PROGRAM PHOTO ALBUM
Thanks for the checking out the blog for this Global Leadership Adventures program!
Here are a few things to know and expect:
- Blog posts are written by onsite program staff and/or students and sent to our Headquarters team who will post the blog on this page.
- We typically receive 2-3 blog updates per week from each program, so please don’t be alarmed if you don’t see a blog post every day – that’s totally normal.
- Blog updates received late in the evening or overnight will be posted the following day.
- Blog updates received on weekends may not be posted until Monday.
- Due to many factors such as internet accessibility, program staff aren’t always able to send photos, so some blog posts may contain text only.
Thank you for your patience and understanding, and we hope you enjoy following along on these unforgettable adventures.
For frequently asked questions about the blogs, please visit our Program Blog FAQ page.
-The Global Leadership Adventures HQ Team
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BLOG POST FOR JUNE 28
We’re thrilled to share that the entire group has arrived safely in beautiful Bali! The students are already settling into their home base here in Ubud, meeting their group and getting comfortable in their new surroundings.
Although we missed the chance to capture a full group photo today as our last arrival was quite late at 10:30 PM, we did manage to snap some great pictures in smaller groups during airport pickups and meal times. We can’t wait to gather everyone together for a group photo tomorrow during orientation day!
Over the next three weeks, students will embark on what promises to be the adventure of a lifetime. Together, we’ll explore the rich culture of this incredible island, dive into thrilling adventures, and engage in meaningful service projects that will make a real difference.
To keep you connected throughout the journey, students will be sharing regular blogs filled with stories, reflections, and photos posted every couple of days. This way, you can follow along and see firsthand the unforgettable experiences unfolding here. From volunteering at local schools, learning about the public health, meeting local medical students to wandering vibrant markets, strolling through lush paddy fields, surfing world-famous waves, and snorkelling among stunning ocean life and enjoying lunch with the view of Mount Batur, every moment is packed with excitement and discovery. The entire group is eager and ready to dive in!
We look forward to sharing all the highlights with you soon!
GLA staff team,
Musha, Kristin
BLOG POST FOR JUNE 29
Selamat Malan!
We started out our first full day with a lovely breakfast, followed by our GLA and Bali Institute orientation. After learning about our community and culture, we headed off into town for an amazing race themed scavenger hunt. We raced around town, talking to different locals for clues, to eventually meet up at the banjar, where we were taught traditional Balinese dance and music. We also got the chance to do traditional wood carving and make our very own offerings. After, we met up back at home base to recap the day during chow circle and ended with a delicious dinner with a show of local traditional dancers while we ate. Now we’re exhausted and going to bed, mimpi indah.
Love,
Jordyn & Emily
BLOG POST FOR JUNE 30
We woke up around 6:30 and went to the common area to wait for everyone to come. After we filled water bottles and had our day bags together we went about 20 minutes to the herbal walk. On the walk we learned about rice paddy farming, and the different herbs they use for holistic medicine. After the herbal walk we went to the shop where they sell holistic medicines and teas. Most people got something to try. We also played the mind game while we waited for the rain to stop and for our bus to arrive to take us to the water temple. At the temple we wore our sashes and the sarong and walked around the temple and saw how they prayed. The scenery was super pretty and the water temple were very inspiring seeing how dedicated everyone was to the prayer. Next we went to the mountains to have lunch overlooking a volcano and a forest. It was a great buffet with lots of different Balinese foods. The black rice pudding was a big hit!
After lunch we went to the coffee plantation and saw all of the different plants they grew to make the coffee grounds and tea leaves. We also got to try all of the different drinks they served, it was all super fresh and delicious. After the plantation we came back to home base and had some downtime until dinner where we talked about something that inspired us during the day and did shout outs. Dinner was rice, chicken, Tempe, and veggies. After we all went to bed early for an early morning!
Your Leaders Of The Day,
Jules and Tessla
BLOG POST FOR JULY 1
Selamat Pagi!
Today, we split into two groups, accomplishing two different shared environment-lifting goals.
Group 1 started the day with exposing ourselves to some methods of preserving our environment, using the benefits of maggot composting, with the help from @MagiFarms ! in addition, Magi Farms provided aid in helping us pack and deliver meals to those living near one of the biggest landfills in Bali.
Group 2 woke up extra early to catch a ride to the beach and immersed themselves in knowledge of the mangrove ecosystem and how it benefits many different aspects of life. They picked up trash via paddle board, and sorted trash into piles of recyclables, organic waste, and landfill trash. Some examples of things they found in the mangroves were hygiene products, plastics, and even clothes!
Overall, both groups learned valuable lessons of how protecting our beautiful green earth will help us in the long run!
Your Leaders Of The Day,
Romeo and Lani
BLOG POST FOR JULY 2
Today we all went to Bumi Sehat, an NGO clinic that does a lot of free care for mothers that are unable to pay for it. We met with the founder Robin Lim who taught us a lot about the clinic and how they believe in cutting the umbilical cord after two hours so the baby has all the nutrients it needs.
