Monkey Forest Sanctuary in Ubud, Bali
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We’re going to be taking you into the heart of the jungle to one of the most magical, exciting, and sacred forests in the world. But this isn’t just any forest, this is the monkey forest.
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Located on the island of Bali, in the cultural epicentre of Ubud, the monkey forest is a nature reserve and temple complex home to hundreds of free roaming long-tail macaque monkeys, and over 186 different species of plants and trees. What makes this forest so special is that it was created upon the Balinese philosophy called “Tri Hita Karana”, meaning “three causes of well-being”, which aims to provide harmony between God, humans, and nature. Within the Monkey Forest, you will experience the harmony of all three. Temples dating back to the 14th century, luscious tropical greenery with playful monkeys swinging from tree to tree, and then you, a curious human exploring this beautiful habitat.
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To enter the monkey forest, you’ll need to pay an admission fee of 80,000 IDR, which is about 6 USD. Once you enter, you step foot in the monkey kingdom, where you’ll need to play by their rules, if you want to avoid getting tangled up in a tussle with a monkey. Although the monkeys are not aggressive by nature, they will defend themselves if they feel threatened. This can happen in the form of an attack, stealing your possessions, such as your phone, or in the more rare instances, a monkey bite. But don’t worry, there are a few safety tips you can follow... First is to avoid eye contact with monkeys, as this is interpreted as a sign of aggression. Secondly is to not bring paper or plastic bags inside, as the monkeys get curious and sometimes try to steal them away. Thirdly, don't touch the monkeys, especially the babies, as they are unpredictable and their mothers can become VERY defensive of them. And lastly, is to avoid bringing in or feeding them any outside food. And, if a monkey should jump on you, don't panic or run, the best thing to do is to stay calm and slowly walk away.
Mother and baby monkey
Inside the monkey forest you can get lost wandering down the many pathways leading you through the exotic jungle. You will witness monkeys sitting on walls, swinging around on vines, roughhousing with each other, and having a grand old time. You might notice them all of the sudden drop whatever they're mixed up in, and skedaddle off to one direction. Yep, that’s their call for food, in which they’ll indulge in a delicacy of sweet potatoes, seasonal fruits, and papaya leaves.
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If you venture out to the far end of the monkey forest, you’ll find an enclosed area with monkeys inside. We were curious why, and asked one of the locals nearby. He explained to us that it is a monkey rehabilitation centre, and inside was one blind monkey, and another with a missing limb. They stay under close watch to monitor their condition and safety, and receive special treatment.
Monkeys feating in their sanctuary
The monkey forest is sacred to the local community, and some parts are not open to the public. The temples play an important role in the spiritual life of the local community, and the monkeys and their mythology are of spiritual significance in Balinese culture. You will see several monkey statues throughout the forest, which represent the energy surrounding the temples and their powers.
The Monkey Forest is a one of a kind experience that you have to see at least once in your life. Make sure to mark it on your list of places to see on your next trip in Bali. If you’re interested in more videos with Bali tips and guides, make sure to check out our Bali playlist, and subscribe to the channel so you’ll be notified when we release our upcoming videos. Thanks for tuning in and we’ll catch ya later!