Yoga Retreats in Ubud, Bali: The Complete Guide

Ubud is a town in Bali's green interior, surrounded by rice terraces, river gorges and villages where temple ceremonies fill the streets most weeks of the year. It's been a centre of Balinese art and spirituality for generations, and over the last two decades it has become one of the world's best-loved places for a yoga retreat. If you picture practising in an open-air shala with the sound of the jungle around you, you're picturing Ubud.

Why choose Ubud for a yoga retreat

• Nature on every side. Jungle valleys, rivers and terraced rice fields, even a few minutes from the centre.
• A living culture. Offerings on every doorstep, gamelan music, dance performances and daily ceremonies.
• Choice of practice. From gentle Yin and restorative yoga to dynamic Vinyasa, plus sound healing, breathwork and meditation.
• Excellent food. Ubud is famous for plant-based cafés and Balinese warungs.

When to go

• April to October (dry season): sunny days, cooler nights and the busiest months, especially July and August.
• November to March (wet season): short, heavy tropical downpours, usually in the afternoon, greener landscapes and lower prices.
• Nyepi: the Balinese Day of Silence, usually in March, when the whole island stops for 24 hours: no flights, no traffic, lights off. Many retreats build their programme around this extraordinary day; check the date before booking travel.

Where to stay

Central Ubud is walkable and lively, with cafés and the Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary. Villages a little outside, such as Penestanan, Sayan and Tegallalang, are quieter, with valley and rice-field views. Retreat centres further into the hills offer the most silence but you'll depend on drivers to get around. Ask the host exactly where the venue is and whether transfers are included.

What to expect from a week in Ubud

A typical week combines two yoga sessions a day with meditation, healthy meals and time to explore: a sunrise walk on the Campuhan Ridge, the rice terraces of Tegallalang, a water-purification ceremony at a temple, or a Balinese cooking class. Many retreats include a traditional Balinese massage or a healing ceremony.

How much a retreat in Ubud costs

As a rough guide, a 7-night yoga retreat in Ubud costs around USD 1,000 to 3,000 per person, depending on the room, the level of comfort and what's included. Shared rooms and simple guesthouses cost less; private villas with pools cost more. Since February 2024, international visitors also pay Bali's tourist levy on arrival. See what a yoga retreat costs for a full budget.

Getting there

Fly into Ngurah Rai International Airport (DPS). Ubud is usually 60 to 90 minutes away by car, longer in heavy traffic. Many nationalities can get a visa on arrival or an e-visa before travel; check the current rules for your passport.

Practical tips

• Drink bottled or filtered water, and be gentle with your stomach for the first days.
• Dress modestly for temples: a sarong and sash are required and often lent at the entrance.
• Bring light rain gear in any season.
• Book transfers through your host for late-night arrivals.

Kinds of retreats in Ubud

• Yoga retreats for every level, from a long weekend to two weeks.
• [Meditation](/retreats/meditation) and silent retreats in quiet villages around the town.
• [Sound healing](/retreats/sound-healing) and [breathwork](/retreats/breathwork) retreats, which Ubud is known for.
• [Detox](/retreats/detox) and wellness programmes with juices, massage and healthy food.
• Teacher trainings: see our guide to yoga teacher training in Bali.

Respecting Balinese culture

Small offerings of flowers and rice, called canang sari, are placed on doorsteps, shrines and pavements every day: walk around them. If a procession passes, step aside and wait. Women who are menstruating are traditionally asked not to enter temples. A little respect goes a long way, and Balinese hosts are warmly welcoming to guests who show it.

Getting around Ubud

The centre is walkable, though pavements are narrow and traffic is busy. For villages and sights further out, use a driver arranged by your host or a ride-hailing app; many visitors rent scooters, but only do so if you're an experienced rider with the right licence and insurance.

Find your Ubud retreat

Browse yoga retreats and search everything on Nestinga in Indonesia. Thinking of teaching? Read our guide to yoga teacher training in Bali.