Learn small animal medicine at a cat shelter with a clinic right on-site! You’ll jump into hands-on clinical skills like physical exams, blood draws, suturing, and even helping out with spay and neuter surgeries. Then, it’s off to a sea turtle conservation organization for a week packed with amazing experiences—like weighing, measuring, and collecting data on sea turtles of all ages! The highlight of this week is when you participate in night patrols to collect sea turtle eggs, as well as releases of baby sea turtles into the wild! In your downtime, explore vibrant street markets, relax by stunning rice terraces and waterfalls, and snorkel in crystal-clear waters to see colorful coral reefs and maybe even spot a sea turtle!
This page will take you through everything you need to know about your program. You should READ every section. We've linked additional information under each topic as needed.
During the turtle week, students will be staying at a hotel, with 2 students per room. The hotel will have wifi, AC, an ensuite bathroom and a pool! During the cat week, students will be staying in a nearby hostel with shared bunk beds.
Breakfast will be egg/omelette and toast or banana pancakes/crepe. Lunch will be traditional Bali plates delivered to the program location. Dinner will vairay, most nights will be traditional Bali foods like nasi goreng (fried rice) and satay. Bali also has lots of amazing fresh fruit!
Taking the group flight is mandatory unless you live outside of the continental US. Solo fliers are subject to additional fees. If you choose to fly off the group flight, you must first contact admissions@loopabroad.com.
The only items you are required to bring are those on the “required” lists. General required items (like your passport) are found on the ALL PROGRAMS packing list above. Program specific required items are found below under the REQUIRED section. For the rest of the items, you are welcome to use your discretion. There may be items missing from this list that you’d like to bring, and there may be items on this list that you don’t want to bring. If you have any questions, please feel free to ask!
2 scrub tops in case you are able to watch surgeries. You can also wear scrub tops with athletic shorts to save on packing space.
Pants (leggings okay) and closed-toed shoes for 5 days (at cat rescue). We suggest light-weight pants that can get dirty (scrub pants or hiking pants are great).
One outfit you can wear to visit a Hindu temple where your knees and shoulders must be totally covered. Lightweight loose-fitting pants (like scrub pants, elephant pants, a long skirt, etc) and a t-shirt works great!
Adequate supply of reef safe sunscreen (without oxybenzone, octinoxate, or nano-minerals) for the reef snorkel day (regular sunscreen is okay for other days).
Sneakers
Strap sandals/water shoes (most students prefer Teva, Chaco or Keen with a strap) for muddy volunteer activities and for walking in water. We recommend shoes that are easy to take on and off.
At least 2 bathing suits. Please be sure to bring at least one practical bathing suit (ie, not a strappy bikini). You can be in the water for several days in a row.
Deet-free bug spray
Dry bag or a beach bag for the times on the boat or to bring extra change of clothes after water activities.
Long-sleeved shirt (you should bring at least 1 long-sleeved shirt to cover your arms for certain chores)
Long sleeve rash guard to protect you from the sun on the snorkel day.
Some students wished that they had packed more “city” outfits (3 to 4 outfits) for evenings. You never have to dress up, but are welcome to bring “city” clothes to wear to dinner, markets, etc, if you like.
Surgical cap (optional but helps reduce waste and can be used throughout your career)
Snorkel, mask and fins if you have and prefer your personal equipment for the snorkel day. They will be available for rent for free.
A GoPro or similar or disposable underwater camera (definitely not required) and a wrist strap to attach it
If you are a picky eater who will not enjoy trying new food, consider packing some items that can serve as meals. Jerky, prepared pouch meals, cheese, dried fruit, nuts, tuna pouches, items that can be prepared with boiling water (instant mashed potatoes, oatmeal), protein bars, applesauce pouches, and peanut butter are all good options.
Headlamp or a flashlight
Motion Sickness medicine (some students who have never gotten motion sickness wish they had brought medication
Your program takes place in a hot, humid environment. Don’t bring clothes you care about too much. You’re going to get sweaty, muddy, and dusty and probably will not be able to wear clothes again before washing them. You should bring some clothes that you don’t mind leaving behind, which will leave more room for souvenirs. At the end of the trip, we’ll donate any unwanted clothes, shoes, toiletries, and first aid items.
WIFI: Students will have WIFI at both housing locations but WIFI is not reliable at program locations. If you are interested in a travel phone plan, please talk to your phone provider before your program starts.
Bedding: We will provide you with sheets, pillows, and blankets.
Towels: Bath towels are provided, students will need to bring their own washcloths. Swim/beach towels will not be provided - please bring your own.
Laundry: We will provide laundry once during the middle of the program. If want to wash things by hands at other times, please be prepared with your own soap.
Outlets: Students will need an adapter.
Dress Code: There is no dress code for this program. Most students will wear shorts due to the heat in Bali. Students wished they had more "city" clothes to wear in the afternoons to dinner or markets.
Money: Most students spend around $200 USD on a two-week program. You’ll likely want to buy things like souvenirs, laundry, snacks or drinks. So you don’t NEED any money, but you’ll want to bring enough that you can buy some things to bring home. We HIGHLY recommend contacting your bank and ordering Indonesian Rupiah before leaving for the program. There will be an ATM where students can withdraw money, and there is an ATM transaction fee each time.