I met so many incredible people and learnt so much about the Balinese culture and way of life. In doing construction and renovation I learnt loads of new skills and overall the experience helped me grow as a person.
Construction and Renovation Volunteer Project in Bali - Ubud
Purpose
Improve infrastructure for the community
Start dates
Programs start every Monday
Duration
Choose from 2-12 weeks
Volunteer hours
4 - 5 hours per day
Age
Volunteers aged 16+ and families
Accommodation
Dormitory-style volunteer houses
Who is going?
Group video calls
Once you have secured your place, join regular video calls to meet your Program Manager and other volunteers before your trip.
This program is ideal for:
Physically active volunteers who don’t mind getting their hands dirty and are willing to provide support wherever help is most needed. No previous experience is needed because you’ll be teamed up with local staff.
Project details
Want to roll up your sleeves on a Construction and Renovation project in Bali - Ubud? International Volunteer HQ’s Construction project enables volunteers to gain experience and skills in building, renovation and maintenance at schools and community spaces in the lush Ubud area. These initiatives need hands-on help to build new facilities and improve older ones so they can continue the vital work they do supporting local communities.
What to expect and how you'll make an impact
Bali has been growing at a rapid pace for some time and infrastructure has struggled to keep up with population growth. There is demand for new schools and community buildings, but getting them built can take a long time. By volunteering to help with building and renovations, you can help to fast-track projects that will serve the local community.
As a Construction and Renovation volunteer in Ubud, you’ll assist local teams with the building and renovation of schools and community spaces and be able to see the visible difference you make.
Construction and Renovation volunteer work varies, but tasks may include:
- Bricklaying
- Carpentry and building
- Painting
- Gardening and landscaping
- Tiling
Why do Construction and Renovation volunteering in Ubud with IVHQ?
By being a volunteer builder in Ubud, you’ll be adding value to the local community, while developing personally and professionally by:
- Helping build invaluable community spaces
- Supporting local projects which serve low-income communities
- Developing your communication skills
- Gaining building and renovation skills and experience
- Immersing yourself fully in Balinese life
- Exploring Ubud’s rich culture and natural environment
Volunteer requirements
- All volunteers joining the program must obtain the C6B Social Cultural Visa. This type of visa is required to join the program, no matter your nationality or duration in Indonesia. The visa has additional costs and can typically take up to 15 working days to process and once registered you will be provided with instructions on how to apply for this visa.
- An exception to the above applies if a volunteer will be in Indonesia for less than 30 days and opts to participate in the Introduction Week, Adventure week, or the Yoga and Meditation Week, along with one or two weeks of volunteering. In this scenario, the volunteer can join with a tourist visa, which can be obtained upon arrival, for most nationalities.
- To respect the local culture and customs in Bali, volunteers should be aware that they’re unable to have anything obstructing their face while at their volunteer placement.
- Volunteers under the age of 16 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian to participate in this program
- Volunteers aged 16 or 17 on their program start date are required to provide IVHQ with parental consent in order to participate on the program, and may be asked to provide additional document to the local team.
- All volunteers aged 13+ are required to provide a criminal background check to IVHQ prior to departure. Those aged 13-17, if unable to obtain a criminal background check, can provide two character reference letters instead
- All volunteers are required to have adequate volunteer travel insurance
Are you eligible to volunteer?
Submit a free application so we can confirm your eligibility and check availability for your preferred dates.
Not sure which program to join?
Get personalized recommendations >
Who is going?
Group video calls
Once you have secured your place, join regular video calls to meet your Program Manager and other volunteers before your trip.
