Culture & Expectation

An Appropriate Approach to your Project

Culture

It is our biggest privilege to be invited into a traditional Balinese community and an honour to work alongside such inspiring local partners and organisations. It is paramount that all TP participants share that respect and appreciation for the Balinese culture and customs. We strive to have the highest standards of cultural exchange in Bali, Indonesia.

To achieve this goal, we ask you to join the project with a learning mindset, adopting a humble approach to appreciating cultural differences and nuances. This not only puts you in the most effective position to genuinely learn, we believe it is essential for conducting your project ethically and ensuring as effective and sustainable impact on project as possible.

Think Pacific participants are sensitive, respectful and hence highly regarded in Bali. We ask you to join your project with a passion to learn, removing any ego and manifesting a genuine curiosity and thirst to understand Bali and Balinese life.

This is your opportunity to immerse yourself in every aspect of life. Take an active interest in local customs, values, religious beliefs, ceremonies and cultural practices. By the time you leave, you will have certainly learnt a great deal about Bali and no doubt about yourself!

Mindset and Your Project

How do I genuinely and effectively do good in the world? If you, along with countless other previous participants, interns and global learners, have been asking yourself this question, and want to explore a fun little model that might provide a starting point for the answer, watch this video and use the following prompts for further discussion:

Top Tips:

• Everyone’s family/home/food is different – Embrace your unique experience and be grateful for such an authentic opportunity
• Be respectful to your homestay family around the home e.g. being clean and tidy, turning off lights/aircon
• Be respectful to the homestay family’s spaces and be responsible for your own belongings. Don’t leave items lying around the home –  keep your personal belongings in your bag
• Be proactive with family activities
• Come with a thirst to listen and learn (set goals that are related to learning about culture, what do you hope to achieve?)
• Be sensitive with conversation – Never talk openly to others about ‘basic conditions,’ ‘negative differences,’ or diet in Bali – it can easily be overheard by the community, it may easily be  misconstrued and quickly cause offence
• Never force your views, opinions and your own way of life upon your hosts. Remember when things work differently and understand biases on both sides (fundamental in any meaningful exchange!)

What are homestays like?

You will stay in a traditional Balinese home compound in the village. You can think of the traditional compounds as small ‘bungalows’ in one space, where there is a family temple, and rooms allocated to various members of the family and extended family. Some homes are 1 level, whilst others are 2 levels. The family will live in a separate space to the participants within the compound house, and you will not share the family’s personal space. 

Are all home stays the same?

There are differences between the homestays as we have been welcomed into the homes of many families in the village, and each home is unique. But we do try to standardise the experience as much as possible to ensure everyone has a comfortable and enjoyable stay. 

Who will live in the home stay?

This depends on which homestay you are allocated to, as each family is unique. Some families are parents and children, whilst others include extended families such as grandparents, aunties, uncles, and spouses. The family will live in a separate space to the participants within the compound house, and you will not share the family’s personal space. 

Will the owners speak English?

The family you live with will be able to communicate in basic English, and some families may have more advanced English. English levels between the homestay owners do vary, and we encourage you to learn some basic phrases in Bahasa Indonesia to support you to interact with your homestay family. 

Will I be staying with other people?

Yes, in the homestay you will be required to share a bedroom with your teammates during your project. This will vary from twin rooms to larger rooms with a maximum of 6 beds.

We understand this may be a new living situation for most participants, and we ask that you are considerate of other participants’ personal space. We will ensure that rooms are allocated by gender; if you have any requests or concerns about this please do let us know and we will do our best to meet your needs.

Will I share a bathroom?

Yes, you will share a bathroom with your peers. There will be 1 bathroom per 2-6 participants. This will be separate to the bathroom that the family accesses.  

How many people will stay in each home stay?

Homestays will house between 4-28 participants. There are differences between the homestays as we have been welcomed into the homes of many families in the village, and each home is unique. But we do try to standardise the experience as much as possible to ensure everyone has a comfortable and enjoyable stay. 

Are rooms allocated based on gender?

Yes, rooms are allocated by gender as female or male rooms. If this does not meet your needs, please discuss this with a Think Pacific team member before you arrive in Bali so the team can make the right adjustments. 

Can I make a preference for who I stay with?

No, rooms are allocated by the Think Pacific staff team based upon the project time table and other operational elements. We understand you may know someone who is joining the same project as you, which is great, but we would recommend that you stay separately to ensure you have your own experience and meet other team members. Your friendship can also bring the wider team together and be an added bonus to the team dynamic.

