Yoga Teacher Training in Bali & How to Be In The Moment

The seven weeks I spent in Bali have been a journey into the depths of my soul. The breath, the movement, the stillness – each became a thread in the constitution of my being. Amidst the whispers of the ocean and the sacred energy of the temples, I surrendered to something greater within myself.

I got a one-way flight to Singapore this past January. A decision to complete my 300-hour yoga teacher training in Ubud unfolded into an adventure of surrender, self-discovery, and exploration across Bali, the Gili Islands, Lombok, Nusa Penida, and many other gems along the region. It was equal parts discipline and freedom, teaching and learning, effort and release. And for anyone dreaming of their own journey here, I want to share both my reflections and a few practical tips.

Why I Chose Ubud for My 300-Hour YTT

In February, yoga schools in Bali are limited, but World Peace Yoga School stood out for one very important reason: proceeds from the training support an orphanage for girls in the Himalayas. The program itself is rooted in India, with teachers traveling from Rishikesh to Bali. Their knowledge was deep, but more than that – they carried humor, compassion, and devotion that made every class a gift.

Ubud, with its mix of loud traffic, temples, rice terraces, and waterfalls, was the perfect setting. Even when it poured daily, the town felt alive and spiritual. Monkeys roamed freely in the forest, incense drifted through the air, and offerings lined the streets.

A Day in the Life of Training

Our days began at 5:30 AM with Ashtanga practice, followed by pranayama, anatomy and alignment, Hatha yoga, philosophy, teaching practice, meditation, and finally dinner at 8 PM. Every muscle in my body ached for weeks. This was the first time I experienced soreness that didn’t fade after a few days.

But alongside the physical challenges came mental ones. Emotional release was constant: crying in silence, swimming in waterfalls, or surrendering to moments of stillness. Twice a week, I booked massages, and once I tried acupressure to coddle an ankle sprain (Lotus pose is not as easy as it seems)

Slowly, the exhaustion gave way to resilience, and I learned to trust my body’s process of renewal. Our accommodations were very pleasant, and I appreciated having the pool at the front door. Laundry was available for about 6USD per load next door, and my clothes have never smelled better. The food was phenomenal, clean, and abundant. The yoga shalas are covered, but outdoor, so plan to carry a scarf to protect you from the mosquitos while you’re in Savasana.

Travel Tip: If you’re considering YTT in Ubud, know that it will test you physically and emotionally. Bring supportive gear (a quality mat, comfortable clothing, which btw you can buy there), and allow time for rest and self-care. Massages and healing treatments are everywhere and surprisingly affordable – try as many as you can.

Reflections From My Teachers

Each teacher left a mark:

Ankit, who patiently guided us through alignment and adjustments and brought smiles and laughter with his humor, jokes, and beautiful singing voice.
Bablu, whose quiet strength helped us surrender to Ashtanga every morning
Azmi, who made yoga philosophy feel alive and ever so relevant and interesting
Shakti, who pushed us through challenging pranayama that revealed our inner capacity

I’m forever grateful to them – not just for sharing their wisdom, but for creating a community of belonging. Yoga here wasn’t only about technique. It was about learning to see myself clearly, beyond distraction or expectation.

Exploring Beyond Ubud

After a month of training, I set off to explore some of the islands around Bali.

The Gili Islands

The moment I arrived at Gili Trawangan, I felt time slow down even more. No cars, no scooters – just bicycles, horse carts, and the sound of waves. I stayed at Kardia Resort, where the outdoor shower quickly became my favorite ritual. The resort also offered live music on weekends, a spa, and nourishing food.

I went diving in the Gilis, and I recommend it for all levels, but more on this in another post. Pack light when you visit the Gili islands – it was challenging with two hard suitcases to hop from boats parked on the beach to horse carriages.

Nusa Penida

If Gili is peaceful, Nusa Penida is dramatic. Standing at Kelingking Beach, I felt like I’d stepped into another world where nature was perfectly designed. But I was also struck by the reality: poverty and litter scattered around even the most breathtaking sites. The contrast between locals and tourists was profoundly heartbreaking – a reminder that tourism carries responsibility.

