Bali Escape

Duration icon 2-4 weeks
Location icon
Single-Base Experience

One base. Real depth. Learn new skills, gain qualifications, and connect fully with your surroundings.

Escape to the cultural haven of Bali, where rich traditions, vibrant landscapes and island life come together.

Your journey begins with a structured Culture Week in Ubud, immersing you in Balinese life through temples, ceremonies, food and local experiences. From there, the program becomes flexible –depending on your trip length, you’ll choose how to continue your experience.

You can support local communities through English language teaching, contribute to sea turtle conservation on the island of Nusa Penida, or opt for an action-packed adventure week exploring volcanoes, rivers and jungles.

It’s a unique and enriching experience that blends culture, purpose and adventure in one unforgettable trip.

View Itinerary
Good to know
Light adventure.

Some easy physical activities included, but nothing too demanding. A basic level of fitness will do.

Comfortable base.

You’ll stay mainly in one accommodation – such as a volunteer house, homestay or shared facility. Simple, sociable and settled.

City-based.

Major cities with easy access to cafés, shops and reliable WiFi.

Our trips push you to go further – physically, mentally, and beyond – to spark discovery at every step. Short, flexible and customisable programmes designed for those seeking a unique, immersive and meaningful travel experience.

Activities icon
Activities & Experiences

Culture, nature and adventure – your journey, your way

  • Cultural immersion – Explore temples take part in traditional ceremonies and experience everyday Balinese life

  • Beaches and landscapes – Relax on stunning beaches and discover rice fields jungles and volcanic scenery

  • Hands-on experiences – Try cooking classes batik painting and local workshops during culture week

  • Build your own experience – Choose from English language teaching sea turtle conservation or an action-packed adventure week including cycling volcano visits rafting and trekking

Accommodation icon
Accommodation

Live like a local in Bali’s cultural heart

During your time in Ubud, you’ll stay in a volunteer house in a traditional village just outside the town centre, offering a glimpse into authentic Balinese life.

Accommodation is in single-sex dormitories of 4–8 people with shared bathrooms. In Nusa Penida, you’ll stay in similar shared accommodation in a peaceful island setting. Facilities are simple but comfortable, with access to local amenities and communal spaces.

Meals icon
Meals

Fresh local flavours throughout your stay

You’ll be provided with three meals per day during weekdays and breakfast and dinner on weekends.

Meals are a mix of traditional Indonesian dishes and familiar western options, with plenty of variety. Expect meals such as fried rice, noodles, fresh vegetables and tropical fruit, with tea, coffee and drinking water available at your accommodation.

Transport icon
Transport

Flexible travel with local support

Arrival airport transfer is included, but you’ll be responsible for your onward and return travel, including transfers between project locations.

Local staff will help guide you on the best travel options. Transport during the program may include a mix of public and private vehicles depending on the activity.

Trip leader icon
Leaders

Local support throughout your journey

You’ll be supported by experienced local program coordinators throughout your stay.

They’ll provide guidance, assist with logistics and ensure you get the most from your experience. A 24-hour emergency contact is also provided for peace of mind.

Itinerary

ARRIVAL

Transfer from Denpasar

Arrive in Bali and transfer to Ubud, the cultural heart of the island.

Settle into your new surroundings, meet your group and get ready to begin your journey with a week of cultural immersion.

WEEK 1 – CULTURE WEEK

Discover the heart and soul of Bali

Day 1 (Monday): Immerse in Bali's Rich Culture

Start your day with breakfast before diving deep into the heart of Bali's traditions and culture. Take an enchanting walking tour through Monkey Street and Ubud Market. Delve into a captivating class on Balinese culture before rounding off your day with an unforgettable traditional Balinese dance show.

Day 2 (Tuesday): Embrace Learning and Exploration

Rise and shine and enrich your mind with a Balinese Language Class. Embark on a mesmerizing Village Walking Tour, where you'll encounter the breathtaking rice terraces, vibrant art villages, and majestic hills.

Day 3 (Wednesday): Unleash Your Creative Spirit

Prepare yourself for another day of exploration and discovery. Dive back into the Balinese Language Class before unleashing your creativity in a captivating Batik Painting Class. Unwind with dinner, reminiscing about your newfound artistic talents!

Day 4 (Thursday): Culinary Delights and Spiritual Insights

Kickstart your day by donning your chef's hat for an immersive Cooking Class. Savor the fruits of your labor with your own homemade lunch before immersing yourself in the intricate art and meaning of Balinese flower offerings.

Day 5 (Friday): Spiritual Awakening and Project Reflections

Embark on a spiritual journey to the renowned Pura Tirta Empul temple. Experience the sanctity of the holy water temple and rejuvenate your soul with a refreshing shower with the Holy Water. Enjoy a late lunch amidst the tranquil surroundings before gathering to reflect on your experiences and prepare for the week ahead.

Days 6-7(Weekend): Enjoy some well-earned Free Time

As no activities are scheduled at weekends, you are free to go wherever you please. You may choose to stay in Ubud and explore the city more widely, or sit back and relax by the pool. Alternatively, popular destinations that you can reach by taxi are the Gili Islands, a popular destination for snorkelling and diving; Nusa Lembongan, an island paradise where you can find peace and completely relax; Sanur or Kuta beach for surfing; or Uluwatu a temple built at the edge of a 70-meter high cliff at the edge of the sea and inhabited by monkeys.