If you have a specific request for this please let us know.

What happens if I need to stay in my own room?

Due to the structure of the project, and large group sizes, we ask all team members to share rooms with their teammates, which can vary from twin rooms to large dormitory rooms. If this does not meet your needs, please discuss this with a Think Pacific team member before you arrive in Bali so the team can make the right adjustments. 

Where can I store my medication?

We ask that you store your medication safely (in original packaging) with your belongings during your stay.  If you need to keep this in a cool place, we suggest you bring a cool sealed container with you for this purpose. 

What if I have a dietary requirement/allergy?

Please let the Think Pacific team know before you arrive in Bali. This information will then be communicated to the Think Pacific team in Bali who will ensure the relevant people and caterers are informed about your dietary requirement or allergy. We recommend that you inform the team/homestay owner again when you arrive in Bali to ensure they are aware of who you are, and your requirements for your stay.   

What meals are provided in the home stay?

You will have breakfast and dinner provided for the days that you are in the homestay. Think Pacific set a menu as guidelines for the homestay owners to ensure all participants have a similar experience. Breakfast will include fruits, bread and jams, with tea/coffee. Dinner will be a selection of Indonesian meals, including Nasi Goreng, Mie Goreng, Indonesian Curry and Nasi Campur.

What if I do not like spicy food?

We ask the homestay owners to ensure meals are plain, and spicy sauce/chilli can be provided on the side for participants to add in as they wish.  

Will there be Wi-Fi available?

Yes, there is Wi-Fi available in all homestays in the village for you to use messaging apps, make calls via the internet, and research your projects. Please be cautious of over-use of this, and we ask that you do not use streaming platforms whilst in the homestay as this will use excessive amounts of  data. 

Are there animals in the home stays?

Yes, some homestays do have animals, such as pet dogs/guard dogs, fish and roosters/chickens. We advise you pack ear plugs if you are a light sleeper. 

What happens if I am allergic/scared of dogs?

Please let us know if you have an allergy of any kind of animal, including dogs. We will ensure you are placed into a homestay without dogs. Also, if you are scared of dogs please let us know and we will try to accommodate this, however, this can not be guaranteed. We would suggest you speak with your homestay owners in these circumstances to support you with this. Please note it is common to have dogs wondering the streets in Bali. Often, they do not cause any bother if you walk straight past them. 

What happens if I don’t like the person/s I am sharing with?

During your project you will meet lots of different people, and it is important that you maintain professional relationships with your peers. We do not ask you to be the best of friends with everyone, but it is important that you maintain the professionalism of the project and try to work through your differences. If you have any major concerns or challenges, you can of course, speak with a Think Pacific staff member who will support you. 

What should I do if there is a problem with my home stay?

We encourage you to communicate with your homestay family for minor concerns regarding your stay, such as waste removal, meal times or preferences. If there is a serious/complex problem with your homestay, relating the the structure or facilities, please speak with the Think Pacific staff team in Bali who will communicate this sensitively and respectfully to the homestay family.

If there is a problem relating to a homestay family member, inappropriate behaviour or comments etc, please contact a Think Pacific Manager as soon as possible to discuss this. 

Are there shops/restaurants in the village?

Yes, there are several small supermarkets, cafes and restaurants in the village, and within 10 minutes walking distance from all homestays. The restaurants and cafes sell a combination of local and international foods, and there are also local ‘warungs’ where you can buy local food. 

What are the important things to know about Balinese culture?

Balinese culture is rich and deeply rooted in traditions and rituals. Understanding and respecting Balinese culture can enhance your experience when visiting Bali. You will learn more about Balinese culture during your briefing and over the duration of your project, including traditional dance, music and clothing, temple etiquette, ceremonies and offerings and the Balinese calendar. We would always encourage you to do some of your own research prior to arriving in Bali.

Some Cultural Tops Tips to remember:

• Watch Your Step – Offerings (Canang sari) are offered to the creator by locals first thing in the morning. When stepping out, you’ll find these little packages of woven palm leaf, flowers and herbs everywhere, even on sidewalks and stairs. Please make sure not to step on the offerings as this can be deeply offensive to any Balinese who witness this
• Don’t touch peoples heads – Avoid touching peoples heads as it is considered a sacred part of the body in Hindu culture
• Don’t use your left hand to touch or give – This precaution has to do with the left hand being used primarily for hygienic purposes.
• Don’t point with your index finger – If you need to call attention to someone, beckon him/her to come by extending your hand and, with palm facing down, making a downward wave
• Don’t lose your temper – Balinese locals never show anger or passion openly, and anyone raising that voice or loudness to be somewhat offensive

What is the main religion in Bali?

