Where
Nusa Penida, Bali
When
Departures every week, all year round (excluding holiday closures)
Duration
From 1 week
Accommodation
Shared or private rooms in the volunteer house, with meals included
Language
Basic English is enough
Ideal for
Anyone who enjoys spending time around animals and being out in nature
Project details
A small centre helping turtles, supported by the local community
On Nusa Penida, a small conservation centre works every day to give sea turtles a better chance, in a place where plastic, fishing pressure and climate change keep stacking the odds against them.
The project started back in 2013 thanks to a group of locals, with the aim of protecting nests, caring for injured turtles and getting the community involved. Since then, that local engagement has cut turtle poaching dramatically.
Living on the island, you'll help out hands-on: feeding the turtles, cleaning the tanks, monitoring growth, and if you're lucky, walking hatchlings down to the sea. Practical, simple work that connects you closely to marine life and the rhythm of the ocean.
The project started back in 2013 thanks to a group of locals, with the aim of protecting nests, caring for injured turtles and getting the community involved. Since then, that local engagement has cut turtle poaching dramatically.
Living on the island, you'll help out hands-on: feeding the turtles, cleaning the tanks, monitoring growth, and if you're lucky, walking hatchlings down to the sea. Practical, simple work that connects you closely to marine life and the rhythm of the ocean.
Take part in a marine conservation project on Nusa Penida
A small centre helping turtles, supported by the local community
On Nusa Penida, a small conservation centre works every day to give sea turtles a better chance, in a place where plastic, fishing pressure and climate change keep stacking the odds against them.
The project started back in 2013 thanks to a group of locals, with the aim of protecting nests, caring for injured turtles and getting the community involved. Since then, that local engagement has cut turtle poaching dramatically.
Living on the island, you'll help out hands-on: feeding the turtles, cleaning the tanks, monitoring growth, and if you're lucky, walking hatchlings down to the sea. Practical, simple work that connects you closely to marine life and the rhythm of the ocean.
The project started back in 2013 thanks to a group of locals, with the aim of protecting nests, caring for injured turtles and getting the community involved. Since then, that local engagement has cut turtle poaching dramatically.
Living on the island, you'll help out hands-on: feeding the turtles, cleaning the tanks, monitoring growth, and if you're lucky, walking hatchlings down to the sea. Practical, simple work that connects you closely to marine life and the rhythm of the ocean.
Why participate
Make a real difference on the ground
Take part in the day-to-day care and rehabilitation of sea turtles, supporting their survival and the wider marine ecosystem.
Why participate
Make a real difference on the ground
Take part in the day-to-day care and rehabilitation of sea turtles, supporting their survival and the wider marine ecosystem.
Live alongside locals and volunteers from around the world
Share the experience with an international team of volunteers and the local staff, building real connections and cultural exchange along the way.
The Weekly Program
Weekdays
From Monday to Friday, your days are split between hands-on work at the conservation centre, learning sessions and free time by the sea.
The mix changes each day: turtle care, cleaning the tanks, food collection and small environmental awareness activities, always with the local team on hand.
07:00Breakfast and getting ready for the day
08:30Cleaning the tanks and prepping food for the turtles
10:30Collecting seaweed and natural food along the coast
12:00Lunch and time to relax
15:30Beach clean-ups and community awareness activities
18:30Dinner, evening activities or free time: bonfire night, yoga, group games
Weekend
Weekends are free of set activities. You can explore the area, plan a short trip, or just take it easy with the other volunteers.
Snorkelling at Crystal Bay
Swim among colourful corals, sea turtles and tropical fish in one of the island's loveliest bays.
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FAQs
During your stay on Nusa Penida you'll be based at our volunteer centre in Ped Village, a welcoming place a few minutes from the main port, set in tropical surroundings and a short walk from some of the island's nicest beaches. The house is set up for comfort, safety and easy socialising, with simple but well-kept spaces where you can wind down after a day at the conservation centre.
Rooms are shared (4–6 people), separated by gender, with air conditioning, fans and a private bathroom with hot showers. Each room has a key and personal lockers for your things. The common areas (dining room, lounge, pool and terraces) are the heart of the place: where everyone meets up, hangs out and spends downtime together.
