Apply Now

Impactful Journeys in Bangka Island: Heritage & Beyond

The experience

Join us to Explore, Engage, Empower & Leaves a legacy in Bangka Island (Sumatra), Indonesia. As a volunteer, you’ll assist in coral planting, cleaning, and monitoring efforts to support marine biodiversity and fight coral degradation. This hands-on program allows you to work alongside local marine experts and the community, contributing to the long-term health of the biggest tin mining area in Indonesia (ex-colonial Netherland Company).

What you offer

32 hours of help per week

Social Work: Help with volunteer work in local projects and communities.

Additional fee required

Amount: US$ 50 Per day

Fee pays for: Benefits for travelers, Materials for volunteer activities, and Donation to project

Description: Volunteer contribution will be used to support their accommodation(house family), meals 3x per day and local transport. Other main activities, Daily Tote Bag, Sites entrance and local souvenir also include.

What you get

2 days off per week

Private Room: You will have a bed in a private room. In other words, a room just for you.

Breakfast: You are entitled to a free breakfast, every day of your stay.

Lunch: You are entitled to a free lunch, every day of your stay.

Dinner: You are entitled to a free dinner, every day of your stay.

Free Tours: We’ll take you on tours and rides around town. For free!

Free Parties: Get free entrance for the best parties in town.

Free Events: Get free entrance for the best events in town.

Bikes at your disposal: You can use our bikes any time you want.

Pick Up: We will pick you up when you arrive, and take you to our property.

Use our equipped kitchen: Feel free to use our kitchen and make your own delicious food.

Certificate: Get a certificate of completion after you finish your experience.

Fast Internet Access: High-speed internet for you to work remotely

Requirements

Intermediate English or Intermediate Dutch

Between 18 and 40 years old

Only hosts solo volunteers (doesn’t accept couples or partners)

Be from outside Indonesia

European Union Passport

United States visa or citizenship

Travel insurance

What's not included

Flights, Travel Insurance, Internal Transportation and Visa

Program Details

The Impactful Journeys in Bangka Island: Heritage & Beyond program offers a unique opportunity to explore Bangka’s cultural heritage, engage with local communities, and actively contribute to environmental conservation. Located in the heart of Indonesia’s tin mining legacy and surrounded by pristine coastal landscapes, Bangka Island invites you to discover its rich traditions while leaving a positive impact.

As a participant, you will immerse yourself in authentic cultural and ecological experiences—ranging from wearing traditional Bangka attire and exploring colonial-era heritage sites to joining mangrove reforestation and coral table restoration. The program is designed to provide you with a deeper understanding of Bangka’s history, its people’s resilience, and the ecological challenges faced by the island due to mining activities and climate change.

Activities & Shift

During your 8-day journey in Bangka Island, you’ll engage in a balanced mix of cultural immersion, ecological volunteering, and community interaction. Activities are structured to ensure both meaningful impact and time for personal exploration.

Example of Activities

Cultural Immersion

Wearing traditional Bangka attire (hat, scarf, T-shirt).

Visiting heritage sites: Wilhelmina Residence, colonial churches, mosques, and the Tin Museum.

Joining storytelling sessions with local elders about Bangka’s history and identity.

Eco-Volunteering

Coral planting and coral table restoration around Semujur Island.

Mangrove reforestation and environmental education with local communities.

Mini-workshops on sustainability and stakeholder integrity in resource management.

Community Engagement

Homestay with local families, sharing daily routines and traditional meals.

Learning to prepare Bangka’s signature dishes with hosts.

Farewell gathering with music, dance, and local culinary delights.

Rules

To ensure a safe, respectful, and meaningful journey for everyone, participants are expected to follow these rules during the program:

Respect Local Culture & Traditions

Dress modestly when visiting villages, mosques, or heritage sites.

Follow local customs and ask permission before taking photos of people or sacred places.

Environmental Responsibility

Avoid single-use plastics; bring your own refillable water bottle and eco-friendly toiletries.

Participate actively in eco-volunteering activities such as coral planting and mangrove restoration.

Do not damage or take coral, shells, or plants from the sites you visit.

Community Engagement

Be respectful to host families and community members.

Participate in shared meals and cultural activities as part of the homestay experience.

Keep noise to a minimum, especially at night, to respect local routines.

Health & Safety

Inform coordinators of any allergies, health conditions, or dietary needs in advance.

Use provided equipment responsibly (e.g., diving gear, boats).

Alcohol consumption and drugs are strictly prohibited during activities or while staying in the community.

Participation & Commitment

Join all scheduled activities and workshops unless excused for health reasons.

Be punctual and respect the group’s schedule.

Contribute positively with an open mind and willingness to learn.

Travel Responsibility

Ensure you have valid travel documents, insurance, and necessary vaccinations.

Handle your own belongings carefully; the organizers are not responsible for personal loss.