Retreat Guide
Welcome to your Bali retreat!
Welcome to your journey to the magical island of Bali. This pre-departure booklet is designed to provide important logistical information for your trip. Please note that you must read through this entire page so you don’t miss any necessary details. Please get in touch with me at any time if you have questions.
Complete the following forms by February 28, 2023.
Location Details
The Shala Bali
Jero Ari - Manager
+62 812 384 96136 (or 087 862 391 881 from a local phone)
Address: Jalan Sanggingan, Penestanan Kaja, Ubud, Bali
Contact Information
The following contact numbers are for you to stay connected to the retreat team. You can give them to your family/friends in an emergency. Should any issues arise just prior to your departure, or if your flights are delayed or changed en-route, please call, message, or email me.
Arnoud Boek
Whatsapp: +1 (403) 618-6699
arnoudboek@gmail.com
A little bit about Bali
Bali culture is unique and famous especially for its rich and vibrant arts. Various forms of dance and music have made Bali's arts and culture scene one of the most diverse in the world. Hinduism as the main religion is the major influence behind its development.
Music, drama, dance and costumes become a feast for the senses during temple festivities. Rites of passage at Balinese family households can almost be seen daily, celebrating the cycle of birth, death and rebirth. Offerings made from woven young coconut leaves are given to temples three times daily, with intention and gratitude.
People say that the Balinese people have reached self-contentment. It is not an exaggeration that when a Balinese is asked what heaven is like, he would say, just like Bali, without the worries of mundane life. We invite you to experience the colourful and diverse culture of Bali during your visit!
The land is incredible, with volcanos, ocean, rice fields, jungle and waterfalls. Be sure to enjoy some time basking in Bali’s natural beauty.
Travel Documents
Passports
A valid passport is required to travel to Indonesia. As a requirement for your entry into Bali, your passport must be/have:
Valid for at least six months from the arrival date, or you will be turned away from your arrival city
Proof of a return ticket
Be sure to make a copy of the information pages of your passport to carry separately from your original. In the event that your passport is lost or stolen, this copy will help in the replacement process. You can also scan your travel documents and store them on your email for this trip.
Visas & Extended Stays
Upon arrival, most countries will receive a 30-day visa on arrival at no cost. If you plan to stay longer than 30 days, you can purchase a 60-day extension for $35 USD upon arrival, then extend your visa before it expires on Day 30. If you don’t purchase this extension and decide to stay past 30 days, you will be required to leave the country and come back in. If you purchase this visa and decide to stay past 30 days, you will still have to visit the Denpasar immigration office to activate it. If this is the case, feel free to contact me, and I can give you more information.
IMPORTANT: Please check the links below to verify your status and ensure that you have the visa requirements necessary to enter Indonesia, as entry requirements for your specific nationality may be different or visa requirements may change from the time this pre-departure booklet was created. Arnoud Boek cannot be held responsible for any consequences that occur if travellers fail to abide by this notice.
Insurance
Travel Insurance is required for this trip. If you don’t have travel insurance yet, there is still time to purchase it from any reputable agent (Manulife, Blue Cross, etc). You might also have travel insurance from your credit card company.
Health
As a yoga professional, I’m a licensed health practitioner. I can only provide recommended guidelines for your health during our retreat. Please consult your physician for more information and recommendations for your well-being while travelling. All yoga sessions and activities are encouraged, though optional, and travellers should only participate in activities in which they are physically able. Please let me know if you do not wish to participate in any planned activities.
Vaccination & Medication
At the time of this writing, international regulations do not require specific vaccinations for entry into Indonesia. Please ensure you are up to date on your routine vaccinations if you choose to do so. Be sure to carry any prescription medication in its original bottle. It is also generally recommended that you carry the doctor’s prescription.
Travelling outside of your home country can expose you to bugs your body might not be used to. The odd case of "Bali belly" (diarrhea) is not uncommon. I like to travel with activated charcoal, a great natural remedy for diarrhea and other food-related upsets. It's always nice to check in with your family doctor or local travel clinic if you need any information on vaccines or medications to bring with you. Bali has pharmacies ("Apotek" in Indonesian) and a health clinic nearby The Shala Bali Bali in case you need anything.
One note of caution is there is dengue fever in Bali. There is no vaccination against dengue. Most people deal with this by being vigilant with mosquito repellant, bring your own or buy one there. If it is a non-natural repellant, please be mindful to step away from the group when you are applying it to your body, as not everyone responds well to the chemicals in the repellant.
