Bali: quite possibly, the happiest place on earth.

Bali: famous for its instagram-worthy brunches, surf seekers, and yummy mummy yoga addicts. This island in Indonesia is a destination that frequently graces our instagram feeds with paint palette sunsets and perfectly positioned avocado toast. But what about the lucky locals who call Bali their home? Surely they’re endlessly happy living in paradise?

The reality of Western affluence showcased on social media isn't reflective of the entire nation, and what may appear as relentless hardship to us, the locals view as the natural rhythm of life. Their livelihood is hard and there is extreme poverty throughout the island, but their approach to simplicity is a lesson that even the Canary Wharf suits could learn from.

There is a genuine warmth to the local people that is rare to find so widespread. Whether it’s the sun, legalisation of certain natural supplements or the religious teachings they uphold, in my whole experience there, I never walked past a stranger without a friendly smile and welcoming hello. Their attitude to life is a trait that I admired throughout my encounters on the island.

Among the numerous conversations I had throughout my trip, during one particular ride in Bali, my Grab driver revealed that he worked at a hotel owned by his cousin during the day and then drove the car at night. What stood out to me was his undeniable happiness and contentment with life. He explained that this wasn't just a job; it felt like living to the fullest. He emphasised, 'My work doesn't feel like work; it feels like life because I'm happy, and I'm with my family.' He went on to say, 'The salary may not be great, but life is good, so I don't worry.'" His advice has stuck with me and has since surpassed all other uber services, making me reconsider my habit of dishing out 5-star Uber ratings for the usual silent drive back home…

Another encounter was during our boat ride to the Gili Islands, we endured a terrifying crossing during an earthquake which the Indonesian crew members brushed off as just another day at work. Softly laughing as a Mexican wave of hands went up as they offered sick bags and dashed around the boat rubbing some sort of essence on peoples temples, they let us know it feels worse than it is. Grinning and continuing on with the journey, they looked like they were actually enjoying it. For a fatalistic westerner like myself, ‘sit tight and enjoy the ride’ mentality came into full force, and I was certainly sitting tight. Were they crazy or just happy? My argument lies with the latter, although I’m inclined to say there was madness involved. The crew’s cheery outlook was something to be admired - why worry?

Their dedication to their work was another reason they are a culture to look up to. Although, of course, necessary, they seemed to enjoy connecting with the tourists and genuinely wanted them to have the best experience possible in their country. On arriving in the Gili Islands, the whole island felt warm and comforting (and that wasn’t just the scorching weather or 20p tequila shots).

Across the road from our bustling hostel, Begandang, draped with travellers lazing around the mushroom shaped pool, was a man selling boat trips. His endearing and welcoming nature led us to chat about boating options for the next day. We later got onto the topic of his family and life, to which he told us he works long hours but he enjoys what he does. Expecting maybe a few hours on top of a 9-5, we didn’t think much of it. This was until we passed his shack on our way back to the hostel, around 11pm and there he was, sitting with a lamp, hoping to attract customers like moths to a flame with his natural charm. Feeling a sense of comfort that he was sitting there, almost like a guard to the hostel gates opposite him, we felt safer than ever. Many would say that’s naive, trusting a salesman we had just met, but this was the feeling throughout my travels in Indonesia.

The limited but carefree lifestyle they have adopted ensures they never feel hard done by and in turn, are never seen without a smile despite their clearly challenging lifestyle. We decided to buy him and his friend a drink as an offering of friendship. One can of a soft drink of course didn’t measure up to his constant gestures of kindness during our stay, but we felt we wanted to show thanks to our new friend.

The boat trip the next day was equally joyous, with our driver bringing us banana fritters and circling around the shore until he found an area free of jellyfish, watching out for us as we were snorkelling around the coral reefs. Roaring with laughter when I swam back to the boat, spluttering and out of breath after forgetting my flippers in a rush to see a turtle, the trip was another reminder that they really are the happiest people I’ve ever met.

With the risk of sounding like the next star of Eat Pray Love, the general consensus in Bali and the Gili Islands was: the sun is shining, you’re breathing, be happy. But there must be a reason people keep trekking to Bali on some soul searching pilgrimage, and are usually successful.

The contentment and gratitude in this country is overwhelming and although I didn’t lug my backpack 27 hours across the globe to “find myself” among palm trees and acai bowls, I definitely embraced the peace. I learned from the locals to be content with the cards you’re dealt and not stress too much about superficial things that don’t matter. They pointed a focus instead at building connections and relaxing into the highs and lows of living, rather than stressing to make everything perfect. Ok, guilty, I’m basic. But maybe everyone needs to be a bit more basic?