About us
For 25 years Begawan has dedicated itself to community development for the people of Bali.
Since 2000, Begawan has focused its efforts in the village of Melinggih Kelod, north of Ubud.
Begawan Gita, the conservation arm of Begawan Foundation, has been breeding and releasing the critically endangered Bali Starling since 1999.
Begawan Guru, a progressive education programme, provided quality comprehensive education to children from rural villages from 2000 to 2025, and is now permanently closed.
Begawan Giri, a regenerative agriculture initiative, began in 2021 as part of the Foundation and transitioned into a commercial venture in 2024, growing naturally cultivated Mansur Heritage Rice in partnership with local farmers.
Quality after-school education for children from rural villages from ages 6 to 11.
Expert breeding and post-release care for the critically endangered Bali Starling.
Support for farmers to shift to natural practices and heritage rice cultivation.
OUR VALUES
For 25 years, Begawan has been dedicated to education for children, conservation of the endangered Bali Starling, and more recently, for agriculture. Our values guide the way we structure our initiatives, which aim to benefit local people, and preserve the natural environment and traditional way of life in Bali.
TRANSPARENCY
Begawan endeavours to be fully transparent about its work and impact, openly sharing key metrics and welcoming visitors to its sites.
AWARENESS
Begawan raises awareness of key issues in Bali and models potential solutions through its initiatives.
DEDICATION
Begawan dedicates itself to long-term support and community development for the people of Melinggih Kelod and the surrounding villages.
COMMUNITY
Begawan takes a community-focused approach to creating change, designing each of its initiatives to benefit local people.

Begawan Biji
Our farm-to-table restaurant
Dine on fire-cooked dishes made with fresh ingredients from our farm, surrounded by Bali’s beautiful countryside. Begawan Biji is where visitors can witness regenerative agriculture firsthand and sample and buy Mansur Heritage Rice grown naturally by local farmers.


"The founders of Begawan have curated a space where education, food systems, and science intersect in the most amazing way. This is truly what we have talked about on nature-based solutions."
Dr. Musonda Mumba, Secretary General at Ramsar Convention

"This is exactly what I was looking for. It is possible to have kids who are curious, confident, and also very mindful and can find calm by themselves. This is what I saw in your organisation. I love that it is possible."
Pravina Chetty, Partnership Specialist at MindValley

"I am so very glad you are doing what Begawan Foundation is doing -- it is so important."
Dr. Jane Goodall, Primatologist and Anthropologist
GET INVOLVED
Support our work in Bali
Order rice
Buy naturally grown Mansur Heritage Rice directly harvested by local farmers in Bayad.
Book a tour
Sign up for a half-day conservation and farming tour with lunch at Begawan Biji.