Flight & Transfers
Flights
You will need to book your own flight in and out of Denpasar (DPS) prior to the start of the trip.
Airport Transfers
I suggest you contact Dewa (contact info on page 2) to arrange airport transfers, as he and his drivers are reliable and have a fair price. Please pay him directly for this trip. From the airport, it will be IDR 350’000 ($25 USD). You can also ask him to stop at an ATM if you require.
Immigration & Customs
Travellers must pass through immigration and customs upon their first entry into Indonesia. Depending on your nationality, you may need to apply for a visa in advance, or you may be eligible for a 30-day VISA on arrival. See the Travel Documents section for more information.
Denpasar Airport
Bali’s international airport is modern and equipped with restaurants, shops and WiFi. Once you pass through immigration, collect your bags and walk through customs. Then exit customs into the outdoor pick up area and turn left. You will then walk through the Duty Free shop.
After you walk through Duty-Free, you will see a crowd of people waiting for their clients. Please keep walking straight and if you have Dewa or one of his drivers picking you up, you will see them standing in front of the flight information desk with a sign with your name. The airport has free WiFi, so if you have problems finding Dewa or his driver, send him a message – his contact is at the beginning of this pre-departure booklet.
Arrival at The Shala Bali
The Shala Bali is approximately 90 minutes away from the airport, depending on traffic.
Our retreat will officially begin on either Monday April 3, 10, 17 or 24, 2023, 6:00pm with dinner. You are welcome to arrive at The Shala Bali anytime after 2pm, however your room might not be ready until 3pm. If that’s the case, you are welcome to come hang by the pool!
Our retreat officially ends on either Saturday April 8, 15, 22 or 29, 2019, 11:30am. When making plans to depart from The Shala Bali, I would suggest you plan your departure around 12am. That will give you time to finish up any last minute packing, say goodbyes and check out.
Weather
Because Bali is located near the equator, the island tends to have fairly stable weather with the ‘wet’ season occurring between November and March. It is generally always hot, with temperatures hovering in the mid to high 80s/20s and up. We recommend light clothing that breathes but can also protect you from the sun. Being near the equator, the sun is hot and can burn much faster than what you might be used to. Sleeves or a light jacket is also helpful in the evenings as Ubud is higher in altitude than the rest of the island.
What to Pack
Below is a list of essentials to bring with you. I’d leave space in your suitcase as Bali has beautiful clothes, jewelry, handicrafts and treasures you may wish to take home!
The Shala Bali provides soap and mosquito repellent. Laundry can be done at the hotel at an extra charge; however, I recommend you hand wash anything that is delicate or that you love, as Bali’s laundry detergent can be a bit harsh. If you have allergies to fragrance, I recommend you ask them not to put perfume on your clothing after washing. It’s a really strong smell!
Packing Checklist:
Valid Passport, with photocopies stored separately from the original or scanned to your email account / digital device
Personal medical/dental insurance cards
Credit card/debit card (optional)
Cash (optional)
Yoga Clothes
Yoga Mat (optional) – The Shala Bali provides mats, straps and blocks. I find them to be a bit slippery; however, they are a good thickness, so if you want to minimize weight, a travel mat will probably be fine.
For the temple visits: Sarong and a long sleeve that covers your shoulders, shorts or skirt below your knees. If you don't have a sarong, you can rent these for $1 at the temples.
Swimsuit
A set of white or light-coloured clothes for the ceremony. You can wear a dress or pants. These can be purchased in Ubud if you don’t have anything.
Light clothing that breathes but can also protect you from the sun
Sunscreen: Being near the equator, the sun is hot and can burn much faster than what you might be used to
Sleeves or a light jacket is also helpful in the evenings
Raincoat (optional) – we are going during the dry season; however, you never know when it might rain.
Bug Repellant: The Shala Bali has a great natural bug spray that I find effective. However, you may wish to bring your own
Sunscreen
Sunhat
Toiletries
Journal (optional)
Water bottle (The Shala Bali has refillable filtered water)
Voltage & Electrical Socket Information
Bali's electricity runs at 220V. Adapters will be necessary if you are bringing any electrical items. We use the European plug (two round pins). We have adaptors for you to borrow and all our rooms have at least one American adaptor to plug directly into. You can also easily purchase adaptors once you arrive.
Retreat
Our retreat is designed to immerse you in the heart of Bali while diving into the layers of your own heart. You will get a chance to explore Bali and take it all in, while experiencing the oasis that The Shala Bali has created. The retreat is designed to be rich in content, and also feel spacious for relaxation, integration, and simply being.
