The Livingseas Coral Restoration Site is the largest project of its kind in Bali, covering more than 9,000 m² and comprising over 9,200 reef structures. Led by the Livingseas Foundation and managed by Livingseas Asia, the initiative aims to restore 5 hectares (50,000 m²) of coral reef habitat stretching from Padangbai to Amuk Bay. Coral reef restoration is at the heart of our mission. Since 2019, Livingseas has been leading one of Indonesia's largest coral restoration initiatives off the coast of Padangbai, a traditional fishing village in northeastern Bali. This ambitious project continues to expand, making a significant contribution to marine conservation while helping restore vital reef ecosystems. Livingseas has earned international recognition for its work, including the prestigious Blue Water Heroes Award presented by Dr. Sylvia Earle. Our founder, Leon, has also delivered a TEDx talk in Singapore and has been featured by the Coral Restoration Consortium (CRC) for his contributions to coral restoration and marine conservation. Beyond reef restoration, Livingseas is committed to inspiring and training the next generation of marine scientists, conservationists, and ocean advocates. Through our Restoration & Research Internships, marine conservation placements, ecotourism internships, and volunteer programmes, participants gain practical, hands-on experience in reef restoration, scientific research, and environmental conservation while developing the skills needed to help protect marine ecosystems around the world.
Founded in 2002, Gili Eco Trust is one of Indonesia's longest-running island conservation organisations. Established to protect the Gili Matra Marine Park from destructive fishing practices, we have grown into a community-based organisation leading marine conservation, sustainable waste management, environmental education, and animal welfare across the Gili Islands. In 2004, we launched our pioneering Biorock reef restoration programme. Today, more than 200 Biorock reefs have been installed, creating thriving artificial reef habitats that support thousands of corals, fish, sea turtles, and other marine species. Our conservation work also includes coral gardening, Reef Check and CoralWatch monitoring, coral bleaching surveys, passive acoustic reef monitoring (Reef Sounds), turtle conservation, mooring buoy maintenance to prevent anchor damage, and marine education for divers, schools, and local communities. Beyond the ocean, Gili Eco Trust works closely with the local waste management organisation (FMPL) to improve waste collection, recycling, and environmental awareness. Together, we coordinate waste collection from more than 800 businesses on Gili Trawangan, helping transport recyclable materials to Lombok while developing innovative local recycling and glass upcycling initiatives that reduce pollution and support a circular economy. Our commitment to the community also extends to animal welfare through regular veterinary clinics for the island's working horses, educational outreach in schools, environmental workshops, beach clean-ups, and sustainability training for tourism businesses. Our mission is to create a cleaner, healthier, and more sustainable future for the Gili Islands by protecting marine ecosystems, restoring coral reefs, reducing waste, promoting responsible tourism, improving animal welfare, and inspiring local communities and visitors to become active stewards of the environment.
Blue Heart Bali is a 100% locally led, grassroots non-profit organization based on the peaceful northeast coast of Bali, in the traditional fishing village of Tianyar. Our mission is to restore damaged marine ecosystems while empowering the local community through education, environmental stewardship, and sustainable development. Years of unsustainable fishing, coral harvesting, and plastic pollution severely damaged the area's coral reefs. In response, we build and deploy artificial reef structures to restore marine habitats, protect biodiversity, and support sea turtle conservation efforts. Alongside our environmental work, we run free community learning programs for local children, where volunteers assist with English lessons, creative arts, and environmental education. By living and working alongside local fishermen and villagers at our beachfront volunteer camp, Boo Boo House, volunteers experience authentic Balinese culture away from mass tourism while making a meaningful and lasting impact on both the community and the marine environment.
Indo Ocean Project is an Indonesian marine conservation NGO dedicated to protecting coral reef ecosystems through science, education, and collaboration. Since 2018, the organization has operated long-term research and conservation programs in Nusa Penida, South Sulawesi (Bira), and Raja Ampat, collecting scientific data that supports marine protected area management and conservation initiatives across Indonesia. Through its evidence-based approach, Indo Ocean Project publishes research in technical reports and peer-reviewed journals to inform conservation planning and marine policy. Its Divemaster & Research Diver Internship combines internationally recognized dive training with hands-on marine research, giving aspiring marine scientists, conservationists, and dive professionals the opportunity to contribute to coral reef monitoring, marine biodiversity research, conservation projects, and environmental education while gaining valuable field experience alongside experienced researchers and instructors.
