Volunteering through GoEco in Bali at the Bali Sea Turtle Rescue project is one of the best decisions I have ever made. This summer I traveled to Ubud and Nusa Penida, participating in a sea turtle conservation project that soon became the most rewarding experience of my life. Over the course of two weeks I was introduced to incredible coordinators, awesome traditional food, and friends that I will have for a lifetime. I would highly recommend this trip to any and everyone.
Beginning in orientation week, we toured around Ubud, stopping in the Monkey Forest, walking through many temples, and exploring the market. I was welcomed in warmly, and felt comfortable with the locals, saying “halo” and “selemat pagi” (good morning) to them every single day. Both the weather and atmosphere were incredible for my entire journey, and I could not have asked for a better two weeks.In my second week we took a ferry to Nusa Penida, an island just off the coast of Bali. Here I began volunteering with the sea turtles, which consisted of feeding them, cleaning the tanks, collecting food, and cleaning the beach. This was an unbelievable hands-on experience, making every volunteer involved and productive. It was hard work, but it felt so rewarding at the end of the day knowing that you made a difference.
As my two weeks came to a close I had the opportunity to watch two sea turtles being released back into the ocean, which I truly have no words to describe. Seeing something like that is a once in a lifetime experience, and made me incredibly happy and proud to witness.
After coming home and reflecting on this volunteer trip, I am so grateful for the journey I had and the project I participated in. I am already excited for future travels- what can I say, I must have caught the travel bug in Bali.
