Volunteer Programs in Indonesia

Hello! Nice to meet you! Are you ready to make a real difference? We are always looking for enthusiastic people who want to join our research team in Indonesia. You don’t need to be a shark expert or diver to join our project; we are simply looking for volunteers with a passion and commitment to marine and shark conservation. We appreciate all the unique skills that you can bring to our project and welcome people from every corner of the world. During your stay with us, you will learn how to dive or improve your dive skills and become a PADI Scientific Diver and Shark and Turtle Specialist. We teach everything you need to know about underwater roving video surveillance, coral health index surveys, coral restoration, photographic identification, roving survey dives, land & marine-based time-lapse projects, how to analyze and input data, and much more! We are an award-winning marine life conservation organization called Gili Shark Conservation. Our headquarters is based on the beautiful paradise island of Gili Air, Indonesia. Our dedicated research team, together with our amazing Shark Warriors, work all year round to promote conservation efforts through education and research.

Did you know that Green Sea Turtles are considered an endangered species? Volunteer in Bali and see how you can help save these magnificent creatures. This project aims to rescue and rehabilitate sea turtles that are gathered from local fishermen. You will be an integral member of a team that is caring for injured turtles and helping them to return to their natural environment. You will also gather data that will then be sent to a worldwide marine conservation organization. This adventure will also connect volunteers to the local Balinese community where you will educate children and teach them the importance of turtle conservation. This is a rewarding experience for anyone who wants to make a difference in marine life and help take care of injured turtles until you release them back into the wild. You are also teaching locals the importance of these precious sea turtles and encouraging them to care for their environment.

At International Volunteer HQ (IVHQ), we unite people from over 96 countries who want to make a meaningful difference while exploring the world. With 300+ projects in 40+ destinations, IVHQ offers the widest selection of volunteer programs globally—from Teaching and Childcare to Wildlife Conservation, Medical Outreach, and Environmental Sustainability. Since 2007, IVHQ has supported over 147,000 volunteers on life-changing journeys. We specialize in fully-hosted volunteer trips that are safe, affordable, and accessible—starting from just $20 per day. Your experience includes airport pick-up, accommodation, meals, and round-the-clock support from our local teams. With flexible booking options and no change fees, planning your volunteer adventure has never been easier. Our programs run year-round and are available for 1 to 24 weeks across Africa, Asia, Europe, the Pacific, South and Central America, North America, the Caribbean, and the Middle East. Volunteering with IVHQ is about more than giving back—it’s about growing, learning, and building genuine global connections.

Escape to the vibrant island of Bali, where breathtaking landscapes, rich history, and deep-rooted traditions create an unforgettable backdrop for your journey. Explore sun-kissed beaches, witness awe-inspiring sunsets, and immerse yourself in local customs and sacred ceremonies that bring Balinese culture to life. Choose your own adventure—share your language skills in the community, dive into sea turtle conservation, or kickstart your adrenaline with an action-packed adventure week. Along the way, make lasting friendships and experience the rhythm of island life from a truly local perspective. This immersive program blends cultural discovery, environmental stewardship, and personal growth. Whether you’re connecting with locals, protecting marine life, or embracing the beauty of Bali’s spiritual and natural world, every moment becomes part of an enriching journey you’ll never forget.

Looking to apply your talent and expertise to a good cause? Find a program that matches your interests and skills through Volunteer World! We are the largest volunteer abroad comparison platform around the globe, enabling you to seek and compare offers from major travel agencies as well as smaller grassroots NGOs and local specialists in more than 80 countries. All these with just one click! Find projects in wildlife, teaching, community development, and several other areas. Simply choose your desired destination and desired travel date, and our search engine will compare the best volunteer abroad programs on your behalf. Whether you wish to gain experience at a wildlife sanctuary in South Africa or teach English at a monastery in Nepal, we've got you covered. Volunteer World guarantees a quick and easy application. We will guide you through this process, as well as help plan your next meaningful trip. We provide free access to quality-checked projects and flexible options. And if anything goes wrong, we've got your back with our qualified support team and our refund guarantee.

Join this conservation program in Nusa Penida, where you will play a vital role in protecting and rehabilitating Indonesia's endangered sea turtles! Our hands-on program allows you to work alongside dedicated local teams, identifying turtle species, collecting eggs, monitoring nests, or safely accompanying baby turtles to the sea. Beyond conservation, immerse yourself in the beauty of island life. Spend your free time exploring breathtaking beaches and engaging in cultural activities. Help protect Bali's sea turtles and get ready for an unforgettable journey. This project aims to preserve the island's wildlife, meaning it is not a tourist activity and is not open to the public.

