Awaken to the sounds of gamelan music and join the rhythm of village life for a month of service and cultural immersion on the island of Nusa Penida. Work alongside local people to complete a variety of meaningful projects, and explore the secluded white sand beaches, the towering limestone cliffs which rise from the Indian Ocean, and the thriving coral reefs of this mystical place.
- Dates:
- July 5, 2012 - August 1, 2012
- Eligibility:
- Students completing grades 9-12
- Focus:
- Community Service
- Typical Group:
- 16-18 students, 2 leaders
- Duration:
- 4 week(s)
Overview
The island of Nusa Penida, situated just 20 miles from Bali on the northeastern edge of the Indian Ocean, is an extraordinary place seldom visited by tourists. Here we stay in a small rural village perched in the hills and work with our host community on a series of projects identified by the village council. In past years, we have worked with villagers to make repairs to the island’s many sacred temples, helped subsistence farmers tend their fields, organized a recycling and composting program in town, run an arts-based enrichment program for local children, and taught conversational English to interested community members. You also have the opportunity to choose an independent research project based on your interests, and partner with a local friend to share it with the group in a fun, informal manner. Projects include learning a traditional Balinese dance, creating a cookbook of local recipes, working with a farmer to tend cows and pigs, or learning to play the gamelan. After our day of work is finished, we spend late afternoons exploring the beauty of the surrounding areas, playing pick-up games of Frisbee, soccer, or volleyball with village friends, or attending some of the many traditional ceremonies in the area. Participants can expect to complete 80-100 hours of community service work.
Despite its proximity to Bali, Nusa Penida is seldom visited by tourists.
Accommodations in Nusa Penida are simple, but comfortable. We live in the meeting space and open-air pavilions of the banjar complex of our community. The banjar is the village’s governing body. We have a private outhouse and an enclosure where we shower using buckets of clean water from the well. In small teams, we work with local women to help cook delicious meals including fresh fruits, vegetables, noodles, eggs, rice, and savory spices.
Mid-way through the program you have the extraordinary opportunity to spend two nights with a local family. While this brief homestay is not mandatory, it is a once-in-a-lifetime chance to truly become a part of this wonderful community, and to gain a unique perspective on Nusa Penidan culture.
“Uche really enjoyed working with the community. Assisting them to repair roads and temples, haul rock, etc. helped to broaden his perspective on the necessities of life. Upon returning home, he said that it was good to be outside his comfort zone, immersed totally in the way of life of people who do not have the facilities he takes for granted.”
– Teresa Ongaro, Geneva, Switzerland
During our time on Nusa Penida, we take a three-day excursion to the nearby island of Nusa Lembongan, where snorkelers see sea turtles, manta rays, mola mola, and scores of tropical fish dotting the technicolor landscape of an extensive and unspoiled reef. Here, those who wish to become scuba certified may do so in an intensive two-day course.
End your journey with two days of rest and reflection on the magical island of Bali. Swim at white sand beaches and make an extraordinary pre-dawn trek up Mount Batur to see the morning mist dissolve around Gunung Agung, Bali’s largest volcano.
Highlights
- Celebrate the completion of repairs to a sacred temple with ceremonial music, incense, and flower offerings.
- Learn to cook a savory and delicious Nusa Penidan meal.
- Practice the graceful movements of traditional Balinese dance–or try your hand at playing the gamelan.
- Become a certified scuba diver and explore the tropical reefs of nearby Nusa Lembongan.
- Hike Mt. Batur and watch the sun rise over the Gunung Agung, Bali’s largest volcano.
What to Expect
For much of each weekday, we are actively involved in community service work. This work, as well as afternoon and weekend activities, can be demanding, and you can expect to spend most of each day outside. Everyone participates in all of the group’s projects on a rotating basis and lends a hand in meal preparation and cleanup. Since we live in our village as the local people do, accommodations are very simple with separate space for boys and girls, and basic bathroom facilities. You should come to the program with an open-mind, eager to participate in new experiences and interested in exploring another culture and way of life.
At Putney we take pride in our reputation for careful, thorough planning and attention to detail. The descriptions of our programs are based on our experiences in previous summers and our plans for this summer. It is inevitable that some things described here will not happen exactly as presented. To get the most out of the Putney experience, participants need to be flexible in responding to unforeseen situations, and creative in taking advantage of unexpected opportunities. We expect Putney participants to share responsibility for the success of their experience.
Fees
Tuition: $5,990
Itinerary
This program begins and ends at Los Angeles International Airport.
Departure • July 5. Join your group to begin a month of travel and community service on the island of Nusa Penida. The group flight departs from Los Angeles International Airport where you meet one of your leaders, who accompanies the group on the flight to Denpasar, Bali.
“This trip was an incredible experience! I loved all aspects of the program, from the group and the leaders, to the setting, to the communities that welcomed us. I felt so at home in the banjar on Nusa Penida. After our excursion to Nusa Lembongan, it felt like we were returning home to Nusa Penida. I loved scuba diving and exploring Bali, but mostly I enjoyed my time on Nusa Penida and all that I learned about Indonesian culture and about myself.”
– Katherine Pinkas, Hathaway Brown School, Shaker Heights, OH
Ubud, Bali: Orientation • Upon arrival in Denpasar, travel by private bus to the town of Ubud, Bali. Spend the first few days of the program becoming acquainted with Indonesian culture, and getting to know one another as a group. We rest from our travels on Bali’s white sand beaches, and hold an in-depth orientation on life in Nusa Penida, our projects, and our goals for the month.
