Two Day Magazine

The only way to reach Sari Organik is by foot or motorbike. And driving a motorbike around Bali is necessary in order to really encapsulate yourself in Balinese life. Everyone rides a motorbike in Bali. Families of six have been known to configure themselves onto one vehicle and drive safely and comfortably on the streets. For about 2 American dollars a day, you can rent a motorbike—but be sure to find a rental shop far away from heavily filled tourist traps like the beaches of Kuta. You will experience an alluring sense of freedom as you tour the throughways and trails of the island. Why not take your bike for a ride when you’re finished with your meal at Sari’s and head to the Sacred Monkey Forest 10 minutes away.

According to its official website, “the presence of the sacred forest is a demonstration of the harmonious coexistence of humans and nature.” Strolling through the pathways, lined by 115 separate species of trees, one experiences the truth and depth of the above statement. However, make sure to secure all loose chains and articles of clothing because the monkeys will run off with them, especially the baby monkeys, whose big innocent eyes can be deceiving. Be sure to also exchange a few rupees with the woman at the entrance for a bag of bananas—the monkeys will attend to your presence over others that aren’t carrying bags of the yellow gold.

If you leave the monkey mayhem intact and in enough time, put the fun between your legs and ride that motorbike to Kintamani. The hour and a half ride is well worth the reward. Kintamani is home to Mount Batur, an active volcano yielding a spectacular view. Though you will certainly be accosted by hawkers marketing everything from photographs to fanny packs along your trek, you must persist. The view is unbeatable.

When you descend from the mountains, I strongly suggest heading back to Ubud. Make your way to “Kafé,” a restaurant off of Jalanraya Hanuman, the main road in town. There, you will find expatriates mostly from the US and Australia, reading everyone from Joseph Conrad to Thich Nhat Hanh. Make friends with some of them because they will tell you more in 10 sentences than a whole travel book on Bali could. Ask them where to stay in Ubud. They will point you in the direction of the jungle, where you can rest comfortably in a family-owned hostel for about 2-4 dollars a day, meals provided. The big hotels on the main road are overpriced and tacky. Waking up to the freedom of a forest and a river in your backyard is much preferred.

You will undoubtedly discover that 7-10 days in Bali has not sufficed. If your employers back home are flexible, I guarantee you that you will be calling them to inform them of your decision to remain on holiday for an extra week…or two…or three. My two weeks turned into six, and even then I felt jipped of all that Bali has to offer. Whether you decide to squeeze in a trip to Komodo Island to see the ferocious dragons, or witness sharks and stingrays during a deep-sea dive off the coast, you will agree—that fantasyland you always dreamed about has finally become a reality.