Hey, friends! I’ve had so many of you asking about my recent trip to Bali, so I thought I’d put together this comprehensive travel guide to share all the details—my full experience, tips, recommendations, and even some pricing info. Bali is such an affordable, beautiful destination, and with a little planning, you can have an amazing trip without breaking the bank. So, if you’re looking for a Bali travel guide packed with all the good stuff, keep reading—this one’s for you!
📌 Heads up! Some of the links in this post are affiliate links, meaning I might earn a small commission if you decide to make a purchase. No extra cost to you—just a little support to keep this blog running. Thanks for your support! Now, let’s talk Ubud,Bali, yoga, and adventure…
Why Bali? A Budget-Friendly Wellness Retreat
Bali is the perfect destination for a wellness getaway, and if you’ve ever dreamed of visiting, now’s the time! I took this trip with my best friend, Alison, during spring break, after a crazy semester. We were looking for a destination that offered a mix of relaxation, yoga, and culture, and Bali was everything we could have hoped for—and more!
If you’re anything like me, you love to balance the fun of exploring with the zen of unwinding, and Bali gave us the best of both worlds. From incredible yoga classes to scenic rice terraces, we found the perfect combination of adventure and relaxation. And the best part? It’s super affordable if you’re smart about budgeting!
When To Visit Bali: The Best Time to Go
My trip took place in March, at the tail end of Bali’s rainy season, which worked out perfectly for us. We were blessed with more sunshine than rain, but if you’re looking for the best chance of consistent, clear weather, I’d recommend planning your trip for April or May, when the rainy season has passed, but it’s not yet the peak tourist season.
A week in Bali feels short, especially with travel time (it’s about a 24-hour journey depending on where you’re flying from), so I’d recommend staying longer if you can. And if you’re visiting Ubud specifically, be sure to pack light, breathable clothes, athletic wear for yoga, swimwear, and a light rain jacket just in case!
Preparing for Bali: Vaccinations and Travel Essentials
Before heading off to Bali, I made sure to take a few precautions. I visited the Peachtree Travel Clinic in Atlanta to get necessary vaccinations, pick up mosquito repellent (you definitely don’t want to risk dengue fever!), and grab some nausea medicine to avoid Bali belly. Total cost for the vaccinations and travel essentials was around $300, but it was worth it to travel with peace of mind.
Flights and Getting Around Bali
I booked my flight with Qatar Airways, which was around $1380. However, I’d seen tickets as low as $800 during certain months, so be sure to book in advance to snag a great deal. When you arrive, The Yoga Barn has detailed information on their website for getting from the airport to the retreat, which was super helpful for us!
Upon arrival, we hopped into a taxi, which should cost around $25 USD from the airport to The Yoga Barn. Be sure to confirm the price with your driver before you head off to avoid any surprises.
At The Yoga Barn, we stayed in a cozy women’s dormitory for $30 USD a night. The dorm had shared bunk beds, but it was comfortable and a great way to meet other travelers. If dorm rooms aren’t your style, private rooms are available starting at $60 USD per night.
Yoga Barn Retreat: A Perfect Blend of Healing and Adventure
The Yoga Barn in Ubud is everything I hoped for and more. It’s the perfect place to unwind, center yourself, and tap into a deeper sense of well-being. Every morning, we started the day with a nourishing breakfast at the Garden Kafé, which offered some of the best vegan dishes I’ve ever had. If you’re into plant-based food, you’ll be in heaven!
After breakfast, we’d grab a fresh-pressed juice and get ready for a day of yoga and meditation. With over 15 classes a day, it was easy to find a class that fit our schedule and energy levels. Some of my favorite classes included Active Conscious Meditation and Sound Healing with Punnu Wasu, whose classes stretched both my mind and body in ways I never expected.
The best part? Yoga classes were super affordable—just $35 USD for six classes over the course of the week. You definitely can’t find prices like that in the States!
Exploring Ubud: Must-See Spots and Hidden Gems
While The Yoga Barn was a total retreat, we also wanted to experience the vibrant culture and natural beauty of Ubud. Luckily, The Yoga Barn recommended an amazing local guide named Made, who took us on adventures around the area. Made runs his own tourism company, Ubud_Bali_Holiday, and we highly recommend him if you’re looking for a knowledgeable, friendly guide who can show you the best of Bali.
Some of our favorite places we visited in Ubud include:
- Tegallalang Rice Terraces: Iconic and breathtaking, this spot is perfect for snapping photos and soaking in Bali’s stunning landscapes.