After this clinic visit we went to a very delicious restaurant. After lunch we took a class on public health with the Bali Institute, we learned a lot about their eating habits and how malnutrition and obesity were big issues in Bali and we split into groups to come up with plans for to help the local community.
After that we had a GLA activity on setting goals and writing a letter to ourselves. After that we went to the Royal Palace or Puri as the guide taught us, he showed us around the palace grounds in which we saw a lot of beautiful plants. After our tour of the areas we sat down for dinner with the princess, dinner was a nice range of things and after we were able to ask her a lot of questions and she is very similar to us!
Love,
Macey and Dan
BLOG POST FOR JULY 3
Om Swastiastu!
Today we had an early start and split into our two groups. Group 1 went to help clean up the mangroves by paddle boarding through the narrow waterways and had a swim in the crystal waters of the beach, the perfect balance between giving back and experiencing something new. It was muddy but rewarding as they cleared out the plastic and debris from the roots. It was interesting as they learned how this vital ecosystem plays a huge role in protecting the shoreline while providing a habitat for marine life. Group 2 went to the Magi Farm to learn about treating food waste. We learned that food often times is a larger percentage of the waste in landfills than plastic. We got to see maggots decompose the food in real time, and learned about their lifecycle. We also went to the landfill to hand out food in the communities that live inside of it. Finally, we reunited and made our way to the traditional fire dance performance, an unexpected but pleasant surprise. Surrounded by the sound of chanting and the powerful storytelling of the dancers, we were completely mesmerized. The vivid facial expressions secured the perfect ending to this fulfilling day, reminding us how interconnected everything is; Nature, culture, community, and people.
Salamat Tidur!
Hazel and Peter
BLOG POST FOR JULY 4
Today, on July 4th, 2025 us teens took a trip to the Astungkara way. We rode the bus around 30-40 minutes to reach our destination and set sail on a short path to the rice farming paddies just outside Ubud. When reaching the destination we all set to work to experience the daily work of planting, harvesting and composting in the process of organic rice farming. We got to see the true natural beauty of indonesian farms. After the hardwork, we meditated, enjoyed a homemade lunch and made lovely bracelets.
When getting back from Astungkara way, we had our debate about medical tourism and improving rural areas. After the debate we ate dinner. Spaghetti and chicken meatballs, french fries, and fried mushrooms. Quite delicious! Then afterword we had the surprise of fireworks, for those celebrating 4th of july. To conclude our night we all set off sparklers and listened to some American tunes. Happy belated 4th to the family and friends back home who celebrate!
Addy and Kendra
BLOG POST FOR JULY 5
Om Swastiastu!
In the morning we headed to a cooking class where we got to make traditional Balinese dishes from scratch. The whole group worked together, chopping vegetables, grinding spices, and learning how to cook over a fire. The smells were amazing, and we had so much fun laughing and working as a team. When everything was done, we sat down and shared the meal together for lunch—it felt like a big family event..
Later in the day we visited a local Balinese healer. He welcomed us with a balinese prayer. Then, one by one, we sat with him while he read our palms. It was really interesting—some of us were amazed at how accurate he was and the things he told us that would come in our future. Even if you were not for sure about the things he told you, it was still a cool experience to learn more about Balinese culture and spiritual practices. We ended off the day with preparation for our upcoming events and an amazing dinner!!
Lola & Jordyn
BLOG POST FOR JULY 7
Salamat Pagi!
Today we started we started with an info session from BioRock Pemuteran about coral reef protection and rehabilitation. We learned about the use of ionized metals to build calcium for the coral to build itself on. We then got to snorkel and see the coral firsthand, which was super cool. Then, we went back to the homestay for lunch, and got ready to teach the kids at SDN 5 Pemuteran. We taught them about exercise, hygiene, and nutrition through fun activities. We then went back to the beach to cool off after a hot day. We played a bonding game then got to swim. We then headed back to the home base for dinner.
Peace and Chow,
Emily and Peter
BLOG POST FOR JULY 8
Om Swastyastu!
This morning we had a bit of free time to relax and reflect on our trip so far, while putting the final touches on our teaching plans and itineraries for the school. Once we were prepped, we made our way over and started setting everything up for the day. It was such a joy to see the kids again and they were just as excited and energized as they were on the very first day. After finishing up our classes, we handed out pencils, pens, erasers, and notebooks to all the students. Watching their reactions was incredibly moving, with some of them tearing up with joy. It was clear how much it meant to them, a beautiful reminder of why we’re here. Finally, we ended our day with a calming swim at the beach, the perfect end to a successful day.
Love,
Macey and Hazel
BLOG POST FOR JULY 9
Salamat Pagi!
We started the day with our final meal at Sudi Guesthouse. Later in the morning we got ready to drive to the Red Coral waterfall. On the way we saw families of monkeys playing and eating with no care in the world. Once arriving at the waterfall, we were greeted by the beauty/mist of the fall. Many of us took photos and made new memories. Then we made our way to restaurant House of Tundra where we enjoyed drinks and food while the scenery of the Bali mountains surrounded us. Later that afternoon, we got to meet the medical students of STIKES Wira Medika University. These students educated us on proper use of medical devices such as a glucose meter, stethoscope, and a blood pressure monitor to prepare us for our service this week. To end our day we gathered to play card games to end the night. The best thing about today is it’s laundry day!
