2.09.2017

TIPS AND WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW BEFORE YOUR RETREAT IN BALI



As we are getting ready for our first retreat in Bali we are sharing some things which are good to know getting ready for your Bali holiday.

If haven't yet, check our previous blog post Bali Wellness City Guide where we share our favourite places to help you to experience Bali with a wellness touch.

/ TO SLEEP
/ TO EAT
/ TO SPA
/ TO YOGA/PILATES


GENERAL THINGS TO KNOW
• Bali is very safe, just be smart and always take care of your belongings.
• Almost every place you visit will have wifi.
• Tips and taxes are usually included in meals. Most prices are subject to tax (10%) and service charge (6-11%). If the bill doesn’t show service/gratuity then it is not included.
• Tourist areas are more pricey than others but it’s still very affordable.
• The cost for Alcohol in Bali can be quite expensive due to the high taxes on Alcohol in Indonesia around 200-300%.
• Visa. Most of the countries get free 30 day visa on arrival. Check requirements for your country with the Indonesian embassy or online. Your passport must be valid for 6 months when arriving.
• Ice cubes in restaurants are generally safe and government controlled.
• Balinese are super friendly and welcoming. They are also proud and are happy if you respect their customs and island.
• Bargaining with street vendors is a must. But it's also nice to respect and value their work, effort, and services, and to pay fair prices.

TAXIS AND GETTING AROUND BALI
Tourist areas like Seminyak and Denpasar have the widely available Blue Bird taxis. They do not take credit cards, only cash and are metered. Insist on the meter being on at all times. Sometimes a meter is left off and you will have to negotiate pricing. In the quieter villages like Ubud, the taxis are run locally and you need to negotiate pricing. So if you are staying further away from the airport, I would recommend asking the hotel for car service (they almost all provide it). From Ubud to Denpasar airport we had a car service for about $40 USD (thats a 1.5 hour drive). Taxis may be a bit cheaper but they negotiate mainly because they cannot pickup a customer on the way back. 
Uber is available and very cheap in Bali just be careful using this service as local drivers are against Uber and some times can be very unhappy about it. 

POWER ADAPTERS
Take power adapters for Europe/Asia plugs. The plug has the 2 round pegs.

MONEY 
The local currency is called Rupiah and it is always shortened to Rp. You can change your money at the airport. Do not change big amounts as normally the exchange rate in the city is little bit better. As soon as you arrive in Denpasar once you immigration and clear the terminal there is a money changer right there on the right hand side. Obviously you do not want to change a whole heap of dollars into Rupiah here and carry large wads of cash around. So the best thing to do is change a couple of hundred dollars which should see you over the next couple of days.
There are heaps of money changers all over Bali from; hotels, bars, restaurants right through to actual designated money changers. They are literally all over the place and very easy to spot. 
Make sure to go to official money changers. Be careful with small money changes on the streets which does not look trustworthy. They count the money out in front of you note by note and there may be say 50 or even 60 notes. Whilst doing this they get someone to distract you and they then slip a few of these notes very quickly into a draw. You will never notice this.
There are now cash machines or ATM’s all over the place in the tourist areas so if you do not want to change money just go to any local ATM. Max amount you can withdraw in one go at an ATM is either 1.250.000 - 1.500.000 (machine with a 50.000 sticker) or 2.500.000 - 3.000.000 (machines with a 100.000 sticker). You will be charged a fee between 2 and 5 US$ depending on the bank. But exchange rates are good, which makes it roughly the same, as if you bring your cash and change it here. 
The hotels are a lot safer BUT you will end up getting less due to the lower exchange rates. 
Visa and Master Card are most accepted. Credit Card payment in hotels, most restaurants and shops is possible these days. But the more remote, the less likely. A surcharge of 2 - 4% is applied when using credit cards. 

WEATHER IN BALI  
Being located in a tropical region, Bali daytime temperature can vary from 21-35 C all year round. High humidity and more rain is expected from December to February. Days are consistently sunny with rains arriving in the late afternoon and passing swiftly. South of Bali has far less rain than central Bali, where cloudy skies and rain drizzles are expected more often. 

WHAT TO WEAR 
Although Indonesia is a Muslim country, Balinese Hinduism is the predominant religion in Bali. If you are planning to visit temples just carry a lightweight scarf you can wrap around your shoulders or cover your knees while being in the temple or holy site. Choose light and comfortable clothes, that are perfect for hot and humid weather. Beach scarf is always useful, multi-functional item. You can use it not only on the beach but also a an easy cover up visiting temples. Summer hat and sun glasses are essentials traveling in Bali. 