Meals are served on site: breakfast, lunch and dinner on weekdays; brunch and dinner at the weekend. The food is simple, local and made fresh every day. Wi-Fi is available in the common areas, but we'd recommend picking up a local SIM (Telkomsel or XL Axiata) for a steadier connection during your stay.
🔥 The week also has evening bits going on: beach barbecues, film nights, sports, group games, and the chance to attend Balinese ceremonies and learn about local traditions.
🛏️ What's included:
- Shared rooms with a private bathroom
- Air conditioning, fans and personal lockers
- 3 meals a day on weekdays, 2 at the weekend
- Pool on site for downtime
- Common spaces set up for socialising or resting
- Wi-Fi in common areas (a local SIM is recommended for a steady connection)
- Airport transfer and ferry to the island
- 24/7 support from the local team
- Themed evenings and group events
- Safe environment: gated property, on-site staff and a quiet location
The accommodation is more than a place to sleep: it's a proper shared base where friendships, conversations and lasting memories tend to take shape. Simple, with the energy of people from all over the world coming together for the same reason.
Rooms are shared (4–6 people), separated by gender, with air conditioning, fans and a private bathroom with hot showers. Each room has a key and personal lockers for your things. The common areas (dining room, lounge, pool and terraces) are the heart of the place: where everyone meets up, hangs out and spends downtime together.
Meals are served on site: breakfast, lunch and dinner on weekdays; brunch and dinner at the weekend. The food is simple, local and made fresh every day. Wi-Fi is available in the common areas, but we'd recommend picking up a local SIM (Telkomsel or XL Axiata) for a steadier connection during your stay.
🔥 The week also has evening bits going on: beach barbecues, film nights, sports, group games, and the chance to attend Balinese ceremonies and learn about local traditions.
🛏️ What's included:
- Shared rooms with a private bathroom
- Air conditioning, fans and personal lockers
- 3 meals a day on weekdays, 2 at the weekend
- Pool on site for downtime
- Common spaces set up for socialising or resting
- Wi-Fi in common areas (a local SIM is recommended for a steady connection)
- Airport transfer and ferry to the island
- 24/7 support from the local team
- Themed evenings and group events
- Safe environment: gated property, on-site staff and a quiet location
The accommodation is more than a place to sleep: it's a proper shared base where friendships, conversations and lasting memories tend to take shape. Simple, with the energy of people from all over the world coming together for the same reason.
Your safety is something we take seriously.
Each programme is monitored carefully, from the conservation centre where you'll be working to the volunteer house, so you can settle in to a welcoming and well-supported environment.
🔹 Background checks and safe spaces
To keep children and local communities safe, every participant is asked to provide a criminal record check (DBS or equivalent) before travelling.
We'll send you clear instructions on how to request it.
🔹 Trusted local partners
We only work with conservation centres and community partners that regularly host volunteers from around the world, in well-organised settings. The volunteer accommodation is in a safe area, with lockable rooms and the local team always on hand.
🔹 24/7 support
From your arrival at the airport through to the end of the programme, you can count on the local staff being available, evenings and weekends included. Our UK team is also reachable on WhatsApp whenever you need us.
🔹 Briefing and orientation
On your first day you'll join an orientation session covering Balinese culture, the practical basics, and a guided walk around the area. It's the best way to get the lay of the land and start the experience confidently.
🔹 A few sensible habits
Bali is a welcoming and friendly island, but a few simple habits go a long way:
- Avoid going out on your own at night.
- Travel with other volunteers when you can.
- Always follow your local coordinator's advice on areas and transport.
💡 Our aim
is to give you a safe, well-supported environment, so you can focus on what really matters: spending time, sharing skills and learning alongside the local community.
Each programme is monitored carefully, from the conservation centre where you'll be working to the volunteer house, so you can settle in to a welcoming and well-supported environment.
🔹 Background checks and safe spaces
To keep children and local communities safe, every participant is asked to provide a criminal record check (DBS or equivalent) before travelling.
