PMGY - Volunteer in Bali from $330

I can't even begin to explain the incredible time I had in Bali with PMGY. Everything was amazing; the team looking after me. I couldn't fault them in any way. I was always made to feel safe and welcome, and could find the support needed. The accommodation was lovely, always clean and there was always yummy meals to eat. I found the handbook very helpful especially before my departure, particularly the packing list. I was on the medical project, I loved going to the hospital and volunteering there. However at times I found myself lacking things to do due to the project being mainly an observational role, I understood this when applying although thought there would be more participation. This didn't take away from my experience and my favourite thing was being able to see a natural birth.
I would defiantly recommend going on the trips and exploring Bali in your free time. I originally booked to go on the Gili T and Ubud trips, but due to the earthquake while I was there unfortunately the Gili trip was cancelled. I really enjoyed the Ubud it was filled with fun activities and a great chance to go on one of the famous Bali swings.
My advice for future volunteers would be to enjoy every minute! This was my first time solo traveling and I love it so much I’ve been looking at projects in other countries.

I volunteered this year in Bali with Plan My Gap Year as an English teacher. I volunteered with PMGY before in Cambodia and I also volunteered in India, I had such a great experience with PMGY before that I just knew I had to go again. I am so so so glad I decided to go to Bali because this one might have been the best so far! I already knew that PMGY is super affordable and helpful throughout the whole process, because I've been with them to Cambodia so choosing them again was a no-brainer for me. They answer all your questions, big or small within a few hours and I felt that they were always happy to help. Getting my visa for Indonesia was a bit more difficult than expected but I just gave them a call and they walked me through the whole process and gave me tips. They are also very clear about their fees which is really important to me, you know exactly how money goes towards covering your project and stay and I love how honest they are about this. It's something that I miss from a lot of other volunteer organizations. They also provide you with a volunteer handbook which literally contained all the information I needed, packing lists, weekend tips you name it! I felt that I was well prepared before I went to Bali also because I joined one of their pre departure webinars which gave me a chance to ask any additional questions I had.

My stay in Bali was absolutely phenomenal! If I could have given it a 11/10 I would! The volunteer accomodation is so beautiful that it almost looks like a hotel, it has a pool, an amazing rooftop terrace to watch sunset (and sunset if you want to get up really early, I did it once and it was worth it ;) ) and a lot of communal areas to chill around with other volunteers, all the rooms have AC as well! The food they did was so tasty and delicous as well, a lot of different options and also some western food once or twice a week. I am a vegetarian but this was no problem here! I've had the best fake chicken (tempeh :P) wrap here so far! The ladies in the kitchen are so nice and they are always happy to assist you if you want to cook something yourself or if you just want to cut up some fruit or whatever. Ketut (the host 'mom' ) always told us that we shouldn't go to bed hungry so we could always ask for some more if we wanted. Ketut is such a lovely lady who really felt like my Balinese mom, I was afraid I might feel a little homesick but she's is always there if you need help with anything or if you just need a chat or a hug. The rest of her family is also really helpful and nice, Indra (her son) and Rush (her husband) helped us arrange transport if we wanted to go out and they would also help with planning weekend trips etc. I felt like they welcomed me into their home which was such an nice feeling. Because the family lives next to the volunteerhouse we still had our privacy but it was nice to know that they were always there if we needed anything.

I volunteered at Akasa School which was established by Ketut to help the community, she told us that this has been her dream for years to be able give back to her local community and to teach the children English so that they can grow in life. I think it's so nice that she actually wants to give back and help, you could tell that she is so passionate about this and she is so grateful for every volunteer who comes and helps her continue her dreams! The kids at the school are so sweet and smart, they kept suprising me with how good their English was, it was so nice to see them enjoy learning and see their knowledge grow week by week! There's a lesson planning session every Monday to help all the teaching volunteers prepare their lessons and you could also get supplies like books and pencils from the local team, since I already had some experience teaching abroad I didn't really need help but it was nice to know that I could use all their supplies and printer to use for my project.

