IN PRAISE OF NATURE

BALI, INDONESIA

FOR THOSE WHO seek the peace of the wild, and to reconcile the rugged truths of the natural world with the truths within.

“I went to the woods because I wished to live deliberately, to front only the essential facts of life, and see if I could not learn what it had to teach, and not, when I came to die, discover that I had not lived."

thoreaux, walden

Beyond the well-trodden paths and postcard-perfect tourist havens of Kuta Beach and Denpasar, venture 5 hours off the beaten track into the heart of Bali Barat National Park, where locals live off the land and fight to preserve their way of life as well as sustain the world that sustains them.

Join forces with research scientists-- Sierra Silverstone, the Director of Agriculture and Forestry at the Biosphere Foundation, a US non-profit organization, and Biosphere's Research Associate, Kitty Currier, a doctoral student studying Menjangan Island's coral reefs-- and activists on the ground to explore the depths of the forests and ocean - yet untouched by mass tourism and commercialisation. Get to know this pristine corner of Bali intimately and gain an education in environmental stewardship. Be inspired by everyday heroes: courageous activists who are part of the movement to resist the encroachment of industry and the waste that accompanies it.

And in rustic surroundings away from noise and pollution of the city, relearn what it means to live in community; get in touch with yourself and come away with with new meaning about what living mindfully, sustainably, and responsibly.

 

JOURNEY HIGHLIGHTS

harvest from home

What does it mean to eat locally and live sustainably in Singapore? Learn how to transform your balcony garden into an extension of your pantry and kickstart your own urban farm from the comfort of your own home, however tiny!

[Note: This is a pre-trip activity based in Singapore!]

reef CONSERVATION

Get a glimpse of the  universe that exists below sea level as you take the plunge into the waters off Menjangan Island. Considered a sacred island to locals, snorkel or dive as you learn abut the threats to coral reefs and the role you can play to protect endangered marine ecology under threat.

Moonsoon forest Trek 

Trek through the pristine moonsoon forest of Bali to uncover the intricate relationships between all the beings in the environment. Overload your senses with the smell of the forest, sight of rare squirrel species, taste of leaves and the touch of the soil feeding the whole forest.

LIVE LIKE A field researcher

Experience what it's like to live like a research scientist at the Scientific Education and Research Centre (SERC) in Bali Barat National Park, amidst natural wildlife and diversity, and where its population of endangered deer and other native animals make occasional visits.

 

 

ACCOMMODATION

SCIENTIFIC EDUCATION & RESearch CENTRE AND MIMPI RESORT MENJANGAN

SCIENTIFIC EDUCATION & Research CENTRE (SERC)

Participants will enjoy a rustic stay in one of four 4-bed dormitory-style rooms inside a clean and comfortable bungalow. There are fans (no air-conditioning), a charge point and a small lockable cupboard unit with four sections (keys provided)-- one for each resident. Bedding and a towel each are provided.

Each house also has a shared living room with a water dispenser and one indoor bathroom with a hot water shower and western style toilet. There are 5 other toilets and showers you may also use. These other bathrooms are equipped with 2 sitting and 3 squatting toilets, as well as refreshing cold water "dip" style showers (with a scoop) to beat the hot weather!

 

 

MIMPI RESORT MENJANGAN

Traveller photo from Tripadvisor Mimpi Resort

Traveller photo from Tripadvisor Mimpi Resort

Photo from Mimpi Resort Menjangan

After two days of rustic living, pamper yourself at the 4- star Mimpi resort in the heart of Bali Barat National park with its pristine beachfront food terraces, swimming pools or natural pools. Enjoy scenic views of Indonesia's volcanoes with a classic Balinese sunset lighting up the sky or take dive trips in the coral reefs of Menjangan. 

Each patio room is twin-sharing, but single supplements are available, charged accordingly. Bedding and towels are provided, and you may expect to have your own private ensuite outdoor shower attached to each room.

 
 

1560 (SGD)

EXCLUDES FLIGHTS*, INSURANCE AND VISAS.

SKILLSEED is able to help you book your flights, purchase travel insurance and/ or apply for a visa at additional charges, contingent on airline charges at time of booking.

Fees include the following:

  • 2 nights at SERC & 2 nights at Mimpi Resort (twin-sharing)

  • Meals

  • Ground transport

  • Activity fees (includes 1 snorkeling session with gear)

  • 24/7 first-aid trained and experienced facilitators

  • Engaging local experts & community partners

Fees exclude:

  • Airfare (return flights departing from Singapore estimated to start from $270-$400 for Budget airlines and $600 for full service airlines)

  • Insurance coverage

  • Visas

  • Single room supplement
    (+ $90)

  • Dive option (+ $121 for one dive, includes full dive gear)


Physical Requirements: This is an outdoor journey. Travellers should be comfortable with water (life-jackets provided), and biodiversity and should not have bee-sting/ peanut/ fish sauce allergies.

  • Biosphere Foundation's coral reef and mangrove conservation work

  • Agricultural research and experiments to increase yield and output of crops

  • Local Balinese initiatives to protect the environment

  • Skillseed in developing more engaging socially-conscious travel journeys

  • Skillseed bursaries for low-income students who deserve equal opportunities to travel and experience our service-learning journeys

  • Opportunities for course alumni to further develop their skills and passions with us and our partner organisations.

 

We always endeavour to pick socially/ environmentally responsible choices for meals and accommodation wherever possible, and every travel booking with us allows us to further our social mission by contributing to our community partners.

 

 

AVAILABILITY

OPEN

Dates (TBC)

UPDATED! Fri Aug 5 to Tues Aug 9 (aug 9= SG Nat Day holiday)

 

Duration

5 days 4 NIGHTS

 

NO. OF PARTICIPANTS*

min. 10/ max. 20
 

 

ELIGIBILITY

21 yrs old & ABOVE

TERMS & CONDITIONS

*If we do not reach the minimum no. of participants by 1 July '16, the full deposit will be refunded and the course will not proceed.