- Lempuyang Temple (Gates of Heaven): A must-see for any Bali traveler, these iconic gates offer the perfect view of Mount Agung. Pro tip: Be ready for a bit of a climb!
- Pura Tirta Empul: This temple is known for its holy spring water, where you can participate in a spiritual cleansing ritual.
- Aloha Ubud Swing + Birds Nest: For the thrill-seeker in you, this swing offers breathtaking views of the jungle.
- Kemenuh Butterfly Park: This charming, eco-friendly park offers visitors a chance to get up close and personal with hundreds of butterflies in their natural habitat.
- Beach Day/Seaside Dinner: There are several beaches in Ubud with amazing beach dining experiences and sightseeing.
Made also took us on a spontaneous Vespa ride down the mountain after visiting Lempuyang Temple—talk about an adventure! While it was a little tricky navigating the mountain road, it was an experience I’ll never forget.
Bali Culture: A Spiritual Journey
One thing I absolutely loved about Bali is the strong sense of community and spirituality. The Balinese people practice Hinduism, and their culture revolves around rituals, ceremonies, and temple visits. We had the opportunity to visit a few temples during our trip, and it was so moving to see how deeply the community is rooted in its religious practices and how welcoming they were to share it with us.
Where to Eat in Ubud: A Foodie’s Paradise 🍛🌿
Bali isn’t just a wellness escape—it’s also a food lover’s dream, and Ubud is at the heart of it. Between meals at The Garden Kafe and the hidden gems we stumbled upon, every bite felt like an experience. Some of the best places weren’t the most Instagrammable cafés but rather local warungs and restaurants our driver Made recommended.
Must-Try Eats in Ubud
🥣 The Spicy Soup I Couldn’t Stop Eating 🌶️ – A broth so rich and flavorful, it had the perfect balance of lemongrass, chili, and fresh herbs. It was sweat-inducing but addictive, and I happily endured the heat for every spoonful. If you’re near The Yoga Barn, ask around for a spicy Balinese chicken or vegetable soup—you might just find your next obsession.
🍛 The Ultimate Balinese Feast – Traditional Nasi Campur (a flavorful mix of rice, meats, veggies, and sambals) was a highlight. The grilled satay sticks had a smoky, caramelized glaze, while the crispy duck (Bebek Betutu) was rich, tender, and unforgettable. Pair it with Balinese sambal sauces for an extra kick. If you’re looking for authenticity, visit local warungs—they serve the best versions of this classic dish.
🍜 Fresh, Flavorful Street Food & Snacks – The simplicity of Bali’s street food is what makes it so special. Whether it was juicy mangoes and dragon fruit, a comforting plate of Mie Goreng (stir-fried noodles), or crispy Gado-Gado (steamed veggies with peanut sauce and tempeh), every bite was fresh and packed with flavor. You’ll find some of the best snacks at local markets and street vendors—don’t miss out!
💡 Pro Tip: The best meals in Ubud come from local recommendations—so don’t be afraid to ask a driver or a local where they love to eat! You’ll discover places that aren’t on the usual tourist lists, but trust me, they’re where the magic happens.
Relaxation and Self-Care: Spa Days to End the Trip
After a few days of exploring and yoga, we decided to treat ourselves to some much-needed relaxation. The Yoga Barn offers a variety of spa services, including hot stone massages, reflexology, and facials. These treatments were the perfect way to wind down before heading back home.
On our last night, Made took us to a beachfront seafood dinner, and then we made our way to the airport. Our entire trip, including flights, accommodations, food, and activities, came to around $2000 USD, which was an amazing value for everything we experienced.
Final Thoughts: Bali Bliss Is Real
Looking back, this trip to Bali was one of the most rejuvenating experiences I’ve ever had. Between the beautiful yoga classes, nourishing food, welcoming locals, and spiritual energy, Bali gave me exactly what I needed—a break from the everyday hustle and a chance to recharge. I honestly can’t wait to go back.
If you’re thinking about booking a Bali wellness trip, I highly recommend it! I hope this guide helps you plan your own Bali adventure and inspires you to make time for yourself. If you have any questions or want more details, drop a comment below. I’d love to help with any tips you might need!
If you love these looks and want to shop more, you can find all the links to my outfits in my Shop My Closet here!
Until next time,
Dominique Ledesma
Wandering-in-Style
Stay stylish and keep wandering!🖤
Thank you so much for sharing your experience with me. I to will be traveling to Bali in the months to come and trying to come up with much information as I can on the dos and don’t…
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Bali is an incredible place and I highly recommend staying at the Yoga Barn in Ubud if you travel there its 10/10!