🌺 How the Bali Business for Good Expedition Supports Local Impact

At Think Pacific, we believe that travel should be transformative — not only for students but also for the communities, enterprises, and ecosystems we partner with. This expedition is grounded in Bali’s values of Tri Hita Karana — harmony between people, nature, and spirit. Every visit, workshop, and collaboration reflects that balance, ensuring lasting benefits for local businesses, communities, and the environment.

Here’s how this program creates regenerative impact in Bali, aligned with both local values and enterprise for good:

1. Supporting Social Enterprises & Grassroots Business

Through site visits, participants meet founders of ethical start-ups, family businesses, and women-led cooperatives. These entrepreneurs share their vision, challenges, and impact models, offering students an authentic look at how businesses can blend tradition with innovation. By learning and engaging, students help amplify these enterprises’ stories while gaining new perspectives on sustainable entrepreneurship.

2. Strengthening Community Livelihoods

Stays in Balinese villages and visits to family-run ventures generate direct financial benefits through ethical partnerships. Host families, guides, and artisans earn income that stays within the local economy, while students gain an appreciation of collective systems that prioritise community wellbeing over individual profit — a living model of Pawongan (harmony among people).

3. Fostering Global Dialogue & Knowledge Exchange

Every enterprise visit becomes a space for mutual learning. Students listen to local leaders, ask questions, and respond to “mini action projects” — real challenges posed by founders. This process creates a two-way exchange: entrepreneurs gain fresh perspectives, while students develop critical thinking, collaboration, and cultural intelligence.

4. Promoting Ethical & Responsible Tourism

This expedition offers an alternative to mass tourism. Small-scale and community-first, it ensures students arrive as learners, not consumers. With pre-departure briefings on Balinese culture and respectful conduct, participants engage in meaningful experiences that support, rather than extract from, the local context — shifting travel toward a regenerative model.

5. Linking Business to Environmental Sustainability

Many Balinese enterprises integrate eco-practices into their models — from upcycling plastic and producing sustainable fashion, to regenerative farming and eco-construction. Students see firsthand how protecting the environment can sit at the heart of enterprise. Activities like coral planting and learning about Subak (traditional water systems) highlight Palemahan — harmony with nature — as a foundation for business success.

6. Elevating Local Leadership & Innovation

The program is co-created with local founders, NGOs, and business leaders, ensuring Balinese ownership and leadership at every stage. Whether joining a workshop in Ubud’s entrepreneurial hub or visiting a village cooperative, students learn from those who are building Bali’s future. This reinforces respect, humility, and Parahyangan — harmony with spirit — through gratitude and shared purpose.

7. Inspiring the Next Generation of Changemakers

By engaging directly with Bali’s innovators, students return home with new skills, global awareness, and a vision of how business can be used as a force for good. The program inspires participants to consider their own role in shaping ethical enterprises and sustainable futures.

🌿 Conclusion: Regenerative Business, Rooted in Respect

The Bali Business for Good Expedition is not just about student development — it’s about contributing to a thriving ecosystem of enterprises and communities creating real impact. Every experience is designed to be mutually beneficial, aligned with Balinese values, and guided by local voices.

This is regenerative travel with purpose — grounded in Tri Hita Karana — leaving a positive legacy for both Bali’s changemakers and the students who join them.

Every Expedition is Unique

This is an authentic learning journey shaped by real communities, social enterprises, and local leaders. Timings and activities may change with local rhythms and opportunities, but you can expect to experience the following key areas:

Innovation & Enterprise

• Site visits to social enterprises tackling issues like waste, fair trade, and sustainable tourism

• Conversations with founders about vision, challenges, and impact

• Small-group action projects responding to real questions posed by entrepreneurs

• Guest lectures on ethical leadership, impact models, and community-driven business

Community & Culture

• Live with Balinese families in village homestays, supporting community livelihoods

• Take part in daily village life, festivals, and rituals that shape community values

• Hands-on workshops in batik, carving, and crafts — exploring how heritage links to enterprise