Included in the retreat
5-night, 6-day eco-luxury accommodations
Sunrise Practice: Meditation, mantra, yoga asana, kriya (cleansing techniques) and pranayama (breathwork). This practice is suitable for all levels.
Afternoon session: Varies according to the day. May include ecstatic dance, sharing circle, self-inquiry practices, conscious communication, dyads (partner work), self-care rituals, and more.
1-hour Balinese Massage
Daily Breakfast
2 Dinners
Cultural Balinese Dinner at a local home
Tampak Siring Healing Water Temple visit & Water Blessing Ceremony
Gunung Kawi mountainside temple visit
Visit stunning UNESCO heritage rice terraces
Visit an incredible waterfall
About The Shala Bali
The retreat center is lovingly created as a wellness sanctuary to reconnect with our essence and realign with nature. Cocooned among the magnificent nature of Ubud, it’s a place of wellness founded on the ancient principles of Balinese and Indian philosophy The Shala Bali is based on maintaining harmony between body, mind, spirit and earth to enjoy a peaceful, healthy and balanced life.
The yoga studio is big with a wooden floor and has stunning views overlooking the rice fields.
The Darshana Veda Spa is serene and invites guests to enjoy a full range of body therapy and beauty treatments.
They use all-natural organic products and specialize in Ayurvedic treatments, specifically shirodhara and massage.
The 20-meter salt water lap pool has a sun deck and shaded bale for relaxing. Pool towels are provided. The grounds are lush and tropical, and you will find places to sit and take in nature.
How to get to The Shala Bali
To get to The Shala Bali you will first have to be dropped off by your driver at the Indian cafe “Mumbai Station,” which belongs to The Shala Bali. The google maps link below is the location of the the drop off.
[google map link button]
Street view of “Mumbai Station.”
You will get off your ride at the red marker and walk to the retreat location that is nestled in the rice fields about a 5 minutes walk behind the cafe. If you don’t find the path, which is to the left of the cafe, the cafe employees will be able to direct you to it.
Resort Amenities include:
WiFi throughout the property (note that Bali WiFi is not as fast as the speeds we are used to at home! Once in a while, the internet may cut out unexpectedly so please have patience with this. Or see it as an opportunity to unplug!)
Shala Bali Cafe: vegetarian dishes served
20-meter salt water pool
Ventilated resort rooms
Onsite spa treatments
Outdoor lounge spaces
Free herbal tea and water throughout the day
Meals & Drinks
Herbal tea and water will be available throughout the day at The Shala Bali. There is a poolside Cafe at The Shala Bali to purchase beverages or food. All breakfasts and 3 dinners are included in your retreat. One of these dinners will be at my friend Agung’s house, where his family will cook for us - a very special treat! Breakfast and dinner will be served buffet-style.
All locations will be made aware of all dietary requests that you have given to me.
As for alcohol, you are welcome to enjoy it if you wish. However, please be mindful that we will be doing some deep heart work and healing, so be aware that you are not numbing out any feelings or dulling the process. I will speak more about this when we are together.
There will be a few alcohol-free events due to the nature of the experiences. If you come to class intoxicated, you may be asked to not participate in the session.
For lunches, you are responsible for these on your own so that you get to enjoy your day at your leisure. If you want to chill out at The Shala Bali, they have a kitchen and an Indian cafe, and there are several delicious restaurants in walking distance. I do recommend you venture to Ubud as well as it’s a yogi food paradise! Some of my favourite restaurants include:
Warung Pulau Kelapa Indonesian Cuisine: I love this restaurant for its local cuisine. It has an educational menu that explains many of the Balinese culinary offerings and they also grow many of their vegetables in their organic garden. Make sure you save some time to stroll through the gardens! The best seating is past the parking lot, at the back of the property. Save room for dessert as they have some unique Balinese options!
Soma: A local expat hangs out with a large menu of food, smoothies, and raw treats. It’s not uncommon for there to be impromptu jam sessions here!
Yellow Flower: Set in the rice fields, it is a peaceful location where you have to walk about 250m in from the road. I recommend their Candlenut curry.
Sage: Fantastic vegan & vegetarian cuisine.
Hujan Locale: for the foodie experience. Their restaurant is Asian-inspired and will excite your taste buds for sure! And…their cocktails are super unique and delicious!
