Bali wildlife rescue volunteers help to care for a variety of different species of animals as well as working to restore key environments in Bali such as beaches and mangrove forests. Volunteers help enrich and improve the wellbeing of animals at the wildlife rehabilitation centre, get involved in opportunities focusing on environmental sustainability, plastic pollution and increasing awareness in the local communities.
WILDLIFE RESCUE & ENVIRONMENTAL PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS
CONTRIBUTE TOWARDS THE UN'S DEVELOPMENT GOAL NO.15 – LIFE ON LAND
HELP TO CARE FOR ENDANGERED SPECIES IN INDONESIA
SUPPORT THE REHABILITATION & WELLBEING OF DISPLACED ANIMALS
STRUCTURED WEEKEND TRIPS TO THE GILI ISLANDS & UBUD
EXPERIENCE THE FRIENDLINESS & BEAUTY OF TRADITIONAL BALINESE CULTURE
BACKGROUND TO THE WILDLIFE & ENVIRONMENTAL PROGRAM
Indonesia is home to hundreds of different species of animals, many of which find themselves dispersed by deforestation whilst the country expands its exporting of goods, such as palm oil and rubber. As a result, there are now seven centres in the whole of the country that rehabilitate and care for these displaced animals.
PMGY Bali volunteers will gain great insight and opportunity to join in on the care of these animals at the wildlife centre. In addition, they will also work alongside people who are passionate about teaching and sharing local practices whilst taking care of some of Bali’s vital ecosystems.
As a volunteer in Bali you will gain experience across all of our project networks in wildlife and conservation. During your time you will participate in several of the many projects we work in and learn about a wide variety of topics.
Wildlife Rescue Centre - Within the centre, you will find a range of animals that were victims of poachers and traffickers. The primates and birds looked after have usually been rescued from markets, private homes and businesses where they were kept as pets or for entertainment purposes. This is a huge problem in Indonesia, displacing wild animals from their natural habitats and separating them from their families. Most importantly, these animals need extra care, attention and enrichment in order to improve their well-being and daily lives.
The focus here is on the daily care, well-being and rehabilitation of many different species, with the goal to release them back into the wild if they are healthy and equipped with the necessary skills to survive. It is important to note that many of these animals will not make it back into the wild due to the trauma they have experienced and consequently their lack of survival skills. In these cases, we work to maintain the highest quality of life possible for the animal creating enrichment.
This wildlife centre is the only one of its kind in the area, therefore the range of animals can be quite wide depending on rescue needs at the time. Animals can be brought to the centre without warning and therefore you will see how they must adapt to provide the best enclosure and space possible for that specific animal. Within the centre you may see Saltwater Crocodile, Sea Eagles, Sun Bear, Starling Birds, Grey-Headed Fish Eagle, Asian Palm Civet, Bear Cat, Palm Cockatoo and more. The Program Fee involved helps provide upkeep and care for these beautiful creatures.
Beach Cleans - Did you know a plastic straw takes one minute to manufacture, will be used for ten, before being disregarded and taking hundreds of years to decompose? Millions of plastic straws are found on the beaches of Bali every year and they are just one of the many items that are littered and washed ashore on this island and across national parks every single day.
Plastic pollution is becoming a huge problem worldwide and our Bali volunteers aim to fight the battle against this environmental catastrophe. Our team promotes this by hosting regular beach and forest cleans with our volunteers and the local community. Every day, our volunteers visit different areas to collect disregarded items, before correctly disposing and recycling these.
The processing of litter and waste in Bali is a developing system. Education on how to dispose of different materials in an efficient and eco friendly way is in the early stages of development in Bali and having volunteers to collect and recycle waste is a great way of leading by example; helping to promote a permanent change in the way they dispose of household waste in their daily lives. In addition, we also work with local people to create an even bigger impact, by educating them about environmental conservation and recycling. Above all, education and awareness is a crucial factor in encouraging a sustainable lifestyle to tackle this global issue.
Mangrove Conservation - Mangrove forests are an essential part of our worlds eco system. Indonesia is particularly vulnerable to the rising sea levels linked to global warming. These vital plants stabilizes Bali’s coastlines and plays a large role in protecting the island from storm surges.
Volunteers work to restore existing mangroves, which have been affected by deforestation, climate change and littering. Our conservation volunteers work directly with the locals to educate the villagers about maintaining ecosystems and environmental conservation. As a result, the knowledge will pass on from generation to generation. Such activities include planting mangroves, cultivating new plants and picking up litter to keep them thriving. This is another important way to raise awareness and support sustainable development across the world during your Bali volunteer program.
