Yoga Bolsters in Bali: Where to Buy and What to Look For
Published by Yoga Republik · Canggu, Bali
If you've been doing yin or restorative yoga in Bali and realized you want a bolster of your own — either to use during your time here or to bring home — this guide covers what to look for and where to get one in Canggu.
Why Buy a Bolster in Bali
Most visitors don't plan to buy a bolster. Then they spend two weeks doing daily yin yoga, notice the difference it makes compared to using blocks and folded blankets, and start looking.
Bali is actually a good place to buy one. The price-to-quality ratio for yoga props here is significantly better than what you'd pay in Australia, Europe, or the UAE for an equivalent product. And shipping a bolster home — while bulky — is usually straightforward for the round and rectangular styles (they pack flat or cylindrically and ship well).
The other reason: if you're doing a teacher training, extended retreat, or longer stay, having your own bolster for home practice is worth the investment. Studio bolsters get a lot of use and aren't always clean.
What to Look For in a Bolster
Firmness. A bolster should feel firm enough to actually support the body — not compress under your weight. If it's too soft, it collapses under the spine or hips and stops providing the lift the pose requires. Good bolsters are denser than they look.
Fill material. Kapok (a natural plant fibre) is the traditional fill — firm, doesn't compress over time, and has a slight give. Polyester fibre fill is also common, holds its shape well, and is lighter. Both work. What doesn't work is a bolster that goes flat after a few months of use.
Cover quality. You'll be washing the cover regularly, especially in Bali's humidity. A removable, machine-washable cover is essential. The material should feel good against bare skin — cotton and cotton-blend covers are the most comfortable for extended holds.
Shape. See our separate guide on round vs. rectangular bolsters for a full breakdown. Short version: round bolsters are more versatile; rectangular bolsters provide a broader, more stable platform.
What We Carry at Yoga Republik
All our bolsters are YR house brand — designed for yin, restorative, and prenatal yoga, with firm high-density fills and washable covers.
Round Bolsters
YR Bolster Round — Rp 650,000 The most versatile bolster shape. Firm fill, durable washable cover. Works under the spine, behind the knees, in supported twists, and in child's pose. Available in multiple colours.
YR Bolster Suede Round — Rp 850,000 Same cylindrical shape with a suede cover — noticeably softer against bare skin for extended holds. If you're doing long restorative sessions (5–10 minutes per pose), the suede cover makes a difference in comfort. Available in red and other colours.
Rectangular Bolster
YR Bolster Rectangular - Black — Rp 700,000 A firm, flat-platform bolster for supported backbends, chest openers, and any pose requiring even support across the full width of the torso. Particularly good for supported fish, legs-up-the-wall variations, and prone poses.
Meditation Cushions (also worth knowing about)
We also carry a range of meditation props that complement bolster practice:
- YR Meditation Pillow Round — Rp 550,000. Zafu-style round cushion for seated meditation. Lifts the hips above the knees, which makes cross-legged sitting sustainable for longer sits.
- YR Half Moon Meditation Pillow — Rp 600,000. Crescent-shaped cushion that wraps around the ankles and shins when sitting in seiza (kneeling) — a different seated position that some people find more comfortable than cross-legged.
- YR Meditation Cushion Set — Rp 1,900,000. A complete set including both a round zafu and a larger zabuton (flat mat) — the full traditional meditation setup for home practice.
Can You Fly Home with a Bolster?
Yes — with some planning. Round bolsters pack into a cylindrical shape that fits in most large suitcases or can be checked as an oversize item. Rectangular bolsters are bulkier but can be compressed. The alternative is to order online once you're home — we ship internationally to Australia, Europe, and the UAE.
If you're buying specifically to take home, the round bolster is the easiest to pack. The suede round is also worth considering if you want something that doubles as a comfortable travel pillow.
Where to Buy in Canggu
Yoga Republik Jl. Batu Mejan No. 2-88, Canggu Open daily 9am–9pm
Come in, pick up the bolsters, compare the firmness and cover feel in person. We're near Batu Bolong Beach and close to most of the main yoga studios in the area. If you're unsure which shape is right for your practice, we're happy to talk through it.
Online: yogarepublik.com/collections/yoga-bolsters — international shipping available.