Bali, apart from being an island, is also a province of Indonesia, located in the south of the country. The province of Bali encompasses the islands of Nusa Ceningan, Nusa Lembongan, Bali, and Nusa Penida.
The official language of Bali is Indonesian, although many of its inhabitants also speak Balinese. The predominant religion is Hinduism, unlike the rest of Indonesia, where the majority of inhabitants are Muslims. In Bali, they practice Balinese Hinduism, which is a variant of Hinduism. It differs because it blends Hindu beliefs with animistic beliefs and also worships Buddhist saints.
If you’re interested in their culture, their way of life, and want to learn more about this incredible island, one of the easiest ways to get to know the locals and lend a hand is by volunteering.
In this country, there are many volunteer programs. If you enjoy teaching and being with children, you can participate in teaching programs, childcare, or sports programs. On the other hand, you’ll also find construction and renovation programs or health education programs. If you’re interested in the environment, nature, and animals, programs like the puppy program or environmental program are perfect for you.
Depending on the program you choose, it will take place in one place or another. These places include Tianyar, Ubud, and Lovina. You’ll stay in a volunteer house and have weekends off to rest or explore the island. Here are some of the places you can visit.
What can I visit during my stay?
There are many spectacular and surprising places to visit. Bali is famous for its Hindu temples, with over 10,000 temples on the island. Religion is very important to its inhabitants. One of the most famous temples is Luhur Uluwatu, located on a cliff in the south of the island. From this temple, you’ll have spectacular views, and you can also enjoy a beautiful sunset. Another must-see temple is Pura Tanah Lot, which is built on top of a small rocky island. The views from this site are also incredible. It’s located in the south of the island, a 1-hour drive from Denpasar, the capital. As we said, there are thousands of temples on this island. Others you could visit include Pura Besakih, Pura Kehen, Pura Ulun Danu Batur, or Pura Goa Lawah.
Another spectacular excursion you can’t miss is a visit to Mount Agung, also called the mother temple, which is currently active. It’s also the highest point on the island at 3142 meters. At the foot of this volcano lies Pura Besakih, the largest and most sacred temple in Bali.
On the other hand, it’s essential to visit one of the many rice terraces on this island. The people of Bali are mainly engaged in agriculture, and most of them grow rice, with fewer cultivating fruits or coffee. For this reason, rice fields are an icon of this paradise island. You can find rice terraces in Jatiluwih, surrounded by hundreds of hectares of natural landscape. There are also spectacular rice fields in Tenganan, Canggu, or Tegalalang.
If you want to relax, you can do so on one of the paradisiacal beaches of this island. One of the most famous is Jimbaran Beach, known for the number of people doing water sports like windsurfing or sailing. If you’re looking for tranquility, this is the perfect beach for you, as it’s a quiet beach with crystal-clear waters, where you can enjoy incredible seafood dishes. On the other hand, if you prefer a place to party, your beach is Kuta, known for its party scene and water sports. Other spectacular beaches include Legian, Padang Padang, or Balangan Beach.