THE beach cafe at Lebih in Bali’s Gianyar district lies in ruins, its broken pillars and walls strewn all over the place. It’s not a scene following an earthquake. No tremors. The destruction was caused by high tides which swept through Lebih early this month.

The cafe was a favorite hangout for tourists enjoying ikan bakar (grilled fish) for which the place is famous. The owner didn’t expect high water would destroy his cafe as it was loc