

BALI & SUMATRA
PROTECTING REEFS & RAINFORESTS
A 19-Day Environmental Conservation Program






Bali & Sumatra

Program Details
Dates: | June 30-July 18 |
Duration: | 19 Days |
Tuition: | $4,995* |
Arrive: | New York, NY |
Depart: | New York, NY |
Grade | 9th, 10th, 11th & 12th |
*Airfare for group flight from New York additional
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Program Highlights
- See Wild Sumatran Orangutans in their Natural Habitat
- Trek Through the Pristine Rainforest of Sumatra’s Gunung Leuser National Park
- Work with a local NGO to Help Restore Lifesaving Orangutan Habitat
- Experience the Unique Culture of Bali, the “Island of Gods”
- Earn Your SCUBA Certification While You Explore the Colorful Reefs of North Bali
- Work with Marine Biologists to Study and Restore Important Coral Reef Ecosystems
- 25 Hours of Community Service.
Spotlight Community Service Project
Saving the Sumatran Orangutan
Once widespread throughout the forests of Asia, wild orangutans are now found in just two places in the world: the rainforests of Borneo and Sumatra. Due to clear cutting and habitat destruction, the Sumatran Orangutan is one of the most endangered primates in the world. Following our multi-day trek in search of wild orangutans, we partner with a local NGO, working to help restore what were once illegal palm oil plantations back to healthy orangutan habitat. Through the collection of wild seedlings, work in a tree nursery, checking camera traps, and replanting important native species, we can help ensure the success of the Sumatran Orangutan for future generations.
Program Overview
Throughout our exploration of Bali and Sumatra, we have the chance to investigate and gain a first-hand understanding of global environmental issues while discovering two of the most beautiful islands on our planet. Straddling the equator, the island of Sumatra contains one of the most diverse ecosystems in the world and is the only place where orangutans, rhinos, tigers, and elephants all live together. Working alongside wildlife biologists and Park Rangers from Gunung Leuser National Park, we lend a hand to save this incredible ecosystem before it disappears, creating “green corridors,” and restoring healthy orangutan habitat. We explore the tropical paradise and learn about the local and global effects of palm oil plantations, illegal poaching, and mass deforestation. We continue our environmental investigation as we travel to the famous island of Bali. On the northern coast of the island we team up with marine biologists and a local NGO to examine damaged coral reefs, clean up local beaches, and help create new reef structures to encourage healthy marine ecosystems. We will also have the opportunity earn our Open Water SCUBA certifications under the guidance of our eco-conscious PADI instructors. Through these complimentary methods of underwater discovery, we gain insight into the issues impacting our oceans and gain a better understanding of how we can help protect these vital waters. Our programs come to a close by exploring local waterfalls, ancient temples, and the spiritually diverse city of Ubud.
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Program Details
Bukit Lawang: Orangutan Orientation
Lying on the edge of the beautiful Bahorok River and pristine rainforest, the small village of Bukit Lawang is the largest sanctuary for orangutans in the world, and our home while we get acquainted to the needs of these endangered primates. Along with our in-country partners and Park Rangers from the national park, we learn about this unique ecosystem and the plants and animals that call it home. As part of our orientation, we help create important border signs and hang them to mark the border of the park. Throughout our orientation, we gain an understanding of the plight that faces the Sumatran Orangutan and its important habitat. This introduction becomes the foundation of our service work in support of this endangered primate.
Gunung Leuser: Hiking in Search of Orangutans
Taman Nasional Gunung Leuser is home to one of the largest populations of wild orangutans in the world. Known as “men of the forest,” orangutans live in this preserve as they always have, unaware that they are the last of a population that used to be over thirty times as large in habitat that used to spread all over Asia. In a day-long trek through this jungle, we rely on the rangers to help track and discover Orangutans and other amazing creatures. At night we settle into our rustic camp on the river’s edge and enjoy a bonfire and delicious local dinner. Our hike finishes with a float down the beautiful Bohorok river back to civilization.