AREC Centre - This is a developing project which houses some domestic animals in the hope to have them adopted in the future. The land here is also used to grow different types of fruits and vegetables to support the local community and help to educate them on healthier eating and lifestyles. Here you will help to train dogs and ensure they have the means to live a healthy life, create enriching and safe spaces for other animals and learn how to farm numerous plants and natural areas.
YOUR VOLUNTEER ROLE & TYPICAL WORK DAY
As a wildlife volunteer in Bali, you will rotate across several of the projects and locations we work in, gaining a wide range of insight into the many ways volunteers can make an impact during their time on the program. The daily shifts will vary depending on each project. While on the project you will work alongside other staff members who have years of experience on each project.
Transport to and from the projects are included in your Program Fee. The beach cleans are about 20 minutes away by bemo, the mangrove restoration is about an hour away so you will be transported by private car and the wildlife centre is 5 minutes away by bemo.
In general, Bali wildlife rescue volunteers are expected to work for around 3-5 hours per day from Monday-Thursday. The activities you will get involved in during your time on the volunteer in Bali projects include:
Feeding – These animals are fed based on the species and time of year. For instance, the crocodiles are fed two times a week with things like chicken or duck, while monkeys are fed daily with fruits. You will be able to cut and prepare meals based on the species you are working with and learn about the types of food that are best.
Enrichment – Many of these animals are endangered and have come from the loss of their native habitat or poor treatment in the black market. Their displacement often leaves these animals irritable and at times depressed, causing them to have poor eating habits or behaviour. Your time interacting with them and coaching them on things such as eating, foraging, play or social interaction with other animals is imperative. Over time these animals may just learn to trust you and in turn, you could find one of those pretty Parakeets on your forearm.
Enclosure Cleaning – These enclosures are made for each animal based on the feedback of the veterinarian during the first assessment. You may find the enclosures to be small, but some animals who are irritable and find it more comfortable to be in smaller spaces. Over time the enclosures will be expanded and eventually, they will be released back into the wild. The crocodiles tend to need the brush cleared back to keep them from being confined to one area, so an example of this upkeep would be cutting the brush back, while the staff keep the crocodile occupied. In the bird enclosures, the branches and chains may need to be replaced and cleaned as they begin to rot. If you are comfortable they will let you clean and make repairs in the enclosure with these beauties flying all around you!
Maintenance – The rescue centre is a great place, but with limited funding, it could do with some tender loving care. Volunteers will be asked to help with creating a better atmosphere for the animals by clearing up the grounds. While you are doing a bit of upkeep this can include fixing the hinges on enclosure doors, relining the fencing, adding new gating on the enclosure, repairing the habitats or cleaning the grounds of rubbish and weeds. Beach cleans are an integral part of keeping Bali’s coastlines pristine, you will be collecting and properly disposing trash that litters Bali’s beaches and forests.
OTHER THINGS TO CONSIDER VOLUNTEERING WITH WILDLIFE IN BALI
Major Holiday Destination - With Bali being our most touristy destination we often find that volunteers would like to travel as part of their trip to Indonesia. Being in a more affluent and holiday destination means that our volunteers often do not feel as engaged in the project work as much as they can in more developing locations such as Ghana, Tanzania and India where they feel a clearer need for international volunteers. Therefore we recommend participants to potentially sign up to volunteer for a shorter period to allow the chance to potentially travel as part of their experience and if the volunteer project is of particular importance then to perhaps consider a more high impact location.
Alternative Wildlife Programs – The Bali wildlife and environmental program provides an entry level role into conservation activities and an introductory volunteer experience. If you are looking for a short program with a high travel element and a more diluted volunteer role then this project works well for the majority of participants. However, if you are looking for a more focused-volunteer role and want to get more involved in conservation efforts then we would recommend you look at alternative PMGY wildlife projects such as Thailand, Greece or South Africa. We find participants in these locations are able to contribute more, get a lot more from the overall volunteer experience and are still able to travel over the weekends.
Weekends - Your project work in Bali runs from Monday-Thursday and weekends are free (Friday-Sunday). You are welcome to relax and hang out at the volunteer accommodation but most participants will use this time to travel and explore the country. As a result, you can check out our Bali Weekend Travel Guide for top tips on how to spend your weekend. We also run two separate weekend trips which you can sign-up to before you depart for Bali. We offer the Gili Paradise Island Trip along with the Ubud Trip with opportunities running every month.
CHOOSING A VOLUNTEER TRIP
Can people from outside of the UK or USA volunteer with PMGY?
Of course! Although PMGY was founded in the UK, with offices now extending between the UK and US, we welcome participants of all nationalities onto our programs. Within the last decade, we have hosted tens of thousands of volunteers from across the globe. From France to Italy, Mexico to India, Namibia to Russia and Ireland to China – these are only a handful of the countries volunteers have joined us from! We want everyone from across the world to have an equal opportunity at experiencing a different perspective on life, and make friends across the world.
