I couldn't stomach spending $1,500 USD or more on a yoga retreat, so I decided to DIY my own - and it wasn't nearly as hard as you might think!
It's a little more work figuring out the what/where/how of things, but with everything essentially walk able in Ubud, it was a really enjoyable experience. Plus relaxing... holy moly, I was relaxed. I'm hoping that the next person who travels to Bali and tries to DIY their own retreat has a little easier time than I, with the help of this post, because you should enjoy and explore every minute of it.
YOGA STUDIOS
My first challenge was finding the right yoga studio. There are two very well-known studios in Ubud which are open to the public, plus a few small studios. I opted to try out both of the two larger studios because of their variety of class times and different styles of classes.
The Yoga Barn - Probably the most popularly promoted yoga studio in doing my research, so I knew that I had to check it out. I bought a class pass for 5 classes for 500 IDR ($40 USD). This place was super convenient both because of location and there were usually two classes going on at one time. Plus, I absolutely loved every teacher that I had. Each one made the experience transformative, not only physically, but mentally as well. I've never felt so connected to my experience as I did doing yoga here.
Radiantly Alive Yoga & Movement - I picked the name up for this one off another blog and happened to stumble across it when walking around Ubud, so I had to go inside. I opted for the Week Unlimited Pass for 550 IDR ($45 USD). There are less class times available here, plus the class are generally smaller - allowing you to get some one-on-one instruction from the teachers.
RESTAURANTS
The Fusion - Conveniently located on the main drag (Jalan Hanoman) and not far from the Yoga Barn, this was truly a delightful combination of Indonesian food with a tidbit of other influence. I had the Avocado Chicken Salsa, which is a grilled chicken breast, topped with a fresh salsa of tomatoes and avocados, with sides of traditional yellow rice and an sautéed carrots. It was simply divine. And to top it off, if you sit looking out the back of the restaurant, you can enjoy the view of a rice field. Price Range: Average Main 60,000 IDR ($5 USD)
Warung Laba-Laba - Located also on the main drag, this restaurant was a wonderful find when looking for a quick dinner. I had their daily special, which was a seasoned eggplant, red rice, corn fitters, and a warm salad. Their sign out front advertises good food, free wifi, and no MSG (but I still think the only thing that could have made the food better was a little salt, typical American). Price Range: Average Main 45,000 IDR ($4 USD)
Kismet Restaurant - Located just outside the entrance to Taksu Spa, I stopped off here for a snack before getting a massage. Okay, by snack I mean desert, but I did order fresh juice, so that makes it healthy right? Anyways, the chocolate torte was decadent and to die for. But, you absolutely must go for the "Green Lemonade Juice" - it's made from kale, spinach, apple, lime, and I swear, it actually tastes like lemonade. The taste made me completely forget that it was good for me too! (Plus, it was only 45,000 IDR or $3.50 USD).
Kebun Bistro - Potentially the most expensive restaurant that I ate at, but it was my birthday dinner, so I had to! Plus, they had wine by the glass, which I was in desperate need of (though it was costly at 100,000 IDR for 150 mL). The food was outstanding and worth the price. I had three courses (again, no judgement, birthday). First, the starter was polenta chips with aioli. My main was a wild mushroom homemade ravioli. And for desert, the three layer chocolate cake (obviously).
Ibu Rai - Hands down the best value and must visit for anyone in Ubud. This is one of the few places that I would say making a reservation is necessary, as they were absolutely packed around 7 pm and the only people who were getting in had reservations. And even with that reputation, pricing was was not out of control. Price Range: Average Main 60,000 IDR ($5 USD)
Bali Buddha - Located across the street from Radiantly Alive Yoga Studio (and gives you a 10% discount for having the yoga membership), this is the epitome of food to go alongside your yoga practice. All fresh and locally produced, this food is absolutely delicious. Price Range: Average Main 45,000 IDR ($3.50 USD)
Toro Sushi - With a buy two, get one free happy hour. How could you not sample them all? Anything spicy, eel sauce is right up my alley. Sushi. Nom nom nom. I've missed you.
ACCOMODATIONS
Three Win Homestay - I chose this based on location, ratings, and price. The location was absolutely perfect for me, as I was able to walk anywhere and everywhere, since it's very centrally located. The family is abosultely wonderful, so friendly and welcoming. They have just two rooms, which seem to fill up quickly - private bathroom, air-conditioning, king size bed with plush pillows, high-speed wifi, plus a breakfast to die for (try the omelette). Check out their website, here.
Dewi Antara Homestay - After I decided to extend my stay in Ubud (and Three Win was fully booked), I headed to another nearby homestay to check it out. And as it turns out, the owners were friends! How I do love close-knit communities. This homestay was a bit cheaper than the first, but still offered that same great family atmosphere, delightful breakfast, airconditioning, and wifi, though the rooms were not quite as plush. I still would absolutely reccomend this homestay. Check out their website, here.
MASSAGES / SPA Treatments
Taksu - Based on another DIY Yoga Retreat Blog (Adventerous Miriam), I decided I should head to Taksu for the Lomi Lomi Massage. I chose the 90 minute massage (over 60 minutes, because it was just an additional 100,000 IDR). Although the ambiance and private rooms provided are amazing, I'm not sure I can justify the total 600,000 IDR ($48 USD) for the massage. Since there are offerings all around Ubud for 80,000 IDR for one hour. I have to say, I'm glad I tried it though, so I didn't wonder what I was missing. A bonus perk thought - it was followed by a complimentary Jamu Drink in the cafe (which is a cleansing drink made from ginger, lime, and turmeric).
Marin Spa & Hair Treatments - A small spa located on a street that connect Jalan Hanoman and Monkey Forest Road (on the north end) was simple, affordable, and a great value for the money. I had the Hair Cream Bath done for 100,000 IDR for an hour long treatment. My hair feels silky smooth and I swear, it's shining brighter than usual! Not only did it include a scalp massage to work in the cream to the roots, while the hair cream was setting, the masseuse kept working with a neck, shoulder, and hand massage.
The Bodywork Center - It's one of those in between places, where you can get a mixture of ambiance and budget pricing. (Such as a manicure/pedicure for 218,000 or an one hour massage for 140,000). The people are wonderfully friendly, it's matched with a tranquil garden entry and private rooms to boot.
Other Activities
Art Class - I found a local shop on the main drag which offered art classes, in addition to the artist selling his own works. I chose to paint a traditional Balinese dancer, as I fell in love with them after seeing a ceremony, but there are much simpler options if you aren't an artist already.
Hike Along Campuhuan Ridge - Two words of advice: pack water. This walk was absolutely gorgeous, but a little more than I bargained for. I found this walk in a Lonely Plant Guide Book, with a following 5 mile walk around the surrounding Ubud. While the ridge was gorgeous, I don't recommend the entire walk. Take a camera and enjoy the surrounding jungles, rice fields, and other native grasses. Plus, there is a breeze up there!
Monkey Forest - Don't fear the monkeys, they're friendly - though they may steal your belongings. This is an adventurous place surrounded by what feels like thousands of monkeys. If you don't want to be overtaken by the monkeys, you can stroll along the village roads outside of the park and find plenty of monkeys hanging around there too.
Sunrise Hike to Mt. Batur - While this was the earliest wake-up call of my entire trip (2 am), it was a surreal experience. You ride in a van/bus for about an hour to the base of the mountain, then hike for about two to three hours up the mountain, arriving at the top just around sunrise. It was absolutely goregous and mythical. Across from your view is another mountain (sorry, I forget the name), with a lake below, which makes for the most fanstatic show for the awakening of the sun.