• Learn how Tri Hita Karana (harmony between people, nature, and spirit) informs business ethics

Sustainability in Action

• Explore eco-farms and regenerative agriculture projects

• Visit enterprises upcycling waste into eco-products and sustainable fashion

• Learn about Subak water management and its role in collective governance

• Coral planting, reef exploration, and eco-tourism initiatives protecting Bali’s ecosystems

Adventure & Team Growth

• Jungle trekking and nature-based reflection activities

• Snorkelling and reef exploration in Amed

• Rafting or forest hikes to build teamwork and resilience

• Sunset sharing circles to connect personal growth with the day’s learning

Academic & Career Learning

• Interactive sessions with business leaders, NGOs, and cooperatives on challenges such as climate justice and social equity

• Structured group reflections linking site visits to enterprise theory and global issues

• Action project presentations to local partners for feedback

• Final debrief in Sanur, translating your experience into academic, career, and personal development goals

The end result: A journey of learning, collaboration, and exploration — building practical skills, cultural awareness, and global perspectives while supporting Bali’s inspiring network of changemakers and social enterprises.

1. Intercultural Awareness & Global Citizenship

• Develop a nuanced understanding of Balinese culture, spirituality, and values, grounded in the philosophy of Tri Hita Karana (harmony with people, nature, and spirit).

• Gain cross-cultural communication skills by living in homestays, sharing daily life with Balinese families, and collaborating with entrepreneurs, cooperatives, and NGOs.

• Appreciate how indigenous knowledge and traditions — from Subak farming to community cooperatives — influence enterprise, sustainability, and social wellbeing.

2. Personal Growth & Self-Reflection

• Build confidence by adapting to new cultural rhythms, from village homestays to engaging with local leaders and changemakers.

• Strengthen resilience, adaptability, and initiative through team challenges, business case studies, and collaborative action projects.

• Cultivate empathy and global awareness by reflecting on your own values and perspectives alongside Balinese approaches to community, leadership, and sustainability.

3. Employability & Transferable Skills

• Enhance teamwork, leadership, and collaboration through site visits, problem-solving projects, and founder discussions.

• Develop practical skills in intercultural communication, critical thinking, and experiential learning — directly transferable to academic and professional contexts.

• Demonstrate versatility and global perspective to employers through exposure to business innovation, social impact models, and sustainability in practice.

4. Academic & Career Alignment

• Deepen academic learning by linking theory to practice in business, entrepreneurship, sustainability, sociology, anthropology, or international development.

• Understand global challenges such as climate justice, fair trade, and social equity through a Balinese cultural and entrepreneurial lens.

• Strengthen career readiness by showing initiative, cultural intelligence, and an applied understanding of business as a force for good.

5. Connection to Environment & Sustainability

• Learn how enterprises integrate regenerative practices — from plastic upcycling and eco-construction to fair-trade farming and marine conservation.

• Explore how Tri Hita Karana places environmental harmony at the heart of community life and enterprise models.

• Reflect on lessons from Bali for sustainable business and responsible global citizenship.

6. Reflection & Lifelong Impact

• Engage in structured reflection, team discussions, and presentations, culminating in a final debrief connecting learning to future goals.

• Translate your experiences into personal growth, academic insight, and professional development pathways.

• Build lasting networks with Balinese partners and peers, fostering ongoing intercultural exchange and collaboration beyond the expedition.

Here’s more about this experience to consider:

Embracing Balinese Life
Life in Bali is guided by community, ceremony, and the philosophy of Tri Hita Karana — harmony with people, nature, and spirit. Whether you’re in Ubud, a jungle camp, a village homestay, or by the ocean, daily life revolves around connection, rituals, and togetherness. Join in wholeheartedly — whether it’s helping prepare temple offerings, joining a gamelan session, trekking through rice fields, or sharing stories after sunset.