Why are PMGY’s fees so much more affordable than other organisations?
The PMGY International Team works hard to ensure that our fees are kept as low as possible. Consequently, this makes our experiences affordable and accessible without sacrificing the safety and quality of the overall experience.
Registration Fees to join our programs are assigned to the high levels of comprehensive support that we are renowned for. This includes telephone and online support staff available 24 hours each day, as well as detailed hand-guides and interactive webinars. Therefore, the remaining Program Fees to join the program go directly to our in-country teams, covering everything for your time volunteering. In general, these fees are reflected in your accommodation, meals, airport pick-up, in-country support and project upkeep during your time abroad. Furthermore, we make sure our fees are transparent, which is something our volunteers really appreciate.
Similar organisations offer fancy brochures, run large high-street offices and are usually owned by larger travel organisations with many shareholders. As a result, participants are charged an extremely high price to cover all of these overheads. Therefore, at PMGY, we have embraced the online age by focusing everything around an online presence. We have done away with out-dated brochures, an unnecessary high street presence and we are an independent organisation without any outside financial interests.
What are the requirements to volunteer in Bali?
PMGY welcomes Bali wildlife rescue volunteers of all nationalities, religions and backgrounds. The minimum age to join the program is 17 and there is no upper age limit. Furthermore, all volunteers need to have a good level of English, although it does not need to be your first language. Of course, you do not need to speak Balinese. However, you will find that learning a few words in your days with us in Bali will go a long way.
Each Bali wildlife rescue volunteer must be able to provide a clean criminal background check in advance of volunteering with us abroad. Thus, we are unable to accept anyone who has any previous criminal convictions. In general, no formal experience or qualifications are required for the projects, just lots of energy, enthusiasm and preparation! However, medical and healthcare projects usually require additional documentation before participation begins in-country.
Volunteering overseas can be both physically and mentally challenging. Therefore, all participants must be fit in both areas. Consequently, if you have any medical/mental health conditions that may affect your participation overseas, then these must be declared to us during your online application. If you have any queries regarding your suitability to participate, we recommend that you contact us before committing to the program.
What date should I arrive and leave the Bali volunteer program?
For your volunteer trip to Bali, you should book your flights to Ngurah Rai International Airport in Denpasar on the Sunday start date. The airport code is DPS. You will be met at the airport by a member of the local team or an appointed driver, who will be holding a named sign. They will take you to your accommodation where you will spend the rest of your day at leisure.
The program ends on the Saturday of your final week. Therefore, you must depart the accommodation on this day.
When is the best time of year to volunteer in Bali?
Feedback from each Bali wildlife rescue volunteer often suggests that it is best to join a PMGY project outside the European summer months. This is since June-August tends to be when we have peak numbers at each of our projects and volunteer accommodations. Conversely, outside of these months, there is typically the greatest opportunity to become fully immersed in the project and within the local community.
Are there any age restrictions to be a volunteer in Bali?
In order to join as a Bali wildlife rescue volunteer, you need to be at least 17 on the program start date. Typically in Bali we find 85% of PMGY volunteers are aged between 17-22 years old and this destination attracts the youngest average across all our destinations.
There is no upper age limit to our programs, and in the past, we have hosted participants up to the age of 70-years old. Whilst we have found that our more mature participants get a lot from the experience, at times individuals have found it more challenging to integrate with a younger crowd. Furthermore, some participants have perhaps expected a higher level of accommodation, the structure within the local community, and general overall communication at the project setup. Consequently, whilst we welcome volunteers of all ages, we stress that all participants should remain open-minded and flexible. Additionally, participants must appreciate that the majority of our participants are across the 17-22 age range.
When should I apply to be a Bali wildlife rescue volunteer?
For the majority of our programs, you can apply at any time. However, we advise that you apply as soon as possible to ensure we have availability on the program. This is since some of our programs only have limited capacity, meaning that spaces get filled very quickly. Therefore, it is particularly important that you apply in good time if you’re looking to travel between our peak period of June and August. This is because spaces can fill up very quickly during this period. Furthermore, please only apply if you are 100% committed to joining the program. You need to apply online by locating the “Apply Now” button on the individual project page. This will guide you through our online Application Process.
Indeed, once you have applied and confirmed your place on the program, it may be possible to change your start dates and this will not incur a fee. However, please note that this will be subject to availability and any changes should be made at least 60 days prior to your start date.
What duration would you recommend to volunteering for?
