Congratulations! You have taken the first (and biggest) step, and signed up for your first 200HR yoga teacher training in Bali! Perhaps it’s been a while since you have travelled to Asia, or you’ll be travelling solo for the first time. This article aims to share some tips on how to prepare yourself for your upcoming yoga teacher training in Bali, Indonesia.
1. Check visa & entry requirements
Exciting news – After 2 years of restricted travel, Bali has now reinstated Visa-On-Arrival for 72 countries!
The VOA is valid for 30 days. An extension of the VOA is available at Immigration once for a further 30 days. Therefore, you will be able to stay in Indonesia for a maximum of 60 days. If you are looking to stay in Bali for more than 60 days, it’s best to get in touch with agencies such as Bali Visas. This will enable you to check the most suitable option for you. See our FAQ here for the full details.
2. Book your flight & accommodation
Whether you have been to Bali many times, or you’re visiting for the very first time, it’s advised to arrive a few days before your YTT starts. This helps you to ease into the timezone (GMT +8), get used to the weather (it can get hot during the YTT Asana practices!) and settle into your new home for the next 4 weeks.
In Bali, you can find a wide range of accommodations to suit your preferences and budget. As tourism returns to the island, the amount of traffic is also increasing! Make sure you consider the distance and time it takes you to get to your training venue when choosing your accommodation.
3. Your packing list
In addition to yoga pants and tank tops (by the way, laundry in Bali is easily accessible and inexpensive!), here are some tips for packing for tropical Bali for a 1-month stay:
• Socket / Plug adapter
• Powerbank
• Several pens & a notebook – There’s often so much new insights and information during your training. Keep it handy and note them down!
• Yoga towel – Mats are usually provided but this could be good if you are someone who sweats a lot
• Water bottle – There are usually water refills available at the yoga shala
• Rash guard in case you are keen to go for a surf
• Tampons or sanitary pads for ladies as the options here are quite limited
• Raincoat in case it rains on your commute home (+ you can find basic ones in stores)
• Insect repellent (+)
• Sunscreen (+)
(+) For items that you can easily find in shops here
4. Useful apps
• Gojek – All-in-one app to book your transportation, order food delivery and groceries & more
• Grab – An alternative to Gojek, and the largest ride-hailing app in Southeast Asia. Ideal if you are traveling around the region after your YTT
• Waze – Community driven app for maps, directions and traffic information
• Duolingo – For those who are keen to learn the Indonesian language while staying in Bali!
• WhatsApp – You probably already have it downloaded! In Bali, most businesses use WhatsApp for communication, including restaurant reservations, tour bookings, spa appointments etc.
5. Be open and stay positive!
You’re probably feeling a little nervous and unsure of what to expect. Not to sugarcoat it, the yoga teacher training is likely going to be challenging, both physically and mentally. But, that is also what brings about so much growth and improvement. Remind yourself the reasons you signed up for the training in the first place, and most importantly, stay positive and open to the journey ahead.
