Cultural Orientation Week Ubud, Bali

WHY we need you in Bali

posing by rice paddies in Bali

WHAT does cultural week involve?

group outside temple in Bali

Why Involvement Volunteers International?

  PROJECT NAME: CULTURAL ORIENTATION UBUD 

LOCATION: UBUD 

  START DATES: WEEKLY (SAT/SUN ARRIVALS) 

  ACCOMMODATION: VOLUNTEER HOUSE

  MIN DURATION: ONE WEEK

  MIN AGE: 16+

  SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS: Criminal background check required

Overview

Indonesia, renowned for its diversity and sophisticated art forms is a fascinating place for unique cultural learning and experiences. sculptures, woodcarvings, handicrafts, and performing arts are some of the many attractions along with elaborate festivals, ceremonies and public shows. The Cultural Orientation week is designed to give you a taste of the culture through language lessons, visits to temples, art and cooking classes, walking tours, dance shows etc.

Volunteers who take part in the orientation usually enjoy a better experience overall as the cultural and social learning’s can be applied to the volunteer placement to help you bridge cultural gaps.

The week includes language lessons, visits to various Temples, a walking tour of Ubud and the famous Monkey street. You will also experience a Balinese traditional dance show, walks into the rice terrace and rice fields. You will learn some local art at the Batik house, and you can explore your culinary skills with basic Balinese cooking class and even flower arranging classes and a spiritual tour to the famous temple “Pura Tirta Empul” to immerse yourself in Holy water and to pray for Good luck.

Location 

Ubud, pronounced ‘oobood’ is located centrally in the heart of Balinese culture. Far removed from the tourist crowds of Kuta, it is famous as an arts and crafts hub, and much of the town and nearby villages seems to consist of artists’ workshops and galleries and a general feeling of well being. Ubud is surrounded by most of the things that bring people to this unique destination – scenic rice fields, small villages, art and craft communities, ancient temples, palaces and rivers.

Aims for the Week:

  • To become familiarised with the local surroundings and your new home for the next few weeks
  • To explore some of the local sights and cultural heritage
  • To learn more about the ‘do’s and dont’s’ and to learn the local language

Food & Accommodation

Ubud Outskirts (Pejeng) is approx. 15 min drive from Ubud. We’re talking pigs, chickens, roosters crowing…. This is a real Balinese experience! Standard accommodation will be in shared bedrooms in dedicated volunteer guest houses in the outskirts of Ubud, within genuine local Balinese communities. A free shuttle to Ubud exists 4 times p/week, otherwise taxi’s are super cheap especially when sharing with your new volunteer mates. Living conditions are comfortable and clean, with fans in the rooms. A minimart/grocery store is 5 minute walk. You can expect regular interaction with locals where you can practice your new found language skills. You can expect to share a room with between 4-8 other volunteers. The bathroom is shared and has hot water and western toilets.

*For couples or those wanting more privacy, there are upgrade accommodation options available    

All volunteers have access to a swimming pool (10 min walk from volunteer house), which can be used for a fee of approx US$3. There are also several gyms nearby. There are many ATM’s in Ubud centre. Wi-Fi is available at the volunteer guest house. Internet cafés are also nearby. 

*All participants are expected to be environmentally responsible and to use all resources with restraint, especially water, paper and electricity. You will be expected to clean up after yourself, and to play your part to keep the accommodation neat and tidy.

As a volunteer in bali, you’ll receive 3 traditional meals each day on weekdays and 2 meals on weekends (breakfast and dinner). Indonesian food is tasty and diverse and volunteers can expect dishes included nasi goreng (fried rice and vegetables), mie goreng (fried noodles and vegetables),  or gado gado (mixed vegetables with a satay sauce). For those who do not eat meat, Indonesian cooking uses a lot of tofu and tempeh (soy beans).

Breakfasts are varied and include pancakes, fresh fruit, toast etc. Tea, coffee will be available at the volunteer house. Purified water is available in the volunteer house. We do not recommend that you drink the tap water.  If volunteers wish to eat out in Ubud, there are a large numbers of restaurants and local warungs (restaurants) to suit all tastes and budgets. There is also a western café in the village for fresh fruit juices, fresh coconuts and sweet treats. If you have any special dietary requirements, please let us know when you apply so we can make arrangements for you.


All prices in USD
  • 1 Week - $410
  • 2 Weeks - $490
  • 3 Weeks - $660
  • 1 Month - $860
  • 2 Months - $1880
  • 3 Months - $2770
Vol House
What's Included
  • Accommodation
  • Meals
  • Airport Pickup
  • Local Transportation
  • 1 Day Orientation
  • 24/7 In-Country Support
  • Project Materials & Equipment
  • Pre-departure Expert Advice
  • Preperation Tools & Checklists
  • Certificate of Completion

Testimonials...

FAQ

If you want to gain a head start on your projects and feel comfortable in your new surroundings, before you begin, this week is a fantastic way to do just that! It gives you time to adjust before your project begins, to explore the local area and to learn more about the culture and customs. This can greatly help you to communicate with the locals on your projects. 

  • Accommodation
  • 3 meals p/day & 2 p/day at weekends
  • Arrival airport transfer (Sat/Sun arrivals)
  • Filtered drinking water, coffee & tea
  • 1 day orientation
  • Daily transportation to project
  • In country 24/7 support & emergency assistance
  • Fundraising support
  • University course credits (where applicable)
  • Certificate of Completion    
  • Airfares
  • Travel Insurance
  • Tours, Souvenirs & spending money

Programs begin every Monday, and volunteers are required to arrive the day prior, for orientation before the project. Your accommodation on the Sunday is included in the program fees.

