Ubud, Bali
Welcome to the Heart of Yoga Teacher Un/Training
Congratulations on taking a step into authentic Yoga practice, as it has come through from the great Tantric traditions.
The heart of Yoga is intimacy with body, breath, and relationship, and in this matter nothing can replace sincere enquiry and dialogue between two actual people in friendship and respect.
As you prepare to attend the training, please take the time to study the recommended texts and, if you don’t already, begin a simple personal practice, as can be found in the online immersion or youtube, or at the back of the Heart of Yoga book.
Questions will inevitably arise in engagement with the texts and the practice: bring this active enquiry with you to the training to get the most out of our time together.
Please have a look at the welcome materials in preparation for our time together in the beautiful, nurturing environment of Ubud.
We look forward to connecting in person.
See you soon.
Mark, Rosalind and supporting teachers
FINAL PAYMENT INFORMATION
After your registration has been accepted, you should have received an invoice with the final payment amount. Please contact rosalind@heartofyoga.com if there are any mistakes or you have any questions. Please make sure it’s paid at the latest a month before we start so we can pay the venue for our meals etc.
GETTING THERE
How do I get to Ubud from the Airport?
You COULD just take a taxi from Ngurah Rai International Airport, for around. IDR 450,000 rupiah (approx. US$40). However they may not know the exact address, and it’s a bit chaotic finding one at the airport. We recommend you either arrange a ride with our local driver friend, or arrange it through Samyama, as both know exactly where to go. Price should be around 400,000 IDR (as of 2023). It takes about an hour depending on traffic.
Driver friend, Wayan: +62 812 3675 9733 (message on Whatsapp)
Darwis, a manager at Samyama: +62 812 3812456 (message on WhatsApp)
Make sure you let us know if arriving late at night!
How do I get back to the Airport from Ubud?
There are a few options for the transportation:
Book a private car and driver: If you want to book a private car and driver, you may ask help from Wayan or Samyama as above or from your hotel. They usually has connection to their trusted driver. It will cost you around IDR 400–450,000 ($35-40 USD).
Perama Bus: This is a shuttle bus that you can take from their station in Jl Pengosekan. The price is much cheaper than booking a private driver. You may check their route and schedule here, https://www.peramatour.com/transport/shuttle
Kura-Kura Bus: This is also a shuttle bus, they have more stations in Ubud such as Coco Supermarket Pengosekan, Alaya hotel and more. You may check their schedule, route and price here, http://kura2bus.com/
Samyama Physical Address:
Samyama Meditation Centre
Br.Kumbuh, Jl. Cempaka, MAS, Kecamatan Ubud, Kabupaten Gianyar, Bali 80571
Google maps link: https://maps.app.goo.gl/xTuEi6A6twfoze5k6?g_st=ic
Contact: +62 821-4668-6075
PRE-REQUISITE READING
"The Heart of Yoga, Developing A Personal Practice" – T.K.V. Desikachar
"Yoga of Heart, The Healing Power of Intimate Connection" – Mark Whitwell - CLICK HERE TO ORDER
Other Reading during the Training:
Heart of Yoga Training Manual – A printed copy will be provided. Let us know if you already have one from a past training.
TIMETABLE
Arrival Day
Arrive any time after 2pm. It’s recommended not to fly in on this day, give yourself a day or two to recover if travelling, more if possible. Many flights arrive into Bali late at night and its better to arrive at least a day ahead.
Everyone takes care of their own dinner: onsite restaurant available and local places. Gather at 7pm.
Normal Schedule
7am: morning personal practice, transitioning from guided to completely personal
8am: breakfast
9am-12.30pm morning session (lecture, discussion, asana, pranayama, dhyana)
1pm-ish Lunch
3pm-6pm, sometimes 6.30pm: afternoon session
Everyone arranges their own evening meal independently
Evening activities: on some evenings there may be collectively organised activities such as music.
Half rest day partway through
Last Day:
Morning practice, breakfast, pack rooms, morning session/ceremony, lunch together, depart
Balinese traditional blessings/ceremonies and live music are woven into the training.
Note that our different areas of study (sequencing, mantra, the Yoga Sutras, subtle anatomy, poses and counterposes, yantra, meditation, practicum, etc.) are woven seamlessly together throughout the training, arising naturally in the engaged flow of two-directional, experiential education, rather than in rigid units of info dump.