Warung Prima: Head here for a cheap, delicious meal and order the Balinese classic, Nasi Campur, which is a plate with daily specials where you
Retreat Itinerary
Due to the fluid nature of this retreat, please know that this itinerary is subject to change. I also have a few special surprises for us with great guest teachers and am waiting for their availability closer to the date.
If you are making plans for your free days, know that you don’t have to schedule most things way in advance. See how you are feeling once you land. There can be a desire to want to pack in a lot of activities, especially when there are so many fabulous things to experience! Just be sure to enjoy some relaxation time too!
DAY 1 | Monday
13:00 – 16:00 Arrival, Check-In, then settle in
18:00 - 19:30 Welcome Dinner at The Shala Bali
19:30-21:00 Opening Circle
DAY 2 | Tuesday
06:30 - 08:30 Morning Practice
08:30 - 09:30 Breakfast
09:30- 14:30 Water Blessing with Ida Resi, High Priestess*
14:30 - 17:30 Free Time
16:30 - 18:30 Sunset Practice
18:30 - 19:30 Dinner at the Shala Bali
We have the privilege of visiting a family temple for a water blessing. Here is a link to learn more about Ida Resi. You will get fully wet in the water blessing, so please bring a sarong to wear for the ceremony and a top that can be soaked in water (for example a t-shirt or tank top, a change of clothes, and a towel).
DAY 3 | Wednesday
06:30 - 08:30 Morning Practice
08:30 - 09:30 Breakfast
10:00 - 15:00 Gunung Kawi Temple & Tirta Empul Water Temple*
15:00 - 17:00 Snack on the road
17:00 – 18:00 Sunset Practice – Yin/Restorative
18:30 – 21:30 Traditional Balinese Dinner at Agung’s family home Agung is a friend of mine and we will be visiting his family home to see how Balinese families live, learn about their traditions and way of life. We will also be graced by his beautiful twin daughters who are traditional Balinese dancers.
Today we will visit two of Bali’s temples. Wear comfortable shoes as there are a few hundred uneven steps to get to Gunung Kawi. At Tirta Empul, we will participate in a water blessing where you will be fully submerged in water. Bring a sarong (if you don’t have one, there will be some you can rent), you might want a top that can be soaked in water (for example a t-shirt), a change of clothes, towel.
It’s a long day out and we will have Balinese sweets provided as a snack. Have a larger breakfast and pack some snacks if you know you’ll be hungry. Some people are tired and hungry after the temple visits; others feel energized. There tends to be a disparity in energy this day.
DAY 4 | Thursday
06:30 - 08:30 Morning Practice
08:30 - 09:30 Breakfast
09:30 - 15:30 Free Day*
16:30 – 18:30 Sunset Practice
18:30 Dinner at your leisure
This is a more spacious day to accommodate those who’d like to join a full day excursion. Tours in Bali are easy to book once you arrive. If you have an earlier excursion, you could opt out of breakfast and leave early. Or, you can check out Ubud or chill by the infinity pool!
If you happen to have lots of energy, this is an opportunity to venture into town. I would recommend a Kacak dance performance.
It’s a bit touristy, however, it’s a lot of fun! Dewa can organize this for you if you’re interested. The show is from 19:30-21:00 in Ubud Centre.
Another option is to enjoy an herbal steam sauna at Dragonfly Village . They are open from 6-9pm on Wednesdays, Thursdays (silent), and Sundays. Cost is IDR 100,000 and includes a natural scrub for you to enjoy. More details for our special event evening will be announced closer to the retreat date.
DAY 5 | Friday
06:30 - 08:30 Morning Practice
08:30 - 09:30 Breakfast
09:30 - 18:30 Waterfall & UNESCO Rice Fields
18:30 Dinner at your leisure
This is a full day out. It takes about 1.5 hours to drive to the waterfall and ricefields. Bring your swimsuit, sarong/towel, hat and sunscreen!’’
DAY 6 | Saturday
06:30 – 08:00 Morning Practice
08:00 – 09:00 Breakfast
09:00 – 11:00 Closing Circle & Flower Blessing
11:00 – 11:30 Departures & Goodbye’s
Excursions & Extra Activities
During your free time, you may wish to book an excursion or find some interesting things to do around Ubud. Here are some of my top recommendations:
Pyramids of Chi - These pyramids have been built for sound healing and will result in a beautiful and relaxing experience for all who enter. The cafe boasts international cuisine with vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free options available.
