Bali, the island of Gods, shares a strong connection with the practice of yoga. To begin with, the rich Balinese Hindu culture represents the inherent spirituality that can be felt in the thousands of temples spread across the island. This characterizes yoga as a flourishing practice in this stunning island.
This tropical island also brims with abundance of nature throughout the year, which makes the yoga retreats in Bali quite therapeutic. People often reach a meditative state during the yoga retreat that ensures deep relaxation and calmness within the body.
The place is also home to some of the most skilled and highly qualified yoga instructors in the world, who design some of the most effective yoga retreats on the planet. Thus, you can book a variety of yoga retreats in Bali, including Ashtanga, Acro, Vinyasa, Anti-gravity, Hatha, Yin, etc.
However, you must know that Bali can be quite intimidating to first-timers. It can often be a daunting experience, if you arrive in Bali, without learning about the pros and cons of the place. One can suffer from a bad stomach, burnt skin, dehydration, and even lose money to a smooth talker in Bali. Thus, it is important to educate yourself and prepare well before joining your retreat to enjoy your time there without worrying about anything else.
To help you with the same, we have decided to we have prepared this little guide to help you prepare for a yoga retreat in Bali. It covers everything that you would need while preparing for your retreat. So, go ahead and pleasurably devour this article in order to have a holistic yoga retreat in Bali.
Why choose Bali for a yoga retreat?
There are many reasons to join a yoga retreat in Bali. However, the biggest reason is that Bali has become a hub for yoga omnipresent workshops, training and of course yoga retreats. Bali is an energy vortex that connects some of the highest vibrational places, including Stonehenge, Machu Picchu and the Great Pyramid of Giza via ley lines, a supernatural alignment technique that joins the highest energy places together.
Secondly, Bali is majestically surrounded and filled with nature – beaches, mountains, waterfalls, rice fields, etc. Who wouldn’t want to practice yoga and heal their mind, body and soul in a place as stunning as Bali?
And finally, there are some world-class yoga centres and ashrams that provide holistic healing to those who seek it. As mentioned earlier, Bali has become a hub for yoga practitioners these days and a number of yoga retreats in Bali have opened amid its natural beauty.
Things to know about Bali before joining a Yoga Retreat
Now that you are convinced that Bali makes for a unique yet stunning retreat for yoga, here are a few things to learn about this resplendent blend of nature, culture and traditions.
How big is Bali?
Bali is not a city! but a province of Indonesia, has an area of 2,230 square miles (about 5,780 sq. km), yup pretty BIG. It covers a distance of 253 km from east to west and 112 km from north to south. It is about the size of Prince Edward Island in Canada.
To give you a simple answer, Bali is big compared to other Indonesian islands but not as big as the other popular islands around the world. For instance, it is a 2 to 3-hour drive (about 53 km) from Uluwatu to the heart of Ubud, if the traffic is low. However,it takes about 40 minutes to travel from Seminyak in the west to Sanur in the east since they are located at a distance of about 30 km from each other. You will figure it out once you reach Bali for a yoga retreat.
How is the weather in Bali?
The climate in Bali is warm and tropical. The days tend to be warmer and nights cooler in Bali. From May to September, it’s a dry season while October to April is the wet season. The weather in Bali is, thus, fairly stable.
Peak Season: Since it is a tropical island, the months of July, August, and September are the peak tourist seasons in Bali. However, people visit the island in December as well to celebrate Christmas and New Year.
Mid Season: The months from March to May see mid-tourist activity in Bali. The crowd for the peak tourist season starts to build by the end of May.
Low Season: Bali is least crowded during January and February due to frequent precipitation and regular drizzle.
How to travel to Bali?
There is only one international airport in Bali and that’s Ngurah Rai International Airport, also known as Denpasar International Airport. Located in the south of Bali, the airport is well-connected to all the major cities of the island.
Is Bali safe for women as well as foreign travellers?