All in all I had an amazing experience and I'm already thinking of going back next summer to Bali! The island, the people, the food, the chill vibes, everything is just perfect in Bali! Because Bali is relatively small compared to other islands you can do a lot in just a short amount of time, I spent 8 weeks in Bali and got to do everything that I wanted: Canggu, climbing Mount Batur, watching the dolphins in Lovina, going to Nusa Penida and Ubud.
I got real ' eat pray love ' vibes wherever I went and I just felt so relaxed and happy exploring this beautiful island while also giving back and helping the local community!

I would definitely recommend the Bali Teaching program to anyone who wants the best of both worlds: volunteering and traveling!

I recently returned home from the most amazing 6 weeks in Bali. The whole experience was so much fun, well organised and a completely unique travelling experience which allows to visit many different places as well as taking part in some amazing projects. I did the childcare project, which was so much fun. The children were just incredible, so loving and happy and always to willing to learn. The project involves basic care of the babies and children, playing with them and teaching basic English, and every day is different! Working with these kids is hard work, but so worth it and an invaluable experience.
The pre-departure support was great, PMGY were always on hand to help and answer any questions. It was nice to have such good support when sorting things such as the visa, especially for first time travellers.
One of my favourite things about PMGY Bali is that the accommodation is with a family, meaning that you instantly feel at home. Ketut, Rush, Indra and family are so welcoming, nothing is too much trouble and therefore the in country support is amazing.
Weekends are great as you have the freedom to travel to different spots around the island, making new friends and seeing some of the most beautiful places you will ever find. The PMGY planned trips are great value for money, and ensures you see all the best spots and tourist locations! Each place I visited at the weekends was different, and each having their own unique features, making it very hard to chose a favourite! Uluwatu had the most beautiful beaches, the culture in Ubud was amazing and Seminyak had fab shops and places to eat.
As well as this, the volunteer house is located near to many great places to visit in the evenings after project, such as Tannah Lot temple. Tabanan also has a nigh market every night, and the best donut shop which was always very popular!!!

In November I returned from four weeks volunteering in Tabanan, Bali in the childcare project. This was my first time travelling, and doing it alone was really nerve-racking but the whole experience was absolutely amazing.
I booked my place with Plan My Gap Year and left for Bali quite quickly, I only had about two months to prepare but PMGY were very efficient and helpful throughout the preparation process and answered any questions I had quickly. There was a really thorough volunteer handbook to read through and useful webinar sessions you could sign onto.
The childcare programme was incredible, the children were so amazing and I still miss them massively! The childcare programme was mostly looking after the children, and playing with them with a little bit of basic teaching involved. The children are so loving. I loved every minute of it.
I really loved that in Bali, your accommodation includes living with a local family who were amazing! Ketut, Rush, Indra and family were so welcoming and accommodating. It really made the experience 10x better living with such a lovely family. We even got to attend a family wedding which was a great experience.
During my four weeks, I never once felt unsafe and the locals in Tabanan and different areas in Bali were so friendly. Travelling around different places in Bali on our weekends was unbelievable and I am so happy I got to see the places I did, each one was unique and beautiful.
Overall, my time in Bali was incredible and I would love to go back again.

My experience volunteering in Bali was unbelievable. I did childcare which also involved a bit of teaching. I came into it with no idea of what i was doing, just like most volunteers I'm sure but it was amazing. The children were beautiful, bright and kind souls that smiled no matter what. They were always up for having fun and running around and they really loved colouring in! Although they were young and it's hard to learn another language at their age, they tried their hardest and seeing that was the most rewarding feeling. The Akasa family made us feel like part of their own family and I will always be grateful for that because they made everyone feel so welcomed in their home! Bali overall was incredible. Travelling on weekends with friends and every making new memories that will never be forgotten was amazing. The locals were always very friendly and you never felt out of place there. I loved every minute of this experience and would 100% do it again.

