A Journey to Remember: Stanmore’s Bali Experience

February 25, 2025

🌍 Bali Work Placement Trip – Home to London!

We’re pleased to share that all staff and students arrived home safely in the early hours of 25 February after a long journey back from Bali.

Alongside the incredible memories made, we’re fortunate to have a collection of stunning photos captured by talented student photographer, Leighton.
A Sports student at Stanmore College with a passion for sports photography, Leighton took on the challenge of documenting the trip. Through his lens, he captured the emotions, friendships, and unforgettable moments shared in Bali. We’re grateful for his work, which has beautifully told the story of this incredible experience.

Click here to view more of Leighton’s photography portfolio.

February 23, 2025

🌍 Bali Work Placement Trip – Day 13 Recap!

As the trip comes to an end, Sunday was all about reflection and celebration.

The day began with a breath-taking sunrise at Paperhills, overlooking Mt. Batur, a perfect moment to take in Bali’s beauty and capture final memories.
After lunch and some downtime, students gathered for a reflection session, looking back on friendships, experiences, and lessons learned. The evening ended with a heartfelt farewell ceremony at Siadja Gallery, where students received certificates and enjoyed a night of karaoke, dancing, and goodbyes to our wonderful homestay hosts.

It was the perfect final day to this unforgettable adventure!

Students standing at edge of view bridge in Bali

Students sitting and talking at edge of view point in Bali

Students standing together in Bali Art Lounge

Artefacts and statues with purple flowers at temple temple in Bali

Stanmore College students hugging in yellow football T-shirts in Bali

Stanmore College students with arms around each other in yellow football T-shirts in Bali

Stanmore College students laughing and enjoying in Bali

Stanmore College students and staff standing with hands together in Bali

Stanmore College students walking around water and huts scenery in Bali

Artefacts and standing plaque with gold engraving in Bali

Landscape scenery with trees and roofs in Bali

Village scenery in Bali with water feature in surroundings

Stanmore College students at village scenery in Bali with water feature in surroundings

February 22, 2025

🌍 Bali Work Placement Trip – Day 12 Recap!

Saturday was filled with adventure, culture, and unforgettable experiences for our students!

Group 1 began the day exploring Saraswati Temple, Ubud Palace, and Ubud Art Market, where students enjoyed picking up souvenirs to remember their Bali journey. After a delicious lunch at Fair Warung, they visited the stunning Pura Tirta Empul – Water Temple, where some took part in the traditional purification ritual by bathing in the holy water. The day ended with a cosy dinner back at the homestay. Group 2 kicked off the morning at Kumulilir Coffee Plantation, sampling a variety of locally grown coffees and teas. After lunch at the plantation, they headed to the iconic Tegallalang Rice Terrace, where the rain didn’t stop them from making the most of the experience! Spirits stayed high as they embraced the adventure despite the wet weather.

It was an incredible day of discovery.

February 21, 2025

🌍 Bali Work Placement Trip – Day 11 Recap!

It’s been another incredible day filled with hands-on experiences and cultural learning!

Group 1 spent the morning at Membumi, learning the art of traditional clay pottery—crafted entirely by hand, without machinery. It was a challenge, but students embraced the experience and had fun experimenting with the technique. After a well-earned meal at Thor, they ended the day by cooling off in the pool, sharing laughs and strengthening new friendships.
Group 2 explored the beautiful Penglipuran Village, trying their hand at bamboo weaving and learning about the village’s rich heritage. Some stunning handmade baskets were created! After lunch near the breathtaking Bamboo Forest, they ended the evening at Bring Back the Light, an enchanting firefly showcase, before enjoying a relaxing dinner.

Another day of unforgettable memories as the journey continues!

Students gathered for activities in Bali

February 20, 2025

🌍 Bali Work Placement Trip – Day 10 Recap!

Today was a day of hands-on learning, cultural immersion, and unforgettable experiences.