Based on feedback from previous Bali wildlife rescue volunteers, we believe that 2-3 weeks is the ideal amount of time to volunteer in Bali. Consequently, this means you have enough time to integrate into the local community and really get involved in a project. For one thing, you will be able to make a positive impact on community development. Additionally, you will have a greater opportunity to explore during your weekends. A Bali wildlife rescue volunteer who joins us for 1 week frequently tells us that this was long enough and wish they had stayed for longer!
While our programs are available for a long duration and we’d love for people to join us for longer periods of time, we only allow people to initially sign up for a maximum of 4 weeks for this particular project. In the past, we have had volunteers commit to longer periods and then prefer to shorten it in order to do independent travel or switch to a different program. Therefore, we recognise that a degree of flexibility is best applied as program fees are nonrefundable once committed. Once you have arrived and find that you are really enjoying the program, you would be more than welcome to extend your placement. This is subject to availability at the time of extension.
For those looking to potentially join us for a longer period, we recommend checking out our Encounter Programs that offer a 2-4 week stay across 3-10 destinations.
Can I volunteer abroad with my friend/parent/boyfriend/girlfriend?
You’re more than welcome to travel and volunteer with friends, family members or with a boyfriend/girlfriend. If required, we can make sure that you stay in the same accommodation and volunteer for the same project. However, please note the majority of our volunteer accommodation is on a single-sex basis. Consequently, we cannot guarantee that you would be able to be placed in the same room.
Please outline in the ‘Special Requirements’ box of your online application if you’d like to make sure you’re placed alongside another applicant/s.
Is it safe to travel to PMGY destinations?
Although our volunteers work in the developing world, we work hard to ensure that our host locations are safe. Firstly, volunteer safety in each of our destinations is monitored regularly. Each of our volunteer programs has been inspected by a member of the PMGY International Team. Additionally, PMGY closely follows advice published by the UK’s Foreign and Commonwealth Office. Alongside the frequent contact we have with our local teams, we are able to ensure that our volunteers are never placed in unstable or unsafe regions.
The PMGY International Team have visited and participated in every program we offer. Thus, we have carefully inspected every little detail of our set-up, from the living conditions to local neighbourhoods and even the food you’ll be eating. Through these checks, we are able to ensure that all of our projects are up to scratch. Furthermore, all of our local teams are experienced development professionals, with years of experience hosting international volunteers. They are PMGY’s representatives on the ground and assist volunteers 24/7 throughout their stay. Our teams are therefore always on-hand to assist in any emergencies that may occur. Additionally, our 24 hour international emergency telephone line is always accessible. PMGY’s in-country staff also have access to local medical professionals should these be required during a participant’s time with us.
When you join as a Bali wildlife rescue volunteer, we will send you a Volunteer Handbook. This document addresses a range of issues such as health, safety, visas and dress codes. For any unanswered or specific questions, PMGY offers a comprehensive support network, with online and telephone support staff available 24 hours each day. Our advisers welcome participants to ask as many questions as needed for them to effectively prepare for their trip overseas. On a monthly basis, our International Team also hosts both an Introductory Webinar and Safety Webinar. These are interactive opportunities for international volunteers to learn more about our projects and managing their safety overseas.
When you arrive in-country, you’ll be given a comprehensive introduction to the general volunteer program and your specific project. During this session, our team will also cover important safety advice specific to your country. You’ll also be given the opportunity to purchase a local SIM-card. This is something we strongly suggest, so you’re contactable at all times. In like manner, we will provide you with a full list of the important contact numbers that you’ll need to know.
Although we cannot guarantee your volunteer experience to be 100% trouble-free we have taken all the necessary precautions to make sure each program is as safe as possible.
When do I pay for my volunteer program? Can I pay in instalments?
In order to confirm your place as a Bali wildlife rescue volunteer, you need to pay a deposit of 249 USD. The remaining fee is then due no less than 60 days prior to your program start date. During this period if you need to make a change to your trip (destination, program or date) then this can be facilitated free of charge. If you’re applying within 60 days of your program start date then you’ll need to pay the full amount to confirm your place. Likewise, in the unlikely event that we are unable to offer you a place on the program then your payment will be refunded in full within 48 hours of applying.
Payments made in advance of the 45 day window can be made in one lump sum or in several instalments. Payments can be made directly through our website using all major debit and credit cards. We will outline instructions to make payment in our email communication with you. Please note credit card payments are subject to a 5% additional fee to cover the bank charges that PMGY incur. Bank transfers can be accepted by UK participants only.
Can I be a Bali wildlife volunteer as part of a university or college placement?