Bali is generally safe for both, women solo travellers as well as international travellers. However, we would recommend you to be aware of your surroundings all the time, especially if you are in the quieter part of the island. Try to hang out in groups and you will stay absolutely safe in Bali.
Do people understand English in Bali?
Most people in Bali understand English. Since Bali is a popular travel destination, you will find many people conversing in English. Balinese people are known for their kind nature and warm behaviour so, don’t worry, even if they don’t understand you, they will find a way to communicate with you.
What should you know about the culture of Bali?
The culture of Bali is fused with Hinduism, and thus, it is deeply spiritual. In fact, Bali is the only part of Indonesia where Hinduism is predominant. You can find temples in almost every street of this breathtaking island.
Even though the Hindu culture of India and Bali worship the same Gods and Goddesses in sacred temples and also follow the same rituals, there are a few things that separate the practice of Hindu Balinese from Indian ones. For example, Sang Hyang Widhi, also referred to as Acintya, is the single designation of God in Balinese Hindu culture even though other Gods, such as Braham, Vishnu, and Shiva are also worshipped. Also, the Balinese Saka Year is marked by the Day of silence or Nyepi Day, which usually falls in the month of March, and is the quietest day of the year. On this day, all the routine activities come to a halt and the locals abide by a set of rules to follow.
Balinese Hindus are also quite strict regarding their attire when entering the temples. Thus, we would advise you to wear appropriate clothing when going to the places of worship in Bali.
All you have to do is respect their traditions, culture and ways of life, that’s it.
Preparations before departure
Now that you have learned the most important things about Bali, it is time to prepare for the Yoga retreat in Bali. Here are a few reminders for you to check at home before you step out to the airport and board a flight to Bali.
Visa for Bali
If you plan to return from Bali within 30 days of your arrival, then don’t bother about getting a visa. Bali offers visa-free entry to those who join a yoga retreat that’s less than a week. However, if your plan is to explore Bali once your retreat is over, then you will have to apply for a visa. Visit here Indonesia Immigration website for all visa related Inquires and Official Bali tourism website for all travel advisory.
Travel Insurance
Technically, you don’t need travel insurance to visit Bali. However, many yoga retreats have made travel insurance mandatory, including health insurance. Even if it is not mandatory to travel to Bali, we would still highly recommend you to get your travel insurance ready before boarding your plane to Bali.
Tickets
As soon as you decide to join a yoga retreat in Bali, start looking for tickets. The sooner you get the tickets booked, chances are, the cheaper flight you will get to board. It is simple math – get it done the minute you make up your mind to travel to Bali.
How to prepare for the yoga retreat in Bali?
Congratulations! You are one more step closer to get to your yoga retreat in Bali and get the best out of that retreat. So, what must you do next to prepare for the yoga retreat in Bali? Get ready on a mental, physical and spiritual level, and how? Let’s find out.
Mental level
Before anything else, you must first prepare yourself for a yoga retreat in Bali on a mental level. Once your mind is clear on everything related to attending the yoga retreat in Bali, everything else will naturally align itself to your mental flow.
The number one thing to do on a mental level is to practice or continue with your meditation practise in order to keep your head in better space when you travel. Let’s face it, travelling to a whole different country was never easy, and so, you must be aware and alert all the time, and we all know how meditation helps in that.
Complete your chores before the day of travelling so you do not have to indulge in last-minute packing or rush or forgetting things. You can ask your friends or family for help and distribute the tasks amongst them. The whole point is to feel relaxed on the day of travelling, so you wouldn’t have to deal with any sort of anxious thoughts.
Physical level
To feel more confident in your body, you must start yoga at least a few weeks before joining the retreat (make sure you select the yoga retreat in Bali which is in line with your yoga experience). It really helps you grasp the asana alignment technique at the time of your classes. Even if you are a beginner, you can start with Surya namaskar and slowly, go for simple asanas or postures and meditation.
