Here’s a long overdue post I’ve been meaning to write after my trip to Bali. I can’t believe it’s been three months since!
If you haven’t been to Bali or haven’t really gone around that much, it’s probably known to you for its beaches, surf spots and night life. Well, the night life is the side of it that I didn’t explore. This grandmomma just wasn’t there to party! But what I love so much about it is how it’s sort of a second motherland to yoga.
During our stay in Ubud, I enrolled at The Yoga Barn so I could take Les Leventhal’s classes (but ended up taking only one. *sniffs). I did, however, try practicing with the other teachers which was really refreshing and fun. Now, I don’t really just want to call it a Sweat Sesh like I was just there for a workout but I can’t deny that my mat sort of turned into a puddle after the Vinyasa and Power Yoga classes here.
The Yoga Barn is probably the most well-known place to practice yoga in Bali. They have highly qualified teachers in their faculty all of which have something different to offer each time you step onto the mat.
The area is so huge that it can hold several different classes at the same time. It’s biggest studio, which has a beautiful view of the lush greenery is situated high up on its “main building”.
During my class with Les, it held over 80 yogis with individiual mats! It also offers lodging, has a cafe, and an Ayurvedic healing centre within its premises.
It’s the biggest yoga facility I’ve seen and can accommodate those who are in Bali for a retreat. They host the annual Bali Spirit Festival (which I, unfortunately, missed by one day during my trip!) and also have a chain of stores which offer yoga clothing and accessories.
Apart from that, they have another cafe around the Monkey Forest area in Ubud.
Rates are surprisingly reasonable. Just about as much as a yoga class in Manila costs. But the quality of teaching is really good. Only thing I suggest you do, is bring your own mat. Theirs are all seriously worn out.
As mentioned, Yoga Barn is very popular, especially to tourists. When I was there, it seemed like every student I was with came from another country. It could get a little full especially during peak seasons so you may want to check with their staff before signing up. And if Yoga Barn is not an option for you, here are other establishments that offer quality classes in Bali as well:
Ashtanga Yoga Bali Research Enter. Focusing only on Ashtanga, AYBRC brings in the most senior teachers of the practice. Apart from their daily Mysore (self-practice) classes, they also host conferences and immersions for dedicated students.
http://www.ashtangayogabali.com/our-shala/
Blooming Lotus Yoga Ubud. Blooming Lotus is a center that offers yoga retreats (with lodging) at an affordable price. A 4-day retreat starts at $397 which is NOT BAD AT ALL.
http://www.blooming-lotus-yoga.com/book-now/
Bikram Yoga Bali. Hot yoga lovers, rejoice. Bikram also has a hotbox in bali! Bikram Yoga offers their standard 26-pose sequence in a heated room.
http://www.bikrambali.com
I also tried to find a fitness center which was different from the ones we have in Manila but failed. It seems that Bali, specifically Ubud, has strongly preserved its culture and stayed at the pink of health through yoga and a plant-based diet.
All the gyms I heard of were regular gyms with machines, and I’m not really fond of those. So, just in case you are there and are looking to break some serious sweat but don’t really like yoga, I suggest you trek or take a hike to one of the island’s beautiful mountains. 😉
Been to Bali and have any more studios/yoga centers to add? Let me know in the comments below!
The Yoga Barn is located at Jalan Raya Pengoseken, Ubud, Ubud, Bali, Indonesia. Visit their website at www.theyogabarn.com
