Coral Reef Restoration & Beach Time in Bali

A wildlife conservation school expedition to Bali featuring coral reef restoration, Balinese culture, Mount Batur sunrise trekking, rainforest adventure and beach time.

This two-week school expedition in Indonesia, centred on the island of Bali, blends culture, conservation, adventure and community connection. You’ll begin by immersing yourself in Balinese traditions, learning sacred offering-making and exploring coastal life before discovering how coral reef restoration protects fragile marine ecosystems. Living and working alongside rural communities near volcanic landscapes, you’ll contribute to local projects and experience daily life among rice terraces and villages. The journey continues with a sunrise trek up Mount Batur, cultural time in Ubud, rainforest trekking and canoeing in Munduk’s misty highlands, and coastal exploration in Pemuteran. You’ll finish back in Sanur with time to reflect by the beach, returning home more confident, capable and connected, shaped by meaningful experiences, teamwork and life beyond the classroom.

Location Bali

Highlights

Coral Reef Restoration

Mount Batur Sunrise

Balinese Cultural Immersion

Coffee Roasting

Understanding Conservation in Practice

Students learn what conservation looks like on the ground, including its challenges and limitations.

Developing Scientific Awareness

Fieldwork builds understanding of ecosystems, species behaviour and environmental balance.

Building Ethical Awareness

Students explore complex issues around wildlife, tourism and human impact.

Creating Purpose Driven Learning

Contributing to meaningful projects helps students see how their actions can make a difference.

Day 1Arrive in Bali

Sanur

Touch down at Denpasar airport and travel to Sanur. You’ve made it to Bali, a tropical island in the archipelago of Indonesia. Make sure you get some rest after your flight, you’re about to take the road less travelled and experience the places you’ve been dreaming about. Hindu temples, ancient volcanoes and sparkling beaches, they’re all here waiting to be explored.

Day 2Discover Sanur

Sanur

Dive into expedition life by meeting your ground team, assigning group roles, and picking up essentials like the local currency, the Indonesian Rupiah. Then, begin a meaningful cultural experience with a Balinese woman who has spent 14 years mastering the sacred art of offering-making. Dress in traditional clothing before learning to create canang sari, intricate daily offerings of gratitude placed at temples and shrines. Hear her inspiring story and how she helps others engage in this ancient ritual. Later, explore Sanur’s beach, browse souvenir shops, and enjoy your first taste of nasi goreng, Indonesia’s iconic stir-fried rice.

Day 3Coral Reef Restoration

Manggis

Today, you’ll set out on a meaningful journey dedicated to learning about coral reef restoration. Gain a deeper understanding of how these fragile ecosystems survive and how they can be protected. You’ll be introduced to the challenges facing coral reefs and the creative, science-based approaches used to support their recovery, from cultivation techniques to the ways restored reefs encourage marine life to return. As you learn, you’ll have the chance to see how conservation efforts come to life. Whether through guided discussions or hands-on activities, you’ll gain meaningful insight into the delicate balance of reef ecosystems and the role communities play in safeguarding them for the future.

Days 4-6Community Initiative

Rural Village in Batur

Head to a rural village and receive a warm welcome from the friendly local community you’ll be working alongside. Take a walk through lush rice terraces, surrounded by swaying coconut palms and volcanic hills, soaking in the tranquil atmosphere while learning about the history, culture, and daily rhythms of rural life. Over the next few days, you’ll work side by side with the locals and a construction team on important infrastructure projects. If it’s harvest season you’ll also roll up your sleeves and help out in the golden rice fields. Alongside your work, there will be plenty of opportunities to learn the local language, interact with local students, and try your hand at traditional crafts. Hop in the minibus for the drive to Batur village, then set off in the early hours with your flashlight at the ready.

Days 7-9Mount Batur & Ubud

Ubud

Wake up in the early hours of the morning and grab your trekking gear. You’re off to Mount Batur, an active volcano that looms over the landscape. The track gets steep towards the top but the sunrise summit view is so worth it, you’ll be gazing over Bali and across to Lombok island. Take it all in as you learn how to cook eggs with the heat of the volcano and tuck into breakfast. Hop back in the minibus and head to Ubud. This cultural hub is famous for its dance, music, art and monkeys. Traditional dance and music shows are held every night, so check the schedule and buy some tickets. The Kecak (Monkey dance) is a good bet, and Ubud Palace (Puri Saren Agung) is the best venue. You could also use your spending money for a cookery class or yoga lesson, or seek out the shops on Monkey Forest Road.

Days 10-11Munduk Trek & Canoe

Munduk's Misty Highlands

Leave Ubud behind and journey north to Munduk’s misty highlands and meet your local guide for an immersive rainforest trek. Hike from Buyan to Tamblingan Lake along rugged trails through coffee, cocoa, and clove plantations, with a traditional canoe ride and picnic lunch by the lake. After lunch, visit Banyumala Waterfall and take a refreshing dip after a steep hike down. In the evening, arrive at your lakeside campsite and cook your own dinner under the stars. The next morning, wind through more jungle trails to a hidden waterfall, then finish with a challenging uphill climb. End your adventure with a coffee roasting demo before heading off to Pemuteran.

Day 12Explore Pemuteran

Pemuteran

Spend the day soaking up the cultural richness of Pemuteran, a laid-back coastal village that offers a glimpse into Bali’s spiritual and seafaring heritage. Start by exploring ancient temples, such as Pura Pulaki and Pura Pabean, where local fishermen gather to pray for protection and prosperity at sea. If you’re feeling adventurous, snorkelling is a fantastic optional activity, peak beneath the surface to experience a colourful world just as vibrant as the shore.

Day 13Beach Time

Sanur

Head south, back to Sanur and chill on the beach. Kick back on the sand and take stock of everything you’ve experienced. Notice how much your confidence has grown since the start of the trip, and just think of everything you’ve achieved. This is a good time to buy some souvenirs, so take a stroll around the shops and buy Balinese handicrafts for your friends and family back home.

Day 14Travel Home From Denpasar

Denpasar

After the best two weeks of your life, it’s time to travel home. Cram everything into your backpack and head to the airport. Check in, sit back and let it all sink in, you’ve just experienced something incredible. Bali has opened your eyes and challenged you more than you ever imagined. You’ve fast-tracked your life skills and connected with the locals; you’ve led your team and made new friends for life. These experiences will shape who you are and put you on the path to becoming a true global citizen. Prepare to return home forever changed.

Our expedition was hugely successful, as our students rose to the challenges presented and grew in life skills and confidence. Students were well-prepared for departure and this journey will be a key landmark in their development, as well as providing some fantastic life-long friendships and memories.

Fee, Teacher

Coral Reef Restoration & Beach Time in Bali

A wildlife conservation school expedition to Bali featuring coral reef restoration, Balinese culture, Mount Batur sunrise trekking, rainforest adventure and beach time.

Highlights

Understanding Conservation in Practice

Understanding Conservation in Practice

Developing Scientific Awareness

Building Ethical Awareness

Creating Purpose Driven Learning

Responsible Travel & Commitments

Find your place

in the world

Choose your region