INDONESIAN VISA INFO
To enter Indonesia, your passport must have a minimum of 6 months remaining validity from the date of your prospective DEPARTURE FROM Bali.
The standard Visa on Arrival (VOA) permits a stay of only 30 days in Bali – the count of 30 days includes the day you land and the day you depart.
Please see below for detailed info on obtaining the available Visas to Indonesia:
Option One: Visa Exemption
Asian passports do not need a visa: see list here
Option Two: 30-Day Visa-On-Arrival (VOA)
There are two options for obtaining a 30-day visa.
1. Pay approx US$35 at the counter when you come through Customs. You must line up to pay for the Visa first, and then proceed to the second line up to clear Customs.
2. Or you can buy this online prior to travel: https://www.bali.com/visa-indonesia-entry-requirements-bali.html
This is available to 80+ countries: those countries not on the approved list must apply for the other visa below.
Visa On Arrival gives you a 30 day stay and can be extended at the Immigration Office 1 (one) time, to have another 30 day stay. Overstays are subject to charges.
Please note, that you need to purchase this visa for a cost of approx $35 USD for 30 days. Extending the visa will cost an additional amount. Note you will have to visit the Immigration office in Denpasar sometime within your initial 30 days. Samyama can help you make the visa extension booking.
See list of countries here: https://www.bali.com/visa-indonesia-entry-requirements-bali.html
Requirements:
Make sure you’re a passport holder from one of the countries in the list above.
Your passport must be valid for a minimum of at least 6 months.
You must have return tickets.
Fee: $35.00 USD at least.
Please note, if you overstay longer than your visa, you will be charged about 1 million IDR per day. Maximum overstay is 14 days and if you overstay more than 14 days, there could be serious consequences like being permanently banned from Bali.
Option Three: B211A Visit Visa
Countries not on the list or those wishing to stay longer can apply for a B211A Visit Visa. Foreigners can apply for a visit visa at an Indonesian Embassy or Consulate, or the guarantor could apply to the Directorate General of Immigration in Jakarta, Indonesia. Visit Visas are issued at the Indonesian Embassy or Consulate. A holder of a Visit Visa is given up to 60 days stay and can extend it at the Immigration Office 4 (four) times. Each extension will be given another 30 days stay, so total is 180 days or 6 months.
Recommended Visa Agent by Samyama to help you:
Greta: +62 812-3772-6811
More info: https://bali.com/bali/bali-visa-indonesia-entry-regulations/
Requirements:
Application form.
Copy of passport with a minimum validity of at least 6 months.
Copy of bank account statement.
Return ticket.
Procedure:
Submit your visa application at the nearest Indonesian Embassy.
Pay the telex fee payment.
The Indonesian Embassy or Consulate will forward your visa application to the Directorate General of Immigration for approval.
When approval is granted, the embassy or consulate will issue your visa, at which time you should pay the visa fee payment.
Entry stamp will be obtained at the border/on arrival.
Fee: [please check for up to date price for your country]
Please note, an overstay of more than 60 days is a very serious matter. The visa holder will be detained, questioned thoroughly, investigated, deported, and blacklisted against re-entry into Indonesia, perhaps for years.
Additional information:
The Immigration office in Denpasar is open from Monday to Friday, 8:00am-3:00pm. They are on lunch break from 12:00pm-1:00pm. Go as early in the day as possible (like 7am and queue) and be prepared for a long wait.
MEDICAL
Travel insurance with medical cover is up to you but recommended.
In the case of minor illnesses or injuries, there are several international medical clinics that cater to tourists in the local Ubud area and closer to the airport. These clinics typically do not accept insurance (though you may be reimbursed through your insurance provider), and they are relatively inexpensive. If a situation requires more urgent care, there are larger hospitals in the south of Bali, and in the need of a most extreme and unlikely medical emergency situation, patients would be evacuated to Singapore. Due to significant costs of evacuation care, it’s advisable to check if this coverage is included on your medical plan.
