Bali and Healing with Erika James

Rich in dramatic scenery, ancient temples and graceful people, Bali remains one of the few places in the world where the traveler can explore and discover untouched places and witness religious rituals that have not diminished with the passing of time. Every back road is a gateway to the heart of the Balinese people In this two-week tour, we will explore both inner and outer landscapes as we delve into the Balinese spiritual and cultural practices that are seamlessly woven into the fabric of daily life. Under Made Surya’s expert guidance, we will be welcomed into temples and the homes/studios of artists and healers. Under Erika’s gentle teaching, we will take time to begin each day with inspiring yoga and meditation, and to deepen and integrate our experiences in this rich, soulful culture through group discussions, guided meditation/exercises, and periods of silence. The mythological, spiritual and ancestral environment of Bali can stimulate deep psychological insights, transformation and healing. It is our intention to return home with a renewed faith in humanity and more capacity to fully embrace this wondrous life—with all its passages.

Over the two weeks, we will be spending four nights each at beautiful resorts in three different locations in Bali: Candi Dasa on the east coast of Bali, Ubud, the cultural center of Bali, in the central foothills of the Gianyar regency, and Munduk in Bali’s lush and forested central northern highland region.

 In laid-back Candi Dasa we will have time to bond together as a group, snorkel, enjoy the expansive ocean views while learning about the Balinese culture, customs, religion, rites of passage and language. We will visit Tirtagangga, a beautiful water palace, and Tenganan, an aboriginal village, where Bali’s finest baskets and textiles are made (one of the only places in the world where double ikat textiles are woven).

Next we will spend four nights in Ubud from which we will travel to temples, attending two purification ceremonies and (hopefully) a cremation. We will each have a session with a two healer.s We will also visit the home studios of a sacred mask maker, puppeteer, and batik textile artists, enjoy an evening Kecak performance at a stunning temple and have the opportunity to shop in downtown Ubud. Under Erika’s gentle guidance, we will take time to begin each day with inspiring yoga and meditation, and to deepen and integrate our experiences in this rich, soulful culture through group discussions, guided meditation/exercises, and periods of silence. The mythological, spiritual and ancestral environment of Bali can stimulate deep psychological insights,

Itinerary June 17-July 1, 2026

Wed, June 17: Departure Day 1: Most flights to Asia depart around midnight or a little after, and arrive the next calendar day.

Thur. June 18: Candi Dasa. L. Having arriving in Bali, we will transfer to east Bali and our beachfront bungalows overlooking the azure Indian Ocean. Check into the hotel and unpack before our first dinner together, where we share who you are and why you decided to travel with us.

Fri .June 19: Candi Dasa. B. Good Morning and welcome to Bali! After breakfastwe hop on our waiting mini-bus and a transport a few miles to our waiting boat and a morning snorkeling excursion to a nearby coral reef preserve with hundreds of tropical fish—a wonderful way to fully arrive in Bali. Return to hotel for shower and lunch. We will have our first orientation session focusing on basic Indonesian manners and customs. Afternoon free and included massages begin.

5PM meet by the pool where Made Surya will give a background on Bali Hinduism and its relationship to traditional healing.

Dinner together.

Sat. June 20: Candi Dasa B. Early morning first (of many) wonderful yoga sessions with Erika in the yoga space, then after breakfast, a second orientation and language session focusing on the community organization (Banjar) and the caste system.

Morning excursion is to the royal palace of our district, to get a sense of Dutch colonialism and its impact on Bali. Afterward, we venture on to Tirtagangga (the last Raja’s water palace) for lunch and an opportunity to dip in the olympic-size pool. Late afternoon an ethnographic film: Between the Mountains and the Soul, followed by a seminar: Four Spiritual Siblings— mystical elements that accompany us throughout our lives, with Made Surya.

Sun. June 21: Candi Dasa B. Yoga with Erika followed by,

breakfast and a final language class on bargaining and a demonstration of how to wrap a traditional sarong.

Morning visit is to nearby Tenganan, an aboriginal village populated by many artists, weavers (double ikat) and basket makers. We return to Candi Dasa for lunch, followed by a talk on ‘Balians,” the traditional healers of Bali.

Diner and live jazz at Vincent’s, arguably the best restaurant in Candi Dasa.

Mon. June 22: Travel Day to Ubud BL. Yoga with Erikaand Syama in the Yoga Shala followed by Breakfast.

Have your bags on the porch when you are ready for the porters to take them to the taxi to Ubud hotel.

Depart for Ubud, stopping on the way at Yayasan Senang Hati, (Happy Hearts), an NGO for disabled Balinese adults, where we will tour the facility and have lunch. Arrive in Ubud and check into our hotel. A short walking tour to acquaint you with the village, then welcome to Ubud included massages at our hotel.Evening performance of traditional dance for which Ubud is known.

Tues. June 23: Ubud B. Morning yoga session with Erika

After breakfast meet Surya and meet the first traditional healer, who specializes in spiritual and mystical problems,with a chance for a check-up.

Noon: Return to Ubud for lunch and In the afternoon, Made Surya discusses he magic of the Left versus the Right: love potions, black magic and their relationship to illness.

In the evening, another local dance performance.

Wed. June 24: Ubud B. After breakfast and Yoga, We travel to the home on our next Healer who specializes in bones, joints and muscles

Around noon we visit Tony Raka Modern Art Gallery and Cafe for lunch, and a talk with Made Surya on the concept of Chakras and western misconceptions of Tantra. Made, will review the treatments you experienced that morning, and illustrate how the healer works.

6PM Depart the hotel for an evening performance of the Kecak Dance

Thur. June 25: Ubud Yoga Session with Erika followed by breakfast.

