Safety
In Bali the main economic resource is the tourist, therefore, the foreigner is protected and not targeted. There is community policing during ceremonies or activities involving large crowds. They wear the black and white checked sarongs. During the day, there is a guide with the volunteers at all times. Safety issues would be discussed prior to any risky activity such as bike riding or trekking in the rice fields.
Accommodations
Affordable licenced guesthouses are available for volunteers. A licenced guesthouse must have proper water, cooking and toilet facilities and are centrally located in the towns of Pejeng or Ubud, and PadangBai so volunteers can walk (or take the arranged van) to get their evening meals or shopping for souvenirs. In the future, homestays could be offered, but water and toilet facilities are usually of poor standards.
Meals
Breakfast is included in the accommodation. Lunches would be traditional meals serving the local cuisine; we can accommodate dietary restrictions (diabetic, vegetarian, vegan, food allergies, spice tolerance), bottled drinking water is available. The Indonesian diet mainly consists of rice and vegetables dishes with a small amount of fish or meat. It is very healthy and our cook uses fresh produce from the local market and ingredients from the organic garden. For PadangBai Coastal Tour, evening meals can be purchased with-in walking distance to guesthouse and costs approximately $7-10/person.
Culture
Customary dress, heritage experiences, demonstrations like music/dancing, sightseeing opportunities, nature flora/fauna, must see/must experiences are greatly shared by the Balinese. Visitors are most welcome to join family events such as weddings and funerals. To show respect, it is very important to wear a sarong, we will provide volunteers with this, and waist scarf when entering the temples at all times. Photography is acceptable but some rules of conduct would be explained when entering a ceremony.
Transportation
Our guides and drivers are registered with the Provincial Taxi Association. We are located approximately 1.5 hours from the airport and would provide pick-up and drop-off service. Transportation in 4 or 7 seat air-con passenger vehicles would be available to take volunteers to and from project sites.
Medical
There are two Western style medical clinics in Ubud. There is a new hospital in the capital city one hour away. For minor injury or stomach problems, local natural medicine called “Jamu” is highly recommended. Visitors to Ubud, “the center for healing” often seek the Guru’s assistance as they have spiritual healing abilities. A visit to a local health spa is a must.
Volunteer Opportunities
Half day volunteer experiences available for schools, community betterment, farming, sustainability, building; stays can be flexible to suit volunteer group needs. Future involvement with established NGO organizations such as IDEP in Indonesia is under development.
Needs
Education (most children only attend school for 6 years; it is a financial strain on the family for further education. Books and pens are in short supply. Foreign sponsorship assist some schools)
Weather
Generally, there are two seasons, wet and dry however in recent years, the rains have been more predominant with light afternoon showers – refreshing. Lightning and thunder storms are amazing! Temperatures remain constant all year but it’s hotter near to the sea and cooler in the volcanic area. Ubud and Pejeng are centrally located with about 22-30 degrees Celsius year round.
Projects
Currently there are environmental projects organized by international NGO organizations to assist in returning Bali into a clean island. They are addressing waste disposal, coastal preservation, organic farming and education.
Technology Available
Very little, back to basics with manual labor and little electricity, some computers are now in sponsored high schools.
Appropriate Clothing
Tourism is not new to Bali and locals are accustomed to the bikini but on the beach only please. Topless sunbathing is frowned upon. Sarong and waist scarf is a must when entering any temple.
