Monkey Business

I came face to face with this fellow on my private patio Saturday in the late afternoon. An entire family or troop were jumping about, climbing the balconies, cavorting and, I suspect, looking for handouts at a time of day when guests might be lounging outside to enjoy the sunset. That's what I was about to do, but changed my mind and retreated to a safer position behind the glass wall of my room.  It was quite a playful display.

When their antics won them no food favors, they moved on after a few minutes.  I'm a little timid now about relaxation on my patio.  I'm guessing that previous guests have offered or accidentally left edibles, so you can't blame the monkeys for trying. Hapny observed one trying to work the lever of the patio door to their room, so I am mindful to keep mine locked!  No monkeys will be jumping on this bed (except Sofie)!
On Sunday, we were enjoying a late afternoon repast (referred to as a snack by Club Med, but dinner by me) in the open air Terrace Restaurant overlooking the beach. We were practically the only ones dining there. Three times I observed a squirrel jump from a tree onto the railing along the edge of the seating area to the one table with full placesetting and condiments.

He carefully selected a sugar packet (not to be confused with the similarly packaged salt or artificial sweetener) and then, holding it in his teeth, scampered off to a safe place out of sight where no doubt he consumed it! The restaurant staff did nothing to discourage the squirrel or to remove the temptation. I was ok with that.

Speaking of wildlife, I've also spied small, harmless wall-climbing skinks or lizards, bold little wren-sized birds hopping and running around the floor of the covered poolside lounge in search of crumbs, and varieties of exotic butterflies unfamiliar to me.

There is always a cacophony of insect and frog sounds emanating from the trees and undergrowth. Even now in the solitude of my room at 5 in the morning, I can hear nature's chorus. Yes, I am up early and have been every day, usually around 4 am.  I'm not an early riser by nature, so I guess my body is still trying to adjust. Actually, I'm rather enjoying the quiet reverie of these Bintan mornings.

View from my private patio