Then look for Surya and our drivers in front of the hotel for an excursion to a sacred healing spring and your purification ceremony. Afterward there will be a visit to a respected healer, who is also a priest and opportunities for a check-up.

Fri, June 26:A free day for shopping, or to visit one of the many superior museums and galleries in Ubud—Bali’s center for the the arts.

Evening dance performance.-Womens Gamelan at Saraswati temple

Sat. June 27: Travel Day to Munduk BD.

We’ll have our final Ubud yoga session, then breakfast and take off.

for an island tour of volcano country and north Bali. We’ll wind our way through stunning landscapes and Bali’s fruit and vegetable market. Our first stop will be the jaw-dropping Ogoh Ogoh museum in Mengwi, and then stop at the fruit and flower market, fun shopping for fresh spices grown in the area. Arrive in Munduk mountain village and check into our hotel, and have lunch.6PM Meet Made in the Sunset Bar for Happy Hour talk followed bythe first of our family-style delicious group dinners.

Sun. June 28: Munduk BD. Morning Yoga on our lovely Yoga Shala. After breakfast meet with Surya, for a walk through a coffee and clove plantation to Bali's tallest waterfall (about 1 1/2 miles. (If you’re brave, and wore a swimsuit you can climb underneath).Afternoon free. Meet in Victoria Hall for an ethnographic video—“The Healing of Bali” Then 7PM we enjoy an evening dinner together.

Mon. June 29: Munduk BD. After morning meeting in the yoga shala, breakfast, then we’ll go on a trek through the neighboring countryside through small villages, rice fields, coffee and clove plantations, culminating at the magical Growing Stone. Return to hotel for lunch and downtime. Gathering at the Sunset Bar, before evening meal together.

Tues. June 30: Munduk BD. After breakfast will examine the medicinal plants growing in the hotel’s garden. Then an easy walk to discover wild traditional plants growing in our area and others at the market. On our return, we’ll have a class in making traditional medicine. Afternoon is free to book another trek, sleep in, or have more spa experiences. Farewell gathering at the Sunset Bar before our final dinner—followed by a performance by the village dance company.

Wed. July 1: Depart Bali. Arrive back the same calendar day.

Trip Package Includes:

  • Four nights beachfront hotel in Candi Dasa

  • Five nights in Ubud, Bali’s cultural center.

  • Four nights in Munduk mountain village.

  • Breakfast each morning, lunch at an NGO, and four dinners in Munduk.

  • Snorkeling expedition in East Bali

  • Visits with 3 traditional healers and two traditional massage treatments.

  • Two nature treks in Munduk.

  • A herb walk and workshop in creating herbal medicine.

  • Visits to 4 important temples: Tirta Empul, Pura Ulun Danu, Pura Samuan Tiga, Tirta Sudamala Temple.

  • Seminars in basic Indonesian, manners and customs, Bali-Hinduism, community and caste systems, traditional healers, the Four Spiritual Siblings, black magic, Tantra, Chakras, mudras, western medicine vs. traditional.

  • Daily Yoga with Erika

Not Included:

  • Round trip airfare. Most meals, snorkeling equipment, airport transfers, donations to healers for those who want treatments.

Trip Cost : $3700.00.

NOTE: based on two persons sharing a room with private bathroom. A single supplement is available. Minimum of 8, maximum of 14.

Roommates: Single people may sign up for accommodations desired on a shared basis; roommates can be chosen from other tour members. If a roommate is unavailable, the participant will be notified of the adjusted price for a single supplement: $424. The number of single rooms are limited and available on a first come, first serve basis.

Deposit: A deposit of $500.00 per person is due at the time of booking. Final payment is due 60 days prior to departure. Deposit, minus a $300. cancellation fee, is refundable until 60 days prior to departure, after which 5O% will be charged. No refunds will be made after departure.

Passport, Visa, and Health: A passport, valid six months from date of entry with proof of onward transportation is required for entry into Indonesia. You will need to get visa on arrival, with payment of a $35 fee, which is valid for 4 weeks. If you wish to stay longer, apply to the Indonesian Consulate for a 2-month visa prior to arrival. Everyone participating in this trip is expected to be in good health and able to walk at least three miles unaided. Anyone testing positive for Covid will be released from the tour.

Yoga Instructor:

Erika James | Yoga Teacher & Energy Healer

With over 23 years of yoga practice and 6+ years teaching at Saha Yoga in Lisle, IL, I guide students through Vinyasa Flow, Hatha, Yin, Restorative, Hot Yoga, Meditation, and Pranayama, while weaving in energy & sound healing to nurture body and soul. My warm, inclusive teaching style welcomes all levels, helping you leave class feeling renewed. Using clear and concise cues, I create a space for students to release mental chatter, embrace body awareness, and find peace through breath, movement, and energy work.

Join me in 2026 for a transformative yoga and healing tour in Bali with Surya and Judy of Danu Enterprises! Immerse yourself in Bali’s sacred energy, rituals, and landscapes alongside my mindful yoga, breath work, and meditation sessions. With Surya and Judy’s deep cultural expertise and connections to Balinese healers, this retreat blends daily yoga, meditation, and authentic spiritual experiences for profound renewal.

Trip Organizer/Leader:

Madé Surya B.S.

Madé Surya B.S. is a professional tour organizer and has been leading study tours in Bali since 1986. He has translated and worked with scholars and educational film and video crews, including National Geographic, The New York Times and CNN. He was senior research assistant for several scholarly books relating to the Balinese view of afterdeath. He is on the advisory board for Sacred Sites International, and has been a contributor to Hinduism Today. Surya has continuously led educational tours to Bali since 1986, and is said by Lonely Planet online travel to be the “top authority on Balinese Healers.“