Group 1 spent the morning at Astungara Way, exploring a regenerative farm before enjoying a fresh farm-to-table lunch. They then took part in a Yoga Nidra workshop, embracing relaxation and mindfulness. In the afternoon, they immersed themselves in a traditional Balinese cooking class, ending the day with a delicious dinner while learning the secrets behind authentic local flavours. Group 2 began their day at Magi Farm, discovering innovative eco-friendly practices. After a tasty lunch, they headed to 5 Arts Studio, where they unleashed their creativity in a batik painting workshop, designing their own unique pieces of Balinese art.

These experiences gave students the opportunity to engage with sustainability, culture, and creativity in meaningful way.

Take a look at these stunning photos that perfectly capture the day!

February 19, 2025

🌍 Bali Work Placement Trip – Day 9 Recap!

Today marked a significant milestone as students delivered their Action Project presentations, showcasing their dedication and hard work.

Group 1 began the day with a visit to Kumulilir, exploring a local coffee plantation and participating in a coffee tasting session, providing valuable context for their projects. Later, at Made Tea, they presented their well-researched proposals with such professionalism that their ideas created a wave of emotion, and may even be shared with government officials. Group 2 presented their action projects at Membumi, demonstrating enthusiasm and expertise. Their commitment was evident throughout the session. In the afternoon, they enjoyed a well-deserved break, unwinding with a swim and pool games—a perfect way to relax after their presentations.

Both groups displayed remarkable professionalism and a positivity, reflecting Stanmore College’s commitment to fostering confident, globally-minded students.

Bali scenery

Students sitting around wooden table in Bali

Preparing for presentations

Tea tasting Menu

In front of grand gates

Entrance to shop in Bali with pebble walkway

Bali surroundings

Artefact and statue shop in Bali with wooden and metal carvings

Artefact shop in Bali

Tea Tasing

Coffee Plantation

Bali smiles

Stanmore College students relaxing on bench, smiling in Bali

Students enjoying

Stanmore College students giving sustainability presentation in Bali

Presentations

Capturing the fun

Working in restaurant

Students standing in front of Art Gallery in Bali

Art Lounge

Students sitting in Art Gallery in Bali with two statues behind them

Art Lounge

Bali scenery

February 18, 2025

🌍 Bali Work Placement Trip – Day 8 Recap!

Today was a day of collaboration and cultural immersion as students prepared for their upcoming action project presentations.

In the morning, Group 1 worked at Kayangan Suci Restaurant & Art, while Group 2 developed their projects at Tony Raka Art Lounge, drawing inspiration from the creative surroundings.
In the afternoon, both groups gathered at Siadja Gallery for a joint practice session, exchanging feedback to refine their presentations. This was followed by a mid-project reflection, where students documented key insights from their experiences so far.

The day concluded with a social gathering, featuring games and a lively quiz, providing a well-earned break before the final project presentations at Made Tea and Membumi tomorrow.

February 17, 2025

🌍 Bali Work Placement Trip – Day 7 Recap!

Students embraced another day of creativity and cultural discovery.

One group visited 5 Art Studio, where they explored the art of batik painting before enjoying lunch at Green Kubu. The afternoon continued with a visit to Made Tea, followed by time dedicated to developing their action project proposals.

The second group began with a traditional mask painting workshop, followed by a visit to Sujana Homestay for a glimpse into local life. After lunch at Warung Layana, they explored the Membumi site before also working on their action project proposals.

The day ended on a high note with a singing talent show, bringing everyone together for a fun and memorable evening!

Batik painting

Batik painting

Bali scenery and river steps near greenery

Water feature

Batik painting

Canvas art

Clay art practice gathering

Clay art

Batik painting

Basket weaving

Bali Temple

Stanmore College students visiting temple in Bali

Visit to temple

Stanmore College student walking in Bali under wooden structures

Temples and structures

February 16, 2025

🌍 Bali Work Placement Trip – Day 6 Recap!

Students split into groups for another day of exploration.

