Bali Yoga Retreat Itinerary
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Note 1: Expect about 90% of the itinerary seen below to go as scheduled. But if you're the type that needs 100% assurance of this, this may not be the trip for you. Remember, you are on a small tropical island and (for most westernized folk who come) it is on the other side of the planet. And so, although Bali is wonderfully accommodating to foreigners, it is still a very different culture than most westerners are used to. Furthermore, we always want to leave some room for chance occurrences, like an unseasonable typhoon, moody volcanoes, or a loose mutiny of monkeys (yeah, really)! Furthermore, Bali is always evolving in all it has to offer, and so there are some events we have scheduled that could change, move, or evolve as well to fit such upgrades in. And again, you are on a tropical island and with a culture that likes to take it very easy. If you use the time to learn to be as chill as the Balinese people are you'll not only have the best time possible, but also might be able to bring some of that chillness back home with you, as well. ​​​​​
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Note 2: The first 2 days below have a lot of detail, but the daily schedule gets much more simple after that.​
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(Please see more, very important, notes at the bottom of this itinerary;
as well as a list of ideas for things you can do during unscheduled times.)
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Day 1 (Feb 26)
Today, we just greet arrivals (such as you) as they come in throughout the day and well into the evening. We'll be making sure you are all comfy and cozy as you settle into your new surroundings and even asking if there is any "spot therapy" we can do for you. For example, some people get swollen ankles when traveling long distances, and we have an acupressure remedy for that. But whatever it is (kink in the neck, crook in the back, cake in the pooch...) we will "work on ya" for a few minutes (if you like) before we leave you to shake off your flight stupor. ~However, we will all gather together in the evening for...
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6:00PM Group Dinner* / Orientation
We will officially start our program at a nearby place for dinner, and one you will probably return to many times (and not have to worry about getting lost). The atmosphere is nice, the food is great, and the price is amazing. However, it can take a while for a group to be served, so we will use this wait-time for a bit of orientation and Q & A.​
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Day 2 (Feb 27)
5:45AM - Morning Rice Terrace Hike
We know it seems really early, but most folks who have traveled from the other side of the world to get here wake up around 3:30AM on their first night in Bali and stare at the ceiling until the sun comes up, and then wander around and get lost once it does. So to avoid that, and also because we know you are anxious to see the area, we are going to take you as soon as the sun comes up (but please don't wander around the area before the sun comes up; unless you want to get all the neighborhood dogs barking). Also, you're going to see where you are going. This is a great hike to start every morning with (as many of our guests often do) and so you will want to know how to get to its starting point. Furthermore, it is a great way warm up before our morning yoga class as well.
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7:30 - Yoga For Jet Lag
Through a practice called "meridian tracing" you can reset your clock while also learning where the 12 major meridians are located. -We will learn it and do it... and if you keep doing it throughout the day you will be feeling back to normal (or closer to it) by Day 3; rather than waking up again at 3am.
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8:45 Free time, showers, breakfast.
Our lodging options, as most others, offer free breakfast. However, there are so many awesome options in the area you will want to check them out as well. But, wherever you eat, don't eat too much! It will be hard when you see their menu, but don't! You're going to need some space for...
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10:00 & 11:00 - Your first Acu Thai ~ Ayurvedic Yoga Massage
There will be 2 groups when it comes to receiving the massage. The "First Group" should actually arrive at 9:55 and the "Second Group" by 10:55.
Most of you already know what this massage is like, but for this first one we are also going to add the Meridian Tracing trick again (but we will do it for you) to reinforce resetting your internal clock. This is also a restful way to stay (somewhat) awake, which will also help to get you on Bali time more quickly. (Each day the massage will be about 50-55 minutes. Every now and then one person may have to sit it out, as we may have more retreaters than masseurs. The person who sits it out will be in a rotation, or someone may forfeit their spot that morning to the other. But, for the most part, you will receive a massage nearly every day of the retreat.)
​12:00 Free Time
12:30 Meet at Kausala's gate to walk over to a special place for lunch and more orientation to Ubud.
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Note: Most folks feel pretty energized on their first day in Bali. Jet lag usually doesn't hit until the second day. Nevertheless, we highly suggest you temper the energy you may be feeling and take it easy. This is also why we don't have a lot planned for today.
