9 Things Every Volunteer In Bali Should Do
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While Thailand, Cambodia, and Vietnam have always been on the top of the list of volunteering destinations, off late Bali has made its place on the list! And now, more and more millennials are heading towards this beautiful island destination in Southeast Asia, to volunteer and contribute in their own ways.
No matter whether you choose the Teaching Project or the Marine Conservation Project, you’ll be working on all weekdays. But on weekends, we would like you to explore ‘The Island of Gods’ and discover its beauty. Surrounded by azure seas and edged with golden beaches, Bali is nothing less than a paradise for beach lovers, and if you are planning to volunteer in Bali anytime soon, then you might just add these to your bucket list.
Here are the things that you shouldn’t miss during your volunteering journey in Bali.
1. Head towards Munduk to witness the gorgeous sunrise.
Keep this on your priority list – watching the sunrise from the Munduk area will be nothing short of a treat. Munduk is a region higher up north in Bali and the climate there is mostly foggy and rainy, which makes it greener than the coastal areas. You can also plan a hike in Munduk region and pass beautiful rice fields, see coffee and clove plantation, discover hidden places and visit the waterfalls.
2. Visit the Ulun Danu Temple
You have seen this temple in hundreds of photographs, but when you’ll see this in real, you’ll surely be left awestruck! Located at the edge of Baratan Lake in Bedugul, Central Bali, this temple is famous for its picturesque backdrop. The temple’s base creates a unique floating impression, and the mountain range of the Bedugul region encircling the lake makes it a perfect destination for all. No exaggeration there, but this is surely one of the quietest and most serene places on the island.
3. Spend time with the monkeys at the Monkey Forest
You’ll surely love being here with so many monkeys! Known as the Sacred Monkey Forest of Padangtegal, this place is a famous Hindu Temple Complex dating back to the 14th Century, and there are more than 500 long-tailed macaques living in this forest. You can buy bananas to feed these primates and clicked with them, but make sure not to get slapped by one! (Also, take care of your sunglasses and other belongings, as these monkeys often run away with it!)
4. Take a tour of the Goa Gajah
The famous archaeological site of ‘Elephant Caves’, this place is a favorite destination for travelers, who are attracted to the 9th Century artwork on the cave walls. Goa Gajah is basically carved into a rock face and one has to enter through the cavernous mouth of a demon, and inside it’s dark and dingy. There are statues of six women carrying water pots that are also fountains and it is believed that if you drink the water coming out of the pots, you’ll look younger for years to come!
5. Hike up to see the Gitgit Waterfalls
Located between Denpasar and Singaraja, this will be a perfect day trip for all nature lovers! You need to hike to the waterfall through a lush green trail, surrounded by coffee plantations and tropical forests. The water gushes down a drop of 35 meters and there is a pool at the bottom of the waterfall where you can swim and cool yourself down after the hike. This is a perfect location to click those postcard-like Instagram-worthy photographs!
6. Go for sunbathing at the Balangan Beach
If you feel like ditching the regular touristy crowd on a weekend, then here’s a hidden gem for you! Leave your accommodation early in the morning, rent a bike and head out to the Balangan Beach. You can just chill and relax, sunbathe and binge on the amazing seafood available here. If you are seeking some adventure, then you can also go for surfing. This gorgeous beach sits at the bottom of a set of coarse cliffs and one has to walk down a steep set of stairs cut into the cliffside in order to access the beach. Although it takes a little effort to get to this secluded beach, it is more than worth it for the views.
7. Bathe in the sacred waters of Tirta Empul
The term ‘Tirta Empul’ means ‘holy water spring’ and you’ve seen this place in the popular movie ‘Eat Pray Love’ which featured Julia Roberts. You’ll instantly identify the place as soon as you’ll be there! This is a sacred place for the Balinese Hindus, and it’s believed that if you take a bath here, all your sins will wash away! It’s one of the most crowded places in Ubud, and you’ll find hundreds of people standing on the pool, bowing their head to be cleaned by the fountain water.
8. Pay a visit to the Tanah Lot Temple
Probably one of the most famous attractions in Bali, the Tanah Lot Temple sits atop a large and scenic rock formation. Due to erosion for several years, the rock has been separated from the mainland, making this one of the most amazing sights in Indonesia. Your trip to Bali would not be complete without paying a visit to this temple, and you’ll know why travelers from all across the world flock to see this unique rock structure.
9. Explore the rice terraces at Jatiluwih
Cycle around the exotic villages of Northern Bali, covering the scenic Jatiluwih rice terraces, with Mt. Batur and Kintamani at its backdrop. Jatiluwih offers a panoramic view of the contoured rice terraces irrigated using an impressive communal water system developed by Balinese farmers. In case you are keen on some first-hand knowledge, you can also get involved and learn how rice is grown and harvested in Bali. Spending a day in the Tabanan Region would definitely add some more memorable moments to your entire journey.
In case you are still wondering why you should volunteer in Bali, you should check out our amazing and affordable volunteering programs. For more queries and questions, drop us a mail at [email protected]
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