I just returned from my 2nd Bali trip from the US and thank everyone on this forum for all of the helpful info offered.
This trip I took with me two suitcases loaded with suggested items and a list of orphanages figuring that on one of our day trips we would select one or two and drop off the items. Together with our amazing driver, Little Johnny, we found the Panti Asuhan orphanage in Klungkung. The wonderful woman in charge, Ms.Ni Nyoman Moni spoke little English, but communication was no problem as she showed us around this clean, neat, and orderly orphanage that cares for 62+ kids on a daily basis.
I am the director of a homeless shelter, however this visit brought me to tears several times as I saw the beds that hold two or three children each, the sparse furnishings, and the rooms with few toys, books and few spare sets of clothes. I entered the dining area holding several small tables attached to the walls and a couple of chairs, and wondered how the children sit down to eat....they take turns. I opened one of two refrigerators and found 2 small bags of rice or flour and nothing else.
I asked if the government supports the orphanage and was told that only once every 6 months they are given rice by the government. The children raise pigs to sell to make money for survival.
We opened the suitcases filled with soaps, toothpaste, toothbrushes, stickers, books, hats, etc. and placed them on two tables that had been set in the front hall. Miss Moni graciously offered us three bottles of water, which I couldn't bear to take away even water from those who had so little.
I asked if we could raise money back in the US and send it to a bank account, and was told that they don't have a bank account, and that money sent to the orphanage would likely not make it there.
Our wonderful driver, Little Johhny drove us into Klungklung where we visited the rice store, buying 50 kilos of rice and 5 kilos of sugar. Next across the street where we purchased cooking fuel, and to the egg vendor where we purchased 10 dozen eggs. We spent about $60 US and it seemed we had so little to bring back to the children.
Before returning to the orphanage we had our driver take us to a wonderful hidden little beach that we had found the year before. It is not far from Klungklung near Padang Bay. A little spot called the Blue Lagoon that is not easy to find, but Johnny can get you there. There you can snorkel, rent a chair/umbrella, get a quick massage, have a bintang and some peanuts, and talk with some of the locals.
After our enjoyable visit to Blue Lagoon it was back to the Panti Asuhan orphanage to bring the food and visit with the children.
As we pulled up the driveway we were greeted by 60 smiling children and Ms. Moni. My husband unloaded the food while I handed out a few candies to each of the children. As I made eye contact with each child, a hear rendering Thank You came from each child to me. As if I was handing out $100 dollar bills.
I can't tell you enough what an amazing experience this was in so many ways. We have promised to return to the orphanage next year with 4 suitcases full of things and lots of cash that I am going to raise this year to help feed these children.
Please consider taking a few hours out of your vacation to visit this (or any of the many worthy) orphanages. Despite the sad conditions, it will bring you much joy, I guarantee it.
Please consider contacting our driver, Little Johnny (email me for his contact info), as he can take you to the stores to get the best prices on the food for the orphanage, take you straight to the orphanage and take you to the paradise bay of Blue Lagoon for an amazing day in Bali.
The orphanage is Panti Asuhan Dharma Jati I, Desa Bakas, Kec. Banjarangkan Kab. Klungkung. Tell Ms. Moni and Little Johnny that Nancy and Michael from the USA told you to visit. The children are ages 6 - 16. Take flipflops of all sizes, underwear, and kids shorts and t-shirts. Bring some of that tuna fish we can buy in packets here, or peanut butter for protein. Thanks for reading this, and I hope that I have convinced you that it is well worth a few hours out of your trip to paradise.