After watching for a while in silence, my driver asked if I wanted my picture taken. I couldn’t help but judge the long lines of tourists, taking their selfies, or asking the locals to photograph them one after another… I felt a void, somewhat of a disconnect beteen the land and it’s people and the hundreds of different nationality tourists who simply consume a destination.

The reason Bali is more special than most places is the native people. They have so little, yet are willing to do anything for a stranger who’s just passing by, without any expectations. They will always greet you with a smile, and offer to give you anything they have to spare. They are humble, kind and modest… unlike the majority of the tourists I saw who were loud, obnoxious, and needy.

Travel Tip: Support local businesses directly instead of using large operators. Engage with the local community – you’ll learn more from interacting with the local people, than you would in a museum. The natural beauty here deserves respect. Leave nothing behind but your footprints in the sand.

Chasing Waterfalls

North of Ubud, I wanted to visit a few waterfalls – Tegenungan, Tukad Cepung, Yangapi, Ulu Petanu – each one a sanctuary for the seeker. At Taman Beji Griya, the water purification ceremony consists of walking through caves, praying, making offerings to the gods, and screaming into the roar of the falls. That release was more than a ritual – it was incredibly liberating. Something I didn’t even know I needed to do until I did it.

Lombok, Lembongan & Ceningan

Lombok, with its untamed beaches and quieter pace, was the perfect antidote to the buzz of Bali. The scent of sea salt and frangipani filled the air, and time seemed to stretch infinitely as I wandered the local markets and watched sunsets melt behind Mount Rinjani.

From there, I hopped on a boat to Nusa Lembongan, a small island known for its turquoise waters and relaxed beach vibe. My mornings began at Ginger and Jamu, a cozy beachfront café with an unforgettable avocado toast drizzled with lime and topped with vibrant sprouts. Days were filled with ocean swims, exploring the island on a scooter, and kayaking through the mangrove forest, where the stillness of the water mirrored the serenity of my post-yoga state of mind.

A short yellow bridge connects Lembongan to Ceningan Island, where cliffs drop dramatically into the sea. I spent an afternoon at Ohana’s Beach Club, sipping fresh coconut water with my feet in the sand before heading to Mahana Point, a legendary cliff-jumping spot with panoramic ocean views. Watching surfers carve into the waves below, I realized that these islands — with their blend of adventure and stillness — are the perfect continuation of Bali’s spiritual journey. They invite you to keep practicing presence, only now your mat is the shoreline and your mantra is the sound of the waves.

Staying Safe & Prepared

Transport: In Ubud, I used the Grab app for scooter rides. It’s inexpensive and reliable. My best hack: swap tote bags for a fanny pack. It keeps you hands-free and lighter on rides. Always allow extra time – traffic is dense.
Packing: Pack light. You’ll want to buy local clothing and accessories – beautiful quality and meaningful keepsakes. Even if you don’t want, you’ll be forced to buy something by the sincere smiles of the locals.
Health: Many students at the yoga school experienced “Bali belly.” I was lucky to avoid it by taking probiotics daily (start a week before your trip). Don’t stress about bringing bug spray – buy it there.
Cultural Etiquette: Some temples don’t allow Westerners during ceremonies, but if locals invite you in, accept graciously. Cover your shoulders and knees, and always show respect.
Visa Tip: Bali visas can be tricky. Plan ahead and don’t leave extensions until the last minute. My mistake cost me four extra days and frustration at the immigration office.

What Bali Taught Me

Bali has a way of softening you. Of showing you that wisdom lives in the simplicity of a smile, in the rhythm of a morning prayer, in incense carried by the wind. Time here isn’t something to chase – it’s something to appreciate.

Completing this 300-hour YTT was life-changing, but so was every moment outside the classroom: the sunsets painting the sky gold, the waterfalls washing away fear, the warmth of strangers whose kindness asked for nothing in return.

I left this island not with memories, but with a new way of being. To breathe, to trust, to surrender, to live fully present. Whether you come to Bali for yoga or for travel, come with an open heart. You’ll be challenged, you’ll be softened, and you’ll be transformed in ways you can’t predict.

Bali is not just a destination – it’s a teacher.

Mantra for the Journey:
Breathe. Trust. Surrender. Begin again.

Reach out with specific questions if you are considering a YTT in Bali.