An Authentic Ayahuasca Retreat Bali: The Ceremony Experience
The air in the Ubud forest, just 15 kilometers north of the town center, shifts after dusk. The daytime chorus of cicadas gives way to the subtle sounds of the nocturnal world. Here, within a purpose-built maloca, the air is thick with the scent of copal resin, burned to cleanse the space. Participants sit on mats arranged in a circle, the geometry intentional, the silence punctuated only by the rustle of leaves and the distant flow of the Petanu River. This is the setting for a profound exploration of consciousness, a carefully held ayahuasca ceremony bali experience designed for introspection and healing. The work done here is not a fleeting escape but a deliberate engagement with the self, guided by the ancient intelligence of Amazonian plant medicine. See also: Contact.
For centuries, indigenous cultures of the Amazon basin have worked with ayahuasca, a psychoactive brew made from the Banisteriopsis caapi vine and the leaves of the Psychotria viridis shrub. The latter contains N,N-Dimethyltryptamine (DMT), a potent psychedelic compound, while the B. caapi vine contains monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) that allow the DMT to be orally active. This combination, revered as a sacred teacher, is at the heart of our shamanic retreat bali. We approach this tradition with the deepest respect, creating a container of safety, integrity, and therapeutic support for those called to this intensive work.
The Ayahuasca Ceremony Experience in Ubud Forest
An ayahuasca ceremony is a structured, ritualized event that typically lasts between four and six hours. Our ceremonies are held in the evenings, beginning around 8:00 PM, allowing the darkness to facilitate a deeper inward focus. The experience is guided by the sound of icaros—the sacred songs of the shaman—which are considered the primary tool for navigating the visionary realms and directing the healing energies of the medicine. Each icaro has a specific purpose, whether for cleansing, protection, or insight. Our lead facilitator, who trained for over a decade outside Iquitos, Peru, carries a repertoire of more than 200 distinct icaros from the Shipibo-Conibo lineage. See also: Ayahuasca Vs Other Plant Medicine guide.
Participants should anticipate a deeply personal and often challenging experience. The effects of the plant medicine can include profound emotional release, detailed visions, and a re-experiencing of past events. Physical purging, through vomiting or diarrhea, is a common and welcomed part of the process, viewed as a cleansing of physical and energetic toxins. Our facilitators and their assistants, maintaining a high 1:4 staff-to-participant ratio, are present throughout the night to provide quiet support, a comforting hand, or a glass of water, ensuring each person feels secure. The maloca itself, constructed in 2019 from locally sourced bamboo and teak wood, is designed to be both structurally sound and energetically clear, providing a sanctuary for this deep work. This is not a recreational activity; it is a committed spiritual practice. The focus of our ubud ayahuasca program is on creating the conditions for genuine therapeutic and spiritual progress. See also: our Preparation And Integration.
A Structured Itinerary: The 5-Day Bali Plant Medicine Retreat
A structured container is essential for navigating the depths of a plant medicine experience. Our 5-day retreat is meticulously planned to balance ceremonial work with crucial integration and rest. This schedule provides a framework for your time with us, though flexibility is maintained to honor the needs of the group. See also: Home.
Sample 5-Day/4-Night Itinerary:
- Day 1: Arrival & Orientation (e.g., Monday, October 14, 2024)
2:00 PM: Arrival at our retreat center, located near the village of Taro.
3:00 PM: Welcome circle, introductions, and orientation to the grounds.
5:00 PM: Private consultation with a facilitator to discuss intentions and medical history.
7:00 PM: Light, dieta-compliant dinner.
8:30 PM: Opening discussion on the principles of working with sacred plants. - Day 2: Preparation & First Ceremony
7:30 AM: Morning yoga and breathwork session.
9:00 AM: Dieta-compliant breakfast.
10:30 AM: Intention-setting workshop.
1:00 PM: Light lunch. Afternoon reserved for quiet reflection and journaling.
7:00 PM: Gather in the maloca for the first ayahuasca ceremony bali. - Day 3: Integration & Rest
9:00 AM: Dieta-compliant breakfast.
10:30 AM: Group integration circle to share and process the ceremony experience.
1:00 PM: Lunch.
3:00 PM: Guided walk through the surrounding food forest, identifying local flora like durian and mangosteen trees.
7:00 PM: Dinner and restful evening. - Day 4: Deepening the Work & Second Ceremony
8:00 AM: Breakfast.
9:30 AM: Optional Kambo session (a traditional Amazonian frog medicine ceremony).
1:00 PM: Light lunch. Afternoon of rest and personal preparation.
7:00 PM: Gather for the second ayahuasca ceremony. - Day 5: Closing Integration & Departure (e.g., Friday, October 18, 2024)
9:00 AM: Final breakfast together.
10:00 AM: Closing integration circle, focusing on carrying the insights forward.
12:00 PM: Departure.
Our Facilitators: A Commitment to Safety and Tradition
The integrity of any sacred plant medicine work rests entirely on the experience and ethical grounding of its facilitators. At Ayahuasca Retreat Bali Sacred, we are committed to providing guidance that is both deeply rooted in tradition and informed by contemporary therapeutic understanding. Our team has a combined 35 years of experience holding space and serving medicine. We do not use the title “shaman,” as it is a term belonging to specific indigenous cultures; we identify as facilitators who have undergone rigorous, long-term apprenticeships.
Isabelle Moreau: Co-founder and lead facilitator, Isabelle began her path in 2008. She spent 11 years in the Ucayali River region of Peru, apprenticing directly under a respected Shipibo Maestro. Her approach is characterized by her powerful icaros and a compassionate, maternal presence that creates a foundation of trust and safety in the ceremony space.
