers through environmental education. From creating fun lessons about nature to leading activities in local schools, you’ll help children understand the importance of caring for the planet. Expect to get creative, learn alongside the students, and discover how meaningful small steps can be while experiencing Balinese culture up close.

Mandatory Orientation Day

On the Monday of your first week, you will join our orientation day to get familiar with your surroundings and learn about Balinese culture.

Weekly Schedule

Monday – First Day

• Welcome and introduction to Indonesia

• House rules, Code of Conduct, and handling of documents

• Culture lesson and orientation

• Lunch at the Center

• Project meeting and activity preparation with the coordinator

• Dinner and time to settle in

Tuesday to Friday

• Breakfast at the accommodation

• Morning planning session with the coordinator to design environmental education lessons and activities

• Lunch at the Center

• Depart for the local school to carry out activities with the children (examples include games, lessons on waste management, creative recycling, or gardening)

• Work continues until late afternoon

• Return to the Center for dinner and relaxation

• Free evening to connect with fellow participants or explore the local area

Evening Activities

To balance your volunteer work, the local team organizes weekly social and cultural activities:

• Wednesday: Movie night at 19:30

• Thursday: Special dinner together with volunteers and the team

• Village Ceremony Days: Participate in a traditional Balinese ceremony (requires sarong & selendang). Please note that, according to Balinese customs, women who are menstruating are not permitted to enter temple areas.

These activities may be adjusted depending on weather, local traditions, and unforeseen circumstances.

Weekends

Your weekends are free to explore Bali at your own pace. From waterfalls and rice terraces to temples and cultural markets, Ubud’s central location makes it easy to find adventure. Popular options include:

• Temple hopping in Ubud and surrounding villages

• Trekking through rice terraces and river valleys

• Visiting art galleries and yoga studios in town

• Exploring waterfalls and hidden jungle spots nearby

• Day trips to Canggu, Sanur, or Seminyak for beach time

Places to Visit

Ubud, located in the lush highlands of central Bali, is known as the island’s cultural and spiritual heart. Surrounded by rice terraces, rivers, and forested valleys, it’s the perfect base to experience both nature and tradition. Here are some highlights near your accommodation:

• Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary (10 minutes) – A mystical forest filled with ancient temples and playful long-tailed macaques.

• Campuhan Ridge Walk (15 minutes) – A scenic walking trail with sweeping views of valleys and rice fields.

• Tegallalang Rice Terraces (20 minutes) – Bali’s iconic stepped rice fields, perfect for a sunrise or sunset stroll.

• Goa Gajah – Elephant Cave (15 minutes) – An ancient archaeological site with rock carvings, meditation caves, and bathing pools.

• Tirta Empul Temple (30 minutes) – A holy water temple where locals and visitors take part in purification rituals.

• Gunung Kawi Temple (30 minutes) – A beautiful temple complex with shrines carved into stone cliffs.

• Tegenungan Waterfall (25 minutes) – A dramatic waterfall just outside Ubud, great for photos and a refreshing dip.

• Saraswati Temple (10 minutes) – A picturesque water temple in the heart of Ubud, known for its lotus pond and evening dance performances.

• Ubud Art Market (10 minutes) – A lively market where you can shop for handmade crafts, textiles, and souvenirs.

• Blanco Renaissance Museum (10 minutes) – A unique museum showcasing the works of artist Antonio Blanco in a hilltop setting.

Ubud, often called the cultural heart of Bali, is a vibrant town surrounded by rice terraces, lush valleys, and sacred temples. Just outside the bustle of Ubud, in the peaceful village of Pejeng, you’ll find yourself immersed in authentic Balinese life. With sweeping rice fields, mountain views, and the Petanu River valley nearby, Pejeng offers both tranquility and a rich sense of heritage. It’s also home to the Moon of Pejeng, the largest bronze kettle drum in the world, a symbol of Bali’s deep cultural history.