I have just returned from the best 2 months in Bali.
Before leaving the pre departure support was amazing! I read the hand book thoroughly before i left and it prepared me massively for the trip. Any extra questions i had were answered immediately by either josh or philip, reassuring me that i would love the trip.

While there i took part in two projects, both the childcare and teaching. Both projects were incredible. The child care consisted of looking after children from 6months-6 years, carrying out general care, including feeding, washing, play and teaching english for a short 45 minute lesson. The children are a dream to teach and care for, they are the liveliest of kids and you will instantly fall in love with their cheeky/playful personalities. The childcare centre is based in a nunnery meaning you get to work along side the nuns and carers. Please do speak to them, their english is basic but they are the sweetest of people and really appreciate your help and attempts at learning the language.
The teaching project is equally as good. Volunteers are expected to plan lessons for the week, this requires creativity however once you get going it's super easy! In the mornings you teach at a different school every day allowing you do meet all kinds of children. Indra comes along to help translate, he is externally helpful and very talented at his job making the volunteers job much easier. In the afternoon you teach at akasa, here you teach the same children every day. These kids are the sweetest, they are forever writing you notes and asking for hugs and signatures. It is a really enjoyable class and the part i loved most about teaching.

Now for my favourite part of the trip! The family! The family you stay with are the nicest group of people i have ever met. Ketut, Rush, Indra, Krisna, Go Ni Ni and the rest of the family are all amazing, every single person made me feel so welcome. The family pride themselves on making every single person feel like part of the family, it's such a lovely part of their culture and was one of the reasons why my trip was so successful! Nothing was too much for them, anything you needed was attended to immediately. At first Krisna( the youngest son) was so shy, but after many attempts at speaking to him he really came out of his shell. Please do make an effort to speak to him, he is the sweetest person and listening to his music is truly magical. Indra is such a key part to the team, he takes you on your induction day, on the pmgy weekend trips and organises all transport for you. He is always there for the volunteers and does such an amazing job at making everyone feel welcome.
The accomodation is beyond anything i could imagine, you are provided with mosquito nets and bedding and each room has an ensuite. The water in the shower is cold however after a day in the heat it was well needed. Rush and the team are currently in the mist of building a new part to the home which will eventually mean that all volunteers are in the same house! They are consistently trying to improve their destination in order to ensure all volunteers are happy with their stay!

My only advice to volunteers would be to go for it! Don't hesitate, get involved in as much as you can, embrace as much culture as you can and enjoy your self, you won't regret it!

I had the most amazing time in Bali and met the most incredible people. Thank you so much to my balinese family, without you my trip wouldn't have been as amazing as it was! Aku cinta kamu💛

The wild life project in Bali was an amazing experience! Ketut and her family made me feel very welcome in their home. Everything was well organised. The project was on mon-thu and we had a lot of free time. Animal keepers at the project gave us a lot of information about the animals in the centre and their stories. I really recommend this project. The food was amazing and veggie option always available. I would go again and for longer this time, 2 weeks don’t seem to be enough :)

I have lived with the most welcoming, nicest people ever. Bali is one of the most beautiful places on the planet, and I think it's something that you have to do. It's also very touristy and commercial - something that... surprised me, although maybe it shouldn't have had. I think it's either about accepting it or finding the balance. The kids are incredibly, incredibly enthusiastic, and want to learn - sometimes you'll hear them repeating after you "can you read this out" but the more love and positivity you'll give them, the more you will get back. I taught a class of 7 years old which didn't understood a word, I had no translation. And yes it is possible! I'd say, brace yourself for the Brother's School. It is difficult, but it is difficult because the school is underfunded, because kids for the majority of time did not have teachers. I'd say go to the healer and... be respectful, just don't take it to heart. Because by his word I'm supposed to go mad. Someone was told to through her used underwear into the sea. Don't ask about stuff that is important to you. Gili islands are amazing. Amazing, I loved every second of it, it's a must go to.