Our volunteering experience in Indonesia takes place on the island of Bali, specifically in the northern area, Lovina. Indonesia is a country made up of more than 17,000 islands, and some of them are incredibly beautiful.
So if you are planning to do your volunteering experience there and have a few days to travel around, we want to tell you about some of those islands that will leave you speechless.
But of course, with so many options… where to start? Well, it depends on what you’re looking for exactly, whether it’s surfing, diving, relaxing, getting to know local cultures or a bit of everything.
Let’s start with the destination where we will be living our volunteering experience…
Bali – The most complete island
You probably already had it in mind, and it’s because Bali literally has it all: beaches, temples, rice fields, water activities, nightlife and a spiritual atmosphere that will leave you speechless.
So if you want a bit of everything, you can start here. On the blog you’ll find posts on Bali’s must-sees, places you can’t miss that will make your experience truly complete.
As a tip, we recommend that you also explore areas that are far from the typical tourist spots, so that you can fully immerse yourself in the culture and get away from the usual; some areas would be Sidemen, Amed, Canggu… and you’ll live transformative and unforgettable experiences.
Gili Islands – Small car-free paradises
An archipelago of three small islands near Lombok where there are only bicycles and horse-drawn carts (here we ask you to be mindful of this activity, as the island can be perfectly explored on foot). White sand, turquoise water and sea turtles swimming just a few meters from the shore and, depending on the island you choose, also plenty of atmosphere and nightlife.
You can choose to stay on one of the three depending on what you’re looking for:
- Gili Trawangan: the most party-oriented.
- Gili Air: a balance between lively and peaceful.
- Gili Meno: the quietest for those seeking absolute silence.
Nusa Penida – Impressive cliffs
Just 40 minutes by ferry from Bali, Nusa Penida is famous for its breathtaking viewpoints like the iconic Kelingking Beach shaped like a dinosaur.
A perfect spot for adventure lovers, you’ll see that the descent to the beach has a lot of magic, although they are now building an elevator that slightly disrupts the landscape, you’ll see that the views are incredible.
Other must-sees in the area are: Angel’s Billabong, Broken Beach and of course snorkelling with manta rays, a natural spectacle.
Lombok – The wildest alternative to Bali
Less developed for tourism, but with a more authentic essence. Virgin beaches in the south and the imposing Rinjani volcano for those who want to go trekking. It’s a perfect combination for adventurers and backpackers looking for a more immersive local experience while also enjoying its beaches and even diving.
Komodo – Dragons and otherworldly corals
One of the most incredible experiences in Indonesia is visiting Komodo National Park, home to the famous Komodo dragon. And it’s another perfect destination for lovers of both diving and wildlife, which will not leave you indifferent.
You can get there by boat from Labuan Bajo and take tours from 1 day up to 3-day expeditions, which usually include all activities, nights on the boat and meals.
Flores – Culture, volcanoes and colourful lakes
It’s one of our favourites and much less known by tourists, although it has recently gained a lot of popularity. It’s a cultural and scenic gem, as it is home to the impressive Kelimutu volcano with its colourful lagoons that change depending on the day.
A perfect destination to get away from crowded places and connect with local communities that preserve their essence, an essence that many times, unfortunately, gets lost with the arrival of mass tourism.
Remember that travelling responsibly is always an option, and a way to fully immerse yourself in a culture completely different from ours.
Java – Culture, volcanoes and vibrant cities
The most populous island in Indonesia and home to Jakarta and Yogyakarta. Here you’ll find a mix of historical temples like Borobudur (the largest Buddhist temple in the world) with active volcanoes like Mount Bromo. If you love history and cultural travel, this destination is for you, as well as landscapes that will take your breath away.
And there’s no place in Indonesia that won’t impress you.
Sumatra – Wild nature and orangutans
A huge island, still very untouristic. In Bukit Lawang you can go trekking through the jungle and see orangutans in the wild. It’s an unforgettable experience that we assure you you’ll remember forever. If you’re one of those nature lovers, this is your place.
Borneo (Kalimantan) – Jungle and river expeditions
The Indonesian part of Borneo offers the possibility of sailing by boat along the Sekonyer River and visiting orangutan rehabilitation centres like Camp Leakey. Along with many other different animal species, and the impressive experience of seeing them in the wild and in their natural habitat.
A journey full of deep nature and river experiences.
Sulawesi – World-class diving
Famous for its underwater sites in Bunaken and Wakatobi, it’s one of the best diving destinations on the planet. So if you’re thinking of doing some dives, this is your destination. A place for sea and marine life lovers, that will leave you speechless.
You can also visit the villages, learn about their curious customs and let yourself be impressed by their landscapes full of rivers, palm trees and dreamlike places.
Sumba – Tradition, surf and unique landscapes
A still little-known island, but with a strong cultural identity. Its traditional houses, hidden waterfalls and isolated surf beaches make it a very special destination. Another option if you’re looking to get away from mass tourism, and if you’re seeking authenticity and tranquility.
Raja Ampat – The ultimate underwater paradise
A remote archipelago west of Papua, considered the best place in the world for diving. Thousands of islets, untouched corals and crystal-clear waters. And of course, another one of our favourite destinations.
Surely you’ve seen photos of this place at some point and been left speechless… and honestly, it’s no wonder.
HOW TO CHOOSE?
Depending on what you’re looking for, you can choose one or another, and if you have plenty of time to explore Indonesia, we recommend visiting several of them to experience it fully.
To us it seems like a great plan to combine your volunteering experience with visiting authentic and extraordinary places, as the magic lies in getting to know a country not just as a tourist, but also from the inside, sharing with its people.
And you, which island would you visit after your volunteering experience?
