What a Typical Day of Yoga Teacher Training in Bali Looks Like

Have you ever thought about becoming a yoga teacher? Or wondered what a typical day of training might actually look like—especially in a place as immersive and serene as Bali?

Maybe you’ve taken a few classes and felt something shift in you. Maybe yoga has become a part of your routine, your therapy, your sacred time. And now you’re feeling that subtle nudge—what if I took this deeper? What if I learned not just how to do the poses, but why they exist? What if I learned to share this practice with others?

That was me. After years of practicing on and off, I realized I didn’t just want to move through the postures anymore—I wanted to understand their origins, the breath behind them, the energy they awaken. I wanted to experience yoga as more than a workout. I wanted to study the philosophy, the history, the lifestyle. And I wanted to do it in a place that felt alive with tradition, nature, and spirit.

That’s what led me to Bali.

There’s something about Bali that just draws people in. The lush jungle, the temple offerings, the scent of incense in the air, the sound of roosters crowing at sunrise. It’s a place that invites you to slow down and tune in. It’s vibrant yet peaceful, rich in culture and deeply spiritual—making it the perfect backdrop for inner work and transformation.

So I signed up for my 200-hour Yoga Teacher Training, packed a backpack, and flew halfway across the world. And honestly? It was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made.

I did my training through a school called House of Om. They have several locations throughout Bali, as well as a location in India. It’s truly an amazing school that fosters such a loving, open, and beautiful environment for teachers in training. From the moment I arrived, I felt welcomed, supported, and held. The instructors were so knowledgeable, carefully chosen not just for their expertise but also for their heart and presence. I learned so much from them—not just about yoga, but about myself.

The Campus: Nature, Peace, and Beauty

Let’s start with the setting, because the location itself adds so much to the experience.

I did my training at House of Om’s Amertham Retreat, located about 25 minutes from Ubud Central. The campus is absolutely stunning—like a peaceful resort nestled deep in the jungle, flanked by two gently flowing rivers. It’s hard to put into words how calming and sacred this place feels. The sounds of water and birdsong are constant companions, grounding you in nature.

At the heart of the retreat is a beautiful pool, surrounded by lush greenery and cozy communal spaces. Next to the pool are two smaller shalas, which are intended for personal practice or reflection rather than group classes. Scattered around the property are dozens of beautifully designed rooms—single, double, or triple occupancy—each with lovely patios or balconies that overlook the jungle or gardens. Everything is intentionally decorated to create a warm, earthy, and peaceful atmosphere.

The main dining and lounge area is also a highlight—spacious and cozy, with inviting furniture, soft lighting, and natural materials. It quickly became one of our favorite places to gather, eat, chat, or just relax.

One of the most special places on the property is the Sky Shala. This elevated wooden shala sits right above the river, with brightly colored stained-glass-style panels on the roof and vibrant drapes hanging from the ceiling. Practicing here feels like being inside a sacred rainbow temple suspended above the jungle.

And then there’s Pesraman—the original shala, located just a few minutes’ walk downhill, nestled beside the river and filled with spiritual energy. There’s a large statue honoring Balinese and Hindu deities, and the path leading there is lined with flowers and ancient stones. Practicing in this space felt like a deep honor. It’s not just a yoga space—it’s a place of ceremony, rooted in tradition and sacredness.

A Typical Day: Structure and Stillness

Our days began early—around 5:15 AM, depending on how much time you wanted for yourself before the official start. I personally loved having a few extra minutes to sip a cup of tea or instant coffee, maybe journal or stretch gently before the day began.

From 5:30 to 6:15 AM, we had time to do our Shatkarma—a traditional cleansing practice. For us, this was usually a nasal rinse using the Neti method. You’d head to the dining area, grab your supplies, and then find a quiet corner of the property to complete your cleanse before heading to class.

At 6:15 AM, the first class of the day would begin and run until 8:45 AM. This morning session was a mix of pranayama (breathwork), mantra chanting, and asana practice, with each week focusing on a different style: Hatha in week one, Vinyasa in week two, and Ashtanga in week three. From 6:15–6:30, we’d practice pranayama. From 6:30–6:45, we would chant together—and this was honestly one of the most beautiful parts of the day. There’s something incredibly powerful about sitting in community and chanting these ancient mantras together. It created this incredible energy that carried through the rest of the day.

From 6:45–8:15, we’d dive into our asana practice. The style and intensity varied depending on the week and the teacher, but it was always such an energizing, grounding way to start the morning. Each of our three core teachers rotated between morning, midday, and afternoon classes week to week—so things never got stale. I really appreciated this—it kept our learning dynamic, fresh, and engaging. After the asana session, we’d usually have a quick asana lab until 8:45, where we’d go over the poses, breathwork, and sequencing we had just practiced, giving us the chance to understand things on a deeper level.

Silent Mornings and a Delicious Breakfast

From 6:00 AM to 10:00 AM, we practiced noble silence—no talking, no distractions. It was a time to be fully present. At first, it felt a bit odd, especially being around so many new people, but over time I came to cherish this part of the day. It gave me space to reflect, journal, and just be with myself without noise or pressure to socialize.

At 8:45, breakfast was served—and wow, it never disappointed.

Breakfast at House of Om was a beautiful, nourishing spread. Everything was vegetarian or vegan and aligned with Ayurvedic principles. There was always a warm pot of oats or porridge, fresh raw vegetables, eggs (scrambled, fried, or in a quiche), delicious homemade banana or date bread, sourdough, peanut butter, chia pudding, smoothie bowls with granola and coconut, and plenty of fresh tropical fruits. There were herbal teas like ginger, turmeric, and mint available all day—and for the coffee lovers, instant coffee was always on hand. And if you ever wanted something a little fancier, you could order a latte, matcha, or espresso from the bar for an extra treat. It was the perfect way to refuel.

Midday Learning and Deeper Exploration

From 10:00 AM to 1:15 PM, we had our midday classes. These varied by week:

• Week 1 focused on anatomy and yoga nidra
• Week 2 on yoga philosophy, nidra, and workshops
• Week 3 included teaching practice, nidra, and hands-on workshops

These sessions were packed with wisdom. We dove deep into how the joints and muscles work, the roots and evolution of yoga, and explored concepts from the Yoga Sutras. These classes left me feeling enriched and often wanting to keep reading and researching in my free time.