🌺 How the Bali Mental Health & Wellbeing Programme Supports Local Impact

At Think Pacific, we believe that travel should be transformative — not only for participants but for the communities and ecosystems we partner with. This programme is deeply grounded in the Balinese philosophy of Tri Hita Karana, which emphasises harmony between people, nature, and spirit. Every aspect of this journey reflects that balance, with meaningful, lasting benefits for local communities, traditions, and the environment.

Here’s how this program creates regenerative impact in Bali, aligned with both local values and mental health outcomes:

1. Preserving Culture & Traditional Knowledge

Linked to itinerary activities in the village stay, jungle camp, and Ubud exploration.

Participants engage in hands-on cultural workshops, including batik-making, traditional dance, gamelan music, wood carving, herbal healing, and sacred rituals. These experiences are led by local artisans, elders, and cultural custodians, many of whom rely on these practices for income.

By learning, not just observing, students play a role in keeping intangible cultural heritage alive while gaining insight into how these practices are used for healing, emotional expression, and communal wellbeing — core themes in Balinese mental health traditions.

2. Supporting Community Livelihoods & Regenerative Income

Connected to 12-night village homestay and community-led excursions.

Participants live with Balinese host families, creating direct financial benefits for the village through ethical homestay programs, meal sharing, and guided activities. These partnerships are developed with community consent and leadership, ensuring that income remains in the local economy.

Beyond income, these connections help students understand the social fabric and mutual support systems that underpin mental wellbeing in rural Bali — a living example of Pawongan, or harmony between people.

3. Fostering Global Connection & Mutual Learning

Happens throughout the programme, particularly in group sharing, youth workshops, and reflection activities.

Through daily interaction, participants and locals engage in dialogue, shared storytelling, and collaborative learning, creating long-lasting global relationships. This includes peer exchanges with local youth, mental health discussion groups, and team reflections led by both Balinese and international facilitators.

These encounters build empathy, cultural intelligence, and reduce “us vs. them” thinking — a key goal of ethical global citizenship and an important factor in long-term mental health advocacy across cultures.

4. Raising Mental Health Awareness & Reducing Stigma

Core to learning days with NGOs, youth organisations, and local leaders.

Students meet with local mental health workers, traditional healers, NGOs, and grassroots initiatives tackling mental health stigma and youth wellbeing challenges in Bali. These conversations provide insight into how mental health is understood in a non-Western context, including spiritual interpretations of mental distress, communal healing, and the growing integration of modern and traditional support systems.

By participating in panel discussions and awareness workshops, students contribute to visibility and dialogue around an often-taboo topic — a form of ethical solidarity and mutual education.

5. Promoting Responsible, Educational Tourism

Embedded across the model — small-group travel, pre-departure learning, and local partnerships.

This offers a powerful alternative to mass tourism. It is small-scale, low-impact, and community-first, with participants arriving as learners, not consumers. Students are briefed on cultural sensitivity, Balinese protocols, and respectful conduct, ensuring their presence is welcomed, not extractive.

By immersing in slow travel and engaging with Bali on its own terms, participants help shift the tourism narrative toward one of learning, respect, and regenerative exchange.

6. Supporting Environmental Regeneration

Featured during jungle camp, Kintamani nature days, and Amed ocean activities.

Students learn about Balinese eco-spiritual practices, such as Subak (community-managed water systems), and engage in conservation activities like coral planting, forest walks, and beach clean-ups. These experiences not only support local ecosystems but also help participants see mental health as interconnected with natural rhythms — a reflection of Palemahan, or harmony with nature.

Activities like sunrise yoga in the mountains, journaling by rice fields, and snorkelling on vibrant reefs offer space for mindful reflection and show how nature itself is a form of healing.

7. Empowering Local Youth

Encouraged through peer-led learning and collaboration with youth-based organisations.

Participants engage with local student leaders, youth collectives, and community changemakers who are driving conversations around mental health and wellbeing in Bali. These interactions offer a platform for Balinese youth voices and reinforce the idea that young people can lead with confidence and cultural pride.

By elevating local youth leadership, this program contributes to a new generation of mental health advocates, grounded in tradition but open to innovation.

8. Amplifying Grassroots Leadership & Local Ownership

Woven throughout — co-created programs, local facilitators, and partner-led experiences.

