Dengue fever is contracted through mosquitoes carrying the virus in all tropical areas in the world, including Western countries, like Australia. I’ve been travelling to Bali since 2008 and have never had it. I have one friend who has lived in Ubud (jungle area) for years who had it. 

• The Ministry of Health’s Disease Risk Calendar indicates that December and January have a very high risk of dengue fever

• February and March have a high risk, April has a moderate risk, and May to September have a low risk

It’s still advisable to use a repellant at dusk. You will be provided with a locally made natural one on arrival at the retreat. 

Bali is one of the islands included in Indonesia.

Some parts of Indonesia are very remote with poor sanitation and wild animals. So information varies as to which shots to have.

The first time I travelled to Bali I had a rabies and typhoid shot. My hepatitis A & B was up to date. Given what I’ve since learned about the ingredients of vaccines I choose not to. This is a very personal health choice, so do what you feel is right for you and your body. We will drive through a monkey forest to get to the waterfalls, but we will not be walking through monkey forests.

May to September is the dry season…the most popular time to visit.

Gili Meno is our retreat destination. It has a crime rate of 0% & no police force but a tribal council.

Kuta, where we’ll stay for one night on the mainland is very popular with tourists which can also attract exploitation so always keep your belongings secure at all times. 

I’ve always felt safer as a woman travelling alone, including walking around at night in Bali, than I have in Australia.

While Indonesia is a muslim country, Bali is predominantly Hindu, which is one of the most accepting cultures on the planet.

So there is no expectation that tourists dress modestly. We will travel to the neighbouring island of Lombok to see the waterfall, which has a higher Muslim population.

I was there during Ramadan & though it was harder to get lunch, due to people fasting, everyone was friendly. 

No. You will be provided with bottled water to brush your teeth and to stay hydrated, both on the mainland and on the island. 

When I am in Bali, I only order salads from restaurants I know use bottled water to rinse vegetables. If unsure, order cooked foods. 

I do recommend taking a traveller’s probiotic to strengthen your gut flora as a good measure. 

That said, while I may have had loose stools on occassion, I’ve never contracted food poisoning / purged due to contaminated water but urge you not to take risks. 

No. You are your own authority figure, so you decide what feels right for you. 

I encourage you to attend all sessions, to get the most out of the experience and feel connected with your fellow retreaters.

I have included regular free time in the schedule to allow for integration and down time…but at any stage, if you need more, all I ask is that you let my support team prior to a session commencing if you intend not to attend, know so we know not to wait for you and your approximate whereabouts.

You will receive a health form to complete once we receive your initial/full payment.

We ask that you complete & return this within 24 hours, so we plan to  accommodate everyone’s needs. This includes information such as whether you suffer sleep apnea and pre-existing conditions.

Our yoga instructor, Priya will review your answers and create a program that will help relieve, rather than aggravate pre-existing conditions. 

No, not even if they have no active THC ingredient. This is a very strict policy so do not risk harsh penalties. 

Yes, on the mainland but I recommend bringing cash in your currency and exchanging it for local Indonesian rupiahs on arrival at the airport or in Kuta where we’ll spend our first night at a currency exchange (to get a better rate.)

There have been ATM scams so it’s safest to avoid them in high tourist areas. By withdrawing money before you come you’ll also save on international ATM fees.

While you can avoid fees by using ATM cards issued by progressive banks such as Revolut, WISE, Cash Passport or similar debit cards that you load with your currency prior to leaving your home country, in countries like Bali, cash is King so always plan to have cash in local currency on you.

The local economy survives on tourism and the exchange rate is incredible so do consider tipping locals who grant generous service.

You will need cash for the subsidaries not included in the retreat program (see the what’s not included section on the retreat webpage) as well as to purchase any souvenirs or additional spa treatments in your free time.

The wifi on the mainland will be more reliable than on the island.

The reviews for the yoga retreat show the wifi is not great, so I encourgae you to buy a local SIM card from one of the booths at Denpasar airport. You will see them after you clear the VOA desk, then passport control and customs – just after the currency exchange desks. 

The staff will help you choose the one that best suits your needs and install the SIM card for you. Just be sure to keep your regular SIM card someone safe in your handbag so you can reinstate it at the end of your trip. 

Having your own wifi data will mean you have uninterrupted connection with loved ones. 

Most people can enter Bali without a visa but when you exit the plane, before you get your bags you will see a VOA desk where you can purchase a Visa-On-Arrival for $35 USD using your credit/debit ATM card.

You will not need to provide a passport photo. They will stamp your passport.

When I entered Bali in 2024 they were introducing QR codes for custom declarations which was resulting in queues. You can purchase a digital VOA online prior to your departure here: https://evisa.imigrasi.go.id/ which claims to reduce your wait time.

This will cover you for 30 days as a tourist. When asked the purpose of your trip, reply, “Holiday” in your passport.

Do also check well in advance that you have enough spare pages in your passport and that you have a minimum of 6 months from your departure date before it expires or you won’t be allowed to leave your country of residence.

This website has more info about entering Bali (it has affiliate links). https://balibuddies.com/arriving-in-bali/