TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Yoga became popular in Indonesia in the early 2000s. The exercise of body and mind balancing that rely on upon breathe turns into a lifedata-style and is followed by almost all circles.

Yoga was popularized in 2008 in Ubud through Bali Spirit Festival. It makes Indonesia gradually known as an international yoga destination.

Anjasmara, a yoga instructor and practitioner, said a number of foreign tourists began to come to Indonesia, especially to Bali, to simply doing yoga.

"Many places in Bali are yoga destinations," he said when met at the Ministry of Tourism building, Monday afternoon, April 30.

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According to Anjasmara, there are three famous yoga destinations in Bali.

1. Ubud

Ubud becomes a place to hold the Bali Spirit Festival every year. The small region of Gianyar Regency offers a calm atmosphere and is suitable for contemplation.

Cold air and rice fields in almost all locations make tourists comfortable to relax.

Ubud is also known as a place of a restoration of the soul. "Because Ubud originally means medicine in the local language," Anjasmara said.

Ubud is a 50-60 minute drive from Ngurah Rai International Airport. There, tourists can find a variety of yoga places, ranging from studio halls to resorts or hotels.

2. Singaraja

Regency in the north of Bali is a paradise of nature tourism. Forests, waterfalls, rice fields, and shady countryside can be found here.

Singaraja is also not far from the West Bali National Park, which is a home to deer, bulls, monkeys, bats, and birds of various kinds.

No wonder this place is the most strategic place to unite with nature. A number of luxury resorts are built in Singaraja. The resort offers a variety of attractions, including yoga. When doing yoga, people will enjoy the sound of birds chirping in the wild.

Singaraja is 90 kilometers from Ngurah Rai International Airport. It can be reached by vehicle in about 2.5 hours.

3. Karang Asem

Unlike Ubud and Singaraja, Karang Asem offers a strong Balinese customs. Yoga enthusiasts will enjoy the feeling of being close to the people of Bali through their life rituals.

Karang Asem is home to indigenous villages, such as Asak Customary Village. It is 70 kilometers from Bali`s Ngurah Rai International Airport and can be reached within 1 hour and 40 minutes by driving.

FRANCISCA CHRISTY ROSANA