Ubud is the spiritual heartland of Bali. Long known as the cradle of Balinese culture and arts, Ubud has long attracted a vibrant mix of spiritual explorers and digital nomads, with rolling green rice terraces and unspoiled jungle delivering visual experiences travelers never forget. Its beauty and culture is a prime reason why more than 3 million tourists visit the town each year. Ubud is simply a must-visit for anyone heading to Bali.
If you wish to visit Ubud, one of the best ways to experience the area is to volunteer there. Volunteering in Ubud enables you to do good while immersing yourself in local culture. While you volunteer in Ubud, you’ll have plenty of time to explore the local area. From touring the art museums to trekking through Ubud Monkey Forest, you’ll find there’s so many amazing activities right at your doorstep.
This guide for volunteering in Ubud will provide all you need to know for choosing a program and preparing for your trip. Read on to learn about what you need to do before you go, as well as find out about the great volunteer programs in Ubud.
Why Volunteer in Ubud, Bali?
The province of Bali welcomes around 500,000 international visitors per month. The destination is arguably one of the most popular in the world.
While Bali may feel like paradise, social and environmental issues still exist. For instance, while those living in poverty in Bali are lower than the rest of Indonesia, there are still an estimated 500,000+ living in poverty across the island. Plus, due to the high levels of tourism, Bali faces a water crisis, beach and forest pollution, agricultural degradation, and more.
Due to these issues, volunteers are needed in Ubud and other areas of Bali to educate disadvantaged youth, support local communities in need of infrastructure, protect local nature, and keep the water clean. There’s a lot of work that needs to be done, and you can help as a volunteer in Ubud.
This volunteer guide for Ubud explores all you need to know about volunteering in this town.
Is It Safe to Volunteer in Ubud?
“Is it safe to volunteer in Ubud, Bali?” is a question many volunteers ask. Currently, as of late 2023, according to a travel advisory issued by the US Department of State, it is generally safe (level 2) to travel to Indonesia. The Department of State advises you to exercise increased caution in certain areas due to terrorism and natural disasters, however, many areas of the country are generally deemed perfectly safe for travel. Bali, for example, is safer than other areas of Indonesia for travel and volunteering abroad.
- Looking for cheap ways to visit Bali? Read our guide on visiting Bali on a budget here.
Vaccinations for Ubud, Bali
General vaccination recommendations from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control include routine vaccines, such as vaccines for Polio, Shingles, Flu, Measles and Chickenpox. Also recommended are vaccines for:
- Hepatitis A
- Hepatitis B
- Japanese Encephalitis
- Typhoid
- Yellow Fever
- Malaria
- Rabies
Volunteering in Ubud can be a very rewarding experience. By preparing yourself beforehand, you can ensure you have the best possible experience. Getting these vaccines in order prior to departure can also help keep you healthy during your travels.
Now, read on to learn about all the volunteer opportunities in Ubud.
Volunteer Opportunities in Ubud
Ubud is one of the more popular towns in Bali for international volunteers. From construction projects to teaching English, opportunities abound.
International Volunteer HQ
Founded in 2007, International Volunteer HQ (IVHQ) is a responsible volunteer organization that’s placed more than 130,000 people on affordable projects. IVHQ connects thousands of travelers with opportunities overseas each year, enabling volunteers to work alongside local organizations and NGOs in more than 40 countries worldwide. IVHQ designs its programs to deliver sustainable value for communities and the environment. If you’re looking for affordable ways to make an impact in Bali, check out IVHQ’s volunteer programs in Ubud.
Construction and Renovation Volunteer Project in Ubud
Let’s roll up your sleeves and make a tangible impact in Ubud! IVHQ’s Construction and Renovation project enables you to gain experience and skills in building, renovation, and maintenance at community spaces and schools in the beautiful Ubud area. Tasks include painting, bricklaying, gardening, tiling and more. During free time, you can explore Ubud’s rice terraces and ancient temples.
Interested? Learn more and apply here.
Childcare Volunteer Project in Ubud
Want to help improve the future prospects of Ubud’s youth? Consider serving as a childcare volunteer. Your main responsibility will be to share valuable English language skills through games, songs, and activities. You’ll also share your culture, play with the children, and assist with setting up English classes. This program is great for those interested in education. Plus, you’ll get to fully immerse yourself in Balinese life.
Interested? Learn more and apply here.
Health Education Volunteer Project in Ubud
Have a passion for public health? As a health education volunteer in Ubud, you can teach basic health skills to children in schools. If qualified, you can help run and oversee community health campaigns. Your work will empower the local community to live healthier lives and take care of their own wellbeing. What’s also great is that you’ll get to stay in the scenic outskirts of Ubud with other volunteers.
Interested? Learn more and apply here.