HEALTH TIPS 
Make sure you have your health insurance while traveling. It is common to experience Bali belly during your holidays, not that you have to take extra care about the food, but normally just because you're trying so many new things, tropical and exotic fruits, enjoying fresh fruit juices and fresh coconut water every day.. this can bring a normal reaction of your digestive system. Normally if the reaction is quite strong we recommend to take activated coconut or bamboo charcoal which can be bought here in Bali. 
Tampons are extremely expensive in Bali and not available in other parts of Indonesia. 
Bali is a tropical island full of greenery and tropical jungles, that is why late afternoon around 5-6 pm is know as mosquito hour. It is recommended to have a mosquito repellent with you during all your trip, you can buy them here it Bali.

/
PROGRAM & MORE DETAILS FOR THE EXOTIC RETREAT IN BALI - 19th Fb - 1st Mar, 2017

Transfer from the Airport to Five Elements resort:
We have booked a transfer for you, please look for your name & Five Elements resort sign after you exit the Airport. The transfer will cost 60 USD / per one way. Car can fit 3-4 passengers depending on the size of luggage.
1st day - 19th of February, 2017 
Hotel: Five Elements
Arrival from the airport. Check-in. Relaxing, resting, sleeping or chilling by the pool  after the trip.
We will meet everyone at the Welcome Signature Chef’s Specialty 3 course tasting dinner at award winning Five Elements restaurant.

———————————————

2nd day - 20th of February, 2017
Hotel: Five Elements
Breakfast time from 7:00 – 11:00am. (breakfast included).
9:00am morning pilates class (90 min) at Yoga shala. Afternoon relaxation by the pool, or enjoying holistic healing or beauty and SPA rituals at the resort. You can find more details and book your rituals by the link *We would recommend to make a reservation in advance. **You will enjoy a special retreat 10% discount to all the wellness and beauty rituals at the resort.
SPA working hours: 09:00 am – 09:00 pm.

Besides, resort has many other activities to offer, such as: Balinese ceremonies, Expressive Arts, Mindfulness, Watercolour Journey and so much more. More details by the link

Afternoon yoga class (90 min) with guest yoga teacher Kevin at Yoga shala. In addition, yoga bunnies can take a shuttle car to Ubud yoga studios. Please find more about Yoga / Pilates Studios below.

*Lunch and dinner is not included. This hotel is alcohol free. We again can recommend places to visit around but since this place is so magical we have a feeling most of you will just want to unwind after the trip.
**For those really keen on bubbles or wine you can purchase at the airport, the hotel doesn’t mind discreet consumption but doesn’t propagate alcohol.

———————————————

3rd day - 21st of February, 2017
Hotel: Bambu Indah
8:00am morning Pilates class at the yoga shala.
Breakfast at Five Elements. Breakfast time from 7:00 – 11:00am. (breakfast included).
12:00 noon check out from the hotel. Transfer to Bambu Indah resort (~ 30min)
Arriving to Bambu Indah resort, check in. Free time. Here at the resort you can enjoy refreshing swimming pond (sustainable pool without chemicals), walks overlooking the rice fields, relaxing body massages and treatments at the SPA. More details by the link
*Last reservation at the SPA at 7pm.
**You will enjoy a spacial retreat 10% discount at the SPA for all treatments.

You can also enjoy bespoke experiences offered by the resort, like: hikes, balinese blessings & ceremonies, tours, sunset cocktail on the deck and so much more. Mode info by the link

#7pm Optional Dinner at Clear Cafe, Jalan Hanoman, Padangtegal Kaja, Ubud

———————————————

4th day - 22nd of February, 2017
Hotel: Bambu Indah
8:00am morning Pilates/Yoga class at the Minang House.
Breakfast time from 7:00 – 10:00am. (breakfast included).
Free time.

#6pm Optional Dinner at Moksa restaurant, location here
Everyone, who wants to join us, lets meet there or go together!

———————————————

5th day - 23rd of February, 2017
Hotel: Bambu Indah
8:00am morning Pilates class at the Minang House.
Breakfast time from 7:00 – 10:00am. (breakfast included).
Free time.

7pm Special Retreats I Love dinner at Bambu Indah resort. At the restaurant.

———————————————

6th day - 24th of February, 2017
Hotel: Bambu Indah
8:00am morning Yoga class with guest yoga teacher Kevin at the Minang House.
Breakfast time from 7:00 – 10:00am. (breakfast included).
12:00 noon check out from the hotel. Transfer to private villa in Uluwatu (~1,5 h).
Arriving to villa. Check in. Free time on the beach.
6pm tasting dinner at the villa.

———————————————

7-10th day - 25-28th of February, 2017
Hotel: Private Villa
9:00am morning Pilates/Yoga class at the ocean view hall.
10:30am brunch. Free time.
Dinner at the villa.
2 dinners we are planning to explore fine dining in Bali:
- Potato head in Seminyak - dinner at the restaurant Kaum - and evening cocktails at the Potato head bar
- Sardine in Seminyak (or maybe any other).