The main religion in Bali is Balinese Hinduism, which is a unique form of Hinduism that incorporates elements of animism, ancestor worship, and Buddhist influences. It is sometimes referred to as “Agama Hindu Dharma.” Balinese Hinduism is deeply integrated into the daily life, culture, and traditions of the Balinese people; temples, offerings, rituals, and ceremonies play a central role in Balinese Hinduism, and you will often see ornate temples and shrines throughout the island.

Despite being primarily Hindu, Balinese Hinduism also incorporates elements of animism, where natural elements like mountains, rivers, and trees are believed to be inhabited by spirits. Additionally, there are strong influences from Buddhist practices and beliefs in Balinese Hinduism. Religious festivals and ceremonies are frequent in Bali, and visitors to the island may have the opportunity to witness or participate in these colourful and spiritual events, which are an integral part of Balinese culture.

Will I have to participate in religious ceremonies?

No, you do not have to participate in any religious ceremony. You may be invited to join or observe religious ceremonies in the community by your homestay family, but this is always optional and you are able to decline, without causing any offence. You do not have to explain the reasons for this, and we encourage you to speak with staff if you ever feel pressured to do so.  

What languages are spoken in Bali?

The primary languages spoken in Bali are Balinese, Indonesian and English. Balinese is the native language of the Balinese people and is widely spoken throughout the island, with several dialects. Indonesian is the official language of Indonesia and is taught in schools across Bali. It is used for education, administration, and formal communication. Most Balinese people are fluent in Indonesian, and it is widely used in business and tourism. English is spoken and understood in tourist areas, hotels, restaurants, and among those working in the tourism industry. While you can navigate many parts of Bali using English, proficiency may vary among locals. 

If you want to get ahead, you can start learning Indonesian phrases via phone apps such as Duolingo.

Covering Tattoos and Piercings Removal During Project Activities

As representatives of Think Pacific in Bali, we ask that you please cover any visible tattoos and remove piercings while participating in project activities. This helps us maintain a professional appearance and show respect for the local culture.

While Balinese society is generally open-minded and accepting of diverse lifestyles, traditional norms still value modesty and formality in professional settings. By aligning with these expectations, we not only demonstrate cultural sensitivity but also strengthen our relationships within the community.

Racism

As an international organisation operating within Bali it’s important to understand that our role isn’t to impose changes on community views and perspectives. Instead, we aim to offer broader perspectives and through our projects community members to also increase their own cultural IQ. Despite community members’ best intentions, unintentional offence can occur of sensitive topics. Through discussions with our in-country team and wider Think Pacific community including past participants, they shared that words used to describe team members were used before they knew their names and understand where people live (within the community) can be used. 

Words in the English language that first-language speakers will fully understand to be offensive can occasionally crop up in discussions in the village. These words may have been commonplace in the early 21st century when English was first being adopted by communities and dated with very little challenge at a community level. During our pre-project preparation meetings with the community members, we address such issues and uphold a zero-tolerance policy towards racism. Should anything offensive arise within the community, we encourage open dialogue with team leaders for resolution.

LGTBQ+ Perspectives

While Bali is generally more tolerant than some other parts of Indonesia, LGBTQ+ rights are not fully recognised, and public displays of affection may attract attention or disapproval. Bali is generally safe for tourists, including LGBTQ+ travellers. However, like anywhere else, it’s essential to take precautions, especially when exploring less touristy areas. Bali is often considered more LGBTQ+ friendly compared to some other parts of Indonesia, and it has a relatively open and tolerant attitude towards LGBTQ+ travellers. While public displays of affection are generally tolerated in tourist areas, it’s essential to be respectful and considerate of local customs. It’s advisable to avoid overly affectionate behaviour in public, as it may attract attention or disapproval. Bali is deeply rooted in tradition and religion, and local attitudes towards LGBTQ+ individuals may vary. In more rural or conservative areas, discretion may be advisable. Indonesia does not have legal protections for LGBTQ+ individuals, and same-sex relationships are not recognized.

Non-binary

Identities which are outside of the gender binary are also not openly discussed at community level and will often be a new and interesting thing for communities to learn about. Village members may have different views on the subject but again open conversations are always valued and everyone comes away from them having learnt something.