We'll send you clear instructions on how to request it.
🔹 Trusted local partners
We only work with conservation centres and community partners that regularly host volunteers from around the world, in well-organised settings. The volunteer accommodation is in a safe area, with lockable rooms and the local team always on hand.
🔹 24/7 support
From your arrival at the airport through to the end of the programme, you can count on the local staff being available, evenings and weekends included. Our UK team is also reachable on WhatsApp whenever you need us.
🔹 Briefing and orientation
On your first day you'll join an orientation session covering Balinese culture, the practical basics, and a guided walk around the area. It's the best way to get the lay of the land and start the experience confidently.
🔹 A few sensible habits
Bali is a welcoming and friendly island, but a few simple habits go a long way:
- Avoid going out on your own at night.
- Travel with other volunteers when you can.
- Always follow your local coordinator's advice on areas and transport.
💡 Our aim
is to give you a safe, well-supported environment, so you can focus on what really matters: spending time, sharing skills and learning alongside the local community.
🧭 Orientation day on Nusa Penida
Your time here starts with a full day of orientation, a chance to settle in, get to know the local context and start the project safely, confidently and as part of a group.
📅 Your first Monday is led by our local team, between the volunteer house and the conservation centre. A good moment to break the ice, meet the others and get ready for the days ahead.
During the day:
- Welcome meeting and introduction to the local team
- House rules and what to expect from the programme
- Safety briefing: health, getting around the island, looking after the environment
- A short introduction to Balinese culture and local customs
- A few first words in Bahasa Indonesia for chatting with the community
- Walk around the area: local shops, ATMs, useful spots and SIM cards
- Group lunch to start building connections
- First activity at the Turtle Centre: feeding the turtles and getting comfortable with the work
- Welcome evening with a documentary on sea turtles
Orientation is more than just a briefing: it's when your time here really starts, when you meet the people you'll share it with and get a proper feel for the project.
📌 From Tuesday you'll be into the activities at full pace, and by day one you'll already feel part of the community.
Your time here starts with a full day of orientation, a chance to settle in, get to know the local context and start the project safely, confidently and as part of a group.
📅 Your first Monday is led by our local team, between the volunteer house and the conservation centre. A good moment to break the ice, meet the others and get ready for the days ahead.
During the day:
- Welcome meeting and introduction to the local team
- House rules and what to expect from the programme
- Safety briefing: health, getting around the island, looking after the environment
- A short introduction to Balinese culture and local customs
- A few first words in Bahasa Indonesia for chatting with the community
- Walk around the area: local shops, ATMs, useful spots and SIM cards
- Group lunch to start building connections
- First activity at the Turtle Centre: feeding the turtles and getting comfortable with the work
- Welcome evening with a documentary on sea turtles
Orientation is more than just a briefing: it's when your time here really starts, when you meet the people you'll share it with and get a proper feel for the project.
📌 From Tuesday you'll be into the activities at full pace, and by day one you'll already feel part of the community.
For an easy start, we'd recommend booking your flight into Denpasar International Airport (DPS), arriving on a Sunday between 06:00 and 12:00.
That's when our free pickup and transfer runs.
🗓️ Sunday arrivals (meeting points and pickup times)
If you're making your own way, you can meet our staff at one of these meeting points:
13:00 → Denpasar International Airport (DPS), at the International Arrival Flight Information Centre
13:00 → Bintang Supermarket, Ubud (main entrance)
14:30 → Sanur Harbour (main entrance)
📌 Useful info on arrival
If you arrive on Saturday or outside the times above, you can book a private pickup and an extra night for a small supplement.
As soon as you book your flight, send us your arrival time, flight number and airline so we can help arrange the right pickup.
At the airport, our local rep will be waiting with a sign with your name. If you can't spot them straight away, stay at the meeting point and call the coordinators on the number we'll send you.
We'd strongly recommend picking up a local SIM so you can stay in touch with the team, the other volunteers and people back home.
🚤 Transfer to Nusa Penida
From the meeting point you'll be taken to Sanur Harbour, where you'll meet our transfer coordinator. From there it's the ferry to Nusa Penida, where the local team will be waiting to take you to your accommodation. The whole journey takes about 1 hour 30 minutes (car plus ferry).