Think Pacific works only with locally approved initiatives, engaging village leadership, NGOs, and local experts in every step of program planning and delivery. Whether it’s a temple priest leading a Melukat purification, or a community healer teaching herbal medicine, this program amplifies grassroots expertise and respects local autonomy.

Participants are guests in a locally owned learning environment, reinforcing Parahyangan — harmony with spirit — through gratitude, humility, and shared purpose.

🌿 Conclusion: Real Impact, Rooted in Respect

The Bali Mental Health & Wellbeing Programme is not just about student development — it’s about contributing meaningfully to the cultural, social, environmental, and emotional fabric of Bali. Every experience is designed to be mutually beneficial, aligned with Balinese values, and responsive to community-defined goals.

This is regenerative travel with purpose — grounded in Tri Hita Karana, and built to leave a lasting, positive footprint on both the island and every individual who journeys through it.

Every programme is unique. This isn’t a sightseeing tour — it’s an authentic learning journey shaped by real communities, organisations, and local people. Timings and activities may change depending on local rhythms and opportunities. However, we aim to include the following key areas as examples of what you will experience:

Mindfulness & Reflection

• Morning meditation in rice terraces surrounded by nature

• Guided forest reflection hike and silent journaling practice

• Evening yoga and group sharing circles to connect learning with personal growth

Spiritual & Healing Practices

• Experience sound healing and a fire ceremony under the stars

• Join a traditional Melukat water blessing at a sacred temple

• Learn herbal medicine and jamu-making from Balinese healers

Community & Culture

• Live with Balinese families and take part in daily village life

• Batik painting and mask-making workshops exploring art as therapy

• Gamelan drumming and dance sessions to experience rhythm and creativity

• Guest lectures on Balinese perspectives of youth, resilience, and mental health

Nature & Sustainability

• Rice planting and farming with Subak communities to understand traditional water management and communal living

• Snorkeling & coral discovery

• Reef clean-up to support marine regeneration

• Eco-farming exploring sustainable food systems

Adventure & Resilience

• Jungle trekking to hidden waterfalls and meditation in nature

• Rafting on the Ayung River to build confidence and teamwork

• Snorkeling vibrant reefs in Amed, reflecting on the ocean’s role in wellbeing

Academic & Career Learning

• Discussions with local NGOs and youth groups about mental health stigma and resilience

• Structured reflection sessions linking Balinese practices to psychology and wellbeing theory

• Final group debrief translating cultural insights into academic, career, and personal development outcomes

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 through living in a homestay, sharing daily life with Balinese families, and engaging in dialogue with youth groups and NGOs.

• Appreciate how indigenous knowledge and traditions — from Subak farming to healing rituals — contribute to wellbeing and community resilience.

2. Personal Growth & Self-Reflection

• Build confidence and independence by adapting to new cultural rhythms, from jungle camps to village ceremonies.

• Strengthen resilience, adaptability, and mindfulness through activities such as meditation, silent retreats, jungle trekking, and rafting.

• Cultivate empathy, patience, and self-awareness by reflecting on your own lifestyle and worldview in comparison with Balinese perspectives.

3. Employability & Transferable Skills

• Enhance teamwork, leadership, and collaboration by engaging in group reflection sessions, community projects, and shared problem-solving.

• Develop practical skills in intercultural communication, reflective journaling, and experiential learning — valuable in both academic and professional contexts.

• Demonstrate versatility and global perspective to employers through exposure to mental health practice, cultural resilience, and sustainability in action.

4. Academic & Career Alignment

• Deepen academic learning by linking theory to practice in psychology, mental health, anthropology, sociology, education, or international development.

• Understand global challenges around mental health stigma, resilience, and wellbeing, explored through a Balinese cultural lens.

• Strengthen career readiness by demonstrating initiative, cultural intelligence, and a holistic understanding of wellbeing in non-Western contexts.

5. Connection to Environment & Sustainability

• Learn how eco-therapy and regenerative practices — from coral planting to rice farming — support both environmental and mental health.

• Explore the interconnection between people, nature, and spirituality as central to Balinese identity and wellbeing.

• Reflect on the lessons Bali offers for sustainable living and environmental stewardship in a global context.