Bali photo gallery
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IVHQ Construction and Renovation project
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IVHQ Turtle Conservation project
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IVHQ Environmental Education project
IVHQ Turtle Conservation project
IVHQ Health Education project
IVHQ Childcare project
IVHQ Teaching project
IVHQ Construction and Renovation project
IVHQ Teaching project
IVHQ Teaching project
IVHQ Health Education project
IVHQ Turtle Conservation project
IVHQ Teaching project
IVHQ Construction and Renovation project
IVHQ Teaching project
IVHQ Turtle Conservation project
IVHQ Health Education project
IVHQ Construction and Renovation project
IVHQ Childcare project
IVHQ Teaching project
IVHQ Construction and Renovation project
IVHQ Turtle Conservation project
IVHQ Childcare project
IVHQ Teaching project
IVHQ volunteer Introduction week
IVHQ volunteer Introduction week
IVHQ volunteer Introduction week
Yoga and meditation add-on in Ubud, Bali
Yoga and meditation add-on in Ubud, Bali
Adventure week add-on in Ubud, Bali
Adventure week add-on in Ubud, Bali
Adventure week add-on in Ubud, Bali
Adventure week add-on in Ubud, Bali
Adventure week add-on in Ubud, Bali
Adventure week add-on in Ubud, Bali
Adventure week add-on in Ubud, Bali
Exploring Ubud during the weekend
Exploring Ubud during the weekend
Exploring Ubud during the weekend
Exploring Rice Terraces during the weekend
Exploring Nusa Pendia during the weekend
Exploring Ubud during the weekend
Exploring Ubud during the weekend
Exploring Ubud Markets during the weekend
Exploring Monkey Forest during the weekend
Exploring Uluwatu during the weekend
Group of IVHQ volunteers in Bali
Exploring Water Temple during the weekend
Exploring Nusa Penida during the weekend
Exploring Monkey Forest during the weekend
Exploring Resorts during the weekend
Exploring Ubud during the weekend
Exploring Ubud Markets during the weekend
Exploring Ubud during the weekend
Exploring Uluwatu during the weekend
Group of IVHQ volunteers in Bali
Exploring Mt Batur during the weekend
Exploring Pandawa Beach during the weekend
What recent volunteers said about their IVHQ experience
TP
Tom Pountney
09 Oct 2024
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JB
Joseph Baroni
04 Aug 2024
Volunteering through IVHQ was an incredibly fulfilling experience. I was nervous about volunteering abroad, so far away from home, but doing so allowed me to not only grow through discomfort, but also to improve the lives of others. If you’re nervous about volunteering, that’s ok! Nerves are normal, but IVHQ does an impeccable job making sure that your accommodation is safe and the work that you do is meaningful. Volunteer!
...
DK
Darby Kropp
29 Feb 2024
For me, volunteering for my gap year really made me grow as an individual. Being able to create life time bonds with people from around the world is just so healing and rewarding. Being immersed in the Balinese culture and exploring the whole island really helped me more understand how life is around world. Everyone that I met during my experience were all so open and friendly, from the volunteers to the locals. I am so grateful and honored to have been able to go on this trip. I definitely will go back to Bali!
...
AD
Agnieszka Dzietczyk
27 Oct 2023
Go with an open mind and be flexible - I read it in previous testimonials and totally agree with it. The positive, open-minded attitude helps a lot to adjust to the new local culture, especially if you're planning to volunteer for several weeks. And do ask for help if you have any questions - I relied a lot on the guidelines provided by the local coordinators. They were always happy to share their knowledge and experience, and it's been a huge pleasure partnering with them to make an impact on the local community.
...
JB
Johanna Blondin
18 Jul 2023
Je suis tellement heureux d’avoir pu faire partie d’une expérience aussi spéciale que le bénévolat. J’ai rencontré de nouveaux amis, appris tellement de nouvelles choses, du travail dans la construction à une nouvelle culture, et bien plus encore. Je ne saurais trop recommander ce programme! Assurez-vous simplement de rester au moins 3 à 4 semaines car le temps passe trop rapidement!
...
DS
Dana Shockman
26 Mar 2023
Working with the local construction team and the other volunteers was my favorite moment. We build such a wonderful bond and we genuinely had so much fun on site every day. I never imagined being covered in dirt and sweat would be so much fun. We accomplished so much together and it was incredibly hard work everyday but even more rewarding! I learned to slow down, to expect the unexpected and to live in the moment. I met so many incredible people from all over the world, at different stages of life, and so many different ages. None of these things mattered- we were all there for a similar reason and it was so freeing to be a part of a team of people who were excited to make an impact in the world. Embrace the journey- EVERYTHING you want to learn about yourself, the world, a new experience, a new place- is on the other side of saying yes to this adventure.
...
To read all reviews, visit our reviews page.
Academic course credit
Academic course credit
Gain course credit from your college or university and meet your academic requirements when completing a volunteer abroad program with International Volunteer HQ!
Learn about course creditLocation
Location
Set among lush rice paddies and ancient temples, IVHQ’s Ubud program will send you back in time. The 14 villages that make up the historical town of Ubud have streets lined with statues and ornate temples that ooze old-world charm. Ubud is also known for its artistic flair, with countless art galleries, artists’ workshops, craft shops and markets to explore.
Arrival and orientation
The Bali volunteer program orientation begins every Monday and volunteers need to arrive in Bali on the Sunday before orientation.
After you have registered for the program, please book your flights to arrive at the Ngurah Rai International Airport, also known as Denpasar International Airport (DPS). Your airport pick-up is included in your Program Fee. We recommend that volunteers under the age of 18 travel internationally with a notarized letter from their parents to support their documentation.