🛫 Heading home: return flight tips
When the project finishes, check-out from the accommodation is by 11:00 on the Saturday morning (12:00 at the latest). The transfer back to Denpasar isn't included: you take the ferry from Nusa Penida to Sanur, then a taxi to the airport. We'd suggest booking your return flight no earlier than Saturday afternoon, allowing about 1 hour 30 minutes for the full journey.
A note on traffic: aim to be at the airport at least 2 hours before your flight, with extra buffer for traffic and check-in.
⚠️ Early or late arrivals
If you arrive early (e.g. Saturday): you can stay overnight in Sanur on your own, then join the group on Sunday at Sanur Harbour at 14:30.
If you arrive later than planned (Sunday after 13:00): you can stay overnight in Sanur, collect your ticket on Monday morning at 08:30 from Maruti Boat Express (Sanur Harbour), and make your own way to Nusa Penida on the booked ferry.
🗓️ Carrying on with your trip elsewhere?
Let us know in advance and we'll share useful tips so your departure goes smoothly.
💡 Once your booking is confirmed
We'll email you a detailed pre-departure pack with all the practical info and emergency contacts.
That's when our free pickup and transfer runs.
🗓️ Sunday arrivals (meeting points and pickup times)
If you're making your own way, you can meet our staff at one of these meeting points:
13:00 → Denpasar International Airport (DPS), at the International Arrival Flight Information Centre
13:00 → Bintang Supermarket, Ubud (main entrance)
14:30 → Sanur Harbour (main entrance)
📌 Useful info on arrival
If you arrive on Saturday or outside the times above, you can book a private pickup and an extra night for a small supplement.
As soon as you book your flight, send us your arrival time, flight number and airline so we can help arrange the right pickup.
At the airport, our local rep will be waiting with a sign with your name. If you can't spot them straight away, stay at the meeting point and call the coordinators on the number we'll send you.
We'd strongly recommend picking up a local SIM so you can stay in touch with the team, the other volunteers and people back home.
🚤 Transfer to Nusa Penida
From the meeting point you'll be taken to Sanur Harbour, where you'll meet our transfer coordinator. From there it's the ferry to Nusa Penida, where the local team will be waiting to take you to your accommodation. The whole journey takes about 1 hour 30 minutes (car plus ferry).
🛫 Heading home: return flight tips
When the project finishes, check-out from the accommodation is by 11:00 on the Saturday morning (12:00 at the latest). The transfer back to Denpasar isn't included: you take the ferry from Nusa Penida to Sanur, then a taxi to the airport. We'd suggest booking your return flight no earlier than Saturday afternoon, allowing about 1 hour 30 minutes for the full journey.
A note on traffic: aim to be at the airport at least 2 hours before your flight, with extra buffer for traffic and check-in.
⚠️ Early or late arrivals
If you arrive early (e.g. Saturday): you can stay overnight in Sanur on your own, then join the group on Sunday at Sanur Harbour at 14:30.
If you arrive later than planned (Sunday after 13:00): you can stay overnight in Sanur, collect your ticket on Monday morning at 08:30 from Maruti Boat Express (Sanur Harbour), and make your own way to Nusa Penida on the booked ferry.
🗓️ Carrying on with your trip elsewhere?
Let us know in advance and we'll share useful tips so your departure goes smoothly.
💡 Once your booking is confirmed
We'll email you a detailed pre-departure pack with all the practical info and emergency contacts.
Book your spot
1
Send your application (free)
Pick the project you like the look of and tell us when you'd like to travel. No commitment, the application is free and non-binding.
2
Meet your coordinator
After your application, we'll put you in touch with your dedicated coordinator. They'll walk you through everything and answer your questions.
3
Confirm your spot
When you're ready, pay the deposit to lock in your spot. You'll get everything you need: local contacts, a visa guide and your pre-trip pack.
4
Off you go
Pack your bag and travel. On arrival you'll find other travellers like you, a welcoming local team, and a trip you'll be talking about for a while.
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