Bali is magic. Not just the kind you see in travel brochures—though, yes, there are emerald jungles and ancient temples wrapped in mist. But the real magic? That’s in the unexpected moments. Like the time a monkey landed on my back. I was exploring Ubud’s Sacred Monkey Forest, where long-tailed macaques rule the ruins like mischievous little gods. I came prepared—no snacks, no loose zippers—even tucking my backpack’s zippers deep into the seams to outsmart their infamous thieving skills. One monkey, however, was not so easily deterred. With a sudden thud, he leaped onto me, gripping my shoulders, sniffing, yanking at my bag. He was convinced I had food. I didn’t—but then I realized: he smelled my gum. He gave one last hopeful sniff, then, realizing I had nothing to offer, hopped off in disappointment.