Also, try to get some information about the food servings at the yoga retreat that you are about to book. They usually serve vegetarian and/or vegan food in order to cleanse your body. However, If you are a non-vegetarian, then some yoga retreats also arrange for seafood.
Spiritual level
To prepare for your yoga retreat in Bali, start with setting a strong intention (it is everything). Note down the reasons and purpose of joining the retreat and then, stick to it and visualize yourself getting everything out of the yoga retreat that you hoped for.
From deepening your practice to becoming an instructor, jot everything down and soon, you will see your wishes coming to fruition.
Things to pack for the yoga retreat in Bali
Now comes the most important and fun part -- the things to pack for the yoga retreat in Bali, and this is where we start –
- Clothes – If you are travelling during the monsoon, then double the number of clothes that you would usually take since it drizzles every hour in Bali in rainy months. Thus, your clothes wouldn’t try so quickly. The nights can get quite chilly, so it is better to keep a windcheater or a jacket. A brightly coloured Sarong dress should be every woman’s pick to wear by the beach in Bali. Pair of socks, yoga pants, workout clothes, rain jacket, etc, are some suggestions for you when it comes to travelling to Bali for a yoga retreat.
Also, make sure that your yoga retreats offer laundry services, as most Bali yoga retreats do and thus, pack accordingly.
- Prescribed medicine – If you are on prescribed medicine, then pack enough to last for 4-5 days longer than your stay in Bali. You may or may not find your prescribed medicines in Bali, so it is highly recommended to keep them with you.
- Shoes & Flip Flops – Since you will be in Bali, there is no way that you won’t go for hiking and trekking activities. You shouldn’t miss the beautiful views of the landscapes seen from the gorgeous mountain tops in Bali. And thus, you must carry good quality shoes with you, along with flip flops and whatever footwear that you are comfortable wearing.
- Driver license, wallet, cash– Do not forget to carry your driver's license along with other photo IDs with you when packing for your retreat. Also, keep the passport with you and re-check once before leaving for the airport. Keep your driver’s license in your wallet along with cash, debit cards, credit cards, etc, so that you do not forget any of those at home.
- Sunglasses and other accessories – Bali’s climate is usually hot and humid during day time. Thus, it is important to wear your sunglasses and keep your eyes protected from the scorching heat of the sun. Some other accessories that you can take to Bali with you includes, earrings, hats, anklets, air pods, towel, swimsuit, moisturiser, lip balm, cosmetics, and other things that deem necessary to you.
- Camera and journal – The best way to carry the memories through the years is to either capture them or write about them. During your yoga retreat in Bali, you can do both. Do not forget to capture the beauty of Bali in your camera while also journaling your thoughts and experiences at your retreat every day.
- Power adapter - The pins of the power adapter in Bali are round, not rectangular or flat like those in Europe or the US. So, it is advisable to carry your own adapter to the retreat.
- Swim Suit - Most retreats have an in-built swimming pool for the participants to relax in. You will certainly go to the beach between your breaks and day outings in Bali, and thus, it is recommended to carry a pair or two of swimsuits with you.
- Sunscreen minimum 50+ SPF - Use a lotion or a spray, but do not forget to protect your beautiful skin from the ultraviolet rays of the sun. Bali sun is known for its heat and thus, it is important to put on a layer or two of sunscreen of a good brand. Also, please make sure that the sunscreen has at least 50+ SPF in order to keep your skin safe from the sun shining atop your head. If your skin is sensitive, then always wear full-sleeved clothes when you go out.
- Bug Spray - Make sure that you carry a bug spray with you or buy one the minute you step inside Bali. Many people suffer from diseases like Dengue and Malaria in Bali and thus, it is highly recommended to keep bug spray with you all the time.
