Ubud Monkey Forest (Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary)

The Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary is a patch of ancient rainforest right in the middle of Ubud, owned and managed by the traditional village of Padangtegal. Over roughly 12.5 hectares, stone paths and walkways wind through towering banyan and nutmeg trees, over a river ravine and past moss-covered temples – all shared with more than a thousand long-tailed macaques who live in several distinct troops.

The sanctuary is run on the Balinese Tri Hita Karana philosophy of harmony between people, nature and the divine, and funds from tickets support conservation, research and the village. For many visitors it is the most memorable wildlife encounter in Bali – and a lesson in keeping a close eye on your belongings.

What to see

Three temples stand inside the forest: Pura Dalem Agung Padangtegal, the main temple of death, believed to date from the 14th century; Pura Beji, a holy spring temple used for purification; and Pura Prajapati, linked to the village cremation ground. The temples are closed to visitors but their carved gates and statues are visible from the paths. Highlights include the Dragon Bridge over the ravine, with serpent-shaped balustrades wrapped in tree roots, and the lush holy spring area. Watching the monkeys groom, play and bathe in the pools is endlessly entertaining.

How to visit

• Buy tickets at the main entrance on Jl. Monkey Forest or at the side entrances; last entry is 17:00.
• Leave food, plastic bags and loose items behind. Monkeys recognise snack wrappers instantly.
• Secure sunglasses, hats, jewellery and phones; zip bags closed and wear them on your front.
• Staff in green uniforms patrol the forest – ask them for help if a monkey takes something.
• Early morning and late afternoon are quieter and the monkeys are more relaxed.

Etiquette & dress

Do not feed, touch or tease the monkeys, and avoid direct eye contact or showing your teeth – macaques read this as aggression. If a monkey jumps on you, stay calm and let it go by itself. Keep children close. The temples are sacred, so stay out of their courtyards and don’t climb on statues. Closed shoes are more comfortable on the stone paths. If you are scratched or bitten, report it to first-aid staff straight away; rabies precautions are important.

Wet-season visits are rewarding too: the forest turns an even deeper green, the ravine stream swells and the canopy keeps you shaded during showers. Bring a light rain jacket rather than an umbrella, which monkeys may grab.

Combine it with

• Ubud Palace and Ubud Art Market, a 10-minute walk up Jl. Monkey Forest.
• Campuhan Ridge Walk for a sunrise or sunset stroll.
• Goa Gajah, 15 minutes east.
• Ubud’s cafés and spas along Jl. Hanoman and Jl. Monkey Forest.