If you are somebody who identifies as non-binary, we advise having a discussion with your leaders and our team prior to entering the village (during your briefing) about your own personal preferences when it comes to clothing and general experience in the village.

Categories such as clothing options, especially formal wear, are divided between exclusively male and female in the village. Our team will then communicate your preference to the particular family, which is always warmly received. 

When it comes to accommodation, Think Pacific pairs participants in homestays for the duration of their project. If you identify as non-binary, please expect a member of our UK operations team to reach out and arrange a call to sensitively discuss this and confirm your shared living arrangements. Please don’t hesitate to contact the TP team if you have any questions.

What is the weather like?

Bali enjoys warm temperatures year-round, with average daytime temperatures ranging from 27°C to 32°C (81°F to 90°F).

 Nights tend to be slightly cooler, with temperatures averaging between 23°C and 27°C (73°F to 81°F). Bali has a humid climate, especially during the wet season, with humidity levels often exceeding 80%.

When is the dry/rainy season?

Bali has a tropical climate, characterised by warm temperatures and distinct wet and dry seasons. The dry season (April to September) is warm with lower humidity levels and low rainfall, and during the wet season (October to March) the island experiences higher humidity and frequent rainfall, with the peak of the rainy season occurring from December to February. April and October are transitional months between the wet and dry seasons.

Adjusting to Different Types of Food

Balinese cuisine is naturally different from what you’re used to, and it may take a time to adjust as Balinese use various types of spices in their dishes. Adjusting to this change in diet will be a key challenge for your time in Bali.

However, food plays an important role in Balinese culture, so we encourage you to stay open-minded and respectful. Making an effort to try new dishes shows appreciation for the culture – and remember, leaving food behind is seen as disrespectful.

Alternative to homestay dinners are available in the village, however, we strongly ask that you eat all the food provided to you by your homestay family before looking for more. You can always supplement portion sized by buying snacks from the local supermarkets.

What meals are provided in the home stay?

You will have breakfast and dinner provided for the days that you are in the homestay. Think Pacific set a menu as guidelines for the homestay owners to ensure all participants have a similar experience. Breakfast will include fruits, bread and jams, with tea/coffee. Dinner will be a selection of Indonesian meals, including Nasi Goreng, Mie Goreng, Indonesian Curry and Nasi Campur. 

• Nasi Goreng – literally meaning “fried rice”, is one of the most popular Balinese dishes and is served across Bali from street food joints to fancy hotels. The dish is made up of rice, meat, vegetables and completed with a fried egg on top. Nasi Goreng is a simple, tasty and filling dish.
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• Mie Goreng – stir-fried noodles dish which are fried in lots of garlic, veggies and meat. The noodles are then cooked in a sweet sticky sauce and topped with a fried egg.

• Nasi Campur – translates to ‘mixed rice’ and is served with multiple side dishes such as meat, fish, vegetables, and additional toppings such as peanuts, fried-shrimp crackers and of course sambal. Although it is mainly served in a buffet style, some street venders serve the dish wrapped in a banana leaf  cone.

• Nasi Curry – creamy and fragrant coconut-based curry served that contains vegetables (onions, potato, leafy green) with rice, chicken, tofu, and tempe on the side.

On the side – All dinners will be served as a vegetarian base with tofu, tempe, chicken, and rice on the side. For medium and large homestays this is served buffet style.

What if I do not like spicy food?

We ask the homestay owners to ensure meals are plain, and spicy sauce/chilli can be provided on the side for participants to add in as they wish.  

What if I have a dietary requirement/allergy?

Please let the Think Pacific team know before you arrive in Bali. This information will then be communicated to the Think Pacific team in Bali who will ensure the relevant people and caterers are informed about your dietary requirement or allergy. We recommend that you inform the team/homestay owner again when you arrive in Bali to ensure they are aware of who you are, and your requirements for your stay.   

Will all homestays provide the same food?

All homestays will prepare the same set menu every evening, however, as these are family homes it is natural that there will be some variation between homestays. This might include portion sizes, types of chicken (e.g. thigh or breast), preparation methods, or taste/spice level.

Furthermore, it is important to note that chickens in Bali tend to be smaller and produce less meat than European/North American poultry due to a reduced of mass farming and genetical modifications. Remember to be respectful when talking about food/portion sizes in the homestay.

Our homestay hosts are opening their homes to us and putting a lot of effort into preparing your meals. Food can often be a point of culture shock for international participants but we ask for the highest level of respect and understanding towards our homestays.