Get 10% off all tours with code SUMMER10
Absolutely. Your payment is secure. Backpacking Tours is a licensed tour operator in Thailand (TAT Licence No. 11/12642), and we use trusted international payment providers. Your booking is safe, and our team is here to support you every step of the way.
Once you’ve booked your flights, log in to the Manage My Booking area of our website and enter your flight arrival details. If you’re arriving early, we can still arrange your airport transfer. If you also need extra nights of accommodation, let us know early so we can confirm availability and pricing.
International flights are not included in the price of any tour and will need to be booked separately. You’re free to book your own flights or book here.
We highly recommend that you travel with insurance for complete peace of mind. Please click here.
We recommend using a Wise travel card. It works in most places and supports Apple Pay and Google Pay. ATMs are widely available, but some places may accept cash only, so it’s good to carry some local currency.
For group tours, your place will be confirmed when 6 or more people have signed up and at least four weeks (28 days) prior to the start of your tour.
For volunteer or private bookings, please wait 2-3 working days.
We will refund you the total amount if the tour is cancelled. Typically, group tours are confirmed six months before departure.
Yes, a visa is required for Indonesia. Please ensure you have the right type of visa before arriving to Indonesia. The right type of visa to take part in our programs would be C6B visa. Please ensure that you apply for the visa type mentioned above, adding Green Lion Bali as the sponsor.
In most cases, you do not need a visa if you're planning on visiting for less than 31 days. You must enter and exit Bali through an immigration checkpoint at major airports and seaports. Your passport must have at least six months of validity from your entry date and have at least two blank pages. You also must have a return or onward ticket to another country and have not been previously refused entry or blacklisted. Please keep your boarding pass for your flight into Bali and also present this to the immigration officer upon entry as they can refuse entry without your boarding pass - or levy a fine. Please visit this website for the latest information. https://www.welcomebacktobali.com/blog/entry-exit-requirements/visa-entry-requirements
Travel insurance is compulsory for all our trips. You’ll need to show proof of your policy to your group leader upon arrival (on your phone or printed). You can get a quote and purchase your travel insurance here.
Arrival transfer is included, but departure transfer from the hotel to the airport is not. This can be added as an optional extra within your account.
Kindergarten, Construction and Renovation or Environmental Education Program:
Once you have received the confirmation from us, please arrange for your flights to arrive on Sunday, between 06:00 to 23:59. We recommend arriving earlier to have more time to settle into your new home.
Turtle Conservation:
Once you have received the confirmation from us, please arrange for your flights to arrive on Sunday, between 06:00 to 12:00.
After you have booked your tour and received confirmation from us, you can begin searching for flights. When you have booked your flight, please log in to your account and enter your flight details under Flight Details. Please note that airport transfer is included in the cost of the tour but is only available from 4 am day 1 and all day until midnight on day 18. The price of one-night extra accommodation (must be booked per person, per night) includes the airport transfer to our hotel and breakfast the next morning, whereas if you decide to book separate accommodation then airport transfer is restricted to days 1 and 18 of your trip within the timeframe listed above.
We recommend arriving before 16:00 on day 1 of your tour. Check in at the hotel on day 1 is at 14:00 with early check in available subject to hotel vacancy. You are free to use the hotel facilities and leave your bags in a secure place if you arrive early before checking in. On departure, we suggest leaving after 11:00 or 12:00 (noon) in order to enjoy a final breakfast with everyone but if you can find a cheaper flight early in the day, that's no problem at all! Just let us know your flight details in the ‘Login’ area. If your flight arrives before the starting date, we can arrange extra accommodation which includes hotel transfer and breakfast. This can be booked in your account under Extra Trips.
Please wait for a confirmation email; this will provide information about when we recommend arriving and to depart. We recommend using Sky Scanner to arrange your flights.
We will provide you with airport transfer information 1-week before the tour/program begins.
Backpacks are preferred and will be more convenient for you for when we are walking to our hotel in Gili T (about 10-15 minutes on a flat, cleared path) but suitcases work, too. You’ll never have to carry your luggage for too long at any one time. Try to find something that’s easily accessible and waterproof if possible. Bring a smaller daypack for short trips throughout the tour.