More great restaurants in Bali you can explore by the link

———————————————

11th day - 01st of March, 2017
Hotel: Private Villa
9:00am morning Pilates/Yoga class at the ocean view hall.
10:30am brunch. Free time.
Check out according to the availability of the villa.
Transfer to the airport (not included into the price). Many of us depart similar times so we can share cars.

*This is our preliminary itinerary for the retreat. Schedule may change.


OUR RECOMMENDATIONS FOR WELLNESS / YOGA & DELICIOUS FOOD

/
WELLNESS

Our Recommended SPAs in/around Ubud:

- Fivelements, Puri Ahimsa - awarded wellness destination deeply rooted in the island’s ancient traditions. Holistic therapies are inspired by the Balinese way of life, which encourages one to nurture a greater harmony with spirit. Healing rituals include a combination of meditation, deep bodywork and prana energy, performed by talented healers. The spa offers traditional beauty rituals, sacred arts healing and Balinese blessing ceremonies.
You can find more details and book your rituals by the link
*We would recommend to make a reservation in advance.
**You will enjoy a special retreat 10% discount to all the wellness and beauty rituals at the resort.
SPA working hours: 09:00 am – 09:00 pm.

- Bambu Indah SPA - award winning outdoor nature SPA features eco-friendly bamboo design and offers relaxing body massages and treatments.
*Last reservation at the SPA at 7pm.
**You will enjoy a spacial retreat 10% discount at the SPA for all treatments.

- Karsa SPA in Ubud - Surrounded by the rice fields, tranquil setting away from the Ubud centre. This SPA is beautifully decorated with relaxing and peaceful atmosphere. Intuitive massage (1,5 h) is a combination of different techniques such as: Balinese, Swedish, Deep Tissue, Lomi-Lomi, Shiatsu, and Reiki is our favourite massage and must try while staying in Ubud. Other SPA and beauty treatments and rituals available either.

/
TO YOGA / PILATES

Our Recommended Yoga/Pilates Studio in Ubud:

- Radiantly Alive was founded by world-renowned yoga teacher, writer and Human Potential Coach, Daniel Aaron. He is part of many trainings at Radiantly Alive and teaching himself 2 classes per week. Yoga studio offers different yoga / pilates classes, some of them with playful touch as fly high yoga on the belts and yoga dance. If you want to add something new to your daily routine, try salsa dance class or acro yoga. If that’s not enough you can choose from various workshops and trainings organised at the studio.
Check class schedule online by the link

- The Yoga Barn - Located in the heart of Ubud, The Yoga Barn is SE Asia's full service yoga studio, holistic healing retreat center. Coupled with a spiritual vibe, The Yoga Barn is at once earthy and rustic, relaxing, friendly and unpretentious. Various classes and workshops available daily. The Yoga Barn also contains an established Holistic Healing center that includes, Ayurvedic Rejuvenation, Cleansing & Detox retreats, Sound Medicine, Chinese Medicine, Acupuncture, Chiropractic, Naturopathy and much, much more.
Check class schedule online by the link

- Ubud Pilates - hidden away in Penestanan, small boutique studio provides an intimate, private and unique space. A secluded sanctuary for your mind, your body and your spirit. 
Check class schedule online by the link 

/
TO EAT

Our Recommended Restaurants / Cafes in Ubud:

- Moksa - a fully SENSUAL dining experience from exploding your taste buds with extraordinary food options, to opening your eyes in an ambience of raw elegance. Restaurant offers raw and cooked, vegetarian cuisine, organic wine, local coffees, teas and healthy elixirs. Concept from farm to table: the actual operational permaculture organic farm in direct proximity to the restaurant. 

- Alchemy - 100% raw vegan cafe & juice bar, organic health food store, and holistic clinic. The salad bar is where you will be spoiled for choice by an array of raw greens, fruits, cashew cheeses and salad dressings. Their raw chocolates, pies and cakes are so rich and smooth, it is hard to believe they are made without refined sugar, dairy or gluten. 

- Clear Cafe - The food is simply delicious. A litany of smoothies, juices, and a variety of raw options for all three meals of day plus dessert make this a foodie’s paradise. Plenty of raw and cooked options. They also have a little shop out front called Clear Express that carries raw granola, superfoods such as goji berries and cacao powder, home made energy bars, a host of chocolate superfood concoctions and many other tasty treats.

- Bali Buda - The restaurant is cozy with a friendly atmosphere, and the diverse menu even hints that the lack of wifi will improve your dining experience. Many tasty juices and smoothies to pick from, a decent number of raw options, Bali Buddha is a great choice when you’re hankering for a healthy meal. You can also get raw cashew, sunflower seed and walnut mylk made and bottled on the spot.

- The Seeds of Life - Very popular for it’s raw vegan desserts, this place is off the  charts for food innovation and attention to detail. Combines the elements of fun, flavor, vibrancy and integrity through Raw Living Foods. Mexican raw lasagna is the best in town. And you can’t leave the place without trying divine raw desserts.