2:30 - Option to go to "the big Bintang" grocery / general store ...for those who already realize what they forgot to pack (toothbrush, power adapter, deodorant, comfort foods, sandals, cheap umbrella -for sun or rain, etc.).. After the grocery the car will drop us off at the starting point for a. . .
5:00 - Twilight hike at Juwak Manis rice fields*. Once you know how to get to this place (which is within 10 minutes walking distance from our yoga shala) you might just want to come here every day, either for a walk or one the cafe's along the path, or both.
* Rice field hike is flat. You can even wear flip-flops. Also, the heat of the day is about over.
* Evening hikes lend themselves to a good nights sleep.
It gets dark at 6:30. And you're going to want it to be cooler as we enter...
5:45 - Ubud Art / Street Market
The Juwak Manis hike will bring us out to where the street market begins. However, this will be just a leisurely walk throoough the market. Just look, but don't buy anything; and try not to make eye contact with any vendors (...lol, but seriously, lol). Wait until at least your 3rd or last walk by this market before you buy anything. Otherwise, I can already hear you saying "DOH!" when you realize later what it should've cost you.
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6:30 - Special Group Dinner at a Very Special place!
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Day 3 (Feb 28)
7:30AM - 5 Element Yoga Class
8:45 - Free time, Showers, Breakfast
9:45 - (Group One) Massage
11:00 - (Group Two) Massage
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Note: Today is the day that most people begin to feel Jet lag. In other words, you are going to want to take a nap around noon, but this is why we are taking you to a place where you can take it very easy, but also find the place so cool that you wouldn't dare want to sleep...
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12:30 - Depart for lunch at the Cave Spa
Bring your swimming costume and prepare to pamper yourself all afternoon.
1:45 - After lunch in the palace-like restaurant, we recommend sitting by the pool for some digestive down time. Then go on down further to the cave grotto to alternate between immersing in warm and (icy) cool pools of yummy therapeutic waters.
4:00 - Depart Cave Grotto for our rooms. (However, if anyone wants to revisit the "the big Bintang" again, we can make a quick stop. It's just a 30 second drive from the grotto).
5:00 - Free Time
6:00 - Evening Hike
7:00 - Dinner options
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Day 4 (Mar 1) (Level 1 TYM training ends)
7:30AM - 5 Element Yoga Class
8:45 - Free time, Showers, Breakfast
9:45 - (Group One) Massage
11:00 - (Group Two) Massage
12:30 - Depart for lunch at Ek Ganesha Indian restaurant
2:30 - Ancient Monkey Forest; this place is within walking distance of Ek Ganesha.
4:00 - Meet at Monkey exit for a ride back to our rooms. (Or you can walk it in about 30 minutes)
5:00 - Depart for (optional) Pyramids of Chi sound "healing" place.
We make this optional because for a lot of us who have been there before its just a really cool atmosphere to take a pleasant nap inside a pyramid while some dude is lightly beating on a large collection gongs. Some people really like it a lot (and even return for more), and some are just like... 'umm, I don't get it'. But, either way, the restaurant is certainly amazing! So, if you opt to go, plan to eat there. We will set it up and cover the cost of your ride there, but you will need about $20* for the pyramid experience and $10 to $30 for the restaurant experience. / For those who opt Not to go, we have another fantastic twilight hike for you!
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*Most entrance fees we pay, but as this is an optional excursion, and therefore others want to choose a different option, ​
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Day 5 (Mar 2)​
​​​​7:30AM - Morning Hike: Tcampuhan Trail
No yoga class nor massage today. We need to leave early because this hike is just too hot if you do it any later than 10am. Also, it will take about 40-60 minutes to get to the amazing place we will be for breakfast! (Perhaps my favorite place in all of Ubud!). This beautiful hike has a couple of big hills but you can still do it in sandals and its totally worth the effort. Also, although you have the option of walking back, we will have a shuttle to take us back to our campus as well.
12:30 - Lunch. You've got your land-legs now, and have probably seen a lot of places you'd like to try. Well, here's your chance. (But just ask Will or Mark if you want some recommendations.)
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The rest of today is being revised.
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​Day 6 (Mar 3) (Level 2 TYM training begins)
7:30AM - 5 Element Yoga Class
8:45 - Free time, Showers, Breakfast
9:15 - Depart for Sebatu Water Temple
10:15 - Tour water temple and be guided in a purification ceremony.
