Bali: An Indonesian Sanctuary
My parents used to take me and my siblings to Bali once a year when we were kids. Only a 40 minute plane ride from where I grew up in Surabaya, Bali is the birthplace of many childhood memories.
Being in Bali means you’re always somewhere between a rainforest, a neighborhood with deep cultural roots, and seaside cliffs. Bali has some of the most diverse ecosystems and communities on Earth. Though, like many island communities, tourism now makes up a majority of Bali’s economy. Even the monkeys have staked their claim.
In the Ubud forest, I remember being surrounded by disgruntled monkeys who would outsmart tourists, stealing their wallets, food, and other belongings.
It’s not that much different now from when I was a kid. Except there’s been an influx of surfers and digital nomads living in areas like Canggu and Seminyak. Healthy cafés are swarmed by foreign freelancers and beach clubs like Potato Head, Finn’s, and Atlas cater to Westerners looking to party deep into the night.
