About us
For 24 years Begawan has dedicated itself to community development for the people of Bali.
Since 2001, Begawan has centred its efforts in the village of Melinggih Kelod, north of Ubud. Begawan itself consists of four components. Begawan Guru Learning Centre, the main arm of Begawan Foundation provides local community children with a unique experiential education program.
Begawan Gita, also part of Begawan Foundation, has bred and released the critically endangered Bali Starling since 1999.
Begawan Giri, established in 2022, commenced its funding as part of the Begawan Foundation, becoming a commercial farm in 2024, growing both heritage rice and fresh produce without agrochemicals.
Begawan Biji, our destination restaurant, opened in August 2024, and sited amidst the Bayad rice fields, donates profit to Begawan Guru Learning Centre.
OUR VALUES
Begawan, as an organisation, revolves around education — education for children, for conservation, and for agriculture. We are committed to empowering communities in rural villages in Bali to break cycles of poverty through education.
TRANSPARENCY
Begawan strives to be 100% open and truthful about its work and impact, sharing key facts and figures and welcoming visitors to its sites.
AWARENESS
Begawan aims to raise awareness for key issues in Bali and model possible solutions through its initiatives.
DEDICATION
Begawan is dedicated to long-term support and community development for the people of Melinggih Kelod and surrounding villages.
COMMUNITY
Begawan takes a community-focused approach to creating change. We design each of our initiatives to benefit the 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. Profits from Begawan Biji are donated to fund education for children from nearby villages through Begawan Foundation.
"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.