To visitors who only see the island's resort areas, it may appear that the Balinese people live a very comfortable life. While this may be true for those who work in tourism-related industries, many people in rural Bali still live in poverty.

For over two decades, Bali Barong Tours has had a special relationship with the people of a small rural village in the Tabanan area of the island. We've supported the villagers in small, but effective ways. As tourism has grown, more and more of our clients have asked what they can do to "give back" when they visit Bali. We have consulted with the villagers and come up with several charitable opportunities for visitors to Bali. And, thanks to the generosity of our clients, we've been able to expand our charitable efforts to neighboring villages.

Donate a Cow

Many farmers in Bali do not own land. They can farm land owned by others, but because farming is still done by traditional methods (no machinery), it is essential that the farmer has his own cow in order to plow the land and plant crops. If the farmer doesn't have a cow, he has no way to make a living.

With our Donate a Cow program, the farmer pledges to take good care of his cow. When his cow becomes pregnant, the farmer promises to "pay it forward" by either donating the first calf to another farmer who doesn't own a cow or by keeping the calf, selling the original cow and using that money for a project that benefits the whole village. Projects paid for by pay-it-forward funds might include fixing a road, building fences to protect village animals, upkeep on the village temple, helping a village family who's in need, etc.

The cost of a cow varies, depending upon the age of the animal, currency exchange rates and the market in general. The average cost of a cow is approximately $500.

If you donate a cow in advance, you can meet the farmer and cow when you arrive in Bali. These photos show cows that have already been donated.

Donate a Bathroom

It's hard to imagine, but there are villagers who have lived their entire lives without a bathroom. That means no sink, no shower and no toilet. We met an elderly woman whose home consists of a room without windows. It's so small that her bed fills the entire room and her meager belongings are kept on top of the bed. When we asked where she goes when she needs a bathroom, she said that she walks down to the river.

With our Donate a Bathroom program, the person being given the bathroom agrees to enlist the help of friends and family to build the structure and to dig and install the septic tanks. If necessary, a contractor who has ties the the village and who doesn't charge for his services, will help to give direction to those building the bathroom.

The cost of donating a bathroom is approximately $450 to $550. This is for materials only. Labor is provided by the villagers. Materials include concrete for the walls and floor of the bathroom, tile, an Indonesian style toilet, and septic tanks and pipes.

If you donate a bathroom in advance, you can visit the recipient and see the bathroom when you arrive in Bali. These photos show simple donated bathrooms and their receipients.

Medical Supplies

Medical supplies are always needed in rural areas of Bali. From over-the-counter items such as bandages, cough syrup, baby formula, antiseptic soap, vitamins and aspirin, to antibiotics and other prescribed medications, even small donations can make a real difference in the quality of life of the villagers. Along with his midwife wife, a young doctor, who has ties to the village, takes inventory and purchases whatever medical supplies are needed at that time. There is no charge for his services. All the donated funds are used for medical supplies.

Donations for medical supplies can be in any amount - large or small.

School Uniforms

While primary school is free, children are required to wear uniforms, which are not free. It can be a real hardship on rural families to find the funds needed to buy uniforms. Many children wear hand-me-downs that don't fit properly. A complete school uniform consists of shoes, a blouse or shirt, pants or a skirt, possibly some sort of wrap, and a backpack.

The cost of a complete uniform is approximately $50-$65. You can specific whether you want to buy a uniform for a girl or a boy. Or, you can let the teacher decide which child is most in need of a uniform.

Sponsor a Child

Once a child is old enough for secondary school, costs rise significantly. It is not unusual for rural children to quit school at this point, because their families simply can't afford to pay what's required for secondary school. And so the cycle of poverty is perpetuated.