Ubud Monkey Forest in Bali

Ubud Monkey Forest Highlights

The monkey forest sanctuary is easily located in the area of Ubud. The namesake one-way road south from the Ubud main town centre and royal palace leads up to the sanctuary located on its left, with a mini-parking space from where public and private transports drop their passengers to the right. The historic Pura Purana temple built in the mid-14th century resides within the forest. Also, one among the three key village temples, namely the Pura Dalem, or crematory and gravesite temples associated with the Hindu god Shiva can be found here.

The village foundation manages the sanctuary as a tourism site as well as a conservation effort for its hordes of macaques. Recent years have seen such efforts taking place, with research and studies carried out on their health, diet and breeding habits. Also, despite its small size, approximately tenth of a square kilometre, the forest is home to some 115 different species of trees, some of cultural and spiritual significance, adding even more meaning to its 'sanctuary' title.

The village of Padangtegal, together with the whole vast Ubud community, is well-known as a community of artisans. Famous Balinese painters hail from the village, together with master traditional performing artists, sculptors, carpenters and builders.

Good to Know about Ubud Monkey Forest

As with any encounter with wild animals, always consider these furry forest denizens as wild, however shy or cute they may look. Feeding the monkeys is not advised although there is a small 'official' stall at the entrance where ladies sell bananas for feeding. Public admission fees into the forest are IDR 10,000-15,000.

As a community-managed site, the sanctuary has local guides and staff in green uniforms ready to assist visitors during their visit. Keep loose items and accessories at a minimum when visiting the monkeys. If they manage to ‘borrow’ your hat or eyeglasses, ask the Wenara Wana staff for assistance to ‘correctly deal’ with the ruffians.

The guides are also a great source of information about the cultural and historical significance about the sites and temples within the sanctuary grounds. As a site for research and conservation, the guides are also in-the-know for the updates of the scientific aspects of conservation and biodiversity at the forest.

Opening Hours: Mon - Sun 08:00 - 18:00
Location: Jalan Monkey Forest, Padangtegal, Ubud
Tel: +62 (0)361 971 304
How to get there: Start from the Ubud main road and enter south into Jalan Hanoman which leads you to a turn to Jalan Monkey Forest.