Please book your arriving and departing flights to and from Ngurah Rai International Airport in Denpasar! Airport transfer is included on day 1 and day 18 to this airport.
If you're joining the volunteer program only your arrival transfer is included.
We have a minimum age requirement of 18 years old to join the tour. Group members aged 16-17 years old are welcome to join the tour but only with a family member that will act as their guardian whilst on tour. Aside from that, no age requirements at all! While our target age is 18-35, we have had many 35+ year old group members join us on tour. It is more about mindset than anything else so if you are looking for a backpacking experience, with backpacker style accommodation and expectations for transportation and evening activities (always optional), then we invite you to join us for an adventure.
Yes, many travellers—both male and female—travel alone throughout Bali and Southeast Asia. Upon arrival, we will pick you up from the airport, you will meet your travel mates and the adventure begins.
It depends on which project you have chosen. Some projects require formal dressing. Therefore, packing a few formal clothes won’t harm
We should always be healthy and maintain our fitness. However, it depends on the project you choose and you should always be ready to work.
During your time, you will be accommodated at our accommodation. All our accommodations are dormitory style, shared and gender based rooms. We also provide private rooms (Dormitory style) subject to availability which you can request for at an extra cost. Whichever room you will choose, we provide clean, tidy, secured and basic facilities.
This can be possible depending on the availability of accommodation and the project that you have chosen. We will try our best to accommodate your request.
We're all about serving up tasty veggie and non-veggie dishes, made with simple, fresh, and local ingredients. We've got your allergies covered, so no worries there. We've got you sorted with three yummy meals on weekdays, and two awesome meals on Saturdays, Sundays, and Public Holidays.
We accept participants aged from 16 and above. Participants under the age of 18 must travel with a parent or legal guardian. There is no upper age limit however, we recommend participants to check with the program options that are available.
You sure do. After you finish for the day during weekdays, it is your free time to do whatever you like.However, we request you to follow the rules, that are explained to you, at all times. Saturdays and Sundays is your free days.
Our Culture week program covers most of the topics including culture shock and how to adapt to Culture and Traditions. One should come with an open mind. We suggest you to go through the program guide.
Your deposit ensures your reservation for the tour or program. It guarantees your spot until 60 days prior to the scheduled commencement date, at which time the outstanding balance must be settled in full. Failure to complete payment by the specified deadline will result in the cancellation of your reservation, and the vacancy may be offered to another prospective participant. The remaining balance can be found in your account, and multiple reminders will be sent in advance of the due date to ensure timely payment.
Yes, just give us at least 28 days' notice in order to allow another person to take your spot.
Your accommodation will be clean, comfortable and offer western toilets at all times - though experiencing a squat toilet is something everyone who visits Bali should experience at least once! You will be sleeping in twin or triple rooms (unless noted), paired up randomly by same gender unless requested otherwise. Couples will be always paired together. Hot showers and AC is provided on most days.
We will take you to the airport in Denpasar or you can book an extra night or two at the hotel in your account under Extra Trips. At the hotel, you have free use of the storage room if you want to spend some more time exploring the city before you depart. Or we can give you advice on what else to do in Bali if you plan to stay longer. Our Thailand tour, Vietnam tour, and Cambodia tour is a great place to start.
Yes. This is your own time to explore Bali as you please. If you want to stay back at the hotel to relax or want to explore a bit on your own, just let the tour guide know.
Yes, the dress code is seen as a show of respect to the culture, temple and monks that often live in the temples. Men should wear long pants and no cut-off sleeves. Women should wear trousers, a long skirt, or dress that extends fully below the knees and covers their shoulders - the knees should be fully covered. Tank tops and low cut shirts should also be avoided by both genders.
Your deposit secures your place on the tour. This holds your spot on the tour up until 28 days before your tour is set to begin when the remaining balance is due in full. If payment is not received by this point, your spot on the tour will be cancelled and the spot will be offered to another potential group member. The remaining balance is displayed in your account. Several reminders will go out before this date to remind you of when your payment is due!
Your place will be confirmed when 6 or more people have signed up for your tour and at least four weeks (28 days) prior to the start of your tour. After booking, we will email you to confirm and we will refund you the full amount if the tour is cancelled. Typically, tours are confirmed six months before departure.