About the Accommodation

You’ll stay at The Green Lion Accommodation Center in Pejeng, just 15–20 minutes from Ubud. The shared, gender-separate rooms are simple yet modern, with air conditioning, hot showers, and private bathrooms for comfort. Each room is lockable and equipped with personal lockers for security. WiFi is available in public areas, and a swimming pool on site provides the perfect place to relax.

Bed linen is provided, but towels and mosquito protection are not included, so please bring your own. A laundry service is available locally, or you can use the on-site washing machine for a small fee.

Available Room Types

Standard Room — shared with 4–8 participants

• Lockable rooms with private bathrooms

• Air conditioning and fans provided

• Hot showers available

• WiFi in public areas

• Swimming pool access from 9:00 to 17:00

• Bed linen included (towels not provided)

• Mosquito protection not provided (bring your own)

• Laundry machine on site or local laundry service available

Food Arrangements

Three meals are provided on weekdays, with brunch and dinner on weekends. Meals are freshly prepared, mostly Indonesian dishes such as mie goreng (fried noodles), nasi goreng (fried rice), and gado gado (vegetables with satay sauce). Vegetarian options with tofu and tempeh are common, and some Western dishes are included.

Breakfast often features pancakes, French toast, toast, and fresh fruit. Coffee, tea, and purified water are available throughout the day. As tap water is not safe for drinking in Indonesia, please bring a refillable bottle to support eco-friendly practices.

Important: Alcohol is strictly prohibited at the accommodation center.

Facilities

• ATM: The nearest ATM is about 5 minutes away by car.

• Laundry: Pay-per-use washing machine available (30,000 IDR per 7 kg) or local laundry service (around 5,000–7,000 IDR per item).

• Shopping: Small local shops are within a 5–10 minute walk, and minimarts are 5–10 minutes by car.

• Cafés & Restaurants: Several cafés are within a short walk (2–15 minutes), while Ubud Center offers a wide range of restaurants about 20–30 minutes away by car.

• Gym: Several gyms are available in the Ubud area, with the nearest about 10 minutes away by car.

• Clinic & Hospital:

  • UPT Kesmas Clinic, 10 minutes by car (24 hours)

  • Ari Canti Hospital, 15 minutes by car

  • Kasih Ibu Gianyar International Hospital, 20–30 minutes by car

Indonesia is a tropical paradise made up of over 17,000 islands, offering breathtaking beaches, lush jungles, vibrant culture, volcanic landscapes and crystal-clear waters. From the famous beauty of Bali to the untouched islands of Lombok, the Gili Islands and Komodo National Park, Indonesia is one of the most exciting destinations in the world for adventure, culture and meaningful travel.

Volunteering in Indonesia with TRU Experience Travel gives you the opportunity to experience this incredible country while making a genuine impact within local communities. Whether you are teaching English, supporting community projects, helping local children or getting involved in environmental initiatives, every day is filled with rewarding experiences, cultural immersion and unforgettable memories.

Indonesia is the perfect destination for travellers looking to combine volunteering with adventure. Explore colourful local markets, discover hidden waterfalls, hike volcanoes at sunrise, snorkel in turquoise waters, visit ancient temples and experience the warm hospitality Indonesia is famous for. Every island offers something unique, from stunning beaches and jungle adventures to rich traditions and incredible food.

One of the best parts of joining a program to Volunteer in Bali or broader Indonesia with TRU Experience Travel is the freedom to explore in your own time. Evenings and free time allow volunteers to do as they please, whether that means relaxing on the beach, discovering hidden gems, exploring local towns, enjoying beach cafés, island hopping or experiencing Indonesia’s vibrant culture and nightlife with new friends. It’s the perfect balance between structured volunteering and independent adventure.

TRU Experience Travel creates life-changing volunteer experiences designed for travellers who want more than just a holiday. You’ll meet like-minded people from around the world, gain valuable life experiences, step outside your comfort zone and create memories that will stay with you forever. Whether you’re travelling solo, taking a gap year, or searching for a meaningful adventure, deciding to Volunteer in Indonesia is the perfect way to combine travel, purpose, and exploration.

Join TRU Experience Travel in Indonesia and discover paradise islands, incredible culture and unforgettable adventures while making a real difference along the way. Contact us today.