Ubud Monket Forest - Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary, Bali

Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary, Bali Overview

A natural habitat for over 600 Balinese long-tailed monkeys, the Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary in Ubud is a tourist hotspot due to its religious and wildlife value. With roughly 115 species of trees combined with the numerous monkeys looking for handouts from tourists, make this is quite delightful for the nature-lovers.

As the name suggests, Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary is a pristine forest spread prolifically over an area of 12.5 hectares inhabited by a plethora of congenial monkeys located in Bali. Also known as Ubud Monkey Forest, this sanctuary is owned by Pandangetal community and managed by Mandala Suci Wenara Wana Management. A large number of people flock to this sanctuary every year to witness the great spectacle of various monkeys climbing from tree to tree and get a chance to interact with them first hand.

One can find more than 186 plant species here, and a small herd of Timor Rusa Deer is kept in an enclosure for visitors to witness its beauty. Apart from the vibrant and high spirited monkeys, this place is made more special and sacred by the ancient temples that are situated in the forest. Dating back to the 14th century, these temples are beautifully constructed with fascinating carvings and intricate sculptures of monkeys and dragons, surrounded by lush green forests. It is a unique and perfect getaway to spend some time amidst nature and playful monkeys.

Monkeys at the Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary

The Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary in Ubud, Bali is home to more than 600 Balinese Long-tailed
Monkeys (Source)

More than 600 Balinese long-tailed monkeys, also known as Macaques, are found at the Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary in Ubud. The monkeys are further divided into 5 groups which consist of the monkeys that live in front of the main temple, in Michelin, in eastern, central and cemeteries of the sanctuary. Each of these groups has about 100-120 monkeys of different age groups. The monkeys living in the sanctuary are extremely active and mischievous. They mingle and fight with other groups for food and water but live cordially nonetheless. They can be seen climbing trees, lazing around or eating bananas.

Temples at the Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary

The Pura Dalem Agung Padangtegal Temple at Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary in Bali (Source)

Three ancient Hindu temples, mostly built during the mid 14th century, are situated in the Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary, which are built with finesse and are quite a sight to see. The grand architecture of the temples in such that it will make you awestruck. These temples are an integral part of the local community that preserve the rich Balinese art tradition and the interesting Balinese mythologies. These temples are a must visit while visiting Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary.

1. Dalem Agung Padangtegal Temple: The Dalem Agung Padangtegal Temple is the main temple in the sanctuary which is located in the southwestern part of the sanctuary. The temple is dedicated to Hyang Widhi who is considered to be a personification of Lord Shiva, the God of creation and destruction in Hindu mythology. This temple is beautifully built with intricate carvings and the Banyan trees that surround this temple makes it look magical.

2. Holy Spring Temple: Also known as Pura Beji, Holy Spring Temple is an ancient bathing temple located in the northwestern part of the sanctuary. This temple is built to worship Hyang Widhi, the personification of Ganga, a pristine and holy river. This temple is built to spiritually and physically purge your soul and body before performing religious ceremonies.

3. Prajapati Temple: Prajapati Temple is located on the northeastern part of the sanctuary and is dedicated to Hyang Widhi in the personification of Prajapati, the creator of the universe. This temple is adjacent to a cemetery where village funerals are conducted and a mass cremation ceremony is held every five years.

Things To Do at the Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary

You can go on a Guided, Informative Walk and Interact with Monkeys at the Sacred Monkey
Forest Sanctuary (Source)

Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary comprises of great staff and local guides that are ready to provide assistance at any point during your visit. The local guides are perfect to approach if you want a detailed and informative walk in the sanctuary. The local guides have a great deal of information about the historical and cultural significance of each and every temple and sanctuary ground that will make your trip even more enriching and interesting. The Wenara Wana staff is there to assist you to retrieve your personal belongings when snatched or stolen by monkeys.

Events and Festivals at the Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary

Many Cultural and Religious Events are Celebrated at the Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary in Bali
(Source)

A number of events are organised in Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary regularly that gives a glimpse into the rich culture and history of Bali. Special Balinese dance and music performances are frequently held in the forest ground which are vibrant and eye pleasing. The dance and music staged gives an essence of the Balinese culture while the grooving music and the colourful attire of the performers is what attracts the eyes.

A number of festivals are also celebrated with a lot of zest and exuberance in the sanctuary which are a must witness. Festivals like Tilem Kasa (Dark Moon Festival) and Nyegara Gunung Ceremony are some of the important ones during which hundreds of locals dressed in traditional and colourful Balinese attire pray and proffer offerings in the temple to seek blessings. The whole sanctuary looks mesmerizing and lively during these festivals.

Best Time to Visit Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary

The best time to visit Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary is between the months of June and August. During this time of the year the weather is pleasant and the whole place is dry making it easier to roam around and explore the sanctuary to the fullest.

Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary Facilities

Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary offers ample facilities so that travellers can comfortably enjoy their trip here.
The forest ground has a forest conservation area, a public hall, an open stage and gallery that provides information about the sanctuary.
A canteen is located in the sanctuary which offers eatables and drinks to satiate your stomach.
A first-aid centre is also there to provide immediate medical care in case if mishappenings.
Parking and restroom facilities are available at the sanctuary.
If you want to feed the monkeys, a number of vendors selling bananas are located outside the sanctuary from where you can buy bananas and feed the monkeys.

Tips for Visiting Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary

The Monkeys at the Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary in Ubud are Friendly, but should not be
disturbed or teased (Source)

The monkeys here are at ease being surrounded by humans, but they can get wild if disturbed or teased.
Do not disturb the monkeys by touching or look them straight into their eyes.
Do not carry plastic or paper bags in Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary.
Do not feed monkeys anything other than bananas.
If, by any chance, you get bitten or scratched by a monkey, make sure to seek immediate medical attention to avoid contracting a disease.
Make sure you are dressed modestly and comfortably as this sanctuary is sacred with a number of temples inside it.
Some sacred areas of the temple are closed and you can only visit them if you are dressed in proper Balinese praying attire.
Women experiencing their monthly menstrual cycle are not allowed to enter any part of the temple ground.

The Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary is a must-visit of Ubud in Bali (Source)

How To Reach Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary

Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary is located at a walkable distance of around 2 km from downtown Ubud. You can also reach this sanctuary from Raya Ubud, the town's main street by renting a car and turning south continuing downhill till you reach Jalan Hanoman where the sanctuary can be seen on the right side.