Bali is, without a doubt, one of very best places in the world to do a yoga teacher training, and the very best place for yoga in Bali is by far Ubud!
Ubud is the spiritual heart of the ‘island of the gods‘ so doing yoga teacher training in Ubud is a magical and healing experience whether you want to learn how to teach yoga or just deepen your own practice.
The thriving wellness scene means there are literally hundreds of yoga teacher training courses in Ubud, which makes it kind of overwhelming trying to choose the best one for you.
But don’t worry, I’m here to help. I’ve done yoga teacher training in Bali and in India and have lived in both places so I have a lot of tips to share. My yoga training in Ubud was life changing in many ways and I’ve spent a lot of time in Bali checking out many of the yoga schools myself. I hope this post will help you find the perfect yoga program.
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Why Ubud is the best place for yoga teacher training in Bali
Ubud is the spiritual, cultural and artistic heart of Bali and has a long history of healing which makes it ideal for yoga teacher training retreats.
Located about 1 hours drive inland north of Bali’s famous southern beaches and airport, Ubud is a unique place surrounded by lusciously green rice paddies, Hindu temples, stunning rice terraces, waterfalls and thick tropical jungle.
Even though India is the birthplace of yoga, Bali also follows the Hindu religion and is a deeply spiritual island. Add that to the natural beauty of the island and the kindness of the Balinese people, its no wonder that Bali is such a great place to learn yoga and Ubud is Bali’s spiritual heart.
Since ‘Eat Pray Love’ was released in 2010, there has been an influx of people searching for their own spiritual journey visiting this once very laid-back, quiet little village. The area has quickly become very popular and well-known worldwide as an epicentre for yoga and healing.
Nowadays there are many cafes, spas, shops, hotels and yoga studios in Ubud. You’ll find some of the world’s very best yoga teacher training courses in Ubud and many amazing raw vegan cafes.
Ubud is also home to the sacred monkey forest, the art market, and numerous temples and palaces with Balinese dance performances being held every evening. Just outside the town is the famous Tegalalang rice terraces and numerous waterfalls that are worth exploring.
And, at Pura Tirta Empul, a sacred water temple just north of Ubud, you can even participate in a unique water purification ceremony for spiritual cleansing with a Balinese medicine man who will guide you through this ancient Balinese rituals.
Ubud can get pretty busy these days but it still has a unique, magical, spiritual energy and with so many yoga schools, healthy cafes, and other interesting things to see and do it’s still one of the best places in the world to do yoga teacher training.
Options for yoga training in Ubud
There’s no shortage of different options for yoga training in Ubud. You’ll find courses in all the popular styles of yoga with varying certifications and durations from 50 hours to 500 hours. The most popular option is the 200 hour yoga teacher training program.
If you want to change your career, start teaching yoga professionally, and become a yoga instructor then you need to complete a 200 hour YTTC. These take between 15 – 30 days to complete and are the basic requirement you need to start teaching yoga.
Once you’ve completed a 200 hour YTTC you could go on to do the more advanced 300 hour YTTC. Or, if you have enough time, you can even do a 500 hour yoga teacher training course in Ubud which is the 200 hour and 300 hour programs put together which takes about 1.5 – 2 months.
If you just want to learn more about yoga and immerse yourself in the spiritual and magical atmosphere of Ubud then you could do a shorter course like a 100 hour YTT if you don’t have the time or money for the full yoga training.
The 100 hour yoga teacher trainings are half of the full course perfect for beginners just wanting to learn more about the basic of yoga. You can also do a 50 hour yoga training in something like Yin yoga, kids yoga or prenatal yoga to expand your knowledge on a specific area but remember that you need at least 200 hours to be able to teach yoga.
How to choose a yoga course in Ubud
When choosing a YTT it’s a good idea to be clear on your intentions and expectations so you know which certification you want to gain and what yoga style you want to focus on.
Ubud’s Yoga teacher training courses (YTTC) are understandably very popular, and it’s not just something for those who intend to teach yoga.
Many people also choose to do yoga training in Bali just to gain a deeper understanding of yoga and to dive deeper into themselves so therefore you don’t need to worry too much about the certification but if you plan to teach you need to complete at least 200 hours.