Bali offers several eco-tourism and conservation programs focused on marine ecosystems, including sea turtle conservation, coral reef restoration, and mangrove rehabilitation. These marine camps are typically immersive volunteer or educational experiences run in collaboration with local communities in Bali. The programs combine hands-on activities with environmental education and are designed for volunteers, students, groups, and eco-tourists. Sea Turtle Conservation: Volunteers work closely with turtle conservation activities, including monitoring nesting beaches, collecting data for conservation methods, observing feeding grounds, and assisting in the care of injured turtles in rehabilitation centers. Coral Reef Protection: Coral reefs play a vital role in marine ecosystems, providing habitat for fish and crustaceans. Activities include reef cleaning, coral restoration, reef monitoring, and supporting coral planting programs while helping protect reefs from pollution. Mangrove Ecosystems: Mangroves are essential coastal ecosystems that support biodiversity, produce oxygen, and filter air and water. Volunteer activities include mangrove planting, biodiversity monitoring, and education on their role in coastal protection.
Ecotourism Nusa Penida was created by our conservation community, Nuansa Pulau, which has been committed to protecting the environment since 2017. Since then, we have planted more than 95,000 corals. We actively rehabilitate coral reefs and mangrove forests, preserve traditional seaweed farming practices, and work toward a sustainable future for the island while educating the next generation.
The Bali Volunteer Program offers a meaningful opportunity to support local children while experiencing authentic Balinese village life. Based in the coastal village of Seraya in East Bali, the program focuses on improving children’s English skills through fun, interactive, and engaging learning activities that encourage confidence and participation. Volunteers work closely with local schools and community members, delivering informal English lessons using games, songs, arts and crafts, storytelling, and outdoor activities. Rather than formal classroom teaching, the focus is on creating a positive learning environment where children feel comfortable using English in everyday situations. In addition to volunteering, the program includes cultural experiences such as making traditional offerings, joining Balinese cooking classes, and learning about local customs. This allows volunteers to move beyond tourist areas, connect with the community, and gain a deeper understanding of Balinese traditions and daily life.
Our Childcare and Teaching Program in Bali offers volunteers the opportunity to make a meaningful impact on local communities while experiencing authentic Balinese culture. The program supports local kindergartens and community schools where resources are often limited and additional support is highly valued. Volunteers assist local teachers with basic English lessons, creative activities, games, arts and crafts, and general classroom support. The focus is not on formal teaching, but on creating a fun, engaging, and supportive learning environment for children. No teaching qualification is required—just enthusiasm, patience, and a genuine interest in working with children. Outside of volunteering hours, participants have plenty of free time to explore Bali, relax, or connect with fellow volunteers from around the world. Accommodation, daily support from our local team, and a welcoming community atmosphere are all included in the experience.
Eco Hero Conservation is a marine research and conservation program based in Nusa Penida, Indonesia, that trains and educates divers in the conservation of marine megafauna. We are always looking for marine enthusiasts to join our research diver training program and research team. This conservation program builds on the experience and expertise of volunteers from around the world. Coral reefs are essential to both human and marine life. They provide habitat for a wide variety of species and protect coastlines from erosion and storms. However, reefs are under severe threat from human activities such as irresponsible fishing, pollution, and climate change. Conservation is therefore essential, including keeping coastlines clean, preventing erosion, practicing sustainable fishing, avoiding coral damage, involving local communities, improving management capacity, and rehabilitating damaged reefs. We believe true conservation lies in allowing nature to function with minimal human interference. However, human activities such as plastic pollution, overfishing, and destructive practices disrupt this balance. As our work is ocean-based, we combine marine activities with ecological education. Participants may join a divemaster internship with marine ecology specialties, contributing to daily data collection on manta rays, turtles, and fish, learning about corals, and participating in coral propagation programs. We also organize beach and reef cleanups, awareness activities, and community support such as teaching English to local children. The internship includes training, materials, instructor support, and certification. Accommodation and lunch are provided on ocean training and research days.
We’re a small, youth-led team passionate about education, nature, and community development. Our staff come from local villages and nearby towns, and many are teachers, beekeepers, conservationists, scuba divers, or university students who grew up in the area and now want to help protect it. We work closely with community members, parents, and local leaders to ensure every backpacker feels welcomed and supported. Backpackers can expect to be treated like part of the family. From the moment you arrive, we help you settle into your cabin, introduce you to local customs, and guide you through activities at a comfortable pace. We are friendly, patient, and always ready to help—whether you need support with teaching, coral reef activities, travel guidance, understanding the culture, or simply learning how to open a coconut. We believe in mutual respect: We listen to your ideas. We support your learning. We regularly check in to make sure you feel safe, included, and valued. We share meals, laughter, and local stories just as we do with long-time friends. We also encourage cultural exchange, where backpackers can share their own skills, traditions, and experiences with the community. Many participants form lasting friendships and return in the future, continuing to support local initiatives in different ways. Our goal is to make you feel at home—not as a guest, but as a meaningful part of our community and the impact we create together.