A free airport pickup is included when arriving to Denpasar International Airport (DPS). You must arrive between 00:00 to 23:59 on Sunday.

If arriving outside the pickup times you can book a private transfer and any extra night’s accommodation for an additional fee.

Alternatively, if arriving early you could wait at the arrival’s terminal for the pickup time, book accommodation at the airport and meet us during the pickup times or make your own way to the project (we will advise on how to do this).

From the international airport to the Ubud Penestanan accommodation, it takes 1-1.5 hours by road, and to the Pejeng accommodation it takes around 1.5-2 hours. 

*Please note

All participants for the Education, Teaching, Construction, and Turtle Conservation projects, regardless of the program duration, will now be required to apply for a B211 Social Cultural visa prior to arrival. 

Participants who have a Visa On Arrival or an E-Visa on Arrival will not be able to participate in these projects. Participants who only attend the culture, adventure, and yoga weeks will be accepted to join the programs with a Visa on Arrival.

Applying for B211 Social Cultural Visa….

There are multiple visa agencies in Bali that can assist with the application for a B211 visa. We recommend the following agency:

Name of the Agency: Global Agency Ubud

Contact Email: global_tsv@yahoo.com
Contact Number (WhatsApp) : +62 812 3941 0158

Documents required:

  • Passport copy
  • Covid Vaccine certificate
  • Flight ticket
  • Health Insurance (should cover covid-19)
  • Bank statement last 3 months (Minimum 2000.00 USD)
  • Visa fee and visa Processing fee 3,500,000.00 IDR.
  • Photo of the cover of the passport
  • Photo of a blank page in the passport

The standard visa application process can take 10-15 working days. There is an express service that can complete the visa process in 5 -7 working days for a fee of 4,500,000.00 IDR.

This regulation to obtain a B211 Visa will apply to all participants arriving March 6, 2023, onwards.    

Each day will vary, from lessons on the local culture, to cultural activites and exploring temples, towns and other sights! Each day will be an adventure!

  • Visit Tanah Lot temple – A famous Hindu temple perched on a rock formation on the coast of Bali.
  • Explore Ubud – A cultural hub in the center of Bali known for its art galleries, museums, and traditional crafts.
  • Try surfing at Kuta Beach – One of the most popular beaches in Bali with great waves for surfers of all levels.
  • Visit the Tegallalang Rice Terraces – A beautiful and iconic rice terrace located in the Gianyar Regency.
  • Go snorkeling or diving at Nusa Lembongan – A small island located southeast of Bali with crystal-clear waters and diverse marine life.
  • Hike Mount Batur – An active volcano located in the north of Bali, offering stunning views from the summit.
  • Watch a traditional Balinese dance performance – Bali is known for its unique and beautiful dance traditions.
  • Relax at a beach club – Bali has many luxurious beach clubs with pools, restaurants, and stunning ocean views.
  • Visit the Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary – A nature reserve and temple complex in Ubud where you can interact with hundreds of friendly monkeys.
  • Dolphin watching in Lovina – Take a morning boat trip from Lovina Beach to spot dolphins swimming and playing in the ocean.
  • Visit the Banjar Hot Springs – A natural hot spring located in Lovina where you can relax and soak in the warm mineral water.
  • Take a cooking class – Learn how to prepare delicious Balinese dishes and immerse yourself in the local culinary culture.
  • Visit the Munduk Waterfall – A picturesque waterfall located in the Munduk village surrounded by lush greenery and a great spot for hiking. 

*No special requirements needed for this program    

For information on holidays and any programs affected, please see the following link: ID – Holidays – All Programs 

Indonesia has to be one of the most interesting countries in the world for cultural learning for its diverse and sophisticated art forms, such as painting, sculpture, woodcarving, handicrafts, and performing arts. Indonesia has around 300 ethnic groups, each with cultural identities developed over centuries, and influenced by Indian, Arabic, Chinese, and European sources.

Millions of small farmers, farm workers and fishers are unable to tap into the opportunities offered by years of economic growth. They are often geographically isolated and lack access to basic infrastructure and support.

Bali is a Hindu Island, Balinese traditional cultures are still present, making the island charming and beautiful. Traditional Balinese clothing worn by women covers their shoulders and knees, especially, when they go to the temple and when they have a ceremony day.

IVI have a variety of programs designed to immerse volunteers into the local lifestyle in order to experience the unique culture, build life long relationships and benefit the people that need it the most.

Bali is situated just south of the equator. It has a hot and tropical climate year round.

The wet season is from November to March, and the dry season from April to October (although there may still be some showers) The rains usually only last for a few hours, so you will usually still get some sunshine during the day. 

The rainy season brings about humidity and it is generally hot year round, from 20 to 30 degrees. Cooler temperatures can be found up North in the mountain regions. 

Bali culture is incredible, rich in tradition and spirituality which focuses mainly on art and religion, with the two often expressed through each other.  Many Balinese people are an artist of some kind and spend their leisure time working on hobbies and artwork that have been passed down through generations.  

Many public areas, homes and paddy fields are decorated by detailed paintaings, intricate carvings, fine weaving, statues and various artworks. Life in Bali is very much communal and centered around local villages with the community institution or ‘Banjar’ responsible for many aspects of life. The Balinese have a word, “Niskala” which means that which cannot be sensed directly, but can only be felt within.      

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