Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary

Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary is exactly what it sounds like — a nature reserve and temple complex with more than 340 long-tailed macaques roaming freely. These entertaining socialites do not hesitate to climb on, steal from, and perch from visitors brave enough to interact with them. We thought all our junk was bolted down, but alas a furry, klepto-maniacal macaque lifted some trash peeking from our bag.

I could visit this park daily, as I love animals and love seeing them uncaged like this. Macaques are incredibly energetic, mischievous, and social and really seemed to enjoy interacting with the visitors, who exhibited a mix of terror and delight. Obviously, I was on the end of delight and didn’t mind them crawling on my lap and even my head (hubby said ‘no way’ to this kind of intimacy). I never picked up any monkeys, but when I sat down they took that as an invitation both to pickpocket and climb me. I’m not advising this because every piece of literature and signage warns against it, but I think retaining a calm demeanor helped, even when I got bit!

Surf at Seminyak

Seminyak is the chiller neighbor of Kuta, with less partying, but plenty of villas and shops. Surfers love this spot and even if you don’t surf, you’ll love the wide beaches.

Lunch at Mount Batur

When words cannot describe over-the-top natural beauty, I’m grateful to have photographs like these. I have the tendency to wax hyperbolic about the things I love (my man, music, travel), and this time I’m not going to censor myself.

Bali really blew my mind, in part due to this majestic volcano, Mount Batur, the second largest on the sub-tropical island. It’s a relatively active volcano with a lava field punctuated by porous black boulders to prove it. A caldera lake that reminds me of Italy’s Lake Como beckons southeast of the mountain. Danau Batur was begging to be seen up close, so we convinced our driver to skip the next temple on the agenda and take us to lakeside hot springs (see forthcoming post).

Just being near the mountain was invigorating for me. Without going all Crouching Tiger, I truly felt a sort of energy from it, and at the same time, a peaceful tranquility. We couldn’t have had a better view, a refreshing breeze wafting through open-air balcony of Grand Puncak Sari Restaurant where we lunched. This is a good time to tell you just how fresh, spicy, and flavorful Indonesian food is. For someone who subsists on veggies, tofu, and seafood, I was in heaven.

Sip Civet Coffee in Ubud

Let’s get this out of the way, civet coffee is from the feces of an animal. And no, it doesn’t taste like poop. Civets eat the coffee bean whole and poop it whole. The beans are washed before being ground and brewed. You can sample dozens of kinds of coffee for about $25, which includes a tour of the coffee plantation.

Stay at Maya Ubud

Checking in to the luxurious Maya Ubud is a five-star experience. Bali is hot and you’ll be sweaty from a day zipping around in a taxi bound for temples, coffee plantations, rice fields, and beaches. At Maya Ubud, you’re greeted with a welcome drink and a cold towel. Cool off in the open-air lobby before you’re whisked away to a colorful, modern room overlooking a meandering river, a garden courtyard, or (you guessed it) rice fields.

Temple Empul Tirta

This popular temple that draws the the pious who light incense, pray, and take a dip in its sacred pools.

Gunung Kawi Temple

Not for the faint of heart or flimsy of shoe, a visit to the idyllic Gunung Kawi temple in Tampaksiring requires descending nearly 400 steps, which is fine until you realize there’s no way out but back up. As Balinese never miss a merchandising opportunity, the steps down to the temple are lined with fierce hawkers (watch out for the women) of sarongs, jewelry, and all the standard Balinese bric-a-brac. Whatever you do, don’t buy until you’re almost out of the place. The Balinese have what can only be described as a smell for consumers. One particularly feisty shop keeper grabbed my hand and wouldn’t let go until I bought something (I didn’t). They are all intent on selling you a sarong to meet Hindu standards when temple-going, but a less cumbersome sash will do, and is provided with the cost of admission. Every second building in Bali is a temple of varying size, but it’s easy to see why this one is a sort of mecca for locals. A crystal clear stream runs through the center and a small waterfall is tucked in the corner. It looks like the set of “Indiana Jones” where some frightening ritual sacrifice might be performed, but alas devoted Hindus were offering the usual floral and incense basket which can be found in the millions around the island.

Watch a Balinese Dance in Ubud

Balinese dance is both transfixing and cacophonous; beautiful and nightmarish. It’s simply a must-see experience of Balinese culture, storytelling, and movement. Check out the show at Ubud Palace and get there early to sit front and center.

Tegallalang Rice Field

Not having seen any others like this, I am convinced this Ubud rice terrace is the most impressive. It’s a popular spot for photography, tours, and picking up bric-a-brac.

Stay at Santi Mandala Resort

Santi Mandala Villa & Spa was nothing short of magical. For $100/night we had a private villa with exotic outdoor bathroom at this quiet resort in Ubud, Bali. There’s nothing as serene as sitting on your private deck gazing at a waterfall and watching the birds flitter by. The grounds are lush, hilly, and floral with lots of stone paths to explore on your spa day in, which you’ll need after pounding the pavement for a day or two. The excellent breakfast spread included pink crepes and a pool view.

What’s your favorite thing to do in Bali?