Volunteer in this project and help protect the endangered sea turtles of Indonesia. You’ll be whisked away by boat to an island 45 minutes from mainland Bali. Depending on the time of year, you’ll collect turtle population statistics, identify species, gather eggs, monitor nests, or release hatchlings into the sea. Project tasks Educate locals on the importance of environmental issues Clean, feed, and look after various turtle species Assist with beach cleaning, collecting crabs, and tidying the turtle center Learn valuable knowledge on caring for turtles and the best way to ensure these animals are looked after The project base is on the beautiful island of Nusa Penida. Think bright blue waters, private caves, a lush jungle, waterfalls, incredible marine life, and a laid-back vibe. The island offers many adventure activities, such as trekking to stunning viewpoints, diving, snorkeling, and island hopping. Participants stay in a dedicated volunteer house in the village, only five minutes from the harbor.

Volunteer to help save the wildlife of Asia in this program based in Indonesia. The Indonesian Wildlife Rescue Center is located on the exotic island of Sulawesi. This project is a rescue, rehabilitation, and release center for animals saved from the illegal wildlife trade. Without a sustainable rescue facility, authorities are not able to enforce, raid, and confiscate live animals as there are few existing transition centers. Many animals arrive in a stressed and neglected state, thus the need for rehabilitation and veterinary care to bring them back to health. The minimum age for volunteers is 18. No previous experience or qualifications are necessary, but we do require participants to be respectful and open-minded about the cultural differences they encounter in Indonesia. They must be reasonably fit as the work can be demanding under the tropical heat. The ability to speak English is required. Volunteers must have a similar ideology to the mission of the project. Wildlife trainers and those who exploit wildlife for the benefit of people are not suitable for this project.

Join us for an unforgettable journey that immerses us in Bali’s vibrant culture and the pristine natural landscapes of Northern Sumatra. Our adventure begins in Sumatra, where we explore the rainforest and observe orangutans in their natural habitat. Working alongside rangers and NGO partners, we contribute to habitat restoration efforts for not only Sumatran orangutans but also Sumatran tigers and Pygmy elephants. This hands-on experience allows us to rehabilitate vital ecosystems and deepen our understanding of wildlife conservation. Next, we transition to Northern Bali and the spiritual village of Ubud. Here, we earn our PADI SCUBA certification in the tranquil waters of Lovina before collaborating with a local marine biologist to help restore coral structures. This immersive program blends wildlife conservation with cultural experiences, making it perfect for those passionate about protecting the environment while embracing new cultures. Join us to make a real impact and create lasting memories!

Experience the beauty of Bali and volunteer in a variety of projects for a well-rounded and meaningful adventure! Make friends with Balinese youth while you develop creative lesson plans and teach English at a local elementary school. Learn about sea turtle conservation and even have the opportunity to release a baby sea turtle into the ocean. Participate in a service project with the award-winning Coral Restoration Project in Pemuteran, which utilizes innovative technology to restore and encourage healthy reef growth. In addition to these hands-on projects, discover the best Bali has to offer! Get off the beaten path and explore parts of the island most tourists don’t even know about. Open to participants finishing grades 9, 10, 11 and 12, this program is the perfect mix of culture, adventure, and community service.

Want to help save the critically endangered species of the iconic orangutan? They need your help! Samboja Lestari is an area of restored tropical rainforest where one of Indonesia's most prestigious orangutan rehabilitation and rescue centers is located. The 5,000-acre orangutan sanctuary was created with the purpose of providing a safe haven for orphaned orangutans rescued from areas of habitat loss. Without their natural habitat, animals like orangutans and sun bears face extinction. The overriding goal of this project is to reintroduce them back to secure natural habitats in order to establish new viable long-term populations to bolster the conservation of the species within the wild. Think you’re ready to make a difference and experience jungle life? Join one of our most beloved and popular volunteer projects today!

World Endeavors offers exciting programs that allow participants to experience Indonesia while meaningfully contributing to the community. Volunteers can choose from various immersive, unique, and rewarding community engagement projects like Relief & Reconstruction, Mangrove Conservation, IT Skills Training for Balinese high school students, or Komodo Dragon Conservation! Indonesia, a Southeast Asian nation made up of thousands of volcanic islands, is home to hundreds of ethnic groups speaking many different languages. It is known for its beaches, volcanoes, and jungles sheltering elephants, tigers, and Komodo dragons. Bali is an island of pristine beaches, surfing, and diving, lush mountains, never-ending rice terraces and volcanic hillsides, and spiritually infused culture.

Teaching volunteers should look no further than this wonderful program situated in the Tabanan region on the west coast of Bali. This breathtaking region features an abundance of terraced rice paddies, black sand beaches with fantastic surf, and picturesque mountains. Locals here support themselves mainly through farming and tourism, where a sound knowledge of the English language is essential for employment opportunities. This teaching program supports these wonderful but impoverished families, enabling their children to learn the skills required to enhance their futures better. Volunteers will work to provide free English language lessons to underprivileged children at a non-profit learning center. Around 60 children, ranging in age from 5 to 18 years, attend the classes. This project is a great way for international volunteers to learn more about the Balinese people and culture, teach those in need, and explore this magical location.