It is certainly possible to be a Bali wildlife rescue volunteer as part of your university or college placement. However, PMGY is unable to guarantee that the Bali wildlife rescue volunteers program will fulfil the requirements of your establishment. Therefore, participants are encouraged to speak to a member of the International Team to establish whether the required parameters can be met. This should be done in advance of applying to the program. When appropriate, school/college/university representatives are welcome to contact PMGY to discuss further the suitability of the program in meeting the participant’s requirements. In addition, we can arrange educational school trips to Bali.
First of all, the PMGY International Team are able to complete paperwork after each Bali wildlife rescue volunteer has confirmed their place on the program. Additionally, project staff in Bali can also sign-off any paperwork that is required by your course tutors. However, while our team will do their best to complete any paperwork, we are unable to guarantee that we will be able to comply with every learning objective and requirement or your university/college. In the event that your university/college do not accept the paperwork submitted by PMGY, then you will be unable to be refunded for your trip. PMGY regularly receives medical, nursing, childcare and psychology placement students on our projects globally, with ties with some leading universities.
If you’re a course tutor and would like further information about how one of PMGY’s programs could meet the placement requirements for your course, please contact us directly to schedule a meeting.
BEFORE YOU DEPART
Can I fundraise for my trip as a Bali wildlife rescue volunteer?
With PMGY, the money our volunteers pay goes towards the structure you receive on the Bali volunteer program. The fundamentals of this cover aspects such as accommodation, airport pick-ups, around the clock support from our international and in-country teams, pre-departure training as well as the implementation and monitoring of the projects.
We do our best to keep our program costs as low and affordable as possible, without sacrificing quality and safety. However, with flights, travel insurance and spending money to factor into your overall budget, you may find you need a little bit of help with the finances. Consequently, a large number of PMGY volunteers decide to fundraise for their trip. In these instances, we recommend that each Bali wildlife rescue volunteer sets up an online fundraising page to notify friends and family of your trip.
PMGY have partnered with the online crowdfunding website GoGetFunding for volunteers to create a personalised fundraising page for their trip. This professional online fundraising service allows you to set financial goals and get the message across about what you’re doing. You can also share your PMGY fundraising page across various social media platforms such as Facebook and Twitter to spread the word.
Can I raise money for the projects?
The PMGY Foundation is a UK registered charity (1169415). This charity has been created to help provide financial aid and assistance to projects we work with on an ongoing basis. Importantly, the objective of the PMGY Foundation is the prevention or relief of poverty for people living in the communities we support. This is achieved by providing or assisting the provision of education, training, healthcare and general living support. Therefore together, we hope that the support offered by the PMGY Foundation helps to enable individuals to generate a sustainable income and be self-sufficient. Consequently, donations made to the PMGY Foundation will be directed to the projects most in need. This is determined by the trustees of the charity during our International Team overseas visits.
If you are looking to help raise money directly for the PMGY Foundation, you can do so via our Virgin Money Giving fundraising page. 100% of all money raised will be donated directly to the projects we support around the world. However, please note that participants are unable to raise money through the PMGY Foundation to help finance the cost of their trip overseas. For a Bali wildlife rescue volunteer looking for further information on how to raise money for their trip abroad, please visit our fundraising page.
How do I register for your online webinars?
Every Tuesday at 4pm (London time), the PMGY International Team hosts one of four pre-departure webinars. These last approximately 45 minutes each and importantly provide volunteers in Bali with invaluable advice on their upcoming trip. The webinars are hosted by a member of our International Team, who all have extensive knowledge of our projects around the globe. You can attend (and even ask questions) from anywhere in the world, simply by logging in through your own computer. All you need is a computer, a good internet connection and a pair of headphones. In addition to this, if any family or friends would like to attend the session as well, they are more than welcome to do so.
For individuals who have not yet signed up to one of our programs, but would like to learn more about us, we encourage you to join our Introductory Webinar. Across 45 minutes, a member of the International team will introduce you to the concept of volunteering abroad, our destinations and both social and safety aspects of our programs.
For a Bali wildlife rescue volunteer who has already confirmed their volunteering role on the program, there are three for you to choose from. Please note that you need to sign up for the webinar a few days in advance.
Travel Essentials Pre-Departure Webinar – covers all the basics.
Program Preparation Webinar – covers specifically childcare and teaching community work programs.
Safety & Wellbeing Overseas Webinar – covers the risks associated with overseas travel and how you can keep as safe as possible.
Will I require vaccinations and malaria tablets for my volunteer work?
It is possible that as a Bali wildlife rescue volunteer you may require a course of vaccinations in preparation for your volunteer work in Bali. However, unfortunately, PMGY is unable to legally advise on these matters, since we are not medical experts. Therefore, it is vital that you contact your local doctor or travel clinic a few months in advance of your intended travel. Your local doctor/nurse will be able to advise you on vaccinations and malaria prevention you may need for entry into your volunteer destination. Additional information can be found on the NHS Fit For Travel website.