From Tessla and Lani
BLOG POST FOR JULY 10
Selamat pagi!
Today in the morning we had an activity where we had to write a skit about one of the 5 GLA pillars of leadership and explain what they meant. Then, we had free time and went to the pool to relax. After that, we had lunch and left for our service activity, which was working alongside medical university students doing home checks around different compounds. Then, we debriefed about our service activity and got ready for dinner. We all collectively dressed up and had a nice dinner, and ended the night with card games.
Love,
Jordyn and Dan
BLOG POST FOR JULY 11
Salamat malam!
Before we had our second day of service venturing through compounds and doing health check-ups, we had the opportunity to inform ourselves on new ways we can help sustain the wildlife and the city-life around us. We visited a local organization that focuses on implementing potential solutions to address challenges faced by underserved communities, called Kopernik.
After a quick lunch break, we were back on the road to hit our next few houses in a new area for check-ins. After dinner, we visited some nearby shops to buy snacks and souvenirs. Overall, it was a good day!
Salamat tidur for now,
Romeo and Jules
BLOG POST FOR JULY 12
Salamat Malam!
This morning, we started our day with a creative activity – batik art designing! Everyone got to try their hand at drawing and coloring patterns on cloth using wax and dye. It was fun to see all the different designs and how proud everyone was of their work. The batik pieces are now hanging up to dry and look amazing!
In the middle of the day, we continued our last service day of medical check-ups. some of us even had the opportunity to use the blood pressure machine and help check blood sugar. We taught local community children how to wash their hands. It was a great last day and we were all sad to say goodbye to the medical students. In the evening, we played a fun and fast game of futsal (indoor soccer) which ended the day with lots of energy and laughter! Tomorrow we are off to Amed!
Lola and Kendra
BLOG POST FOR JULY 13
Good morning!
Today we started our journey to amed, our long car ride was 3hrs with a break to visit a water temple called Tirta Gangga. We ate at a yummy buffet, then went shopping. After one long travel day, we settled into our hotel and hopped into the pool! After taking a quick dip in the sea we went to prepare for dinner. Ending our night playing board games!
BLOG POST FOR JULY 14
We started the day early—up at 4 AM singing Musha Christmas carols to wake everyone up. By 6, we were on a boat for a sunrise boat ride, and it was seriously stunning. Afterward, we hopped in for snorkelling and saw tons of fish, an underwater temple, and even a sea turtle (major win).
The rest of the day was chill—beach, pool, and sunshine. We grabbed pad Thai from the spot next door for lunch, then we had a GLA activity on personal and group goal setting. Then wrapped it all up with a cozy Italian dinner. Perfect Bali day.
Your leaders of the day,
Dan and Kendra
BLOG POST FOR JULY 15
Selamat Sore
Today we took a one-hour drive to a beautiful hiking spot surrounded by nature. During the hike, we got to try fresh passion fruit and other local fruits, which were super tasty and refreshing. After the hike, we had lunch at Tirta Gangga village, enjoying the peaceful views and delicious food. It was a calm and relaxing part of our day, after the hike.
We then headed back to Ubud, where we unpacked, had dinner, and took some time to rest. Later in the evening, we had a surprised activity where we went to a Karaoke place! It was so much fun and everyone had a great time.
Your leaders of the day,
Lola and Jules
BLOG POST FOR JULY 16
Selamat Siang!
Today we split into different cars and all headed for white water rafting, on the way we played teapot where you try to guess the ‘teapot’ by asking questions about it.
Once arriving, we were divided again into what rafts we would be in. After we got in we headed down the river on our two hour adventure. While traveling we saw several waterfalls, sparrows, and Bali’s country’s bird. We forget to mention we faced two big drops that threw us around. Even though some of us did struggle, in the end we all enjoyed our time spent together and the delicious food. Later that day, we did some GLA activities where we wrote letters to each other to appreciate each other and be used as motivation/words of encouragement.
Love,
Macey and Lani
BLOG POST FOR JULY 17
This morning, we went surfing at Padma Beach in Bali. The waves were just right—not too big, not too small—and the water felt perfect. We took turns paddling out, catching a few decent rides, and just enjoying the calm vibe of the beach. It wasn’t about being the best out there, just about having fun and soaking in the moment. A simple, good day by the ocean.
In the evening, we started our car ride home. We stopped at a big store called “Krisna oleh oleh” and went souvenir shopping! After we made it back to the hotel we settled down then made our way to our last grocery store visit. Some, on the way back, decided to go to a simple organic store! after dinner we did our final GLA activity called appreciation circle where we should our appreciation for each other on this trip. To end the night we all spent time enjoying each others company eating delicious snacks and some very yummy fruits for dinner! We are all sad to depart but happy for the experience we got!
Your leaders of the day,
Kendra and Addy
