Pak Sirkus (not Circus) Canggu’s Balian Healer

I didn’t plan on crying in front of strangers in a Bali healing hut. But, as I soon learned, traditional Balinese healing doesn’t care about your ego—it goes deep. And Pak Sirkus? He’s not just a healer. He’s an experience.

Introduction to Traditional Balinese Healing

Balinese healing isn’t just about fixing pain—it’s about restoring harmony across mind, body, and soul. This ancient practice blends herbal medicine, massage, meditation, and energy healing, all rooted in the island’s spiritual culture.

The core belief? Most pain is caused by imbalance—whether it’s emotional tension, spiritual disconnection, or physical strain. So healing isn’t just physical—it’s holistic.

Finding Pak Sirkus (Yes, Sirkus, Not Circus)

He doesn’t have a website. There’s no number to call. You won’t find a fancy booking form or a “wellness concierge.”

What you will find? A group of people—locals and foreigners alike—sitting cross-legged outside a modest home down Jl. Berawa, just steps from Peloton Supershop in Canggu. That’s how we found him. By showing up, curious and open.

The Arrival: Early Mornings, No Appointments

We got there at 9:30 a.m. on a Wednesday. The line? Already 20 people deep. Some were nursing injuries, others looked tense, tired, emotionally worn. And all of them, like us, were hoping for something deeper than a quick massage.

Pak Sirkus arrived shortly after and began working silently and skillfully, one person at a time.

The Healing Process: Stick Between the Toes and “No Pain, No Gain”

Watching him work was mesmerizing.

He sat cross-legged on the floor beside a simple mattress. Each client approached barefoot and hopeful. His first move? A short, almost comedic-looking stick between the toes. Sounds weird, right? It is. But apparently, it reveals exactly where your body is holding tension.

When it was my turn, I winced. Okay—I yelped. But that little stick zeroed in on the problem areas with unnerving accuracy. He nodded knowingly, then began the real work.

A Massage That’s More Than Massage

He combined techniques I’d never experienced—reflexology, chakra balancing, deep pressure, and something that felt like emotional release through touch.

He spoke gently: “Relax. No pain, no gain.”

At one point, I felt a jolt of release followed by a surprising calm. Like my body sighed from somewhere I didn’t know it was tense.

Unexpected Moments of Connection

The most touching part? After the session, he sat behind me and gently combed and twisted my hair, saying he was “rearranging it Balinese style.” It was oddly tender and spiritual. Almost like a closing ritual.

Despite a slight language barrier, he connected through intuition—pointing exactly to where I hurt, even without me saying a word.

Gratitude and Donation-Based Healing

His sessions aren’t priced. There’s no receipt. Just a simple expectation: give what you can. Most visitors head to the side room afterward to purchase a small offering or leave a donation in thanks.

It felt less like a transaction and more like a shared moment of respect.

Final Thoughts: Would I Recommend It?

If you’re in Bali for more than the beaches and brunch bowls, visiting Pak Sirkus is a must. This isn’t spa wellness. This is real, raw, ancient healing. And while it might not be “comfortable” in the Western sense, it’s deeply transformative.

Bring an open mind, a patient heart, and maybe a cushion (those floor waits can get long).

Location & Info

• Name: Pak Sirkus (Traditional Balinese Healer)
• Where: Jl. Berawa, Canggu – Next to Bungalow Living, Riviera Gelato & We Ar Clothing Store
• Hours:
  • Monday to Friday: 3:00 PM – 9:00 PM
  • Saturday & Sunday: Closed
• Booking: None. Just show up early.
• Contact: No phone/email. Ask locals for directions if unsure.
• Cost: Donation-based

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