Embark on a 10-week journey through Australia and Bali designed to challenge, inspire, and transform. Explore wild coastlines, vibrant cultures, and rich biodiversity while gaining confidence, purpose, and lifelong friendships. Snorkel the Great Barrier Reef, surf Bali’s iconic waves, and take part in hands-on conservation and community projects led by trusted local partners. Dive into Indigenous and Balinese traditions through food, dance, and meaningful service, gaining real insight and cultural connection beyond tourism. Along the way, participate in leadership workshops, daily reflection, and immersive group experiences that support your personal growth and self-discovery. Whether you’re on a gap year, seeking an alternative to traditional study abroad, or building real-world skills for your future, this program offers a powerful combination of adventure, impact, and intentional learning. Travel with purpose—and return with clarity. Reach out to learn!

Operation Wallacea is a research and environmental organisation, working alongside university and college academics to build long-term datasets to put towards various conservation management goals. We recruit volunteers to help out with the data collection and train them in the skills and background that are needed to help effectively. There's also the option to complete dissertations or senior theses at our sites. The Indonesia projects are based on Buton Island and the nearby Wakatobi island group, and are Opwall's longest-running projects. The marine site alone has published over 90 scientific papers, and the forest site has described 21 new vertebrate species to science. The marine site also feeds data gathered from the reef monitoring programs directly back to the Indonesian government. There are a large number of ongoing projects students can get involved with, with surveys on everything from the endemic Buton macaque down to herpetofauna and invertebrate species.

Join us for the adventure of a lifetime! Volunteers For Peace (a Vermont-based nonprofit) can place you on a team of international volunteers who contribute to a meaningful community service project designed, planned, and hosted by local partners. We offer the most affordable projects and the best way to meet people from all over the world. Work project types vary by country but may include environmental and wildlife conservation, historic preservation, educational and language learning, archaeology, organic farming, and arts and festivals. We also have social services projects, which could involve working with children, the elderly, or refugees. Projects are designed to combine service with recreational activities and cultural exchange – whether by visiting local beaches, learning local dances, meeting local officials, or volunteering with residents at the place you’re visiting. Each project is unique, but all bring people together for the most meaningful travel experience imaginable. Please note that VFP can only place US Citizens. This is due to our agreements with our international partners.

Indo Ocean Project was founded in 2017 by marine biologists, dive instructors, and ocean enthusiasts from around the globe to create a standardized data collection and research diver training program in Indonesia. We collaborate with NGO’s, governments agencies, and institutions to carry out our scientific, conservation, and research goals with the help of our dive master and research diver training program. We are constantly seeking hard working ocean warriors to join our team at one of our three project locations: 1. Nusa Penida (Bali) 2. Tanjung Bira (South Sulawesi) 3. Raja Ampat (West Papua) Join our award winning program and complete internationally recognized certifications while taking an active role as a research assistant. Work alongside a team of ocean professionals and gain hands on experience in underwater research methods. Become a dive master in the heart of the coral triangle and meet like minded people from around the world. Applications are accepted year-round on rolling start dates. However, with limited spaces available we ask you to be as flexible as possible. Spots tend to fill up 4-6 months in advanced. Start your online application today.

Our Eco-Venture Expedition is more than an adventure; it’s a transformative journey into marine conservation. Immerse yourself in an underwater world, exploring colorful coral reefs, swimming with vibrant fish, discovering fascinating invertebrates, and mastering turtle identification. Our lectures will provide the knowledge needed to understand marine ecosystems, identify key species, and make a real impact. Guided by expert marine scientists, you’ll gain hands-on experience in restoration techniques and learn about the incredible biodiversity beneath the waves. No prior experience is needed—just bring your passion, and we’ll teach you everything to help protect and restore our precious reefs. At SORCE, we believe passionate individuals can create lasting change. Nestled in the Secret Gilis of Lombok, our mission is to protect and restore vibrant marine ecosystems. We’re not just explorers—we’re guardians of the ocean, dedicated to preserving its beauty and diversity.

At Livingseas, we believe that everyone deserves the opportunity to explore and contribute to the preservation of the marine ecosystem, even without prior experience. Our program is designed to accommodate novice trainees in the field of diving and conservation. You do not need to have any diving experience before joining our team. We offer comprehensive on-site training, including Open Water certification, which will allow you to dive safely and discover the underwater wonders of Bali. You will be supervised by experienced professionals who will guide you throughout your learning journey. Whether you are passionate about the ocean, nature, or environmental protection, this volunteer program is a unique opportunity to develop practical skills while living an immersive experience in Bali. At Livingseas, we believe that motivation, enthusiasm, and the ability to learn are more important than prior experience.

Volunteer in Bali, Indonesia. You can get involved in the following projects: English Education Volunteer Project With the thriving tourism in Bali, English education is becoming increasingly important for individuals pursuing professional careers.Volunteer English teachers become catalysts for student development. Their presence in the school provides students and faculty with the chance to put their English skills to practice. Kindergarten Volunteer Project Work with four- and five-year-olds from Ubud, and get the chance to go behind the scenes of Balinese culture. Volunteers learn a great deal about the family life and values of the locals in Bali, as you interact with the children, teach them English, and play with them. Working with kids is one of the most authentic cultural experiences you will ever have.