An Indonesian Odyssey: From Bali's Intelligent Monkeys to Sumba's Retired Racehorses

Embracing Emirates for a Long-Haul Flight

Our journey to Indonesia was quite a marathon. We embarked on a 15+ hour Emirates flight with two legs. Splurging on business class for the longest segments was well worth it; the impeccable service set the tone for an unforgettable vacation.

Breaking Up The Journey: A Stop in Dubai

To break up the flight, we chose a 48-hour layover in Dubai. We rested our heads at a Hyatt hotel, a sure bet for comfort and cleanliness. Our desert excursion with Dune Bashing was an adrenaline rush, making even my ever-nervous mom forget her worries amidst towering sand dunes. A cultural dinner under the desert stars followed, rounding off an unexpected but delightful detour.

Bali: Beaches and Monkeys

Upon landing in Bali, we initially stayed at Jimbaran Puri. With some of Bali's best beaches, it’s the ideal place to catch your breath upon arrival. Then it was on to the Viceroy Bali in Ubud. Despite its name, this resort is an independent gem situated in a tropical rainforest.

The Cheeky and Clever Monkeys of Ubud

The forest-view from the Viceroy was stunning, but what really captivated us were the troops of monkeys navigating the jungle like clockwork commuters. We also ventured into the infamous Monkey Forest, where the primates are both astonishingly smart and unapologetically naughty. Thanks to our guide's tips, we survived their pickpocketing attempts and even had fun letting a baby monkey climb us for a banana.

Bali’s Water Temple and More

A dawn visit to a hidden water temple was magical, as was our family-friendly hike to a waterfall. Pro tip for blondes: expect to turn heads and attract cameras. We didn’t understand the attention until our guide explained that my sister’s blonde hair was a rare sight for some tourists!

The Untouched Shores of Sumba Island: NihiWatu

After an unexpected volcanic delay, we finally reached Sumba Island and checked into NihiWatu Resort. From a friendly welcome to personalized butler service, the staff made us feel like part of their family.

A Tearful Turtle Goodbye

One memorable experience was the turtle hatchery. I found it challenging to let my baby turtle go. As it took its first strokes into the ocean, I felt a tinge of melancholy but also hope for its future.

Riding Retired Racehorses into the Sunset

The horseback riding experience at NihiWatu was no ordinary ride. These retired racehorses added an extra layer of excitement and grace as we explored the unspoiled beaches, making it a truly cinematic moment.

A Spa Unlike Any Other

The Spa Safari at NihiWatu deserves a special mention. The secluded, ocean-view setting offered pure tranquility, with only the sound of the waves accompanying our treatments.

Looking Back: An Unforgettable Adventure

This Indonesian vacation was filled with unique experiences, from Dubai’s dunes and Bali’s clever monkeys to Sumba’s special horses and baby turtles. The only regret? Not staying longer. But as a travel planner, these invaluable experiences serve as a treasure trove of tips for my clients. Whether it’s the mischievous monkeys of Bali or the tender moments with newborn turtles in Sumba, this trip was an intricate tapestry of unforgettable memories.