FAQ

Why are you called Friends of the National Parks Foundation?
We started our organisation when we were running the Orangutan rehab & rescue centre for the Indonesian government in Tanjung Puting National Park. So the name sounded right at the time. In 1997 we didn’t imagine that we would still be running the organisation 14 years later, and that we would have multiple projects, some of which are outside of a National Park. So for this reason, and because it more appropriately describes our holistic approach of combining wildlife, habitat and community … we are also known as “Friends of Nature and its People Foundation“.

Can I volunteer with FNPF
Yes, definitely. We welcome volunteers. Please check out our volunteer page on the web site.

Can I receive a tax deduction when I donate to FNPF?
You can make a tax deductible donation to FNPF if you are an Australian or US tax payer by donating via one of our overseas partners. Details are on our Donate page. Please ensure that you clearly state that the “donation is for FNPF”.
We are looking for partners that have tax deductible status in other countries to support FNPF in the same way. Please contact us if you can help.

Can I visit / volunteer at FNPF’s project sites
Yes. We welcome eco tourists and volunteers. Please check out our Eco Tours and Volunteering pages.

Why does it cost me money to volunteer with FNPF?
We aim to provide you with an enjoyable and rewarding experience. The short term volunteer programme enables you to work on a real conservation / community development project in an interesting location, with people from the local community. You will be provided with accommodation, guidance and assistance from our staff. You will have the opportunity learn about the project, local culture and language … plus enjoy everything that the location offers. In return, FNPF benefits from your enthusiasm and hands-on assistance. Your financial payment to FNPF is to cover our costs and provide a contribution to FNPF’s projects.
Longer term volunteers with specialist skills, especially those doing scientific research, can contact us to discuss alternative costs.

Can I do Scientific Research with FNPF?
Yes, you can do scientific research at our project sites to support our research programmes. Our areas of most interest are:

  • biodiversity identification
  • improve agriculture practices
  • improve reforestation
  • post release monitoring and study of birds

Can FNPF help me get a Visa to stay more than 30 days?
Yes, FNPF can help those volunteering for FNPF for more than 30 days to get a “social & cultural visa”. We will require your name (as per passport), date and place of birth, passport number, address, home country, occupation.

NUSA PENIDA INFORMATION

Do I need to book or can I just turn up?
If I want to stay at FNPF’s Centre in Nusa Penida, please contact FNPF in advance to make a booking. We have limited staff and accommodation at our Centre. The more notice you give us, the more chance you have of staying.

How do I get from Bali to FNPF’s Centre on Nusa Penida?
For full details of transport options to Nusa Penida please click here.

  • Local public speedboats depart from Sanur and Padangbai at about 7.00am. You must be there by 6.30am to buy a ticket.
  • Speedboats from Sanur, run by CASPLA and MARUTI. These depart at various times from 8.00am.
  • Car and motorbike ferry from Padangbai. Usually 11.00am and 1.00pm departure. These times change often, so you should contact ASDP (River & Ocean Transportation Department) on +62 363 41849 to confirm ferry schedule. We strongly recommend you book your ticket in advance through a local travel agent to secure a place. And you must be at the harbour at least 1 hour before the ferry departs.

We can help you buy CASPLA or MARUTI tickets at a reduced FNPF Volunteer price.   If you contact us in advance we will try to arrange for someone to meet you when you arrive at Nusa Penida. If not, just catch a taxi (car or motorbike) and ask for “Yayasan Burung di Banjar Bodong”

From Nusa Penida harbours to FNPF

  • From Kutampi harbour (if you came by car ferry from Padangbai) … approx Rp 50,00 – 75,000
  • From Buyuk speedboat harbour (if you came by speedboat ferry from Padangbai) … approx Rp 30,000 – 50,000
  • From Toya Pakeh speedboat harbour (if you came by speedboat ferry from Sanur) … approx Rp 50,000 – 75,000

By motorbike taxi from any harbour … approx Rp 10,000 – 15,000

What transport can I use to travel around Nusa Penida island?
We recommend that you travel around the island and see the villages, wildlife and interesting landscape. But the island is large (about 15km by 15km), with mountains and extremely sheer cliffs on the south side so you will need to use a car or motorbike to see the island. Note that car and motorbike hire is more costly on Nusa Penida than on Bali.
We have some bicycles that you can use to travel locally.

For cars … approx $50 per day, compared to $20 per day on Bali
For motorbike … approx $10 per day, compared $6 per day on Bali.
So an alternative is to hire a vehicle on Bali and bring it to Nusa Penida on the car ferry that departs daily from Padangbai. You should book a space on the ferry in advance if you wish to bring your vehicle (Contact ASDP (River & Ocean Transportation Department) on +62 363 41849).

What should I bring to Nusa Penida?
FOR YOURSELF:

  • Indonesian Rupiah Cash. There is one ATM on Nusa Penida (BRI bank), but is often not working, does NOT accept VISA and many other ATM cards, and maximum cash withdrawl is Rp 500,000 (approx $50). So we recommend you BRING CASH.
  • Photocopy of your passport. The police require that all visitors provide a photocopy of the passport details page and a photocopy of the Indonesian visa. You will be required to fill-in a guest form on arrival at the FNPF Centre and provide us with a photocopy of your passport.
  • Light clothing, flip-flops, a pair of lightweight walking shoes (eg. trainers), swimming trunks (and snorkel & mask if you like to see coral), basic medical / hygiene things (mosquito spray, plasters, aspirin, soap, etc), camera. Also, bring an International Driving Licence. This will allow you to drive (rent motorcycle or car) and reduce the chance of being fined if stopped by police (this is extremely unlikely on Nusa Penida, but more likely on Bali). Best to bring a small rucksack to Nusa Penida. If you have lots of luggage, it is probably more convenient for you if you leave most in Bali at a hotel or in FNPF’s office.

FOR DONATION to FNPF for our work with Wildlife, Habitat and Communities on Nusa Penida:

  • Pens, crayons, painting materials, writing / drawing books … basically anything that can be used in teaching children.
  • Musical instruments (harmonica, guitar, drum, etc).
  • Footballs / volleyballs for kids to play with.
  • Clothes for children and adults (used / new).
  • If you have an old laptop that you don’t need/use and are willing to donate. Laptops can be charged and run off a battery. Desktop PCs are no use because the variability of electricity causes them to burn out very quickly.
  • Leather gardening gloves.
  • Binoculars.
  • Globe, to teach geography in the local school.
  • Soil testing equipment.
  • Weather station equipments.
  • 140Mhz walkie-talkie radio equipment.
  • Feel free to contact us and suggest anything else that you think might be of use. In summary, most things that you think might be useful will probably be useful.

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