Bali Indonesia

I said I’d never do it, never ever go to Bali. Too many unruly tourists, too much commercialism, and an overload of Australians escaping their own beaches. But faced with the desperate need to get on a plane and go somewhere with limited time, I did what I said I’d never do – I went to Bali. Our destination was Ubud, nestled in the hills of Bali.

We stayed at a delightful boutique hotel set a little out of town amidst lovely gardens. Alam Indah is a small collection of bungalows with a pool overlooking a canyon, and it was the perfect place for us. Away from the maddening crowds, yet close enough to walk into the main street of town, it struck a perfect balance.

The hotel was right next door to the famous Monkey Forest, and every day, the monkeys came to visit. While they may look cute, they are nasty little creatures who steal whatever they can and hiss when they do not get what they want. The hotel staff kept them at bay with slingshots and pea shooters, a quirky but necessary deterrent.

We frequently dined at a charming restaurant in town called Café Wayan, owned by the same family who ran our hotel. The family has an interesting story. The father once had a rice and coffee stall on the track leading to the Monkey Forest, selling coffee to local workers. As tourists began to wander down the track to visit the Monkey Forest, they also bought his coffee. Seeing the opportunity, he started stocking a few snacks, and things grew from there. Now, he has a successful hotel and food business – a true testament to the entrepreneurial spirit.

Bali was nice for a rest, and Alam Indah was lovely. But would I rush back? I don’t think so. It really was as I expected – overcrowded and too commercial. The Ubud of old, with its untouched charm and serenity, has long gone. Yet, despite the crowds and the commercialism, our stay offered a respite, a moment of calm in the lush landscapes of Bali’s hills, proving that sometimes, even the places you vowed never to visit can surprise you.