GoEco
GoEco was founded in 2006 and is a leading ecotourism and volunteer company. GoEco has been recommended by major publications such as the Guardian, USA Today, and Boston Globe. To date, the organization has placed more than 20,000 volunteers in projects across 40+ countries. Known for high standards of quality and safety, GoEco carefully vets every project. They have numerous great volunteer projects in Bali, including a few in the Ubud area. Read more about opportunities to volunteer in Ubud below.
Education Volunteer Project in Ubud
Immerse yourself in the tropical paradise in Bali and gain experience teaching English. You’ll stay in the village in Ubud with fellow volunteers and your students will be elementary school age. Your volunteer work will go a long way in helping local students gain valuable English language skills. Duties include:
- Creating lesson plans
- Tutoring children
- Teaching classes
- Running sports activities
Interested? Learn more and apply here.
Culture Week & Volunteer Trip in Bali
If you want to see the most famous sights around Bali while doing some good, consider this Culture Week with GoEco. Highlights include taking a Balinese class, attending a dance show, creating traditional paintings, touring Monkey Forest Road, and visiting Bali’s famous holy water temple. During the week, you’ll also get to volunteer in Ubud, where you’ll teach in a village and help out with construction projects. This program is overall a great experience if you want to immerse yourself in Balinese culture and volunteer in Ubud.
Interested? Learn more and apply here.
Involvement Volunteers International (IVI)
Established in 1989, Involvement Volunteers International (IVI) of pioneers of overseas volunteer experiences. Together with their partners worldwide, IVI aims to educate, fight poverty, improve health and empower change through sustainable volunteer work. To date, the organization has hosted more than 25,000 volunteers from around the globe. IVI has 112 projects across 23 countries, including numerous volunteer projects in Ubud. Read below to find out about their programs.
- If you want to take time for yourself after volunteering in Ubud, IVI has a Yoga Week Program in Ubud.
Environmental Education in Ubud
Environmental conservation is crucial to securing Bali’s future. As an environmental education volunteer in Ubud, you’ll teach local primary school children on environmental awareness campaigns and get involved in hands-on activities, such as litter picking and community cleanups. Each morning, you’ll plan your lesson and get the chance to inspire the youth in Ubud.
Interested? Learn more and apply here.
Construction Volunteering in Ubud
Have a lasting impact on the local community by providing them with better living conditions. Get involved renovating local schools, libraries, playgrounds and community centers. Duties include laying bricks, carpentry, painting, laying tiles, and landscaping and gardening. This hands-on volunteer program in Ubud is a great way to make a tangible positive impact on the community in Ubud.
Interested? Learn more and apply here.
Kindergarten Teaching in Ubud
Make a real difference in the lives of children from disadvantaged villages in Bali. Get creative, have fun and be embraced by the many intrigued smiling faces as you become an important part of the local community. You’ll teach for around 3-4 hours each day. Your priority will be to help students improve English skills through games, arts, sports and music. It’s a rewarding experience where you can truly make a difference.
Interested? Learn more and apply here.
International TEFL Academy
If you wish to volunteer in Ubud long term, perhaps you should consider teaching English. Not only can you help the youth of Bali gain valuable language skills, but you can also make money and support your travels.
To prepare yourself to teach English as a foreign language in Ubud, consider International TEFL Academy (ITA) as your go-to resource. Founded in 2010, ITA provides the gold standard in TEFL certification. Each year, ITA certifies 5,000 to teach English abroad. Destinations such as Ubud are quite popular thanks to a desirable destination and solid salary and benefits.
To get certified to teach English in Ubud, ITA offers high-quality, accredited TEFL courses both online and in-person around the world. After taking the course and getting certified, ITA even provides job placement assistance. ITA will help you land a paid job teaching in Ubud where you can expect to make $1,000+ per month (plenty to live comfortably in Bali).
Learn more about teaching English in Ubud here.
Volunteer in Ubud Today!
Ubud is a terrific destination as well as a budget-friendly volunteer destination. As an area with a variety of issues, including poverty and environmental pollution, it needs volunteers to help with everything from infrastructure and education to environmental conservation.
This guide should help you get started on your volunteer adventure in Ubud. Use it as a go-to resource to find the right volunteer project and prepare for your trip. In no time, you’ll be on your way to volunteer in Ubud and have the trip of a lifetime.
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Header Image Source: https://unsplash.com/photos/green-grass-field-under-cloudy-sky-during-daytime-fmcZbzAVpN8
Nick Callos · Writer
With a BA in English Literature & Writing from Boston College, Nick researches and writes about volunteer, intern, and teach abroad programs worldwide. He has studied abroad and taught English in Chengdu, China, and aims to help fellow travelers make a lasting impact on the communities they visit.