When you arrive, you will be greeted at the airport by a member of the local team and taken to the volunteer accommodation. Your accommodation is covered by your program fee and includes the night before your program orientation.
If you are in Bali prior to your volunteer program, we can arrange for you to be picked up in Ubud or Denpasar on the day before your program orientation.
It is important to note that due to high capacity during the period from May 27th to September 7th, 2024, the local team requests that volunteers only arrive on Sundays to receive an airport pick-up. As the volunteer house cannot accommodate additional nights for early arrivals before Sunday. If you happen to arrive earlier, you are welcome to arrange your own accommodation until Sunday when you can meet the local team at alternative pick-up locations. This also applies after the program, as check-out is scheduled for Saturday.
There are two options for orientation for the Bali - Ubud Program:
1-day Orientation:
The 1-day orientation begins on your selected start date and covers everything you need to know for your volunteer program. You will have an introduction to the IVHQ Bali - Ubud Program and the local staff, Indonesian customs, rules, expectations, and safety. This will be followed by a project-specific meeting with the project preparation you’ll need to complete for the following day. Volunteers on the Turtle Conservation project choosing this option will need to arrive into Denpasar International Airport (DPS) on the Sunday before 1pm. As you will be transferred straight to Nusa Penida for your one-day orientation the following day.
5-day Introduction Week:
The second option is Introduction Week, hosted by our Bali team in Ubud. The Introduction Week begins on the morning of your chosen start date and runs for the first five days of your stay. It is an awesome way to kickstart your volunteer abroad experience and it covers everything you need to know for your volunteer program in Bali, plus you’ll learn more about the culture and get to tick off a must-do Bali experiences! The Introduction Week will also give you a chance to meet other volunteers and swap contact details for weekend travel and socializing.
Volunteer schedule example
First Day
On your first day of volunteering, you will be escorted to your placement by a local coordinator and introduced to the placement staff you will be working with.
Weekdays
| 8:00 AM | Breakfast at the volunteer house. |
| 9:00 AM | Volunteers head to their placements. |
| 12:00 PM | Lunch. |
| 2:00 PM | Volunteers resume work between 1-2pm for a further 2 hours. |
| 5:00 PM | Volunteer work finishes. Volunteers are free to visit local sites or go shopping. |
| 5:00 - 6:30 PM | Dinner at the volunteer house. |
Please note, this schedule can vary depending on the work needed at the time
Weekends
Whether you’re into arts and crafts, ancient history, exploring nature or after an adrenaline rush, there’s plenty to satisfy you in and around Ubud. You can fill your weekends with statues, museums and temples, hiking to the summit of Mt Batur, seeing waterfalls, snorkeling, white-water rafting, art galleries, shopping at markets or visiting small farms and rice paddies.
Ubud’s central location also makes it easy to get to other places in Bali like the capital city of Denpasar and the glorious beaches and villages that line the southern coast - all less than an hour away by taxi.
Accommodation and WiFi
You’ll be staying in a volunteer house, located about 15 minutes’ drive from central Ubud. The volunteer houses are set in small villages, which it’s a great way to see typical Balinese life.
Living conditions are comfortable and all volunteer houses have fans in the bedrooms. Volunteers can expect to share a dormitory-style room with up to seven other volunteers. These bedrooms are separated by gender. The bathroom is shared with a hot water shower and western toilets. There is a large outdoor dining area for volunteers to socialise and enjoy their meals together.
WiFi is available at the volunteer accommodation and there are great internet cafes in Ubud if you would like to access a higher speed connection.
Each volunteer house has a security guard at night and there is 10:30pm curfew every night at the volunteer accommodation, please be considerate and reduce noise.
If you wish to arrive a day earlier than your recommended arrival date or spend a few extra nights after finishing your program, we can arrange extra nights of accommodation for you at AU$114 per person per night, including meals, subject to availability. You will be able to book extra nights via your profile after you register.
Private room upgrades starting from AU$288 per room per week. These are subject to availability and once you have registered you will be able to request an upgrade. These are located a 3 - 5 minutes walk outside from the main centre.
Meals
Volunteers are served mainly Balinese style dishes and should expect light vegetarian meals like:
- Rice, fresh vegetables and occasionally tempeh/tofu
- Nasi goreng (fried rice and vegetables - often considered as the national dish)
- Mie goreng (fried noodles and vegetables)
- Gado gado (mixed vegetables with a satay sauce)
Western meals may be served during the week. Breakfast can include fresh fruit, toast, and eggs. Tea, coffee, and toast will be available throughout the day. Purified drinking water is also available in the volunteer house; we do not recommend that you drink the tap water.
