FAQs :: FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
How do I sign up?
Please contact us and we’ll send you all the information that you need.
How can I find out who else is on my trip?
Two letters: FB. Look for your buddies on our Facebook page and start talking!
What’s included in the fees?
It depends on your program. School programs include: all your accommodation, all your meals, all your transport and all your activity expenses. Professional development programs do not include accommodation. Fees do not include gear rental (if needed) or personal insurance.
You can rent snorkel gear (mask, snorkel, fins) from us for Rp. 50,000/day ($6), just let us know what you need when you sign up. Merchandise coming soon!
Can I pay by cheque?
No, sorry! Indonesian banks never accept cheques from other countries. We accept payment by direct deposit, through Paypal, or in cash (Indonesian Rupiah & Bali residents only). We cannot accept accept cash of currencies other than IDR.
How much money do I need to take with me?
It will depend on your program. Whilst at our West Bali campsite there will be little or no opportunity to spend money, although you may wish to buy snacks or drinks on the way. You may wish to bring a small amount of money to spend on any program that includes time at the markets. Professional development program participants should bring enough money to pay for accommodation and non-program meals.
If I decide not to come, will I lose all my money?
It depends. 25% of your program fees are non-refundable. The rest are refundable depending on your circumstances and the timing. See our terms and conditions for details.
Do I need insurance?
Absolutely! Every camper must have emergency medical travel insurance that includes “medical evacuation insurance”. Odyssey Institute holds general insurance for program participants, but we recommend that you purchase insurance tailored for your individual needs.
Do I need a visa?
You cannot enter Bali without one. Please see Life in Bali for details.
What is the accommodation like?
It depends on your program! On Wild Bali and campsite-based Learning Adventures you will stay in a tent with 1-3 friends, other West Bali programs make use of Waka Shorea Resort. Students staying in Ubud (central Bali) or Sudaji (northern Bali) will stay in hotels, homestays, or other similar accommodation. Participants in professional development programs are responsible for booking their own accommodation. The e1 program is hosted in Ubud, where a variety of accommodation options are available, e3 and e5 will be hosted at the Waka Shorea Resort.
How physical is the Wild Bali eco-camp?
You will normally snorkel an average of once per day, and occasionally twice per day. Snorkeling is strictly weather dependent due to safety and subject to logistical restrictions. In addition, most days involve some team sports, such as beach volley ball or ultimate frisbee. Wild Bali also includes an epic, all-day rainforest trek.
How do I get to Wild Bali?
We provide a free pick-up service every Monday morning. Contact us to find out details of pick-up points.
What will the weather be like in West Bali?
The weather is often very different from the west to the east of Bali, with seasonal monsoons affecting the country differently. The “rainy season” lasts roughly from October to May in Bali with the dry/windy season bringing sunny skies, calm seas and hot, humid days from May to October. However, being tropical, there is still some rainfall during the ‘dry’ season and July and August experience monsoon winds which occasionally lead to choppier seas.
How safe is travelling in Indonesia?
Most parts of Indonesia are extremely safe to travel through, however you should be aware of cultural and political situations that could be dangerous for travellers. See our health and safety page for more details.
How can I be contacted whilst in Indonesia?
All our instructors carry a mobile phone at all times and are sometimes able to access the internet during programs. We recommend that students do not bring mobile phones or other electronics with them on programs. Professional development participants are welcome to bring their phones, and we can offer advice for buying local SIM cards.
How can I contact my child while they’re on an Odyssey Program?
Students cannot be contacted during programs. However, we endeavour to regularly post updates to our Facebook and Twitter pages from the field, so you can follow their adventures from home!
What happens in an emergency?
In the event of an emergency, Odyssey Institute has prearranged emergency procedures such as evacuation plans. These emergency action & evacuation plans can be put into action at a moment’s notice. The Site Manager is in 24hr contact with the Odyssey HQ, allowing the staff to liaise directly with their base. Please see our risk management policies.
What inoculations will I need when visiting Indonesia?
We suggest visiting your local GP for advice on inoculations and medications that you may require. Links to more information are provided on our health and safety page. Please note that Malaria is not a problem on Bali.
Are there any incentives for getting other people to join your programs?
We run an Odyssey Ambassador program for our international school liaisons, please contact us for more information.
