Located in central Bali – Munduk  provides  a stunning  backdrop to experience a 7 night Iyengar Yoga Retreat. Enjoy breath taking panoramic mountain views in a retreat which  aims to provide you with a deeper understanding of yoga and assist you to develop and maintain a daily practice and learn more about yoga philosophy.Twice daily Iyengar classes and second daily guided self practice, morning silence and evening self inquiry where we will explore and learn about the eight fold path of yoga….

Experience the real Bali in an eco village in North Bali which is dedicated to the discovery, conservation and enhancement of the unspoiled area around Munduk in Singaraga Province.

The eco village not only provides employment, but engage local activities that maintain the tropical rainforest and promote water conservation as well as encouragement for young villagers to keep their cultural heritage alive with traditional dance, music and crafts……….

The Retreat is hosted by experienced teachers from the Byron Yoga Lounge – Liz Costigan and Karena Williams, who bring years of dedication and experience for both beginners and students wishing to expand their knowledge and practice of yoga.

Both Karena and Liz have undertaken years of training in the most recognized form of yoga that is a tool for awareness – catering for each individual to cultivate a deeper sense of the self to restore balance of the body mind and heart.

Accommodation

The ‘lumbung’ or rice granary is part of Bali’s unique cultural heritage. Traditionally used to store rice under the protection of the goddess Dewi Sri, lumbungs are now seldom used because farming techniques have changed. Several disused lumbungs were discovered averaging 80 years old, and with minor adjustments adapted them into simple but charming accommodation.

The cottages are set in the cool mountain air where fans / aircon are unnecessary. The compound is designed in the traditional Balinese manner modeled on the sacred human form with shrines at the head, guest accommodation at the heart and other facilities at the foot. Guests enjoy spectacular sunsets and stunning panoramas of the rice fields and coast line in the distance.

Planning

Airport pick ups are available from Denpasar airport on the 18th or 19th September. The retreat starts on the afternoon of the 19th with a Restorative Class and Introduction to Pranayama at 4pm. I suggest if you are not making your own way to Munduk that you arrive the 18th September and pay an extra nights accommodation($80 so you are fresh to start on the afternoon of the 19th. The retreat ends on the morning of the 26th September after a morning yoga class and breakfast.

Retreat Includes

-       7 night’s accommodation

-       All meals – vegetarian – special diets catered

-       Two yoga classes per day (full schedule on request/booking)

-       Balinese Cooking Course

-       Indonesian Language Course

-       One traditional Balinese Massage

-       Two Treks

-       Airport Transfers from Denpasar

1.      “Tanah Barak” Waterfall Trek – observe the traditional farming methods in the country side before refreshing at the Red Coral Waterfall.

2.      Inter-Village Trek – experience Gesing the neighbouring village and witness the spectacular landscape carved by layers of rice terraces on the journey.

Sample Schedule

-    Silence until lunch time

-    7.30 – 7.45 Sitting

-    Fruit and Tea Break

-    9 – 11am  Asana

-    11.30 Lunch

-    Trek / Language course / Free time

-    4.30 – 6.30 Restorative / Pranayama / Self Practice / Self Inquiry

-    7pm – Dinner

*Full schedule will be emailed on booking

Cost

Full Price   – $1650 Standard Room

- $1850 Deluxe Room

(All inclusive except for airfares)

Early Bird  – $1450 Standard Room

- $1650  Deluxe Room

(before 31st April 2012)

A non refundable deposit of $250 is required to book the retreat.

Payments can be made in installments but must be paid in full by the 31st August 2012.

Prefered method of payment is direct deposit to

K. Williams & E. Costigan

Bsb – 802 185

Acc – 131395

Or use our secure paypal account by clicking the pay now link

Bali Retreat

Deposit $250.00 AUD Early Bird $1,450.00 AUD Full Price $1,650.00 AUD

Or email yogawithliz@gmail.com for other arrangements.

General Information

Visa

Please check internet for updates. Australian residents are eligible for a  30 day Visa on Arrival and for an additional $25 (US dollars) the visa may be extended for a further 30 days.  Ideally have US dollars available and if this is not possible money changers are available at the airport.  Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from arrival date and proof of onward passage may be requested. A departure tax of $25 US dollars is required when leaving the country.

Health – When travelling in any country it is important to have comprehensive health insurance. Visit your Doctor at least six weeks before you travel to find out about Recommended Vaccinations or medications when visiting Asian Countries.

Seasons (from Bali Trip advisor) -  If you are unrestricted in when to go to Bali, then the best time to visit is June or late September. The weather is still cool and dry around this time, but there are fewer crowds than at the peak season.

Around Munduk

North Bali and especially Munduk Village are famous for beautiful scenery and a variety of fascinating walks and treks. Munduk is surrounded by tropical rainforest, rice terraces and farms producing traditional commodities. Visitors are welcome to explore this delightful microcosm of traditional Bali. The Munduk area with its unique nature and very agreeable temperatures (20-25 degrees Celcius) is extremely suitable for all kinds of outdoor activities.

About Liz Costigan

Liz is a Certified Iyengar Yoga Teacher (Intro 2) and is the founder of Byron Yoga Lounge in Byron Bay NSW Australia. She has a background as a Registered Nurse.

“Yoga brings us to a conscious state of awareness to restore balance to our body, mind, breath, heart and soul”

I have travelled extensively through Asia and many many times to Bali. I find the culture and the people uplifting for my soul and spirit.

Liz conducts Yoga retreats in Cambodia and Byron Bay where she resides.

Liz is committed to studying in the Iyengar Yoga and has done so for the past 7 years. She has a daily practice and currently studies with Senior Iyengar Teacher’s Glenn Ceresoli and Caroline Coggins.

About Karena Williams

Yoga is an expression of truth, self awareness and peace……………

Testimonial

Both Karena and Liz have been my Iyengar yoga teachers over the past 5 years. It is evident through their teachings that they see yoga as a way of life not merely a hobby or a source of income. They have constantly challenged me with my practice and at the same time cared for me as a person.

Each class is different providing an exceptional variety of Iyengar poses. Both Karena and Liz create a safe environment by thoroughly explaining all poses along with the benefits. They make the precision of Iyengar very pleasurable! They also have the incredible ability to keep an eye on everyone at the same time and tailor poses to individual needs and levels of experience.

As well as weekly classes, my experience with Karena and Liz has also expanded to yoga indulge days and a trip to Cambodia this year –both not to be missed! I strongly recommend both Karena and Liz at the Byron Yoga Lounge – they have been a true inspiration to me and ensured that my healthy addiction to Iyengar yoga continues……

Kylie Betts

I have been a Yoga student since my early 50’s. I started training under Liz not too long after that and Karena about 7 years ago.  What a journey it has been! I have watched both Karena and Liz go from strength to strength as teachers as they continue to study and train in the Iyengar System – their commitment to the discipline, their study and the school is very inspiring!  After practicing/attending regular classes with their guidance and love for their art – it has inspired me to a higher level in my own life.  Both are compassionate, caring and disciplined top shelf teachers not to mention joyful and fun to be with!  It doesn’t matter what level or age of the student – they will recognise that in an instant and assist as appropriate to help all students who walk through their door.

Danny Cahill cahill@quikdsl.com.au.