Other important things to consider when looking for a yoga teacher training program include:
- your experience level and the style of yoga you wish to teach,
- the facilities and location
- the length and price of the course,
- the reputation of the yoga school and instructors.
It’s also a good idea to look for a course that is approved by Yoga Alliance so you will be able to apply to become a registered yoga teacher upon completion.
A good way to check this and get an idea of what to expect is by checking reviews from previous students on an unbiased site like bookyogateachertraining.com. Be aware that a yoga retreats website or social media may not always tell the full story.
A YTT can be a transformative experience but it is challenging – if you’d prefer just a relaxing yoga holiday then check out my pick of Ubud’s best yoga retreats.
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The Best Yoga Teacher Training Courses in Ubud
Because there’s just about every possible type of yoga being taught in Ubud, it can make it a bit of a task deciding on which course is best for you.
So, this is my pick of the best yoga teacher training courses in Ubud, complied by personal experience and reviews, to help you with your decision making process.
- Best Vinyasa YTT – Yoga Union
- Most Authentic YTT – Yoga New Vision
- Best Multi-Style YTT – House of Om
- Best Luxury YTT – East + West
- Most Affordable YTT – Yogamantra
- Most Famous YTT – The Yoga Barn
Carry on reading and I’ll explain what makes each one special.
Yoga Union
Yoga Union have been running some of the most popular Bali yoga teacher training programs for over a decade. They offer a fully comprehensive intensive 200-hour yoga teacher training course in Ubud, completed in just 23 days. Great for those who have less time and are looking for a compact course structure.
Yoga Union teach a combination of different styles of yoga, however, they mainly focus on Vinyasa Flow. Their course covers a wide range of teachings, including pranayama, meditation, philosophy, anatomy and 80 different yoga postures which you will learn to analyze.
Also worth mentioning is their beautiful, open-air yoga shala with overlooks the luscious, green rice paddies behind the school.
Yoga New Vision
If you’re looking to transform your life through the ancient wisdom of yoga consider this authentic and spiritual yoga teacher training course in Ubud with Yoga New Vison.
This 22-day 200-hour yoga teacher training program blends ancient Indian wisdom with modern scientific research. Designed for anyone interested in deepening their personal practice, becoming a successful yoga teacher, or simply discovering the joy and fulfilment of life.
The program’s innovative “Meditative Hatha Vinyasa” approach combines stillness, movement, breathing, and mindfulness in one unique meditation style. Led by experienced Indian teachers like Deep Kumar who has such a profound understanding of yogic philosophy, students can learn in a fun and interactive environment.
With its focus on authenticity, connection, support, and celebration, this course empowers individuals to find their true happiness and soul calling while also rooting them in the ancient tradition.
Held in luxurious resorts with small class sizes, this Ubud yoga teacher training equips students with all the necessary tools to become exceptional, deeply connected, and fulfilled yoga teachers.
House of Om
This 200-hour Ubud yoga teacher training from House of Om includes training in Hatha, Vinyasa, Ashtanga, Yin, Nidra, and Kriya, for a rounded approach to yoga teaching.
Upon successful completion of the 20-day experience, you’ll be eligible to register with Yoga Alliance as a certified teacher. The whole YTT experience is intended to be deeply enriching, heart-opening, and a life changing spiritual experience.
The traditional Balinese resort has the choice of either shared or private bedrooms, and access to the outdoor swimming pool. The beautiful shala where you’ll take your training is made from wood and bamboo, and surrounded by lush jungle views. All meals are included – freshly prepared with healthy local vegan ingredients.
East + West Yoga
The Bali yoga teacher training course from Yoga East West is designed for yogis who yearn for a deeper knowledge of yoga and a transformative spiritual experience.
The 21-day yoga teacher training in Ubud brings in some of the best teachers from around the world, each with varied specialisms, for the perfect combination of East and West.
You’ll cover all elements needed for Yoga Alliance Certification, including asana, pranayama, meditation, philosophy, anatomy, and sequencing. You can expect a rich, spiritual, and authentic experience.
The training is set at Ananda Cottages – a luxurious resort with a spa, swimming pools, and traditional Balinese rooms. Between classes, you can walk the surrounding rice fields, before nourishing your body and soul with organic, vegetarian meals.
This was one of my absolute favourite Bali yoga teacher training experiences. You can get $100 discount by mentioning Global Gallivanting!
