There are a couple of standard hotspots in Bali people all visit, and the Sacred Monkey Forrest in Ubud is definitely one of them. This doesn´t mean it´s a boring tourist trap, on the contrary, it´s one very exciting, a little scary, and most of all a breathtaking visit.
The Monkey Forest in Ubud is mesmerizing beautiful! And we´ll tell you all you need to know to have a wonderful time here!
The (infamous) Monkey Forest
The Monkey Forest in Ubud, also known as The Sacred Monkey Forest or Padangtegal, is around 30,8 acres large and home to more than 600+ Balinese long-tailed macaques. It is the most known attraction of Bali and it attracts more than 120,000 visitors per month (pre-Covid). This beautiful tropical forest is a protected nature reserve and consists of 115 different tree species and numerous species of plants and flowers. As a result, in addition to monkeys, you can also encounter reptiles and many types of birds.
When you enter the park you straight away get the feeling that you have ended up in the middle of a jungle. You forget for a moment that the forest is in the middle of a city. In addition to the nature aspect of this forest, there are also three atmospheric Hindu temples. The temples can only be entered by prayer in the Balinese traditional means and therefore are closed to tourists. These temples are built with many atmospheric details, and the various moss-covered statues and the stunning dragon bridge overall provide a fairytale experience.
The message of the forest is that through its temples, nature, and the interaction between man and nature, is to be in contact with ‘the spiritual'.
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The sacred monkeys
Monkeys are considered sacred in Bali and are therefore protected everywhere on the island. The staff in the park keep an eye on everything and nobody is allowed to harm or disturb the monkeys in any way.
The forest has no fences, so the monkeys are free to go in and out of the forest, but because they are fed and protected by the staff, they stay in or near to the forest. But that is why it is important not to leave anything hanging around your scooter because the monkeys may run away (steal!) with it.
Is the Monkey Forest in Ubud safe?
First of all, and people really need to understand this fact, the monkeys are wild animals and you are in their territory. The forest is not a zoo and the monkeys are free to move between the trees and paths. And you will find them everywhere, on the paths, sitting on walls, hanging in the robes, looking at you with vicious intent. This means the chance to interact with a monkey is there and they may jump on visitors, which they regularly do (you often hear a girl screaming her lunges out!).
Safety tips
>> Do not touch them nor feed them, you might get bitten!
>> Don´t bring any food or drinks. The monkeys are very smart, they will try to find it.
>> Don´t look the monkeys in the eye, because for the monkey, this is a sign of aggression. They act on it!
>> Take care of your valuable belongings. Only bring what you need in the forest and put them away in a closed-off bag. You won´t be the first nor the last tourist whose sunglasses, smartphone, or jewelry is taken by a monkey.
>> Don´t run or panic when a monkey comes close by, slowly walk away backward.
If you get bitten by a monkey go to the Ubud Monkey Forest First Aid, and the clinic staff will help you or clean the wound.
You might wanna double-check on your travel insurance before you go. We have some excellent suggestions on our Travel Insurance page!
Plan your visit to the Ubud Monkey Forest
Many visitors spend a total of approximately 1,5 hours in the forest. The park is also pretty accessible for people in wheelchairs and such. But not every part is completely accessible with a wheelchair.
Opening hours: Daily open from 9 am till 6 pm
Pro tip: visit the forest from 9 am to 11 am or after 3 pm. The busiest times are between 11 am and 3 pm.
Please note: the last admission is an hour before closing time!
Tickets:
Adult IDR 80,000 / 5,5 US dollars
Child IDR 60,000 / 4,15 US dollars
Hotels near Monkey Forest Ubud
There are in Ubud a lot of excellent hotels, villas, treehouses, and local guesthouses where you can stay. Check the best prices here on Booking for your stay at the Monkey Forest!
Book a Monkey Forest Tour
Check out these suggestions for tours around Ubud and of course for the Monkey Forest.
Address Monkey Forest Ubud
>>> Jl. Monkey Forest, Ubud, Kecamatan Ubud, Kabupaten Gianyar, Bali 80571
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