Settle Into Your New Surroundings
Each stage of the journey has its own rhythm — from Ubud’s cultural buzz, to the quiet simplicity of jungle living, to the warmth of your host family in Mas village. Be ready for a mix of simple living and new comforts: bucket showers and open-air kitchens in rural areas, eco-lodges in the jungle, and guesthouses on the coast. Wherever you stay, you’ll be welcomed as part of the community.

Eat Like a Local
Food in Bali is central to culture, family, and wellbeing. Meals are often shared, with rice at the heart of every dish. Expect fragrant nasi campur (mixed rice), fresh vegetables, tempeh, fish, and the famous spicy sambal. Hospitality is generous — don’t be surprised if neighbours, relatives, or friends join for a meal or celebration.

Give Yourself Time to Adjust
Bali moves at its own rhythm — shaped by ceremonies, family routines, and nature’s cycles. The pace may be slower than you’re used to, and traditions may feel unfamiliar at first. It’s normal to feel out of step in the beginning — lean on your host family, teammates, and Think Pacific leaders. Soon, you’ll feel at home in the flow of Balinese life.

Learn Some Language
While many people speak Bahasa Indonesia, in villages you’ll also hear Balinese language. Learning simple greetings and phrases will help you build trust and connection. We’ll share guides and practice sessions before and during the trip so you can confidently engage with local communities.

Go With the Flow
Bali runs on Jam Karet — “rubber time.” Ceremonies may run long, mealtimes may shift, and plans often adapt around the needs of the community or the environment. Embracing this flexibility is part of the journey — it teaches patience, presence, and the joy of living in the moment.

Step Outside Your Comfort Zone
From jungle trekking to trying new foods, you’ll face situations that feel unfamiliar or even challenging. These moments are part of the learning experience — they build resilience, confidence, and adaptability.

Simple Living, Different Comforts
Not every stage of the journey will have hot showers, air conditioning, or constant Wi-Fi. Embrace the simplicity — it helps you connect more deeply with nature, people, and yourself.   You may experience cold bucket showers, or share accommodation with insects or bugs that you often find in such tropical weather.

Respecting Culture & Ceremony
Balinese life is steeped in ritual and spirituality. You may be invited to join ceremonies or observe sacred practices. Be open, curious, and respectful — wearing appropriate clothing, listening carefully, and following local guidance.

Navigating Group Life
You’ll be travelling, learning, and reflecting as part of a team. Living in close quarters means patience, communication, and compromise are essential. Sharing circles and group reflections are a chance to process challenges together.

Emotional Adjustment
Exploring wellbeing and mental health can be powerful — but also emotional. You may feel homesick, overwhelmed, or stretched by new experiences. Remember you’re supported at all times by your leaders, peers, and host families.

Expect the Unexpected
Plans may change due to weather, ceremonies, or local needs. Flexibility is key — Bali teaches the art of letting go and embracing the moment.

Think Pacific collaborates with numerous universities around the globe to promote student mobility and enhance employability opportunities. There are various scholarships and grants for students through partnerships with individual university departments and governments. Students are encouraged to explore the possibility of scholarships and bursaries for our projects.

To discover if funding is available at your university or in your region, please reach out to us at info@thinkpacific.com for personalised assistance and information.

Can I gain credit for this project as my placement?

We partner with over 50 universities who see the value of our work and some have even count our placement as part of their students’ course requirements. This often means our programmes are used as credit towards your degree or as part of a formal placement (as required to complete your home degree programme).

Please speak to us and contact info@thinkpacific.com if you would like to use your programme as a formal placement or for university credit and we will be happy to discuss with your institution or confirm existing university partnerships we have in place.

Recruiting students who are experienced in the mental health sector helps us to make the best impact in the communities where we work and adds tremendously to the global learning when you are undertaking formal reflections and course work related to the placement.

Business for Good Expedition Itinerary

Day 1–2: Team Briefing & Ubud

• Arrive, relax, and acclimatise in Bali.

• Join cultural and team briefings to prepare for the journey ahead.

• Explore Ubud — Bali’s hub of creativity, enterprise, and innovation.

Day 3–4: Jungle Camp

• Head into the lush interior of Bali for a remote jungle camp.