12:15 - Depart for lunch at De Ala's
2:00 - Walk next door to the coffee tasting place (or stay at De Ala's little infinity pool)
2:30 - See how "monkey poop" coffee is made and then share a tray of about a dozen coffee's and teas (poop and poop free) with a friend. Get all jazzed up on caffeine to hike or roll on down the beautiful terraced hill to the "Natural Pool".
4:00 - Visit an amazing sculpture artist. The building itself is an amazing sculpture.
5:30 - Return to Ubud
6:30 - Free Time
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Day 7 (Mar 4)
7:30AM - 5 Element Yoga Class
8:45 - Free time, Showers, Breakfast
9:45 - (Group One) Massage
11:00 - (Group Two) Massage
Free Time
1:00 Waterfall Chasing for the rest of the afternoon
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Day 8 (Mar 5)​
7:30AM - 5 Element Yoga Class
8:45 - Free time, Showers, Breakfast
9:45 - (Group One) Massage
11:00 - (Group Two) Massage
Afternoon plans are still being revised.​
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Evening: Prepare for tomorrow's excursion off campus
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Day 9 (Mar 6)
7:30 - Today's yoga class will be shortened in order to...
9:00 - Depart for a Secret Beach - Day 1
​Massage sessions will take place at the beach, so long as certain variables permit (...hard to explain)
As for the rest of the day, trust us: just go with the flow (..but please don't go off on your own​.)
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Day 10 (Mar 7)
Beach & Scuba​ (or Snorkel) - Day 2
No yoga class or massage today. And for those who are going to scuba or snorkel plan on getting an early start. The boat will probably leave by or before 9AM
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Important Notes: Scuba diving is (of course) optional and costs about $90 for training + the 2 dives. You can also just snorkel instead, and that's only about 5 bucks for the equipment; or just hold your breath and squeeze your eyes tightly together.
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We will arrive back in Ubud by the early evening. However, some people really love this place and want to stay longer, either for the beach or for more scuba diving or both. Therefore, we have made the next 1.5 days as free days. However, you will need to pay for the extra day of lodging and your ride back to Ubud (or to wherever you choose to go for your free 1.5 days.) We can arrange it all for you (lodging and taxi) but expect to pay about $35 for lodging and $15 for the 75min trip back to Ubud) ​
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Day 11 (Mar 8)
Free Day
Often people ask if there will be any completely free days as they start to see other things they would like to do that are not on our itinerary. Therefore we have tacked this free day and a half on near the end of our retreat; this gives you time to find out what you want to do and plan it. Also, some things take more than a day, such as visit to the nearby island of Nusa Penida or hike up to a *volcano - which will start with a drive at about 2am and have you back around mid-afternoon. There are also things like rafting, ATV rolling, scheduling visits with famous shaman or healers, or going to otherworldly spas. (Scroll down for other ideas) / Anyway, this would be that day(s). And, whatever you decide, we can help you plan and arrange it, including transportation.
Day 12 (March 9)
Free Morning & Afternoon
7:00PM - (Group One) Massage
8:00PM - (Group Two) Massage
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Day 13 (March 10)
7:00AM - Meridian Yoga
9:30 - Depart for Bali Bird Zoo
10:30 - Arrive at Zoo ($12)
12:30 - Lunch at the Bird Zoo
3:30 - Depart for Uluwatu
4:45 - See Uluwatu Temple complex
5:00 - Get tickets (if we haven't already online)
5:30 - Gather in Amphitheater for...
6:00 - Mesmerizing Kecak Trance Dance / Hanuman drama, performed with the ocean and setting sun as a backdrop. (If we are late due to traffic, supposedly there is a 7pm show as well)
8:00 -Dinner will be at a special place on the way back from Uluwatu
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Day 14 (March 11)
7:00AM - Meridian Yoga
9:45 - (Group One) Massage
11:00 - (Group Two) Massage
Farewell Brunch / Massage Graduation / Closing Ceremony
Check out will be by 1pm on March 11th, but you can keep your luggage in one of the empty rooms until the time that you will depart for the airport (or elsewhere).
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We will arrange taxis for anyone needing to go to the airport.
Of course you can stay longer. This is just the end of our program. But please see "Note 3" below.
