Learning about Sea Turtles in Bali while Volunteering

What an incredible month working here at Turtle Conservation Center. It was everything I expected and so much more! I was so looking forward to learning about these beautiful, but seriously struggling creatures, and redirecting that knowledge to others during tours of the center. I started my volunteer work on January, there are not as many tourists so the center was relatively quiet compared to the summer months, which left me with less work to do in my hours. However, this just gave me more time to bond with the team and learn more about their work and the culture of Bali.

On my second day, I was able to attend a ceremony marking the release of two turtles from the center, a happy coincidence with the correct conditions, that was a true experience. I also joined the team to rescue a full grown female from Kuta beach with a large fishing hook in the joint of her front flipper. While exciting, it was also an opportunity to witness first hand what the Turtle Conservation Center team really do here and the important impact they have in the rescue, rehabilitation, and release of these turtles.

I have really learned so much about sea turtles and the difficult lives they face for survival, significantly the impact of humans (primarily fishing nets, plastic and the development of beach or coastal areas). I will continue to raise awareness back home, of how we can change any of the great work Turtle Conservation Center are doing. I have also learned how unique Bali is. I expected countries across Indonesia to be far more uniform but the way of life does not compare to anywhere else in the world, let alone Indonesia; the language, the religion, the temples and architecture, the food (oh my, the food!). This tiny island is a pocket of individuality, humbleness, and culture if you take the time to venture out of the touristy pockets.

If I ‘have’ to say one thing I enjoyed the most here it would have to be exploring all the Balinese and Indonesian food. I’m so glad I got talking to the other volunteers and workers about what dishes I should try and what they are called. I formed a little list on my phone of key phrases and food items/meals and this really helped me go out on my own with confidence to order and try new things. My experience here wouldn’t have been half of what it was if I hadn’t asked questions about the Balinese or Indonesian translation, culture, food, history, etc. and not put myself out there and tried to experience it all.

Weekend trips on the scooter (so much fun) to religious temples were massively humbling, to really see how devoted the Balinese people are to their religion yet still in the most peaceful and unforceful way. I love experiencing different cultures, I studied ancient history and cultures at university in England, so I really enjoyed these aspects of Bali. However, something I won’t miss is seeing all the litter. It is truly heartbreaking to see all the plastic and debris that washes up on Bali’s beaches, (from other countries too!) and I am more driven than ever to help enforce a change the use and abuse of plastic.