• Build team spirit through outdoor challenges, cultural activities, and reflection.

• Connect with nature while learning how local communities live sustainably in balance with their environment.

Day 5–16: Community Life & Social Enterprise

• Live with a traditional Balinese community south of Ubud.

• Take part in a structured program blending cultural exchange with enterprise learning.

• Visit social enterprises and family-run businesses tackling issues like waste, fair trade, and sustainable farming.

• Explore Tri Hita Karana, the Balinese philosophy of harmony, and how it guides both daily life and ethical business.

• Collaborate on mini “action projects,” responding to real challenges set by local entrepreneurs and NGOs.

• Engage in workshops and talks with local founders, cooperatives, and youth groups, linking community values with enterprise innovation.

Day 17–19: North Bali – Coastal Communities & Sustainability

• Travel to North Bali’s fishing villages and coastal communities.

• Learn how livelihoods connect with marine conservation, eco-tourism, and community enterprise.

• Snorkel coral reefs, visit initiatives tackling plastic pollution, and explore sustainable fishing practices.

• Take day trips into the mountains of Kintamani to see regenerative farming and eco-enterprise in action.

Day 20–21: Sanur Beach Reflection

• Return to Sanur’s calm beaches for final reflection and debrief.

• Share your group’s insights and action projects with peers and partners.

• Consider how your experience of culture, enterprise, and sustainability in Bali will shape your studies, career, and global outlook.

What’s Included?

• Airport welcome by Think Pacific team leaders
• All accommodation including 2- day jungle briefing and cultural orientation, 2-day team building camp in a beautiful rural setting, homestay accommodation in traditional Balinese village and 2 days debrief at a hotel. (However, you can choose to travel with your teammates at the weekend to experience other areas of Bali)
• Welcome ceremony and feast on your into the arrival.
• Guest speakers and workshops from Think Pacific’s influential local partner network.
• All in-country travel, except for optional weekends travel. Breakfast and dinner from Monday – Friday across your 4-week project, lunches not provided.
• Guided activities, such as local hikes, excursions to sites of interest or attending local festivals or community events.
• Think Pacific leaders living alongside the group 24/7.
• In-country manager, Balinese-based Project Managers and UK team providing planning, risk assessment and 24-hour backup support.
• Outstanding pastoral support and daily health and wellness check ins.
• Air-conditioned private transfers to your placements each day.
• Comprehensive online portal & personal volunteer project planning resources.

What’s Not Included?

The following costs are not inclusive of the programme fee. However, Think Pacific provides comprehensive and personalised support to assist:

• Flights – Budget approximately £800 – £1,000
• Insurance – Budget approximately £100. Think Pacific can advise and provide details for recommended policy
• Visa – £210 – Think Pacific manages the process and advises students on their visa.
• Equipment – Budget approximately £100. Comprehensive kit list and pre-departure advice provided, including specific items of clothing, footwear and first aid resources
• Vaccinations – Budget approximately £50 (However, vaccines are free from the NHS for most students). Vaccinations include Typhoid and Hepatitis A.
• Spending Money – Budget approximately £400. For small items of personal nature and lunch and drinks during the final resort phase.

• Access to the Pre-departure Portal.

This portal provides the step-by-step process to prepare, including fundraising information, flight information, kit list, visa, cultural preparation. Student can watch videos with our team in Fiji and download document.

• Contact our team.

You can contact our team anytime between office hours, either give us a  call on 0113 335 9919 or email; info@thinkpacific.com.

• Online community/network. 

You can communicate with fellow volunteers, alumni and our team through our online community, hosted on the Might Network app. Within 3 months of you departing to Fiji, you shall be entered into a private group with your volunteer team.

• Live Pre Departure webinars

Our team host live sessions in the months leading up to your project. These are a great way for you to ask questions and delve deeper into planning for your project. They also add to the excitement!

• Global Skills Programme

We have created an online course to give you the set you up for success before departure! Complete short-courses in: Culture, Sustainable Travel & Global Leadership.