8-Day Balinese Yoga & Culture Retreat: Watukaru Yoga, Waterfall Purification & Rice Farming in Central Bali

The retreat is based in a traditional Balinese village in the central highlands, close enough to Ubud for a visit but far enough that the evenings are quiet except for frogs and gamelan practice. Watukaru yoga is the thread that runs through the week — a style that comes out of Balinese Hindu temple tradition rather than the modern studio circuit, combining asana with breathwork, mantra and meditation. Sessions are held twice most days, in a dedicated open-air shala, and are tailored to whoever is in the group.

Cultural activities are just as central. You'll walk to a nearby waterfall for a melukat purification ceremony with a local priest, spend a session in the rice paddies learning how planting works in Balinese subak irrigation, and make coconut oil the old way — grating, pressing and simmering. There is also a beach barbecue day, and a visit from a Balinese shaman for a blessing and healing session. These aren't add-ons; they're timetabled into the week.

Food is home-cooked Balinese vegetarian food, three times a day, served communally. Expect things like nasi campur, tempeh, gado-gado, fresh fruit and jamu (turmeric and ginger tonic). Dietary needs are confirmed with you before you arrive.

Accommodation is sparse but comfortable — twin or private rooms with fans and cold showers, set in a garden compound. This isn't a resort, and that's the point. You'll eat with your hosts, meet their families, and get a sense of how a village actually works. The week is structured but unhurried; there's enough free time to walk into the village, read on your porch or get an extra massage.

By the end of eight days, most guests say the same thing: the yoga was good, but the human contact was better. The retreat suits solo travellers, couples and small groups — anyone who wants to actually be in Bali rather than just look at it.

What's included

- 7 nights accommodation at Balitrees Retreats - 3 daily Balinese vegetarian meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner) - Twice-daily Watukaru yoga, meditation and Pranayama sessions - Waterfall purification (melukat) ceremony with local priest - Rice farming activity - Coconut oil making workshop - Shamanic healing and blessing session - Balinese offering-making workshop - Beach excursion and barbecue - Balinese spa treatment - Balinese cooking class - All activities as listed in the itinerary

What's not included

- International flights - Airport transfers (can be arranged for an extra cost) - Travel insurance - Visa fees - Personal expenses and souvenirs - Additional spa treatments - Optional Ubud excursion - Drinks outside of meal times - Tips for staff