About Us
Tri Hita Karana Bali is a small local NGO based in Ubud, Bali, working on a range of community and environmental projects. Our work includes community-based waste management, regenerative agriculture, home gardens and agroforestry, environmental education, English classes for local communities, educational tourism, appropriate technology, permaculture design, and heritage seed conservation.
Our work is inspired by the Balinese philosophy of Tri Hita Karana, which promotes harmony between people, nature, and spirituality. Through our projects, we aim to strengthen this connection and encourage more ecologically and economically sustainable practices across Bali.
Program at a glance
Why choose us?
We have been working with volunteers since 2004, creating a rewarding experience that benefits both volunteers and the local communities we work with. Based on the beautiful island of Bali, our programmes offer volunteers the opportunity to experience different sides of Balinese life while contributing to meaningful environmental and community projects.
Volunteers learn hands-on alongside local Balinese people and have the opportunity to visit different parts of the island where we carry out our green projects. It is a chance to learn new skills, experience local culture, connect with communities, and contribute to sustainable development in Bali.
Requirements
Volunteers only need to bring comfortable working clothes. Hand gloves and a hat are also recommended. All necessary tools and equipment are provided at our centres.
If you are interested in permaculture, music, learning by doing, and experiencing local life, you will have the opportunity to stay with local families in beautiful, sustainably designed homes while taking part in our community and environmental projects.
Volunteer experience
Volunteers work 5 days a week, for a minimum of 3 hours per day. After breakfast, local supervisors brief volunteers on the day's activities and available projects.
Depending on your interests, you can take part in:
- Tree planting
- Home gardening
- Agroforestry
- Community-based waste management
- Rice farming
- Beekeeping
- Cacao processing and harvesting
Each project has a local supervisor who guides volunteers throughout the activities. Volunteers can choose the project they are most interested in or rotate between different projects to gain a more diverse volunteering experience.
US$250 per person per week
Tri Hita Karana Bali has two permaculture centres, both offering comfortable accommodation for volunteers:
- Permaculture House – Ubud: A 20-room centre located in Ubud. Each room has a private bathroom, hot water, mosquito net, and air conditioning. The centre also features two communal kitchens and a large natural communal swimming pool.
- Permaculture House 2 – Tabanan: A 20-room centre located next to a beautiful Zone 4 community forest and Zone 5 conservation forest. Each room has a private bathroom, mosquito net, and hot water provided through passive solar heating. The centre also has two communal kitchens.
Both locations provide a peaceful environment where volunteers can experience sustainable living, permaculture, and the natural beauty of Bali.
Our local cook prepares delicious, fresh meals for volunteers, with a variety of options including vegetarian and gluten-free meals.
Volunteers also have the opportunity to learn about traditional Balinese food and cooking. Our kitchen team introduces volunteers to wild foraging and local ingredients, including mushrooms, wild vegetables, roots, fruits, and occasionally honey.
You can also learn traditional cooking methods, including timbungan, a delicious local dish traditionally cooked inside bamboo. This hands-on experience allows volunteers to discover local food, connect with the community, and enjoy fresh ingredients gathered from the surrounding environment.
Volunteers have plenty of opportunities to explore Bali during their free time. From Permaculture House 2, the beach is only about 10 minutes away by scooter, with several beautiful surfing beaches nearby.
You can also:
- Visit nearby beaches and go surfing
- Go mountain climbing and trekking
- Hike to waterfalls
- Enjoy a traditional Balinese massage
- Explore beautiful places and attractions around Bali
- Discover local villages, nature, and Balinese culture
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