Sanctuaries scattered in town for yoga enthusiasts

Jawaharlal Nehru Indian Cultural Center; Jl. Imam Bonjol 32, Menteng; Tel: 3155 120, 384 6755; Opening hours: Monday to Friday, 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.

If you're looking for an Indian yoga guru who charges affordable fees than this is the right place for you. Opened in 1985, the Jawaharlal Nehru Indian Cultural Center (JNICC) is popular among yoga aficionados. At JNICC, you can learn various types of yoga, all priced at the same rate, Rp 20,000 per month with an additional registration fee of Rp 5,000 per person. All classes have between 20 and 25 students and each class is 60 minutes long. JNICC can arrange yoga workshops upon request as well.

Neeraj Goel is the only yoga guru at JNICC and teaches yoga from Monday to Saturday. He studied yoga for six years at Kaivalyadhama Yoga Institute, an institute for scientific, philosophical and literary research, as well as training and therapy in yoga. Kaivalyadhama is very well known in India with overseas branches in France and the U.S. Previously, Goel taught yoga at Kaivalyadhama.

Besides yoga, you can also learn how to play the Tabla (an Indian percussion instrument), Sitar (a north Indian string instrument) and Kathak (a popular dance from India). Just like yoga, the tuition fee is Rp 20,000 per month and the registration fee is Rp 5,000 per person. "We have more than 600 students here," explained Mrs. Usha Naqvi, the director of JNICC.

People choose to learn yoga at JNICC for various reasons. Some say it is conveniently located (particularly if they work around Sudirman - Thamrin area), their fees are very reasonable, or simply because the teacher comes from India.

"I chose JNICC for several reasons. First, it is affordable. Second, the teacher, Mr. Gowel, is a qualified professional yoga guru. Third, there are many young students here," explained Lisa, who is also a young student.

Apartemen Eksekutif Menteng; Jl. Pegangsaan Barat Kav. 6 -12; Menteng; Tel: 392 6178

At this beautiful five-star apartment complex, virtually all the facilities are private and are only available to tenants. There is no public admittance, with the exception of its yoga classes.

Five sessions cost Rp 150,000 for a resident. For non- residents, expect to pay Rp 200,000. The class begins at 10 a.m. and lasts until 11:30 a.m. every Sunday with a maximum of 15 and a minimum of eight students. If you wish, and if there is still some space available, you can pay Rp 40,000 per visit, but please remember to make reservations in advance.

There is something special about its classroom, there is the soothing sound of a real fountain. For some people, including myself, that is music to the ear. Step outside the classroom and you will see a swimming pool and its small fountain.

"My yoga session normally begins with an opening session, Asana (postures), Pranayama (rhythmic breathing control), meditation and then ends with relaxation," explained Yudhi Widyantoro.

This yoga teacher joins the list of the hottest yoga gurus in Jakarta. He teaches at some other places too, such as Quantum Athletic Club, Hotel Mulia, Club Rasuna Kuningan, DJ Studio, Jakarta International Community Center, Price Waterhouse Cooper etc.

Many people know him after watching his show, Prima Raga (Prime Body), on ANteve channel. Last year, during the fasting month, he performed yoga along with some of his students on the show.

Eleven years ago, Yudhi Widyantoro learned yoga at Jawaharlal Nehru. After learning yoga for just three months, Mr. Ganes D. Sharma (his yoga guru) appointed Yudhi his informal assistant. When Mr. Sharma left Indonesia for good, his classmates urged him to become their yoga instructor.

Afterward, Mr. Yoga Murti became his yoga teacher. When Yudhi was in Bangkok, he visited some temples and meditated along with some Thai monks. Later, he learned Viphasana meditation at Mendut Buddhist Monastery.

"I chose this place because the classroom is clean and serene. It is also close to my home. The other reason is because Yudhi teaches here," said Siti Dian Insani, Yudhi's devoted student for almost two years.

Le Spa; Le Meridien Hotel; Jl. Jenderal Sudirman Kav. 18-20; Tel: 251 3131

Located at the heart of Jakarta's financial district, it is very easy to find Le Meridien Hotel (opposite The World Trade Center).

The yoga classroom at this elegant five-star hotel is not so spacious, but is tranquil with soothing background music to calm your mind.

"Most people in my class practice yoga in order to relax their minds, so I focus on Hatha Yoga and Pranayama. Hatha Yoga is great for strengthening the body's immune system, while Pranayama (yogic breathing) is a very good way to relax. Pranayama as well as meditation is very calming and relaxing," explained yoga trainer Mohammad Idris.

"My yoga class usually begins with a warm-up session and stretching, followed by Asanas (postures). We finish by cooling down, doing breathing exercises including meditation," added Idris, who started practicing yoga seven years ago. Luh Ketut Suryani, Mark St, Miss Manju and Ibu Utami S. were his yoga teachers.

The Le Spa Yoga Package costs Rp 400,000 (subject to 11 percent tax) for 10 sessions. Each session begins at 9 a.m. and lasts until 10:30 a.m. every Saturday.

Jakarta International Community Center; Jl. Kemang V No. 2; Tel: 7179 1835

Opening hours: Monday to Friday 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., Saturday 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

"We offer various courses, from English classes to private exercise sessions at reasonable prices," said one of the officers there. In fact, at JICC one is spoiled by choice. Oil painting, body language, latin dance, Bahasa Indonesia, jujitsu are among the courses on offer.

It is situated in a large, cozy house in Kemang.

JICC charge Rp 450,000 per person for a six-week yoga course. The minimum number of students per class is four, while the maximum number is six per class. Classes start from 2:30 p.m. to 4 p.m. every Tuesday, with four different classes here: prenatal yoga, beginners, intermediate and advanced classes.

JICC has one Indonesian and two Indian yoga teachers. They teach yoga breathing Asanas and meditation (chanting) as well.

There are books and magazines provided by JICC and there is also a small cafe to fill your stomach. If you're looking for a place with a homey atmosphere, than this is the perfect place for you. It is also an easy place to meet people from all over the world. -- Susanna Tjokro