How do I arrange my flights to volunteer in Bali?
When you apply to be a Bali wildlife rescue volunteer, we cannot guarantee your place on the program immediately. Indeed, on receiving an application, we have to liaise with our local team to ensure there is space available on the program and to assess your suitability for the specific project. Therefore, we strongly recommend that you do not make any flight and/or travel arrangements until your program has been confirmed by us in writing. Of course, once your place as a Bali wildlife rescue volunteer has been confirmed, you are then free to book your flights either with PMGY or through a third-party travel agent.
After confirming your place on a PMGY volunteer program, we strongly advise that you book your flights as early as possible. This is since it will help ensure that you get the lowest airfare. You can choose to book your flights independently or we can help you with arranging them. PMGY has a wealth of experience in travelling to and from our host countries. Therefore, we know the most affordable ways to travel and the best airlines to use. Therefore, if you would like any assistance booking your flight, you can request an optional flight quote during your online application. Alternatively, feel free to contact us on the phone or by email.
Do you offer travel insurance?
Importantly, having an appropriate travel insurance policy during your time abroad is essential. Therefore, it is mandatory for all of our international volunteers to be appropriately covered across all of their trip dates. This includes your travel to and from the host country, as well as any onward travel. Although PMGY does everything to ensure your trip is safe, inevitably things can go wrong. Therefore, having a travel insurance policy in place helps you effectively deal with any problems you may encounter during your time away.
We have partnered up with the insurance company battleface to create an affordable and comprehensive optional policy. This has been designed with our international volunteers in mind, to cover our participants for all of their travel essentials. The policy is available to anyone across the globe, up to the age of 65 years. The document will cover you for your time on any PMGY destination and any onward travel (excluding the US and Canada). You can purchase PMGY Travel Insurance during your online application or you can contact us directly to arrange it.
How do I obtain a background check?
To become a Bali wildlife rescue volunteer, you’ll need to provide us with a clean DBS or Police Check before you travel. This is a check that must be issued by an official Governmental or Police Body. PMGY have a commitment to the projects we support to ensure the volunteers we send are trustworthy and of sound moral character. Consequently, we are unable to accept participants who have had any previous criminal convictions.
If you hold a current DBS or Police Check, then we can accept this, providing it is clear and issued no more than 18 months prior to your program start date. You will need to upload a copy of this to your online portal after confirming your place on the program. Furthermore, the DBS or Police Check must be submitted to us no less than 21 days prior to your program start date.
If you don’t have a valid DBS check, then you will need to apply for one. UK volunteers need to apply for a “Basic Disclosure” through Gov.uk (which serves all people in the UK). This costs 23 GBP and takes around 15 working days to process. Full information on how to obtain a DBS check through Gov.uk is outlined in the Volunteer Handbook, received once you have confirmed your place as a Bali wildlife rescue volunteer.
For every Bali wildlife rescue volunteer from the US, you can apply for a background check through US Criminal Checks. It costs 17.95 USD and is usually processed immediately. Alternatively, you are welcome to arrange your own background check through your local Sheriff’s Office or governmental body.
For all other international participants, we recommend you obtain a Police/Criminal Background Check through your local police station or official governmental body.
When will I receive my Volunteer Handbook?
All volunteers in Bali will receive a PMGY Volunteer Handbook once they have paid their deposit and confirmed their place on the program. We will send you an email entitled ‘Welcome to PMGY’ which will include a link where you can download the Volunteer Handbook. Please note that we do not send a hard copy of the PMGY Volunteer Handbook.
This Handbook contains everything you need to know to prepare as a Bali wildlife rescue volunteer. Ranging from what to pack to how to obtain a visa, we do our best to ensure you are ready to hit the ground running. Therefore, it is really important that you read through the Volunteer Handbook carefully once you’ve downloaded it. If you find any of your questions unanswered after reading through this, then our team are always on hand to assist you. You can contact us via email, telephone, Zoom, Facebook, online chat…whatever works best for you!
ON YOUR TRIP
Can I arrange a private room?
All of our accommodation options on the Bali volunteer program involve sharing a room with other participants (usually same-sex). Unfortunately, we are unable to arrange private room options for each Bali wildlife rescue volunteer.
Can you cater for my dietary requirements?
Our teams will do their best to cater for any dietary requirements. However, this cannot be guaranteed as a Bali wildlife rescue volunteer. Consequently, there may be instances where you need to purchase alternative ingredients at your own expense. Any dietary requirements should be noted within your application and re-iterated to the local team on arrival into the country. Importantly, any concerns for major requirements should be raised with the PMGY International Team before confirming your place on the program.
