Wildlife and Sanctity: Unveiling Bali's Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary
Nature intertwines harmoniously with spirituality on the sacred grounds of Bali’s Monkey Forest. Locally called Mandala Suci Wenara Wana, this mystical sanctuary is in the Padangtegal Village in Ubud. The jungle here is home to over 1,200 long-tailed macaque monkeys protected here. The forest also houses three Hindu temples revered by the local community.
More than just a tourist attraction, Ubud Monkey Forest Sanctuary offers you an excellent opportunity to connect with the endemic flora and fauna, nourish your inner self and embark upon a rejuvenating adventure through history and wilderness.
Want a slice of this exhilarating experience? Read on for a comprehensive idea of the Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary in Bali.
Monkey Forest Ubud - What to Expect Inside
Stepping into the Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary is like entering an ancient land of fantasy. Home to over a hundred different species of flora, including age-old towering trees creating a dense canopy up above, the biodiversity of the forest is truly remarkable.
The jungle is mostly known for long-tailed macaque monkeys – most friendly, some aggressive. As you venture deeper into the forest, you will likely encounter the monkeys playfully swinging from branches, grooming each other, or foraging for food. The sanctuary serves as a refuge for the monkeys as well as other endangered plants and animals.
You can engage in various informative programs, workshops and tours that offer insight into the forest’s unique ecosystem.
Ubud Monkey Forest Temples
There are three principal temples inside Ubud’s Monkey Forest – Pura Dalem Agung Padangtegal, Pura Beji, and Pura Prajapati. These intricately designed, moss-covered ancient shrines are a testament to the mysticism of a bygone era in Balinese Hinduism.
Pura Dalem Agung Padangtegal
Pura Dalem Agung Padangtegal is the main temple, located in the southwestern part of the sanctuary. It is dedicated to Lord Shiva.
Pura Beji
Pura Beji, standing in the northwest, is where the locals perform purification rituals. It is dedicated to Goddess Ganga, the Holy River in Hinduism, whose water is believed to have cleansing powers. There is a spring near the temple which is used for spiritual and physical cleansing through bathing. You can throw coins in the holy spring pool to make wishes.
Pura Prajapati
Pura Prajapati, also known as the Cremation Temple, is where the deceased villagers are cremated according to Balinese Hindu customs. There is a cemetery adjacent to the shrine where bodies of the deceased are in temporary burial for a mass cremation every five years.
Certain parts of all three temples are closed off to visitors to maintain the sanctity of the temples.
History of the Ubud Monkey Forest
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The origin of the site dates back to the 14th century when Padangtegal Village was founded. The locals considered the grounds to be sacred, believing that it was inhabited by benevolent spirits and powerful gods. What added to the faith was the presence of thousands of monkeys.
Revered as physical manifestations of the Hindu Monkey God, Lord Hanuman, monkeys are worshipped beings here and in Hinduism in general. Over the years, several temples and holy sites were built to mark the sanctity of the place. Today, the holiness of the Sacred Monkey Forest is honoured by the presence of the three temples and the conservation efforts to save the monkeys.
The cost of Ubud Monkey Forest ticket prices for adults and children are different on the weekends than on weekdays. Avoid any confusion by going through the entrance fees given below:
Tickets | Weekdays | Weekends |
Adults | IDR 80.000 | IDR 100.000 |
Children | IDR 60.000 | IDR 80.000 |
The forest and temple premises are open every day between 9am and 6pm. Ticketing services, however, open at 9am and shut down and 5pm.
The Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary is a popular tourist attraction located on the edge of Ubud village.
It is easily accessible via multiple modes of transportation.
- Walking – The entrance of the sanctuary at the end of Monkey Forest Road is a 10 to 15 minutes walk from Ubud town centre.
- Shuttle Bus – Frequent shuttle buses are ferrying back and forth from the centre of Ubud every 15-30 minutes. Hop on one and get down at the entrance.
- Scooters/Bikes on Rent – Renting two-wheelers is a popular practice in Bali. If you’re confident about finding the entrance on your own, which is easy enough to locate, it’s your best option. You can park your ride for a small fee.
- Taxi/Four-Wheeler on Rent – You can use ride-hailing apps like Grab or Gojek in Ubud, but it’ll be pretty difficult because of the local taxi mafia. A rented vehicle will be a better option.
| Address: |
|---|
| Jl. Monkey Forest, Ubud, Kecamatan Ubud, Kabupaten Gianyar, Bali 80571, Indonesia |
The Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary is a great place to visit all year long. If you want to avoid crowds and enjoy a peaceful visit, go during the first couple of hours after opening – 9am to 11am.
If you want to spot the most number of monkeys, the best time to visit Ubud Monkey Forest is around 2 to 2:30pm. This is when the forest officials feed the monkeys. You can also witness them chomping away at their meals and take pictures.
- Do not carry or bring valuables like jewellery, sunglasses, scarves, caps, etc.
- Do not bring outside food hidden in bags or pockets.
- Do not touch or feed the monkeys.
- Do not bring plastic or paper bags.
- Do not look the monkeys in the eye. They will consider this a threat and may attack.
- Do not panic if confronted by the monkeys. Do not run. Stay calm and take small steps backwards.
Grab your chance at a standout experience near Ubud’s Monkey Forest Sanctuary with a 20-metre Jungle Swing at Kumulilir coffee plantation, a quick 30 to 40-minute drive from the sanctuary.
You will be fastened to the swing with safety gears and sent swinging over the verdant green background, thus painting a postcard-perfect Instagram-worthy shot to take your travel blog to the next level. This once-in-a-lifetime opportunity is a romantic photoshoot goal for many couples and it could be your dream come true as well.
Commonly Asked Questions
Is photography allowed inside Ubud Monkey Forest?
Yes, photography is allowed inside Ubud Monkey Forest. However, using flash is discouraged as it may startle the monkeys.
Can visitors feed or play with the monkeys inside the sanctuary?
It is strictly forbidden for visitors to feed or touch the monkeys. You can interact with them from a distance.
What do I do if I’m bitten or scratched by a monkey?
If you get hurt by a monkey, contact the staff and visit the Monkey Forest First Aid immediately. You will be provided with basic first aid. Contact a doctor for further treatments if needed.
Is there a dress code for Ubud Monkey Forest?
Visitors are requested to dress modestly since it’s a place of religious importance. Shoulders and knees should be covered to show respect for local customs.
What to not carry to Monkey Forest?
Ubud Monkey Forest recommends you do not carry valuables, such as wallets, passports, jewellery, etc., out in the open. Keep them secured in a backpack if you must. Take care of your mobile phone, camera, etc. Do not bring any plastic, paper bags, or food items.