Yogmantra Bali
At Yogmantra Bali, the 200-hour yoga teacher training is delivered both as the first step towards a teaching career, and as an all-round introduction to the practices and philosophy of yoga.
Over the course of 25 days, you will discover Hatha, Vinyasa, Yin, and Ashtanga approaches to yoga, as well as meditation, pranayama, mantra and chanting. The course also includes an introduction to the principles of Ayurveda, with cooking and healing courses.
During the experience, you’ll stay in a comfortable private room. The retreat centre has an outdoor pool and meditation garden so you can unwind between classes. The all-inclusive menu is freshly created from local, vegan ingredients.
With prices starting at US$1,499 this is one of the most affordable yoga teacher trainings however it is a little further out of the main Ubud area.
The Yoga Barn
And of course, no mention of yoga teacher training in Ubud would be complete without The Yoga Barn! This is one of the most famous and largest yoga teacher training centres in Ubud (and South East Asia!)
From the minute you arrive at this wonderful place it’s easy to see why so many people speak so highly of this beautiful place!
Over the years The Yoga Barn has grown from one simple, small, open-walled studio overlooking the green rice paddies behind, to the well-known hub of all things yoga that they have become in more recent years.
The Yoga Barn offers teacher-training courses in traditional Hatha, restorative Yin Yoga, and the more intensive Vinyasa, so there’s something to suit everyone.
Cost of Yoga Teacher Trainings in Ubud
Whether you plan to teach yoga as a career, or just want to deepen your own practice, yoga teacher training is a big investment in your physical, spiritual, mental and emotional health.
Luckily Bali is one of the most affordable places to do a YTT in the world. While there are some very luxurious retreat centres in Bali, there are also some affordable yoga teacher training programs in Ubud.
The price of a 200 hour yoga teacher training in Ubud is normally between $1000 and $2000 and most courses include accommodation and meals in the price as well as the yoga training. Some also include airport transfers, massages and excursions to explore the island on your days off which makes it a great deal.
Of course you also have to factor in the cost of flights to Bali and visas. The only airport in Bali is I Gusti Ngurah Rai International Airport (DPS) also known as Denpasar Airport. It’s about a 1 hour taxi ride from Ubud.
Return flight tickets from Australia to Bali can be really cheap, flights from the UK or Europe to Bali can be found for about £500 while you should expect to pay around $1000 from the East Coast of the USA.
I recommend checking Skyscanner and being flexible on dates to find the best deals. You can get a 30 day visa on arrival for 35 USD at the airport – this can be extended by visiting the immigration office.
Once in Bali, it’s very affordable, easy and safe to travel around, even as a solo female traveller. So to make the most of the experience I’d recommend allowing extra time before or after your yoga course to explore beautiful Bali – it’s one of my favourite places in the world!
Check out my Bali itinerary for more inspiration on what to see and do in Bali after yoga.
If cost is an issue, you may be able to find yoga teacher training scholarships where you volunteer to help out at the yoga school to earn your place on the training.
Enjoy your Ubud Yoga Journey
I hope this blog has helped to find your ideal yoga teacher training program in Ubud. This is just a handpicked selection of the best yoga courses in Ubud, there are many more available all over the island.
If you’d rather practice on a beach front shala on a tropical island or hidden in the jungle away from any other yogis or tourists then check out my post about the best yoga teacher training courses in Bali
Or if you’re considering other destinations this article about yoga teacher training abroad has plenty more tips and recommendations.
Do you have any more questions about yoga teacher training courses in Ubud? Leave it in the comments below and I’ll try and help you out.
By the way – this post contains affiliate links. This means that if you find my recommendations for the best yoga teacher training courses in Ubud useful and choose to book through the links I provide I can earn a small commission at no extra cost to you which helps me to keep traveling and to keep this site going. Thanks so much for your support!
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5 comments
Hi Anna,
I’m unable to find your email so getting in touch this way instead.
First of all I just want to say thank you for your website. I was researching into yoga teacher training and that’s how I cane across you.
I have a few questions about done centres still… would you be able to help?
Best Wishes,
Lucy
Hi Lucy
Glad you are finding my blog useful.
Sure, you can ask any questions on here – it might help out other readers and yogis too! 🙂
Anna
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