Are there any public holidays that affect project availability?
We aim to communicate as clearly and accurately as possible all holidays that impact project availability. This information can be found via our Holiday Dates page and in the Volunteer Handbook. However, due to the nature of developing countries, holidays can often be sporadic or prone to change. In turn, these can unexpectedly affect project availability. Therefore in such instances, we ask our volunteers to be flexible and appreciative of this. These periods often provide volunteers in Bali with a unique experience to enjoy the festivities and holidays themselves. However, our local teams will always do their best to find alternative project work if applicable/possible.
What is the dress code at the projects?
Dress code varies from country-to-country and sometimes from project-to-project. Importantly, we ask that our volunteers adopt a smart and responsible image during their time in the communities. Of course, we will outline the specific dress code requirements in your Volunteer Handbook so you know exactly what to pack. In addition to this, our local team will also brief you during your in-country orientation on arrival in Bali.
The general rule of thumb for girls is to cover shoulders, chest, stomach and thighs. In a like matter, for men, shorts should not lie above the knee and shirts should cover shoulders. Whilst we do not wish to impose strict regulations on our volunteers, we do ask that you respect the local culture during your travels. Moreover, dressing appropriately will earn you the respect of the people you’ll be working with. Therefore, our Volunteer Handbooks, outline preferred dress-codes in detail.
Additionally, it’s also a good idea to take some nicer clothes for the weekends and special occasions. However, please avoid tight and very short clothing. You should also avoid clothing that may have potentially offensive slogans on it. Tattoos and piercings should be covered where possible whilst you’re at your placement, particularly if you’re working with children.
How much spending money will I need?
The amount of extra spending money you should take with you as a Bali wildlife rescue volunteer can depend on a multitude of factors. Considerations include what you undertake during your free time and how many souvenirs you purchase! Therefore, if you plan to go for a safari in Tanzania or perhaps go trekking in South Africa, you will need to budget accordingly. However, for general expenses and some independent travel, you should find 100-150 USD per week a suitable amount.
Will I be able to travel whilst on the program?
You’ll have plenty of opportunities to travel during your time with PMGY. In fact, we encourage you to travel during your free time! Most of our programs have been designed so that you have weekends off. Therefore, this gives you the opportunity to explore the local area or even travel further afield within your host country. Our local coordinators will provide you with all the weekend opportunities and travel tips you need to help you plan any independent adventures. During your time as a Bali wildlife rescue volunteer, you are sure to make some travel buddies along the way!
Before booking your flights, we recommend that you look into travel opportunities across dates on either side of your volunteering placement. It is always great to spend some time travelling and seeing more of the country you wish to volunteer in. However, if you plan to travel extensively, please factor this into your flight itinerary. This is since we only encourage travel during weekends while you’re volunteering, as you have made a commitment to be a Bali wildlife rescue volunteer.
ACCOMMODATION
Volunteer House
During your time on the Bali volunteer program you will live in one of our Volunteer Houses, which are located in Tabanan. Here you will find local restaurants, convenience stores and ATMs. Tabanan is a more traditional town, so you won’t find many other tourists around. You’ll be living with other PMGY volunteers from around the world, so you’ll make plenty of friends along the way.
The accommodation is basic but comfortable with free Wi-Fi. Each room has bunk beds with up to 8 people per room in same-sex rooms. Volunteers are provided with air conditioning in the room and their own mosquito net or curtains (to avoid the mosquitos) and bed linen. Bathrooms are shared, with a shower and western style toilet. The water is often cold, but this shouldn’t be a problem if you volunteer in Bali, as the climate is hot and humid all year round!
We encourage you to bring some small padlocks and/or store any valuables within the lockers provided within the volunteer accommodation, however, volunteers are encouraged to only bring essential items during their volunteer work in Bali. There will also be fridge space available for volunteers to store any items they need to keep chilled.
International volunteers have several communal spaces to relax, hang out with new friends or prepare lesson plans if you are teaching English.
The Volunteer House is located right next to where our local team live. Although volunteers have their own private space there is still the security of living next to our host family who can assist you if need be. It is also a great way to learn more about Balinese culture, get immersed in the local community and practise your new-found language skills!
Some of our projects are within walking distance of our Volunteer House and some are not. PMGY will take you to and from your volunteer placement each day if it is not within walking distance, via minivan or private car, and the cost of this service is included in your Program Fee.
Please note during our busier times of the year we will be running multiple accommodation sites all of which are located in Tabanan. All the Volunteer Houses will provide the core features you would expect but will all have small differences in terms of location, amenities, capacity etc. Due to the popularity of our Bali programs we are unable to take specific requests in terms of the exact property you will be staying in and you are assigned a house on arrival. We are always able to accommodate friends and small groups in the same accommodation.