This is a list of clinics and hospitals in Bali:
Ubud Care Clinic
Address: Jalan Sukma No 37, Br. Tebesaya, Peliatan, Ubud, Gianyar, Bali 80571
Phone: +62-821-8888-2273
http://www.ubudcare.com/
Ari Canti Hospital
Address: Jl Raya Mas No. 88X, Mas, Ubud, Gianyar, Bali 80571
Phone: +62-361-974-573
http://aricantihospital.com/en/
BIMC
Address: Jl. By Pass Ngurah Rai No.100X, Kuta, Kabupaten Badung, Bali 80361
Phone: +62-361-761263
http://bimcbali.com/
RECOMMENDATIONS
Some suggested things to pack:
Copy of ‘The Heart of Yoga’ by Desikachar
Water bottle – can be refilled at Samayama
Comfortable clothes for hot tropical climate
Walking shoes, sandals or open air
Natural insect repellent – the Shala is open air. Please no Deet etc.
Sunscreen — go for reef-safe mineral sunscreen if planning to swim
Plug converter: Bali has two round pin plugs like Europe, 240V
A very light sweater and light rain jacket may be a good idea although rainy season is more like November–March
Yoga mats are provided, you may bring your personal one if you would prefer
A top that covers your shoulders and upper arms for any potential temple visits
Please note: Ubud is a particularly pious culture on the island, with Balinese Hinduism being the predominant religion. Despite the development and amount of tourism in the town, the culture and devotion to religion remains strong. It is important for visitors to respect local customs and culture by having an awareness of appropriate behaviour & dress (more information here: http://ubudhood.com/etiquette-tips-ubud/)
FACILITIES
Samyama centre has its own restaurant which you can order snacks or drinks from at any time between meals. The villa that is part of Samyama has its own pool with a view over the rice fields which all training participants are invited to take a dip in any time.
A small fridge is available for guests staying at Samyama, and a library for all training participants.
Next door to Samyama is Titi Batu day club, with big gym, sauna, pools, restaurant, and lots of children’s sports and activities including skateboarding and roller skating. Day passes available.
Massages can be booked through Samyama, or their massage rooms can be used privately.
There are showers on site in case you are staying offsite and want to go straight out for dinner.
There is a steam room / ice plunge pool that can be arranged for a group session if people want.
Wifi is available to everyone at Samyama and in the villa. It is not super fast but can handle a video call.
CURRENCY
The national currency is the Indonesian Rupiah (IDR). There are currency exchanges at the airports (more pricey) and throughout Ubud. There are also ATM machines in town and one next door at Titi Batu, that issues up to 3 million IDR at once. Be careful when exchanging at small local exchanges.
ACCOMMODATION
There is limited accommodation in Samyama centre, and approximately half our participants will be probably be staying in nearby hotels with 2-3 minutes walk in the close area.
Here are the nearby options we have personally tried:
Pulu Sari Suites
The cheapest private room option, these are perfectly adequate, clean rooms with limited service / no reception. No mould/damp. Upstairs recommended if possible. View is not prepossessing. There is a pool but it’s frequently out of action. There are about 10 rooms.
+62 838-5103-1311
https://maps.app.goo.gl/KTqww3wc54kdor6YA?g_st=ic
The Athaya – 2 star hotel
This is a grand old hotel past its heyday, with an affordable price to match. The top floor rooms are the best with a nice view and airflow. Furnishings are plain “hotel-ey”. Those at the bottom feel a little more pokey. The pool and surrounds are a nice place to relax; the restaurant is not recommended. Check price on booking.com and then contact them directly to see if they can better it.
+62 361 9081767
https://maps.app.goo.gl/gwLrBtBqHN6Fkn116?g_st=ic
Gusde
Gusde is right next to Samyama and has a wide range of different rooms and villas with a range of prices to match. We have stayed at some nice simple rooms here, while others further down the hill seemed a little mouldy/musty. Beautiful natural surroundings and winding paths, and the restaurant at the street is good for a fresh coconut and the pumpkin soup is nice. Might be a good one to check the room first before committing.
+62 818-0560-8079
https://maps.app.goo.gl/88vUKrprQ8uHtvkf9?g_st=ic
Surya Kembar Villas
Very nice, variety of private villas and rooms, with gracious natural stone paths and greenery winding down toward the river. At the pricier end. The staff are a little grumpy.
+62 361 971812
https://maps.app.goo.gl/hfGXkmX3424kbYAw8?g_st=ic
Radha Phala Resort and Spa
A large normal hotel that’s perfectly fine, nothing special.