- Waterproof bag: When you are in Bali, it is obvious to indulge in water sports or go deep water diving. In order to keep your valuables, such as your camera and cell phones safe, you must put them in a waterproof bag. If you are travelling to Bali during the rainy season, then also, you must carry your phone, watch, wallets, camera, etc in your waterproof bag.
- Water Bottle - When in Bali, you must keep yourself hydrated. Thus, it is important to carry your own water bottle everywhere you go. Also, you must not drink from the tap water in Bali since it is highly unhygienic and thus, fill your water bottle at the yoga retreat before heading out.
- Yoga Props if you know you need them - Even though many yoga retreats in Bali provide yoga mats as well as yoga props, you can carry your own things to the venue. Having your own blocks, belts and yoga mat brings a sense of comfort and increases the chances of learning and performing better.
Frequently Asked Questions about preparing for a Yoga Retreat in Bali
We tried to cover every aspect of preparing for a yoga retreat to Bali. However, there are some common questions that the potential participants of a yoga retreat in this mesmerizing island often put forward. Under this section, we have tried covering the same.
How to exchange money in Bali?
It is very simple to exchange money in Bali. You can exchange money at the airport itself, or money changers in the market. Most yoga retreats in Bali also provide for the same. However, easy doesn’t mean simple and you must alway stay alert with money. There have been a handful of scams related to exchange of money in Bali that resulted in tourists being fooled with fake currency. Thus, do not take the risk of exchanging money other than those recognized for the job. If your exchange person seems off in conversation or makes you an offer that seems too good to be true, listen to your intuition, or simply turn it down because in most cases, he or she is a fraud.
Should I be aware of any health hazards or avoid any food items in Bali?
Many travellers suffer from diarrhoea on their first or every visit to Bali. However, the problem can be easily avoided by exercising some cautions, such as drinking from your own water bottle filled from the yoga retreat centre and avoiding taking street food or junk food in Bali.
Try to have your food only at your retreat and if you must, choose a restaurant with good hygienic conditions. There is also a chance of catching dengue in Bali because of the mosquitoes. You must seek the advice of your doctor weeks before leaving your country to build your immune system or get immunization, if any.
How is the water and sanitation quality in Bali?
As per our sources, the water supply and sanitation have poor levels of access and quality. Avoid drinking tap water and always carry your water bottle with you. Take the meals served in your retreat for as long and as much as possible. Also, carry a hand sanitizer everywhere you go and use it diligently.
How to travel around Bali?
All modes of transport are available in Bali. You can rent a car, motorcycle, scooter, or bicycle to roam around the beach, market area, and other popular places near your retreat. However, the most popular way to travel around Bali is via Blue Bird, the official taxi service of Indonesia. These plain blue taxis are available for booking at all hot spots of Bali. Indonesian app Gojerk has also grown to be quite in-demand amongst tourists in Bali, simply because it is one of the most-used ones for transportation in the city and charges reasonably. Another great app for transport purpose is Grab, which is super cheap and tourist friendly. The rides offered by Grab are charged per hour but since it is extremely inexpensive, you can consider the ride. It is recommended to install both the apps to make your travel easier around Bali.
Many people also like the idea of hitchhiking in Bali though we wouldn’t recommend the same if it is going to be your first or solo trip to Bali for safety purposes.
Should I carry my own yoga mat and/or props?
You can either carry your own yoga mat and props or get them in your retreat. You have all the options available and you can choose what you feel most comfortable in. If you are picky about the quality of yoga mats, then perhaps bringing your own is a good idea.
Conclusion
Bali is known to be home to some of the best yoga centres in the world. Thus, you will be surely guided and trained by some of the greatest yoga teachers in the world during your retreat. A yoga retreat in Bali is a spiritual adventure where you can practice this miraculous art under the sun and facing the sea, and amongst the rice fields while glaring at the lushness of nature. By the end of it, we are sure that you will feel like a completely new person, and your mind, body, and soul will thank you for this. So, do not wait anymore and get your booking for the yoga retreat in Bali done today!
