Bali is one of the most famous and beautiful islands in the world and easily one of the best places to see on a gap year in Asia. If you would like to visit Bali or move here there are lots of opportunities. Some of the most popular activities include island hopping, booking a dive course, a yoga retreat, volunteering or teaching English.
Paid Work, Volunteer Programs & Trips in Bali
Bali Experience
• 10 days
• Price from £525
Classic Bali & Lombok
• 14 days
• Price from £1,199
Bangkok to Bali Adventure
• 34 days
• Price from £2,999
Gili Shark Conservation Project
• 2-12 weeks
• Price from $2,199
Bali Gap Year Ideas
If you are looking for a tranquil destination with tasty food, ancient temples and beautiful beaches then Bali should not be overlooked. Its rich culture and friendly people will have you wanting to stay.
You can find exciting adventure trips, gap year programs and volunteering work in Bali. Here are some of the best things to do:
• Book an overland and island hopping adventure
• Volunteer and help wildlife and communities
• Go search of the best beach
• Learn to scuba dive or surf – this destination is one of the best in the world
• Stay – get paid to live and work here
Jobs in Bali
Would you like to live in Bali for longer than your average trip? Apply to work here! There are some jobs available including teaching, travel and tourism and hospitality. One of the most flexible and popular ways to live and work in Bali, and popular with backpackers, is to take a TEFL certification and get a qualification to work as an English teacher here.
Volunteer in Bali
One of the most popular activities to do on a gap year is volunteering, and in Bali there are lots of rewarding programs where you can help children, communities and animals. You’ll get to meet inspiration people, integrate into local culture and do something beneficial.
Bali Group Tours
Local and international tour operators offer so many amazing trip in Bali all year round where you’ll meet other like-minded people, have fun, go to the best locations, get off the beaten track and enjoy the trip of a lifetime.
From exploring the beautiful islands on Indonesia like the Gili islands to exploring more of Indonesia, this really will be the time of your life.
Travelling & Backpacking in Bali
Bali is the westernmost island in Indonesia located between Java to the west and Lombok to the east. Besides the island’s magnificent volcanic mountains and lush tropical vegetation, the people of Bali are really what stand out as one of its most beautiful aspects.
The Balinese people are an amalgamation of a number of different backgrounds and cultures. The Chinese coming from the North, the Indian and the Arabs from the West and other groups coming directly to Bali, or by way of Java, all make up the distinct culture and demeanor of the Balinese people.
The Balinese take pride in their appearance, their land, and their culture. Balinese Hinduism is not merely a religion; it is a way of life. Often you will see partial road closures around Bali due to religious ceremonies.
Another important aspect of their culture is kindness. Smile at them, and they will smile back. Their attentiveness in the service industry is unmatched. Their politeness and courtesy is evident, and it is widely known that Bali’s most precious asset is her people. Kindness goes a long way to the Balinese.
Living amongst this harmony, in some parts of Bali such as Kuta, is a large presence of Western influence. Co-existing with Balinese temples are glitzy shopping malls and designer retail stores. This is especially the case in major surfing and beach hot-spot, Kuta.
However, if you make your way inland, a more pleasant atmosphere exists that is seemingly more true to Balinese Culture. Ubud is a popular getaway towards the central part of the island. It is characterized by rice paddies and temples. This small village is known for its collection of local artists, yogis, and visitors interested in seeing the famous ‘Monkey Forest’.
For a yoga experience that is truly indicative of the culture, visit the ‘Yoga Barn’. This yoga studio is tucked away from the main streets and allows you to fall into deep relaxation while looking over the surrounding rice paddies.
Other main characteristic of the island are its volcanoes and lush vegetation. Mount Agung is an active volcano and is the highest point on the island. When hiking in the West Bali National Park you can see over 300 different kinds of bird species, black macaque, wild pigs, iguanas, and many more animals.
The beaches of Bali vary from the white sand beaches of the Bukit Peninsula, Snaur, Nusa Lembongan, and black sand beaches (due to volcanic activity) on the northeast coast of the island. Kuta Beach is a famous tourist attraction due to its surf schools, its steady flow of vendors, and exciting nightlife scene.