One group visited Penglipuran Village, enjoying a guided tour and a hands-on bamboo weaving session. After lunch at the Bamboo Café, they explored the stunning Tegalalang Rice Terrace, making the most of the experience despite the rain.

The second group spent the day in Ubud, discovering the Saraswati Temple, Ubud Palace, and the vibrant Art Market. After lunch at Fair Warung, they visited Pura Tirta Empul, experiencing its sacred water springs and traditional cleansing rituals.

It was another enriching day, filled with culture, hands-on learning, and unforgettable moments in Bali.

February 15, 2025

🌍 Bali Work Placement Trip – Day 5 Recap!

It was beach day at Sanur Beach!

Students played their part in protecting Bali’s environment by clearing plastic waste and debris. Seeing the effects of pollution first-hand was an eye-opening experience, highlighting how small actions can make a big impact.

After their hard work, they watched the sunset, reflecting on their contribution to preserving Bali’s natural charm.

Beach Day in Bali

Beach Day in Bali

Students in a culinary class in Bali.

Stanmore College students by the waterfalls in Bali.

Scenic waterfall area

Students painting masks

Painted masks in Bali

Traditional masks in Bali

Bali scenery

February 14, 2025

🌍 Bali Work Placement Trip – Day 4 Recap!

Today students split into groups to embark on unique adventures.

One group followed the scenic Astungara route, exploring a regenerative farm. They enjoyed a fresh farm-to-table lunch, a revitalising yoga session, and a hands-on Balinese cooking class for dinner.

The second group began with traditional mask painting, followed by a memorable lunch at Warung Layana, overlooking a breath-taking waterfall. Their day continued with an insightful session on the “Bring Back the Lights” project, learning about fireflies before witnessing their mesmerising glow on a late-night excursion.

Both groups experienced a perfect mix of adventure, culture, and tranquillity.

February 13, 2025

🌍 Bali Work Placement Trip – Day 3 Recap!

Today students explored art at a local gallery. They met with artist Weera who talked about the five company pillars and women’s empowerment to help local women develop their crafts and businesses. They also with a local entrepreneur focused on tea production with a tea tasting session!

Students also explored the concept of global citizenship and sustainable development goals that are important for Bali. This helped them understand the current challenges that affect the land, the people, and the development of Bali, it’s coastal location and the agricultural production. It was an informative and eye opening day, to understand the need for sustainable practices and responsible tourism to ensure a balanced and prosperous future for Bali.

Balinese Man

Students in Bali

Stanmore College Visit to Bali, Staff with local Balinese people

Staff Team meeting with Balinese People

Balinese statue

Stanmore College Visit to Bali, Bali presentation

Students in Bali Community presentation

Students meeting with local artists in Bali

Students receiving Bali presentation

Students enjoying Balinese cuisine

Stanmore College Visit to Bali Students visit to local village

Students visit local village

Bali scenery

Offerings

Staff Team

Students gather in local village

Bali visit to temple

Fire Ceremony

Staff Team

Local customs and festivities

February 12, 2025

🌍 Bali Work Placement Trip – Day 2 Recap!

Students headed to headed to Bali Kuno to experience traditional Balinese dancing and savour local delights.

While taking in views of the scenic mountains and rivers, they crafted Canang Sari’s, beautiful handmade offerings that are unique to Balinese temple ceremonies.

Later students were welcomed by babas and coconut drinks in the charming MAs village where they will be based for most of the trip. with a refreshing fresh coconut drink. They enjoyed getting to know the surroundings and the even participated in a ritual to invite positive energies, one of many fascinating local customs.

The day ended with a delicious dinner prepared by Sujana village.

February 11, 2025

🌍 Bali Work Placement Trip – Day 1 Recap!

What a start to an incredible journey in Bali!

The students had their first taste of Balinese cuisine followed by an induction with Think Pacific. They learned a few words in the local language and then set off on an exciting treasure hunt, weaving through the vibrant streets of Bali.

This is just the beginning, stay tuned for more adventures as they continue our journey! 🌏✨