Yes, please arrange an appointment with your local physician and explain your travel plans. Most hospitals have travel clinics with helpful information and vaccinations on site. We suggest doing this well before your trip is to begin to ensure there are no unexpected waiting periods during this process! Please visit here for more information: CDC
We recommend the following: - 1 pair of long trousers - 1 light but waterproof jacket (Nothing too thick!) - Simple padlock to lock up your belongings - 1 long sleeved top - 1 electrical converter (to avoid blowing out that hairdryer or beard trimmer) - Shoes that are suitable for hiking - Waterproof shoes if you have them - Shoes that are easily removed. (Upon entering temples and many buildings you will be expected to remove your shoes as a sign of respect. The easier, the better.) - Swimwear - A camera is highly suggested to remember your experience! - Insect repellent - Sunscreen. Lots of sunscreen And of course, the usual: passport, spending money, adventurous curiosity, positive attitude, etc!
Yes! After placing your deposit, you can pay off the tour in installments of your choosing and at your convenience. The final remaining balance is due at least 28 days before your tour is set to begin.
Not at all! A small deposit will confirm your place on the tour. We ask that you please provide the remaining balance no less than 28 days before your tour begins.
Vegetarians will be happy to know that Bali is very accommodating for vegetarians. Your tour guide can instruct any kitchen to create a Balinese dish without meat which they will often substitute with freshly-made tofu.
Yes and so delicious! If you see Balinese eating it then that’s the best indication that the food is safe. Tip: Eat where the locals eat; the longer the queue the more delicious you can assume the food will be. But as with anything, use caution. If something looks or smells suspect, better to leave it alone. And never drink from the tap - we should mention this in case the idea ever crosses your mind.
No problem at all - just make sure to arrive at the hotel for the starting date of the tour! We can arrange early night’s accommodation at the hotel and airport transfer is included in this cost. If you wish to book this, you can do so in your account under Extra Trips. We can also provide easy-to-use directions for getting from the airport in Denpasar to our hotel in Kuta (about half an hour drive).
Both! There are ATM machines throughout the tour in nearly every location we visit that dispense Indonesian Rupiah (IDR). There is usually a currency exchange fee and most banks will charge a processing fee. For this reason, we suggest withdrawing however much you feel you will need on tour (explained above) when using the machines. The more you use the ATMs the more fees you will pay. For currency exchange, there are kiosks throughout the airport when you land and also opportunities in Kuta once you arrive at the hotel. These kiosks accept all major currencies from Western countries. You can also exchange at home before you arrive but the exchange fee is usually higher. The cheaper option is to use an ATM card but currency exchange is also readily available. Just make sure to let your bank know you plan to travel abroad so they do not lock your account when they see a sudden overseas withdrawal.
Not much is needed! We suggest at least £10 GBP / $15 USD (or equivalent) for spending money each day. The non-included meals are very cheap in Bali and all of your excursions, transport, and accommodation is included in the cost of the tour. If you plan to bring home a lot of gifts for friends or family (or yourself) or like a big night out then we suggest budgeting a bit more than the amounts listed above. You can get away with spending even less than this if you are on a tight budget but this average seems to work best for most group members.
Of course! We encourage everyone to talk over our social networks. You can find a list of them at the bottom of this page. If you’ve joined a tour, we will send you an invite to a dedicated Facebook group made for your tour about two months before it starts. Your tour guide and a tour manager will also be in the group to answer any questions you may have.
Yes, please! All accommodation offers the chance to do your washing at very reasonable prices - or at least somewhere just near the hotel will be able to provide this. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can even go for the bucket wash - the price is right.
We have spent more than two years travelling Bali in order to find you the best possible experience at the absolute lowest price! We also sell our tour directly to you through our website, not through a travel agency, which cuts out a major expense incurred by other tour companies.
Yes, the dress code is seen as a show of respect to the culture, temple and monks that sometimes live in the temples. Men should wear long pants and no cut-off sleeves. Women should wear trousers, a long skirt, or dress that extends fully below the knees and covers their shoulders - the knees should be fully covered. Tank tops and low cut shirts should also be avoided by both genders.