Nusa Penida: Service Projects • Board the ferry bound for the island of Nusa Penida, our home for the next three weeks. At the port, we are met by local friends and taken to our small rural host community, perched high in the hills. Here we undertake a variety of agricultural, construction, teaching, and cultural projects as we work side by side with villagers. In the afternoons, take advantage of the extraordinary natural beauty of the island by hiking or swimming in majestic waterfalls and at stunning, untouched beaches.
Putney Students join local friends for a temple ceremony.
Nusa Lembongan: Weekend Excursion • During our time on Nusa Penida, we take a three day excursion to the nearby island of Nusa Lembongan, renowned for its unspoiled reefs, incredible snorkeling, and breath-taking abundance of marine life.
Return to Bali • End with two final days in Ubud, as you take part in a spectacular sunrise hike up Mount Batur to see the dawn break over Gunung Agung, Bali’s largest volcano. There is also time to relax on the beach and reflect on the unique experiences and close friendships that have shaped your life during the past month.
Return • August 1. Fly with a group leader from Denpasar to Los Angeles International Airport, and continue to your final destination.
This itinerary represents our best projection of the group’s schedule. However, we may implement changes designed to improve the quality of the program.
Destination
Background • Despite its rich natural beauty, friendly people, and proximity to Bali, the island of Nusa Penida remains virtually unknown to the western world and untouched by the tourist industry that thrives on neighboring islands. Though it has strong cultural ties to Bali, just 20 miles away by sea, Nusa Penida is a very different place. The island is dry and ruggedly beautiful, and known in Balinese and Hindu lore as the sacred isle of the dead. Here traditional and religious beliefs pervade every aspect of local life. Our connection with Nusa Penida and our host community comes from Bill Bennett, Director of the Buxton School in Williamstown, Massachusetts – a good friend of Putney. Bill fell in love with the island many years ago, and became the first of three westerners who have built houses there. He is part of the banjar, the governing body, in our host community, and we are extremely grateful to him for his generous help in making this unique program possible.
A short hike provides an incredible view of Nusa Penida's limestone cliffs rising from the Indian Ocean.
Population • Nusa Pendia is home to approximately 40,000 people, living in small villages scattered across the island. The largest of these villages is Sampalan, which is fairly close to our small host community of about 300 people.
Language • Bahasa Indonesian and Balinese are the primary languages of Nusa Penida and Bali, complemented by a plethora of local dialects. English is taught in schools and is widely spoken by local people due to the heavy influence of the tourism industry in Bali.
Climate • Just eight degrees south of the equator, the climate on Nusa Penida is warm and tropical, but not as humid as on Bali due to its higher elevation and cooling breezes from the ocean. Our group is there in the middle of the dry season, and afternoon temperatures generally range from the low to mid 80s.
An elaborate procession takes place in honor of Galungan, an important holiday on Nusa Penida.
Cuisine • The Nusa Penidan diet is simple and traditional. Meals generally consist of rice, rice noodles, spiced vegetables with chicken, fish, and eggs, as well as an bountiful selection of regional fruit.
Currency • The currency of Bali and Nusa Penida is the Indonesian Rupiah (Rp). The best way to access money is by bringing traveler’s checks or an ATM card. ATMs are available on Bali.
“I didn’t know that hard work could be that much fun! I’ll never forget the time that I spent in the village or the friends I made there. On our last night, the local people threw us a goodbye party. They all spoke to us and expressed their gratitude and we did the same. It was clear that we had made a positive impact on their community and that we would not be forgotten, just as we would never forget them. I’d recommend Putney for anyone who wants to have a productive, fun, and fulfilling summer. ”
– Mallory Minster, Scarsdale Senior High School, Scarsdale, NY
Voltage • The electrical current on Nusa Penida and on Bali is 220V/50Hz. Outlets generally accept two-pin European plugs (types C and F). While we do have occasional access to electricity, it is advisable to bring a small solar charger to charge any personal electronic devices.
Visa • For American citizens traveling in Indonesia, a 30 day visa must be purchased upon arrival at the airport in Bali. Indonesia requires that passports be valid for at least 6 months after the expected return date.
The Community Service Nusa Penida program is directed by Karen Phillips. If you have questions, are interested in receiving more detailed information, or would like to talk further about the program, please get in touch!
Karen Phillips
Karen Phillips: St. Lawrence University, B.A., French. Karen caught the travel bug in high school while on a music tour through Europe, and later studied abroad in Switzerland, France, and Senegal. She has led Putney’s Language Learning and Community Service programs in France and Senegal, and coordinates programs in Europe, Africa, the West Indies, and Indonesia. Her interests include rock climbing, painting, singing, and adventure racing.
How To Apply
Step 1: Log On.
If you are new to Putney Student Travel, visit our Online Application.
If you are a Putney Student Travel alumni family, use your existing account information to Log In.
Step 2: Hold A Space In The Program.
You can hold a space in a program by completing the Online Application Form and providing the $700 Application Deposit by Mastercard, Visa, or Discover Card through our secure online system or by sending a check to our office. Our admissions staff is also available to take credit card information over the phone. We will hold a space in a program for a reasonable time, pending completion of the full application process. See Step 3.
After March 15, to hold a space in a program an application must be accompanied by full payment made by check or wire transfer and the signed Agreement Form.
Step 3: Complete the Application Process.
Before we can make a final admissions decision, an application must be complete. In addition to the Application Form and Application Deposit described above, a complete application includes:
- Applicant Statement
- Two Teacher References
- Signed Agreement Form
These documents are available as part of our Online Application. We review a completed application within a few days, and notify families of our admissions decision by e-mail.
For a full description of eligibility, admissions policies, and terms of payment, please visit our Terms & Conditions.