Dragonfly Village - A picturesque setting for a steam and salt pool, in the midst of one of the most beautiful rice fields, walks in the center of Ubud, Bali, with tranquillity and stunning greenery all around.
Bali Jamu Class & Herbal Walk - Learn how to make Jamu, a traditional herbal healing tonic made with turmeric. You can also go on a tour to learn about herbal plants in Bali.
Tegalalang Rice Fields – The Tegallalang rice terraces offer a scenic outlook to see the rice paddies below and the hills across the valley. Go earlier in the day to miss the crowds!
Monkey Forest For those who like monkeys :). With 700 monkeys set in 12.5 hectares of forest. Watch out for your stuff… they are known to be very curious and snatch your hats, sunglasses and water bottles!
Morning Central Ubud Market – head here early and check out the local fruits and breakfast stalls. Around 10 am, it starts to change into a tourist market with lots of art and handicrafts for sale.
Bamboo Indah – Enjoy the stunning architecture of the boutique hotel featuring the natural beauty surrounding it.
Green School - Take a tour to learn about sustainability practices and what it’s like to be a Green School student in this progressive and wall-less place of learning.
Campuhan Ridge Walk - Experience gentle hiking trails with grand views of the hillside.
Visit a Balinese Healer - Our guide, Agung has a few to recommend
My favourite Spas & Bodywork
Ubud has so many spas it’s hard to keep up with them all! Here are a few of my favourites:
Skin Spa and Organic Waxing Salon: This is where I get my waxing and facials done. Their organic facial with extractions is offers a deep clean for your skin!
Putri Ubud Spa: I have yet to go here, however I have heard great things about their Ratu package for women. They offer a Steam Treatment, which is ancient Asian remedy that detox the vaginal passage using herbs- infused steam to ease menstrual cramps, balance out hormones and pH balance
Cantika Spa: For the best organic pedicure which also includes a head and neck massage. They make all of their own products and you can also take a workshop there to learn how to make your own. Their frangipani shampoo is divine!
Boreh Pijat Salon and Sauna: Boreh Pijat Salon & Sauna offers traditional Balinese hot steam saunas and Boreh herbal scrubs, as well as one hour massages by local staff.
Shambala Spa: This comes highly recommended from a friend who luxuriated in a 4 ½ Hour spa day with a teak sound table session, reflexology, massage, salt scrub and facial.
Bodywork: Though I come with over 15 years as a Kinesiologist and RMT. I am not guaranteeing I will make myself available for those services during our retreat.
Phones, Cash, Credit Cards and Gratuities
Local SIM Card
If you wish to purchase a local SIM card with data and calls, you can purchase one easily at the airport, en-route to The Shala Bali, or in Ubud. I recommend the company Telekomsel or XL.
Cash
The currency in Bali is called Rupiah. Money can easily be exchanged in town, at the airport, or withdrawn directly from an ATM. ATM withdrawal fees vary bank to bank, so make sure you check in with yours to get all the info.
Credit Cards
Some restaurants and stores take credit cards, but not all. Some will add an additional credit card fee of 3%. Many street stalls only accept Rupiah.
Gratuities
Please note that all our home countries have different tipping customs. All of this info is a guideline and each yogi should tip according to your feelings and services rendered. Tipping is not mandatory, though very appreciated as the local wage is significantly less than what we make in our home countries and many Balinese have high expenses where they contribute to their extended families and have many ceremonies throughout the year which can be costly.
● The Shala Bali Staff: There is a tip box at the front desk of The Shala Bali for tips. All the tips are shared equally amongst their staff.
● Drivers & Guides: At the end of our retreat, there will be an envelope where you can leave tips. I will give this to Dewa and his team as a thank you from our group.
Photos & Social Media
It’s always so wonderful to see the retreat through your eyes! As you share your retreat with your loved ones and the social-media world, please tag @lifeinstigator and #lifeinstigator so we can create a collection of photos from our retreat!
I will also create a Google Drive folder where you can upload the photos you wish to share with each other.
There may be one or two days when I’ll invite a professional photographer to come and capture some of our precious moments. I am happy to share these photos with you too! They might be used for my online materials, including social media, print and website. If you prefer not to be in these photos, just let me know ahead of time and we’ll be sure to honour that.
Enjoy your retreat!
Thank you for reading through this booklet. I know it’s a lot of info, and I hope that it has been informative and also gotten you excited for our retreat together!
I am here if you have any questions that may arise and ready to share all the things I love about Bali, The Shala Bali, and this retreat experience. Can’t wait to give you a welcome hug in paradise!