THE CALL OF BALI’S MAGIC
Empower Your Living
October 13, 2025 · 11 min read
October 13, 2025 · 11 min read
I’m heading back to Bali — one of my soul places. Since 2010, this is my fifth visit to the island often called the “Island of the Gods.” Each time, I’m fascinated by how deeply the daily life of the Balinese is intertwined with the divine. Nothing happens by chance; everything has meaning and follows the Balinese calendar. The more I immerse myself in this culture, the more I want to learn about it.
My last visit was seven years ago: in 2018, I completed my yoga teacher training in Ubud. It’s long overdue that I “come home” again. So, I decide not just to make a brief stop, but to treat myself to nearly five weeks. I rent a cozy Airbnb with a Balinese family (see notes). It’s incredibly important to me that my money goes directly to a local family, and not to an expat profiting from Bali real estate. At the same time, this gives me a deeper insight into everyday family life.
I immediately feel at home in my “eagle’s nest” — the small apartment is on the roof of Kadek’s house — and soon, I feel like part of the family.
Home away from home
Above all, the peace is a true blessing. I constantly look forward to returning to my little oasis, because the center of Ubud is loud and overcrowded. The narrow streets are teeming with cars and scooters — it’s hard to imagine the magical, leisurely times of the past. Luckily, I keep discovering small spots just off the beaten path where the soul can truly unwind: charming cafés, quiet restaurants, walks through endless rice fields, or a soothing massage at my favorite spa, Bali Botanica (see notes). Since my first visit in 2010, the two-and-a-half-hour Ayurvedic Chakra-Dhara massage with Shirodhara (forehead oil pour) has been a must — simply divine, exactly how Bali is meant to be.
With my cold still lingering — now joined by a stubborn cough — I treat myself to plenty of rest during my first days in Ubud. I feel drained, low on energy, and weak. The high humidity doesn’t help. Even without a strict schedule, my fatigue starts to frustrate me. I’m listless, and even the walk to the supermarket feels exhausting. This isn’t like me! The more I “laze around,” the more destructive my thoughts become. I swing between anger — at the energy-sapping cough — and gloom. Questions like “What am I even doing here?” or “I could be sick at home — what am I even paying for?” spin endlessly in my mind. Emotionally, the first week in Ubud is a real trial.
The magic of Bali is everywhere
The Turning Point: A Conscious Decision
After wallowing in self-pity long enough, I make a decision: I’m going out every day, deliberately doing something nice for myself. A walk through the rice fields, a relaxed café lunch, a soothing massage — small steps that awaken my spirit. I also decide to spend a few days by the sea. My cough is still there, but the salty sea air does me good and clears my sinuses — finally, I can start planning dives again.
My energy returns, and I feel a real sense of blossoming. Sabrina, my dive buddy from Gili Air, has already recommended a few dive spots. After a bit of research, I settle on Pemuteran on Bali’s north coast. I book a cozy room in a beachfront hotel and three days of diving — the perfect mix of adventure and relaxation.
The drive there is a feast for the senses. Bali’s diverse landscapes captivate me completely. Even though I visited the Pura Ulun Danu Bratan temple years ago, I ask my driver for a stop — the weather is simply too stunning not to take new photos. On a whim, I also pick a waterfall off the tourist trail. The ride down the narrow gravel road into the valley is an adventure in itself. I just hope no large vehicles come the other way — there’s barely room to pass.
I’m drawn to waterfalls like a magnet. First, we descend deep into the gorge. My driver comes along, as it’s his first visit to the Pucak Manik waterfalls as well. We are rewarded: three different waterfalls greet us. After marveling at them, the climb begins — it feels like a thousand steps! But the sweat is worth it: the view and the raw power of nature are indescribable.
Ubud to Pemuteran — Road trip with gorgeous detours
In My Element: Underwater
The next day, I start a three-tank dive day at Menjangan with the Bali Dive Academy, the dive center Sabrina recommended (see notes). Gone are the annoying cold, the energy-draining cough, and the endless racing thoughts. I dive into my element and discover a world full of wonders. My breathing underwater feels like meditation, and I’m floating in seventh heaven — fully immersed in my happy place.
Three incredible dive days in Pemuteran, combined with a relaxing day at Hotel Pondok Sari (see notes), make me forget the exhausting weeks and discouraging thoughts. I rediscover inner peace and outward balance. Let’s hope it continues like this.
My underwater world of wonders
A Touch of Japan in Bali
Back in Ubud, just a few days later, my six-day Reiki training begins — Levels 1 and 2. By a universal twist of fate — I don’t believe in coincidences — I stumble across the Little School of Reiki while searching for restaurants on Google (see notes). Reiki is a Japanese form of hands-on energy healing that channels universal life force, promotes well-being, and activates the body’s self-healing powers.
Kate, the wonderful Reiki Master, guides us step by step through the techniques. I already feel the effects on the first day through self-treatment. Soon, we are giving and receiving Reiki twice a day. The special thing: there are only four participants, so there’s plenty of time for meaningful conversations and to benefit from Kate’s knowledge.
Reiki is perfect for me as a world traveler — the sessions can be done not only in person but also online, and I can apply Reiki to myself. This way, I can carry the energy with me wherever I go.
OFFER: The first 15 people receive a free one-hour Reiki session. Reach out via WhatsApp (+41 79 338 06 42) or Email (barbara@EmpowerYourLiving.com) to schedule your appointment.
Japanese healing arts meet Balinese magic
Full Speed to the Finish Line
Energetically renewed, I enter the final week in Ubud and experience several highlights: a yoga workshop with Barbra Noh, a Crystal Sound Healing session, brunch at my favorite hangout The Elephant, a relaxing day in the water pools of the magical Bambu Indah Resort(see notes), and of course, one last Chakra-Dhara massage.
The crowning moment, however, is the water purification ceremony at Pura Mengening, a less touristy water temple about 50 minutes outside Ubud. Kadek, my host who also works as a tour guide and driver, accompanies me and explains the ritual. I’ve participated in ceremonies twice before — once during a yoga retreat and once at the start of my yoga teacher training — but this ceremony is something truly special. Alone with myself and my thoughts, I move through the ritual, letting myself drift and dive deep into meditation and awareness. The feeling of clarity and inner peace is overwhelming.
I am deeply grateful for this intense time in Bali, for the connection to the people, the culture, and the deities. I feel it in my heart: I will return — and this time, seven years won’t pass before I do. A promise to Bali, and to myself.
Water, silence, transformation — my Bali finale
After these days in Bali, I feel lighter — mentally clearer, more connected with myself. Yet the greatest adventure still awaits.
In Part 3, I dive — literally — into a world that teaches me both humility and pure joy.
Notes:
AirBnB Ubud (Kadek has other flats to rent) + Tourguide (WhatsApp: +62 821 4689 6334)
Bali Botanica (Ubud)
Bali Dive Academy (Pemuteran)
Hotel Pondok Sari (Pemuteran)
Little School of Reiki (Ubud)
The Elephant (Ubud)
Bambu Indah Resort (Ubud)
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