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Scroll down further for Free Day & Extended Stay suggestions.
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Important Notes:
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Note 3: If you want to add more days to your time in Bali, please add them to the end of your time in our program. Not only is this the much wiser way to add days, because you will have your bearings about you by then, but you will have also seen all the possibilities to choose from. Furthermore, often when people come even just a couple of days early, in all of their excitement, they run off and do every cool thing they can find ... only to find we repeat (and pay for) some of those things they found in our itinerary. Albeit, most people don't mind repeating those things, but it does create some complications and situations where something is new to someone who didn't come early, and so they want to go more slowly and linger, while others who have already been there are more quickly ready to move on. Albeit, you might have other reasons to come early, such as being able to save a lot of money on a flight by coming a day or two early. But, if that is the case, please familiarize yourself with the activities found in the itinerary and try looking for something different to do instead. It's easy in Ubud.
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Note 4: This is a Yoga retreat. This means we practice yoga and try to better align to a more yogic lifestyle. In other words, our aim is not simply to have a smashing good time with some yoga thrown in. Yoga is the entire theme, from beginning to end. Therefore, drugs, alcohol and anything else that clearly opposes a yogic lifestyle has no place in our retreat. In fact, many people come to yoga retreats in hopes that they may quit certain bad habits and replace them with healthy / yogic ones. To them, the retreat is like a reset button that gives them the time to realign with a more yogic life going forward. But this is really hard to do if others on the yoga retreat are not really interested in yogic life, or at least in giving it a try. Therefore, if anyone feels that they cannot restrain or enjoy themselves without a few beers or cocktails and the like, then, at a minimum, they must do it on their own. It cannot be a group activity. In other words, no one in our yoga retreat should be asking others in the group to go out and join them for drinks and such. If you are to drink you are to do it without anyone else on the retreat joining you. Furthermore, if someone tries to make such things into a group activity or is noticeably intoxicated during any gathering of our group, then we will ask that person to leave the retreat group and campus entirely - and at their own expense, and with no refunds.
It should also be noted that Indonesia doesn't play around at all when it comes to any illegal substances. Many foreigners have experienced extreme penalties, including decades in jail and even execution by firing squad.
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Note 5: If a staff member warns group members not to eat at certain places or of certain dishes, no one should try to test, negate or undermine the staff members warning. Individuals can still go ahead and take such risks on their own, but they should not coerce the group nor any one person to eat with them at said location. // We say this because too often we have warned our guests against certain places and foods that could give them food poisoning only to have certain overly confident individuals undermine our warnings, saying "Don't worry everyone, you'll be fine," or "I saw it, the place is clean" or "You have to try the sushi there, it will change your life!" and, therefore, coerce others to go with them. ~ From projectile vomit to a night in the hospital, almost every instance has been when someone ignores or undermines our warnings.
We want everyone to have an amazing time and feel quite certain that everyone will, so long as they stay safe. So we might have to seem like jerks from time to time to keep you safe but, trust me... or better yet, trust the words of someone who didn't listen to me. "Oh boy! I spent the whole night praying to the porcelain gods ... I'll never doubt you again!"
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​Free Day / Extended Stay Ideas:
* Beaches: If you like to surf, you may want to opt for Canggu; it's a hip beach town about 90min away (...and back), but probably won't take your entire day. However, if you are just wanting some beach time, the water is pretty rough and roaring loud (...think big surf waves). So if it's more beach time (and aside from Secret Beach which we go to for a couple of days as seen in the itinerary above) try Virgin Beach or Ahmed Beach.​​​​
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* As stated above, Canggu is a cool beach town; although not the laid back style. Its hip and has a huge party seen with some of the biggest beach side clubs in the world.
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* Volcano: We removed the Volcano Trek from our itinerary, but you are welcome to do it on a free day so long as you do not go it alone! However, most people change their minds when they learn that to do the volcano trek you will have to wake up and be on the road by 2AM in order to hike by sunrise before it gets too hot. Also, the cost the guides give you can rarely be trusted. Nevertheless, expect to pay around $30-$40 per person by the time you have paid your guide and split the cost for the drive there and back.
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Sekumpel Waterfall: is the tallest falls in Bali, which is really 7 waterfalls. It also ha an amazing hike to get to it; but you need to be ready to handle a lot of stairs.
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