A 5am sunrise adventure joined by 40 naughty monkeys…

We decided to make the most of having clear skies and sea views so we got up at 5am and drove to a cliff top for sunrise. Harry had already chosen a highly rated spot overlooking the Uluwatu temple, one of the most famous temples in Bali. The temple is built right on the cliffside and supposedly has magical powers. 

Our 5am adventure starts and after riding down some very questionable, more enduro bike style paths, we found our spot. Completely empty and silent apart from the sound of the waves against the cliff. This all sounds very lovely and romantic – it was. Harry and his camera spent some much needed quality time together. With Harry having a meaningful moment with his camera I explored the cliff path. The views were amazing and it was a very peaceful way to watch the sunrise. 

And then things took a turn… Maybe the magical powers of the temple?!

I was sitting on a log, looking across the sea at the temple. Harry was sitting beside me, whispering sweet nothings to his camera. Then out of nowhere an entire family of monkeys descended and all hell broke loose. The monkeys in Bali are known for causing mischief and mayhem. They are absolutely not scared of humans and they will take anything out of your hands (sunglasses, phones, food, cameras etc) and run off into the trees with their prize. 

We’re talking at least 40 monkeys running around us, in the trees above us and looking VERY interested in the camera gear Harry is carrying around. It’s an every man for himself situation. I walked back off the path as all the monkeys start running past as Harry went full Jackie Chan trying to stop the monkeys getting his camera whilst CAREFULLY and SLOWLY packing it in the CORRECT position in his backpack. There is a lot of ‘UHH Mads this is NOT funny’ going on. 

We make our way through the undergrowth because the footpath is now covered in monkeys playing together. See pictured a monkey on an iphone – important calls to make. We finally get out of the undergrowth and decide we have gotten off lightly with all our belongings intact (so we think), it’s time to head home. 

However, we did not escape the monkeys untouched. As we turn the corner to get back on the scooter a monkey throws Harry’s bike helmet across the cliff as his friend is EATING the scooter seat. Harry does not see the funny side and is not impressed with the monkey’s lack of respect for his things.

Monkey having a morning snack. Spot the tiny monkey handprint!

With our scooter deposit almost certainly gone but all our belongings still intact (yay) we considered it a successful morning and headed back to our villa. 

Photos obviously all taken by Harry!