Orangutan Habitat Restoration Project
After learning about the plight of the orangutans and witnessing them in their natural habitat we travel to a small jungle village to work on a project vital to the survival of the Sumatran Orangutan and countless other endangered species who call these forests home. Working with our Orangutan NGO partners we help create “green corridors” and convert illegal palm oil plantations into suitable habitat for Orangutans through our “Orangutan Habitat Restoration Project.” By collecting and planting wild seedlings, working in the tree nursery, checking camera traps, and planting hundreds of native trees we are helping to ensure the survival of the Sumatran Orangutan.
Ubud: Temples and Markets
Surrounded by terraced rice paddies, rainforest filled with ancient Hindu temples, and colorful street markets, Ubud is among Bali’s most famous landscapes and where we start our exploration of the “Island of Gods.” While in Ubud we explore the famous Monkey Forest and its ancient Hindu temples to gain an insight into the importance of religion throughout Bali. We meet local craftsmen and artists while scouring colorful markets for the perfect souvenir. We wander cobblestoned streets and eat at local restaurants and get our first taste of traditional Balinese cuisine. If we’re lucky, we witness one of Bali’s famous processions in which locals present seemingly endless offerings to their Gods. Our time in Ubud, the spiritual and art capital of Bali, is the perfect place to learn about Bali’s unique culture.
North Bali: Scuba Certification and Reef Restoration
Away from the hustle and bustle of Bali’s tourist crowds, the Northeast Coast offers our group the unique opportunity to explore rural villages and Balinese culture while also investigating important global issues facing our oceans. Our mornings will be spent completing our PADI Open Water dive certification course, and in the afternoons we visit local temples, explore beautiful waterfalls, and catch unbelievable sunsets with our new friends. Once certified, we join local and international marine biologists working hard to restore the reefs of Northern Bali. Bali’s coral reefs suffer from a history of unsustainable fishing, pressure from plastic pollution, and effects from global climate change which has left them in need of urgent conservation. After speaking with scientists about coral ecosystems and examining their current health, we learn how to propagate new corals that are resistant to bleaching and disease. Throughout the week our group also uses cement and other natural materials to build and install “artificial reef structures” which improve marine abundance and biodiversity. Our days spent with our local NGO partners allow us to gain insight into the issues facing our oceans and shows how we as humans can help ensure a healthier planet for the future.
Program Reviews
“I think that the impact that we made during our service projects really made a difference, you could really see it in the faces of the people we helped.”
— Katie S., Woodinville, WA“Only with ARCC and it’s leaders are you able to form a family bond while exploring unseen parts of the world with complete strangers.”
— Sebastian H., Greenwich, CT“There were so many once in a lifetime moments on this trip that I’ll remember for the rest of my life.”
— Alya S., Weston, CT“This was by far one of the best trips I have ever taken. The people you meet, not only your group, but also your leaders and [in-country] guides are absolutely amazing. Hands down, it is completely worth coming.”
— Gigi G., Piedmont CA“Before she left on this trip, Gigi was an independent, confident young girl. Now I see her as a worldly young women, excited to explore new things and grounded in the new friendships that she made on the trip. The leaders were a perfect combination of caring, fun, relaxed and silly. This group seemed to have a very special bond.”
— Parent of Gigi G., Piedmont, CA
Common Questions
What is the packing list for this program?
Each trip has a specific packing list that has been designed to fit the program’s activities, length, climate and cultural differences. The packing lists are refined each year and will be included in the Pre-Trip Welcome Packet.
What is the weather like in Bali and Sumatra?
The Indonesian climate is tropical, warm, and humid all year around with two main distinctive seasons; dry season and rainy season. Our visit to Indonesia will fall during the dry season but there is always a chance of a pop-up shower so it is best to be prepared. The day-time temperatures in the summer months usually fall between 72-86 degrees with varying percentages of humidity depending on location and elevation.
What are the service projects like?
Through various travels throughout Southeast Asia ARCC has been able to make strong relationships with local organizations and communities to provide meaningful community service projects in both Sumatra and Bali. On this program we participate in two major service projects, an Orangutan Habitat Restoration project and a Reef Conservation Project in Northern Bali. Working with our Orangutan NGO partners we help restore illegal palm oil plantations to healthy orangutan habitat by collecting wild seedlings, working in the nursery, and planting hundreds of native trees that will help provide much needed habitat for the Sumatran Orangutan. Our second project takes us to the coast where we work along marine biologists to understand the plight of the our oceans. With solution-oriented thinking, we will lend a hand with efforts such as beach cleanups, coral planting, and building artificial reef structures.