6. Reflection & Lifelong Impact

• Engage in structured reflection, mindfulness, and group sharing circles, culminating in a final debrief and gratitude ritual.

• Translate your experiences into personal growth, academic insights, and career development goals.

• Build lasting networks with Balinese communities and peers, fostering ongoing intercultural exchange and global awareness.

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 works in partnership with many universities across the world to support student mobility and employability. There are scholarships and grants available for students from individual university departments and/or governments in several countries.

Day 1 –2 Team Briefing & Ubud

• Relax & Acclimatise 
• Cultural briefing
• Team-brifing
• Explore Ubud

Day 3 – 4– Jungle Camp

• Head into the lush interior of Bali to a remote jungle camp
• Strengthen your team bond while connecting with nature and local cultural and outdoor activities.

Day 5 – 16 – Balinese Life & Tri Hita Karana

• Live with a traditional community south of Ubud
• Weekly schedule of activities and experiences designed and led by our leaders
• Every day offers a new cultural exchange and deeper connection with your hosts.
• Experience yoga, sound healing, water purification ceremony, a herbal medicine workshop, art therapy and a traditional fire ritual, all guided by local practitioners.
• Meet local NGOs or youth groups, and mental health advocates

Day 17 – 19- Amed – Nature & Ocean 

• Venture to the peaceful fishing village of Amed, and take day trips to the mountains of Kintamani and the foothills of Mount Agung. Enjoy snorkeling vibrant coral reefs, forest walks, hot springs, and sunset yoga.

Day 20 – 21- Sanur Beach Reflection

• Reflect on your learning journey, share experiences with your team, and consider how you’ll take these lessons forward into your personal and professional life.

What’s Included?

• Welcome & Orientation – Airport pickup, 2-day briefing and cultural orientation, plus a team-building camp in a rural setting.

• Accommodation – All accommodation provided, including homestays in traditional Balinese villages.

• Meals – Breakfast and dinner included daily (please budget £2–5 per day for lunch).

• Cultural Immersion – Welcome ceremony and feast, guided hikes, excursions to cultural sites, festivals, and community events.

• Learning & Development – Guest speakers, workshops, and exclusive access to Think Pacific’s partner network.

• Support & Safety – 24/7 guidance from Think Pacific leaders, in-country manager and Balinese project team, daily health check-ins, risk assessment, and pastoral care.

• Travel – All in-country transport in private air-conditioned vehicles.

• Preparation – Comprehensive online portal, pre-departure webinars, and personal planning resources.

What’s Not Included?

• Flights – Budget £700–£1,000 (guidance provided).

• Insurance – Budget £50–£100 (recommended policy provided).

• Tourist Visa – Approximately £30 (requirements vary by nationality; please check with the Indonesian Embassy).

• Vaccinations – Recommended Typhoid and Hepatitis A (budget £50; often free via NHS in the UK).

• Spending Money – Budget £200–£300 for lunches, drinks, souvenirs, and personal items

Accommodation

During this programme, you’ll have the unique opportunity to live in an authentic Balinese village. Most homestays are multigenerational, with grandparents, parents, and children living together in one family compound. This means you’ll experience the warmth and rhythm of real community life.

Accommodation is simple but comfortable, shared with your host family and teammates. Expect basic facilities, but also beautiful surroundings, family hospitality, and an experience that feels personal and memorable.

Food

Breakfast and dinner are included each day, whether you’re staying in a Think Pacific camp, hotel, or your host village. In the village, you’ll eat with your Balinese family, often surrounded by several generations at the table — reflecting Bali’s close-knit way of life.

Meals are carbohydrate-heavy, with rice and vegetables forming the core of a typical Balinese diet, often accompanied by fresh seasonal produce.

Lunches and weekend meals are not included, giving you the chance to explore Bali’s vibrant food scene — from street food stalls and local warungs to markets and restaurants. A typical meal costs around £2–£5.

• Access To The Pre-Departure Portal.

This portal provides the step-by-step process to prepare, including flight and visa information, kit list, cultural preparation, health and safety information. You can watch videos from our teams overseas and ask questions through our Live chat.

• 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

You can communicate with fellow participants, alumni and our team through our online community. Within 3 months of you departing you shall be entered into a private facebook group with your fellow teammates.

• 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.