WEEK 2-4 – BUILD YOUR OWN EXPERIENCE

Choose your path and shape your journey

After your culture week, you’ll choose how to continue your experience.

If you’re joining for 2 weeks, you’ll take part in one experience. Staying longer allows you to choose additional experiences or spend more time on one for a deeper level of involvement and impact.

There are three distinctive programs to further deepen your connection and insight into the wildlife, people and ancient practices of this captivating country:

  • English Language Teaching (Ubud)

  • Sea Turtle Conservation (Nusa Penida)

  • Bali Adventure Week (Ubud) (Max. 1 week)

Click below for more details for each experience.

ENGLISH LANGUAGE TEACHING

Step into the classroom and bring energy creativity and confidence to local students

Location: Ubud

With Bali’s rapidly expanding tourism industry, the demand for local English speakers has never been greater. Children may have the opportunity to learn English at school, however, this is usually taught by a local Balinese teacher and thus the children never really get to practice their conversational skills or hear native English speakers. This is where you come in!

On this project, you will be spending about one to two hours each morning preparing lessons and around three hours in the afternoon teaching at a local elementary or high school. The aim of this project is to show students that learning English is fun so let your imagination run wild and be creative with your methods of teaching – through games, songs, art, sport, and music!

SEA TURTLE CONSERVATION

Get stuck into conservation work and help protect Bali’s marine life

Location: Nusa Penida

Help and support our local partners with their vital Sea Turtle conservation efforts. Our Sea Turtle Conservation project is located on the charming island of Nusa Penida, which is a 45-minute speedboat ride from mainland Bali. The project is in its early stages, giving you the amazing opportunity to work alongside a local team and contribute to the protection of endangered sea turtles, ensuring their survival for future generations. 

As part of the marine ecosystem, turtles play a key role in keeping seagrass beds and coral reefs healthy. These, in turn, are important sources of food and shelter for countless marine species. Depending on when you join us, you may be identifying turtle species, collecting eggs, monitoring nests or seeing hatchlings get safely to sea. This is your chance to connect with nature, learn about marine life, and leave a legacy for the environment and future generations!

BALI ADVENTURE WEEK

Push your limits with volcano hikes rafting and non-stop adventure

Location: Ubud

Get ready for an adrenaline-fueled week packed with unforgettable experiences! Kick off your adventure by exploring the majestic Kintamani volcano, followed by an exhilarating bicycle tour through spice plantations and rice fields, boasting breathtaking views of Mt. Batur.

Soak up the sun at a stunning Southern Bali beach and visit the Turtle Conservation Village. Days three and four promise thrills as you conquer the rapids of the Ayung river with an exhilarating rafting excursion and embark on a sunrise hike up Mt. Batur. Wrap up your action-packed week with a well-deserved Balinese massage, melting away any lingering fatigue and leaving you with nothing but cherished memories to treasure. Choose this option for an epic adventure and memories that last a lifetime!

Who is this program for?

Open to all with a sense of adventure

This program is ideal for those looking for a flexible and immersive travel experience in one of Asia’s most diverse destinations.

No previous experience is required. You must be aged 18 or over, complete a medical form and provide a criminal record check. A reasonable level of fitness is required, and you should be able to swim if taking part in water-based activities.

Prices

Duration Price
2 weeks (14 days) $1,350.00

Dates & booking

Sun
Mon
Tue
Wed
Thu
Fri
Sat
Available
Unavailable
Selected

Currency:

Select start date

What's included

  • Pre-departure support 

  • Airport pick-up 

  • Local project coordinator

  • Local support staff 

  • All accommodation

  • 3 meals a day during the week, 2 meals a day at weekends

  • Trips & activities as listed in brochure 

  • 24/7 emergency back up 

  • Financial failure protection 

Not included

  • Flights to/from destination

  • Return airport transfer

  • Inter-project transfers

  • Weekend Activities

  • Weekend Lunches

  • Travel Insurance

  • Visa & Vaccinations

  • Spending Money

  • Tipping & gratuities

  • Criminal Background (DBS) check

Spending money

You will need money for programs transfers, extra meals, drinks & snacks, as well as for any activities not on the itinerary. We advise you to budget for £140 / €160 / $200 per week (this is a guideline only).

Need help choosing?

Chat now

You can also check out our frequently asked questions

postcards

from previous trips

Hear the amazing experiences our travellers have had over the years.

A Unique Gap Year Experience
I loved every second of my time in South Africa. The staff were fantastic, especially the rangers who were incredibly knowledgeable and passionate about conservation.

There was a great balance between classroom learning, fieldwork and hands-on volunteer activities. The volunteer house was really nice, and it was great meeting people from around the world.

After qualifying, I stayed in touch with the reserve and even returned to intern and gain more experience. This was a 10/10 experience and I’d recommend it to anyone interested in the environment or getting into the guiding industry.

Game Ranger Course in South Africa |. Eve – United Kingdom

Go Overseas Logo

Click here to read over 100 reviews about our programs on the independant service.

Small Groups

Small groups, big connections.

Life-changing Experiences

Experiences that shape you

Adding True Value to Travel

Travel with real purpose

GapForce for Good

Adventure that gives back