What kind of health precautions should I take before traveling to Indonesia?
Indonesia is a relatively clean and safe place to travel. However, ARCC does recommend that you take some health precautions before your trip to Indonesia. When you enroll in the program, you will receive more complete information on pertinent travel vaccinations and immunizations. Please also refer to the Traveler’s Health section of the CDC website. Our leaders carry a full first aid kit, and are all certified Wilderness First Responders (WFR).
Where will we sleep?
During this program we sleep in a variety of accommodations: hotels, rustic camping shelters, jungle lodge, and dorm style bungalows.
What is the transportation like once we are in Indonesia?
We use a variety of transportation on the Sumatra and Bali program. We travel by private buses and vans arranged by our in-country partner.
What is the food like?
Indonesian food is one of the most vibrant, colorful, and flavorful food in the world. We will have the opportunity to sample traditional Indonesian cuisine such as Rendang (spicy meat), Nasi Goreng (fried rice), and satay (skewered and grilled meat) throughout our program. ARCC communicates with partners and restaurants to accommodate dietary needs.
How much spending money should I bring?
In Indonesia the official currency is the Indonesian Rupiah (IDR). For this program we suggest you bring about $75 USD per week. We recommend that you bring some of your money in cash (small denominations… 5s, 10s, and 20s) and the rest on an international ATM card. ATM’s are found in Sumarta’s capital, Medan, and throughout Bali, but are limited outside the cities.
This money is for souvenirs, laundry, and other incidentals. ARCC pays for all meals, lodging, transportation and activities. There will be some time to shop for souvenirs in Bukit Lawang and Ubud during the program.
As with any international program, we strongly recommend talking to your bank about its international withdrawal policies to avoid any surprise fees or card cancellations.
Do I need a Passport?
Yes, all students traveling to Indonesia need to have a valid passport. Please make sure the passport expiration date is at least six months after your program start date. Be sure to make a photocopy of your passport and keep it in a separate place. If you lose your passport and you have a photocopy, it is much easier to replace.
Do I need a visa?
For our Sumatra & Bali program we will be purchasing a Visa Upon Arrival which cost $35 at the airport in Medan, Indonesia. Please be sure to have $35 in an envelope in your carry-on bag on the first day of program so that we can ensure to have a smooth visa process upon arrival. This visa will allow us to stay in Indonesia for the entirety of our program.
What is the time difference between Indonesia and the USA?
The Indonesian archipelago actually stretches across four time zones, however during our visit we will only be traveling two different time zones. During their time in Sumatra the students will be 11 hours ahead of New York (Eastern Time), 12 hours ahead of Chicago (Central Time), and 14 hours ahead San Francisco (Pacific Time). When we travel to the southern island of Bali we will cross into a new time zone which adds one additional hour making Bali 12, 13, 15 hours ahead the U.S, respectively.
Do I really need to bring a backpack or can I bring rolling luggage on this program?
Although you will not be doing traditional backpacking on this program, it is important that you bring a backpack as your main piece of luggage. During the program the group will be navigating through airports, on and off buses, up and down stairways, and taking short hikes on unpaved paths. Everyone must be able to carry all of their own belongings which is more comfortable and efficient with a backpack.
What Kinds of goods and supplies can we bring to donate for the people we meet?
We have the chance to live amongst some people who have the very basics for survival. With education being a tool to better their lives, basic school supplies are welcomed with open arms. Pens, pencils, notepads, and books are widely accepted. Sporting equipment such as soccer balls, volleyballs, and badminton are also an incredible way to cross the cultural border and share smiles. Because of limited space on our vehicles ARCC would ask that every person bring no more than a gym bag of goods to donate.
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19800 Village Office Ct.
Suite 200
Bend, OR 97702
(415) 332-5075
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Contact Us
19800 Village Office Ct.
Suite 200
Bend, Oregon 97702
(415) 332-5075
Email ARCC