Kahara Villas
Newly built A-frames, each with its own little private pool. A bit pricey, very stylishly furnished, but gets hot upstairs in the day, and a little sterile in its newness. Maybe you can get a deal.
Nearby places we haven’t personally stayed at, but which are recommended by Samyama:
Purana Boutique Resort (4-star hotel)
+62 361 9081521
The private pool villas look extremely nice.
https://maps.app.goo.gl/aFwK6VDWnuWwpKSf8?g_st=ic
Glassy Villa
A little further away (6 minutes walk along a quiet street)
+62 812-3838-5538
https://maps.app.goo.gl/Cn6M2WXThgpD2Kzr7?g_st=ic
You can also look for homestays for more affordable options.
FOOD OPTIONS
We will have breakfast and lunch provided by the delicious kitchen at Samyama each day, but everyone organises their own evening meal depending on dietary preferences, need for quiet time, etc.
Here are a few places around Ubud you might like to check out or order delivery from for evening meal that we personally recommend:
(in no order of priority)
1. Bali Buda
Jl Jembawan No 1, Ubud, Bali, Gianyar 80571
Phone: +62-361-976 324 (or check website)
Home delivery: WhatsApp +62 811-3831-1877
Menu: https://balibuda.com/menu-gallery/?lang=id
An Ubud staple, BB serves healthy organic food with options for vegans and vegetarians. BB also serves juices, healthy herbal teas, kombucha, and more. In their grocery shop, they sell bread, quiche, muffins, and cakes, all with options for gluten-free, non-dairy, and vegan. They also host a variety of organic veggies, supplements, nuts and seeds etc and healthy products.
Their delivery option is excellent when you want something plain like a baked sweet potato, some lemon honey ginger drink, a boiled egg, or something like that. You can even mix restaurant and grocery items in one delivery. Recommended is their Jamu drink (Indonesian turmeric tonic).
2. Bali Soul Warung
“Warung” is Indonesian for a small family run eatery. Bali Soul is indeed very small, seating only about 20, and be ready for a potentially long wait for food… but it’s worth it, with delicious Balinese flavours cooked in healthy extra virgin coconut oil. I don’t think they do delivery. Located in the quiet village of Nyuh Kuning. Sweet potato mash with tempeh and banana flower curry are great.
Address: Jl Nyuh Bulan Jl. Raya Nyuh Kuning No.18, Nyuh Kuning
3. Sayuri’s Healing Food
Address: Jl. Sukma Kesuma No.2, Peliatan, Kecamatan Ubud
Delivery: WhatsApp +62 822-4048-5154
Menu: See ‘Catalog’ under their WhatsApp contact, or see https://sayurihealingfood.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/2023-Delivery-Menu.pdf
Sayuri’s is famous for their raw food meals and desserts, and variety of super health drinks and tonics. Beautiful relaxed Japanese style eating, but often very busy — it’s a ‘scene’.
4. Zest
Jl Raya Penestanan Kelod no.8, Ubud. Be careful on the hairpin turn if driving here.
Another famous location, Zest is a bit painfully “see and be seen”, but it is very beautiful, looking out over lush jungle, and the innovative plant-based menu is delicious, if a little pricey.
Delivery: +62 823-4006-5048
Menu: see WhatsApp catalogue or look at the full menu here
5. Clear Café
Jl Hanoman No. 8, Ubud, Bali 80571
An ubud classic in the middle of town, Clear is famous for using natural ingredients from local Balinese farmers. From the carved round wooden door to the famous bathroom steps spelling out inspiring quotes in marigolds, the spiral staircase and the fireman pole, to the river flowing through the restaurant, Clear is a one-of-a-kind location.
+62 878-6219-7585
https://maps.app.goo.gl/sHgHJg1UFv32X7zJ6?g_st=ic
6. Alchemy
Jl Panestanan Kelod No 75, Ubud, Bali 80571
Alchemy is another famous raw food, plant-based restaurant in town, located in Penustanan. The meals are fresh and delicious, the drinks cabinet is life-giving, and the shop is full of beautiful natural products, teas and herbal concoctions. It’s breezy rather than cosy, and the raw desserts are a highlight. A nice place to work during the day.
