Sights & Surroundings
Since the weekends are free, you are able to go wherever you would like to go. Several popular destinations that you can reach by taxi are:
The Gili Islands, where you will find small resorts and huts for tourists looking to get away from the bustle of Ubud. The islands are a popular destination for snorkeling and diving due to its abundant marine life.
Nusa Lembongan, an island paradise with one of the most clear waters that you will ever see and it is also a place where you can find peace and completely relax. Surfing, diving and snorkeling and amongst the most popular activities that visitors can enjoy.
Lovina, located between the Bedugul mountains and the sea, it is popular for dolphin watching, trekking, hot springs and its gorgeous coral reefs.
Sanur, a stretch of beach in Southeast Bali that contains villa resorts and Zen Villas. Historically, it was used as the landing site for the Dutch invasion troops during the Dutch invasion in 1906 as well as being the entry point into Bali for the Japanese during WWII.
Kuta, a beach known of its surfing opportunities and party atmosphere. Uluwatu, a temple built at the edge of a 70 meter high cliff at the edge of the sea and inhabited by monkeys.
You will be accommodated in one of the house in the village of Pejeng and it will take about 15-20 minutes by car to reach the center of Ubud. Located on the outskirts of Ubud, village life is quintessentially local and you will get a good chance to see typical Balinese life - roosters crowing and all!
Living conditions are comfortable and all volunteer houses have fans in the bedrooms. Volunteers can expect to share a dormitory style room with three to seven other volunteers. The bathroom is shared with a hot water shower and western toilet.
For couples or those wanting more privacy, private rooms with ensuite bathroom and fans are available for an additional cost. These rooms are in privately owned homes close the the volunteer accommodation.
For volunteers wanting more comfort, an accommodation upgrade is available in a private villa.
WiFi is available at the volunteer accommodation and there are great internet cafes in Ubud if you would like access to a higher speed connection.
All facilities that you could want are within easy access of our accommodation. There are ATMs and minimarts within 5 minute walk away.
Shopping
In Pejeng, Ubud there are grocery stores open from 8.00 - 22.00 and plentiful small, family run shops where you will be able to find everything that you need.
Restaurants and Cafes
If you want to eat out occasionally, there is a wide selection of restaurants with high standards of both international and local cuisine. There are several cafes in the village, where you can relax and hang out with other participants on your spare time.
Swimming Pools
There are several swimming pools at the hotel in Pejeng village which it take about 5 - 10 minutes by taxi whcih you can use for US$3.
All participants are expected to be environmentally responsible and to use all resources with restraint, especially water, paper and electricity. You will be expected to clean up after yourself, and to play your part to keep the accommodation neat and tidy.
Arrival Information
We only receive participants on the Sunday before a participant's program begins. The pick-up time from Denpasar Airport is between 06:00 and 20:00. After passing through customs, make sure you stay on the same floor and follow the way to the arrival gate. Our representative will be waiting for you in front of this gate with your name board and bring you to our center.
If you're traveling to Denpasar Bali overland, we can arrange a pick-up at the following meeting points:
- Bintang Supermarket in Ubud at 14:00 on Sundays (Address: Jl. Raya Sanggingan No.45 Ubud, Bali 80515, Indonesia)
- Make your own way to Denpasar Airport at 14:00 on the Sunday before your program starts. Meeting point is at the international arrivals flight information center.
We highly recommend buying a cheap local SIM card for your stay in Indonesia for your own personal safety and for easier/cheaper communication with the staff/other participants/international calls. A SIM card is especially useful if you are traveling to the project on your own.
Early Arrivals
If you arrive much earlier than the pick-up window, you can choose to:
Request extra accommodation and pick-up from us at an additional cost
OR
Accommodate yourself until you can meet your coordinator at a meeting point.
Late Arrivals
We strongly discourage arriving after your pick-up window, as it may take longer for you to settle into your program. But if unavoidable, you must either:
Make your own way to us
OR
Request a special pick-up at an extra cost.
*** REMEMBER: In any case, let us know your plans. You must also inform us of any flight changes or emergencies as soon as possible. ***
Departure Information
Please be aware that you have to check out on the Saturday morning after the program. We do not offer airport drops on completion of the program due to the many different personal plans and return flight times and so participants need to make their own way to the airport. Our coordinator can help you with the different transportation options, but you will have to cover the cost.
Please make sure you are prepared to pay the country tax of 150,000 IDR when leaving Indonesia. This departure tax applies to everyone leaving the country.
Getting to the Project
To get to your project location, you can either share a taxi if the distance is long, or walk if the distance is manageable on foot.
3 meals during weekday are provided (breakfast, lunch, dinner) and 2 meals during the weekend (breakfast, dinner).
Indonesian food is tasty and diverse and you can expect to experience a myriad of flavors and meals during their stay. Typical dishes included mie goreng (fried noodles and vegetables), nasi goreng (fried rice and vegetables) or gado gado (mixed vegetables with a satay sauce). For those who do not eat meat, Indonesian cooking uses a lot of tofu and tempeh (soybeans), we also provide for some of western dishes. Breakfasts are varied and include pancakes, fresh fruit, toast etc. Tea, coffee and purified water is available at the house. We do not recommend that you drink the tap water.
Please inform us of any dietary restrictions or intolerances during your application. However, we need to stress the point that you should not expect to eat as you normally do at home. We will do our best to see that you are well taken care of, but also as a volunteer, there is a need to be flexible and accommodating to the local food.
Please note all meals are served at the Green Lion Centre in buffet style.
What to Bring
- Sarong for temple visits
- Clothing that covers your shoulders and knees (for the temple and school)
- Shoes and sandals or hiking boots, hat, sunglasses and sunscreen
- Raincoat or umbrella (the rainy season in Indonesia is around March)
- Mosquito protection
- Malaria precautions
- Medicines as you think necessary
- New or secondhand books or games to donate to the Balinese Kids' Centre