David Chen: David’s work is focused on the crucial process of integration. With a background in transpersonal psychology and a Master’s degree from Sofia University (founded in 1975 as the Institute of Transpersonal Psychology), he helps participants make sense of their visions and translate profound insights into lasting change. He has facilitated at plant medicine centers in Costa Rica and Brazil since 2014 before co-founding our Bali plant medicine center.
Our commitment to safety is uncompromising. Every applicant undergoes a detailed medical screening process to check for contraindications, particularly concerning SSRI medications, heart conditions, and specific psychological histories. We maintain a strict group size of no more than 12 participants per retreat, ensuring individual attention and support.
Retreat Inclusions, Pricing, and Options
We provide a comprehensive and supportive environment, allowing you to focus entirely on your internal process. Our pricing reflects the high level of care, experienced facilitation, and quality of accommodation provided. A portion of our proceeds, 5% of net profit, is directed to the Amazon Conservation Association, an organization working since 1999 to protect the rainforests where these traditions originate.
All retreats include:
- Private or shared accommodation with modern amenities.
- All dieta-compliant meals, freshly prepared with organic, local ingredients.
- Two ayahuasca ceremonies per 5-day retreat.
- Daily yoga, meditation, or breathwork sessions.
- Group integration circles and one-on-one support.
- Pre-retreat preparation guidance and post-retreat integration support materials.
Our programs are an investment in personal growth and healing. The following table outlines our primary offerings for the 2024-2025 season.
| Feature | 5-Day Immersion Retreat | 8-Day Deep Dive Retreat |
|---|---|---|
| Duration | 5 Days / 4 Nights | 8 Days / 7 Nights |
| Ayahuasca Ceremonies | 2 | 3 |
| Kambo Ceremony | Optional (add $150 USD) | Included |
| Integration Sessions | 3 group sessions | 5 group sessions, 1 private session |
| Accommodation | Private Room | Private Bungalow |
| Price (per person) | From $2,450 USD | From $3,600 USD |
The Ayahuasca Ceremony Bali: Questions and Considerations
Engaging with a powerful plant teacher like ayahuasca requires careful consideration. Below are answers to common questions from prospective participants in our ubud ayahuasca program.
Is ayahuasca legal in Bali, Indonesia?
This is a critical and nuanced question. The primary psychoactive compound in ayahuasca, DMT, is classified as a Class 1 narcotic under Indonesia’s Law No. 35 of 2009. For this reason, we operate as a private, invitation-only spiritual wellness retreat. Our work is conducted with discretion and a profound respect for local customs and regulations. We do not advertise publicly in Indonesia and our focus is on spiritual development within a contained, private setting. All participants must acknowledge and accept the legal context.
What is the pre-ceremony ‘dieta’?
The dieta is a vital preparation for working with ayahuasca. It is a traditional Amazonian practice of restricting certain foods and activities to cleanse the body and spirit, making one more sensitive to the medicine’s teachings. For at least one week, and ideally two, prior to the retreat, we require participants to avoid pork, red meat, fermented foods, excessive salt and sugar, spicy foods, and sexual activity. A detailed guide is provided upon booking.
How many people are in a ceremony?
To maintain an intimate and safe environment, we cap our ceremonies at a maximum of 12 participants. This ensures that our facilitation team, which always consists of at least three staff members (one lead, two assistants), can provide ample attention to each individual throughout the night.
What if I don’t have visions?
While visionary experiences are common, they are not the sole purpose or measure of a “successful” ceremony. Ayahuasca works on many levels—emotional, physical, and energetic. Some of the most profound healing occurs through deep feeling, somatic release, or quiet intuitive knowing. The medicine provides what is needed, not always what is expected.
What kind of support is offered for integration after the retreat?
Integration is where the true work begins. The insights from a shamanic retreat bali are seeds; they must be tended to grow. We provide each participant with a comprehensive integration workbook and a list of resources. We also offer access to two post-retreat group video calls and options for one-on-one integration coaching sessions with our facilitators for an additional fee.
Securing Your Place: The Application and Booking Process
Our process is designed to ensure that this deep work is a suitable and safe fit for every individual who joins us. It is a multi-step process that prioritizes transparency and mutual understanding.
- Submit an Inquiry: Begin by completing the secure inquiry form on our website. This provides us with your basic information and preferred retreat dates.
- Complete the Medical & Psychological Screening Form: You will receive a link to a comprehensive and confidential screening form. Honest and thorough answers are essential for your safety. This form is reviewed by our lead facilitator and a consulting medical advisor within 48 hours.
- Schedule a Consultation Call: If your initial screening indicates you are a suitable candidate, we will invite you to a 30-minute video call. This is an opportunity for us to connect, for you to ask detailed questions, and for us to better understand your intentions.
- Receive an Invitation & Secure Your Place: Following a successful call, you will receive a formal invitation to book. A non-refundable deposit of $750 USD is required to confirm your spot. The remaining balance is due 60 days prior to the retreat start date.
- Preparation: Once confirmed, you will receive our detailed preparation guide, including dieta instructions, a packing list, and travel recommendations for your trip to Bali.
To begin this process or inquire about our 2025 schedule, please contact us directly.
Brand: Ayahuasca Retreat Bali Sacred
Phone: +62 811 3941 4563
Email: bd@juaraholding.com
Office: Jalan Sunset Road No. 88, Kuta, Badung, Bali 80361