My Volunteering Journey in Bali's Sea Turtle Conservation

Mei, a student at Ritsumeikan Asia Pacific University majoring in Environment and Development, has always felt a deep connection to nature especially the ocean. Raised on Japan’s Amami Island, a UNESCO World Natural Heritage site rich in marine biodiversity, Mei witnessed both the beauty and fragility of the environment from an early age. Motivated by the decline in sea turtle populations and the visible impacts of climate change back home, Mei chose to join a turtle conservation volunteer program in Bali through Bali Internships. Here's his enticing story.

Why I Chose to Volunteer in Bali

From January 20th to February 28th, 2025, I spent six memorable weeks in Bali as a volunteer with a Turtle Conservation program. As a student from Ritsumeikan Asia Pacific University majoring in Environment and Development, this experience allowed me to connect my academic focus with real-life conservation efforts. I’ve always been passionate about marine life, especially sea turtles and coral reefs, and this program gave me the opportunity to contribute to a cause I truly care about.

I was born and raised on Amami Island, a beautiful World Natural Heritage site in Japan. Surrounded by diverse wildlife, I developed a deep respect for nature from an early age. But I also witnessed the impacts of environmental damage—fewer sea turtles returning to nest, increasing numbers of injured animals, and the visible decline of marine biodiversity. That sense of loss stayed with me and inspired my decision to volunteer in Bali, a place with a climate and natural richness that reminded me of home.

Daily Responsibilities at the Conservation Center

During the program, I worked alongside other volunteers to support the care and rehabilitation of sea turtles. One of my daily tasks was cleaning the tanks where the turtles are kept. We also collected fresh seaweed from the ocean as part of their diet. On some days, I gave educational tours to visiting tourists, explaining the importance of protecting sea turtles and the threats they face. One of the most special moments was releasing baby turtles into the ocean—it was both hopeful and emotional to watch them take their first steps toward the sea.

The work wasn’t always fast-paced. During the low season, things quieted down, and at times, I found myself wondering how best to stay productive. But I appreciated that when I asked for more responsibilities, my supervisor trusted me with tasks like creating presentations for English-speaking children visiting the center. These quieter moments reminded me that conservation isn’t always about big, dramatic events—it’s also about patience, consistency, and showing up every day.

Life Outside Volunteering: Surfing, Exploring, and Community

Outside of work, I made the most of my time in Bali. Surfing became my way to recharge. I spent my free time catching waves in Sanur, Kuta, and Canggu. I also explored the local community, enjoyed Balinese food, and connected with people from different parts of the world. Adjusting to life in Bali felt natural for me. Having traveled before, I didn’t face major challenges, but I know it can feel intimidating at first. Thankfully, the local people were friendly and spoke enough English to make communication smooth, and the team behind the volunteer program was always there to support us.

Transportation was an adventure on its own—riding a scooter through Bali’s busy streets turned out to be one of my favorite parts of daily life. It was a bit chaotic at first, but once I got used to it, I really enjoyed the freedom it gave me to explore beyond the project site.

Final Reflections and Recommendations

If I had to describe Bali in three words, I’d say: happiness, paradise, and nature. That’s exactly what I experienced here. Volunteering through this program gave me a deeper understanding of what it takes to protect vulnerable species like sea turtles. For anyone considering a volunteer program in Bali, I highly recommend the turtle program. It’s a meaningful way to give back to the environment while also learning about yourself and the world around you.