During your volunteer trip to Bali, you will be provided with three freshly prepared meals per day. Most meals are traditional Indonesian dishes that can be typically quite spicy. Balinese cuisine consists of a lot of rice and the meat is mainly fish or chicken – vegetarian options are always available.
There is a large choice of restaurants and local warungs (authentic, local food stalls) in Tabanan. The food on offer is traditional Balinese cuisine – typically amazing and mainly vegetarian! There may also be a western option served once or twice every week and there are restaurants serving western food available around a 20 minute walk from the Volunteer House.
* Our team will do their best to cater for any dietary requirements. However, this cannot be guaranteed. This means that there may be instances where you need to purchase alternative ingredients at your own expense. Any dietary requirements should be noted within your application and re-iterated to the local team on arrival into the country. Any concerns for major requirements should be raised with the PMGY International Team before confirming your place on the program.
COSTS INVOLVED
DURATION
PROGRAM FEE
REGISTRATION FEE
TOTAL
1 week
330 USD
249 USD
579 USD
2 weeks
570 USD
249 USD
819 USD
3 weeks
825 USD
249 USD
1,074 USD
4 weeks
1,065 USD
249 USD
1,314 USD
* These fees apply to each individual application.
In order to apply to join PMGY you are required to make your Registration Fee payment of 249 USD. In the unlikely event we are unable to offer you a place on the program then your Registration Fee will be refunded in full within 48 hours of applying. The remaining fee is then due no less than 60 days prior to your program start date. During this period if you need to make a change to your trip (destination, program or date) then this can be facilitated for an admin fee of 60 USD. Please note any changes will be subject to availability.
If you’re applying within 60 days of your program start date then you’ll need to pay the full amount to confirm your place. Likewise, in the unlikely event that we are unable to offer you a place on the program then your payment will be refunded in full within 48 hours of applying.
Any remaining payments must be made no less than 60 days prior to your start date. This payment can be made in one lump sum or in several instalments. If you chose to take our insurance or book a flight with PMGY then these must be paid for (in full) at the time of booking.
Payments can be made directly through our website using all major debit and credit cards. We will outline instructions to make payment in our email communication with you. Please note credit card payments are subject to a 5% additional fee to cover the bank charges that PMGY incur.
OPTIONAL TRIPLE CARBON OFFSET SCHEME - 55 USD
PMGY provide participants with the opportunity to contribute towards our Triple Carbon Offset Scheme. This not only helps eliminate your carbon footprint but helps the planet with a positive contribution every time you fly. The Triple Offset Idea for volunteers in Bali works as follows -
🇰🇪 Kenya - 77 mango trees are planted in Kenya. These are capable of absorbing the total carbon emissions for a volunteer trip to Bali and also help provide a sustainable income for local farmers.
🇮🇳 India - 80 days of access to a solar cooker are provided to a family in India. This means the family don't have to spend on firewood and thus reduce their dependence on trees.
🇺🇸 USA - 1.25kg of rescued meals are provided to the homeless in the USA. This recycles wasted food reduces methane emission from food waste which is equivalent to 1lb of CO2 emissions.
This optional add-on can be added during the online application process or can even be added on at a later date. The offset platform is provided by our charity, the PMGY Foundation and ensures that 100% of contributions are put towards high impact projects around the world.
I’m going the 18th Feb for this programme till 9th march x
I'm doing the childcare program for 2 weeks from the 3rd march! X
i’m doing childcare from february 18th till march 16th💗
I am but doing wildlife xx
hi guys, as someone who did the bali experience this year, the conditions they make you live in at the volunteer houses are disgusting🥰 there was feaces in the cooking pans and the blankets hardly covered your legs and you barely do any volunteering. just bare this in mind!
Me and my friend plan on going to Bali on the 16th for the wildlife program and we was wondering if we need a visa for it and if so how do we get it ? Thanks x ... See MoreSee Less
Hi I am going to Bali for Wildlife on the 21st Jan. I did some research and you can get your Visa online prior to the airport: they have them to buy at the airport too but apparently the process is really long and tedious, so I was planning on getting mine online beforehand
I am just leaving bali and here to let you know that you can get it on arrival and it’s $35 us dollars and took me about 5 minutes to get!! it is definitely the simplest option 🙂
I want to recommend looking at world packers for free volunteer positions
hi!! is anyone else planning on going to Bali during may 2024? ... See MoreSee Less
Me and my friend are hopefully going on the 6 week Real South East Asia Ecounter August 6th to September 14th 2025 to do childcare volunteering. Who else is going then? :)) ... See MoreSee Less