Alchemy Bali
+62 821-4690-8910
https://maps.app.goo.gl/f6CMkfvVyV8GH2Bn8?g_st=ic
7. The Seeds of Life
Address: Jl Goutama No. 2, Ubud, Bali 80571
http://theseedsoflifecafe.com/
The Seeds of Life combines the elements of fun, flavor, vibrancy and integrity through Raw Living Foods, Yoga and Holographic Kinetics, an omnipotent healing modality that exceeds all levels of what a holistic approach to understanding this game of life is all about and what it means to be truly free. [editors note: this text is from their website I have no idea what it means in terms of actual food]
8. Kafe
Address: Jl Hanoman No. 44B, Padangtegal, Ubud 80571
http://kafe-bali.com/kafe-ubud-bali-cafe/
KAFE is a lively, wholesome food cafe, nestled in the heart of Ubud on Jalan Hanoman. KAFE has a wide variety of healthy vegetarian and vegan food options from local, organic suppliers. 7am – 11pm. There’s one inside the Yoga Barn and one further down the road.
9. The Elephant Bali
Address: Jalan Raya Sanggingan, Sayan, Ubud, Bali 80571
Overlooking the beautiful Campuhan Ridge in the cultural heart of Bali, The Elephant established in 2013 with the hope of creating delicious, healthy food in a conscious and sustainable manner. The Elephant strives to be an ethical business and are recognized by the slow food movement for their environmentally aware and socially fair work practices.
10. Dayu’s Warung
Address: Jl Sugriwa No 28, Padang Tegal, Ubud, Bali 80571
http://dayuswarung.weebly.com/index.html
Serves only FRESH, ORGANIC, & HEALTHY FOOD. From salad, veggie burgers, rice, fish (for the non-vegetarians), healthy juices, and tea. Also sells cookies, masala potato chips, and gluten-free and vegan cakes & snacks (the cakes are cheap and big! Around IDR 25,000/pcs).
The price is cheap, starting from IDR 20,000.
11. Fussy Bird
Address: Jl Tirta Tawar No 32, Ubud, Bali 80571
http://fussybirdbali.weebly.com/
Tiny place on other side of town. Fussy Bird is a place to chill out with some delicious food and good wifi. They make all of their food from scratch with love. They serve breakfast, lunch, dinner, snacks, desserts, raw pies, chocolates, hot drinks, smoothies and juices. They are known for their exceptional cakes and raw pies. Their cook always coming up with new delicious recipes.
CHECK IF STILL THERE POST-PANDEMIC!
12. Sari Organic
Address: Jalan Subak Sok Wayah, Campuhan, Ubud 80571
http://www.ubudorganicmarket.com/Market-members/sari-organik
Sari Organik started to grow organic produce 12 years ago. They started experimenting with vegetables, fruit, rice and animals, trying to find a balanced system that will sustain itself and the environment with minimal input from other outside sources. Their aim is to build a model farm, a small family business that will grow organically with the market demands and benefit all.
13. Sage Vegan Bistro
Address: JL Nyuh Bulan No. 1, Banjar Nyuh Kuning, Ubud
Delivery: +62 813-3906-4031 (closes 8.30pm)
Sage Vegan Bistro is a peaceful, chic Vegan restaurant serving small plates plus bowls, salads, desserts, smoothies, juices, cakes, and mocktails. Located south of Ubud's Monkey Forest. Their vegan ice cream is delicious, and they usually have a gluten-free cake or two on the menu too.
14. Little India
Address: Jl Sukma No. 36, Peliatan, Ubud, Bali 80571
Run by delightful Siti, this character-filled Indian restaurant is decked out in vintage Bollywood posters and accompanied by a soundtrack of Hindi pop. Its thalis, samosas and masala chai are all delicious and authentic. Also delivers.
15. Kagemusha
This is really good authentic Japanese food, seated in a quiet garden.
+62 361 973134
https://maps.app.goo.gl/ahGD6eZegcDFtVaE9?g_st=ic
16. Bella by Sage
Amazingly delicious Italian food, all vegan and mostly gluten free, located in Penustanan. Highly recommended for those with discerning tastebuds and dietary requirements.
17. Amrta Siddhi
Wonderful Ayurvedic Health Clinic that now does delivery as well. Google for details.
SPECIAL EVENTS
TBC
CONTACT INFORMATION
Rosalind (co-ordinator): rosalind@heartofyoga.com
Admin support: studio@heartofyoga.com