On weekdays you’ll get three meals a day, but during the weekend only breakfast and dinner are provided. If volunteers wish to eat out in Ubud, there are a large number of restaurants to suit all tastes and budgets.
If you have special dietary requirements, please let us know when you apply so that we can make arrangements for you. However, you should not expect to eat as you normally do at home and need to be as flexible as possible. We will do our best to see that you are well taken care of.
Volunteer accommodation
Volunteer accommodation balcony
Typical volunteer bedroom
Typical volunteer bedroom
Typical volunteer bedroom
Typical volunteer bedroom
Typical volunteer bedroom
Typical volunteer bedroom
Typical volunteer bedroom
Typical volunteer bedroom
Typical volunteer bedroom
Typical upgraded accommodation
Typical upgraded accommodation
Typical upgraded accommodation
Typical upgraded accommodation
Typical upgraded accommodation
Typical upgraded accommodation
Typical bathroom
Typical bathroom
Typical upgraded bathroom
Typical upgraded bathroom
Typical volunteer breakfast
Typical volunteer breakfast
Typical volunteer lunch
Typical volunteer lunch
Typical volunteer lunch
Typical volunteer lunch
Typical volunteer dinner
Typical volunteer dinner
Typical volunteer dinner
Pricing
Secure your place for just US$299 (approximately AU$477), pay your Program Fee later.
Spots are limited. For a Registration Fee of just US$299 (approximately AU$477) you secure your spot and unlock all our preparation and training tools.
You don't need to worry about paying your Program Fee until you get closer to your start date.
Duration |
Program FeeDue 30 days before you start, or within 48 hours if you register inside of 30 days. Covers the cost of hosting you.
|
|---|---|
| 2 weeks | $677 Equivalent to $48/day |
| 3 weeks | $909 Equivalent to $43/day |
| 4 weeks | $1,146 Equivalent to $41/day |
| 5 weeks | $1,373 Equivalent to $39/day |
| 6 weeks | $1,580 Equivalent to $38/day |
| 8 weeks | $1,989 Equivalent to $36/day |
| 10 weeks | $2,398 Equivalent to $34/day |
| 12 weeks | $2,807 Equivalent to $33/day |
- All programs attract a Registration Fee of US$299 (approximately AU$477) in addition to the Program Fee. This covers all pre-departure support services.
- A 5% international banking fee is added at point of payment.
- Recommended spending money: Volunteers in Bali - Ubud generally find US$80-100 per week to be sufficient for expenses.
- Breakfast, lunch and dinner
- Airport pick-up
- Transport to and from your volunteer project
- Additional training, resources and materials involved in your project.
- Accommodation
- 24/7 in-country support
- In-country program orientation
- Pre-departure support from your Program Manager
- Personalised preparation tools, guides and check lists
- Access to IVHQ’s preferred insurance and flights partners
- Discounts on travel and tour add-ons
- Certificate of International Volunteer Service
Learn more about what's included in your IVHQ Registration Fee and Program Fee.
- Return to the airport when your program finishes
- Flights
- Visa (if required), travel insurance (mandatory), vaccinations, criminal background check.
- Personal spending money for snacks, laundry, public transportation, drinks and leisure activities during your free time.
Popular add-ons & experiences in Ubud
Take your volunteer experience to the next level with these popular add-ons and experiences. Explore your options below and learn how to book them once you've been accepted onto the IVHQ Ubud program.
Bali Adventure Week
Are you ready for an action-packed week filled with adventure and unforgettable experiences in Bali?
AU$719
Bali Yoga and Meditation Week
Ready to unlock a deeper connection between mind, body, and spirit?
AU$671
Ubud Introduction Week
Learn more about the Balinese culture and tick off some must-do Bali experiences.
AU$574
Check what's required to visit Bali
Safety and support
Safety and support
IVHQ follows best practice and industry-leading health and safety procedures, which are regularly reviewed and optimized as part of the B Corporation recertification.
- All volunteers encouraged to complete our interactive pre-departure training.
- All local teams trained on best practice volunteer management & First Aid.
- All IVHQ programs are required to adhere to IVHQ's Risk Management Policy.
- All volunteers have access to 24/7 in-country support from our local team.
Essential country information
Essential country information
| Capital | Denpasar |
| Population | 4.22 million |
| Languages | Bahasa Indonesia |
| Currency | Indonesia Rupiah (IDR) |
| Time zone | UTC+08:00 |
Weather and climate
Bali has a tropical climate with year-round warm weather and an average temperature of 30°C (86°F). High humidity can be expected during the wet season from October to April. The dry season is between the months of May and September and has the lowest humidity.
Apply to check if you're eligible!
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