Sacred Monkey Forest Ubud: Tickets, Temples and Visitor Rules

Ubud's Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary combines a forest walk, long-tailed macaques and three living Hindu temples. Choose it for observing animals and understanding a Padangtegal community site, not for feeding or touching monkeys. The temple interiors are places of prayer, not tourist rooms.

Plan your visit first

Admission and entry details from the official visitor page (October 2026):

Allow one to two hours for a walk and animal observation, more if you stop often. Budget in IDR, and with children confirm the age category, any exemption and the payment methods with the sanctuary.

Why this forest is also a community and religious site

The sanctuary is a 12.5-hectare forest managed by the Padangtegal community.^[1][2] Its conservation work, religious use and visitor activity share the same grounds. Treat worship and local customs as part of the place, rather than scenery arranged for a photograph.

Its guiding philosophy is Tri Hita Karana: harmony between people and God, between people, and between people and the environment.^[2] All three relationships matter. The community context explains why access to a temple and permission to walk in the forest are different things.

Banyan trees, shrines among the vegetation and paths offer more to look at than the macaques alone. Some trees and leaves are part of ritual practice, banyan leaves in ceremonies among them. Follow the open routes and take time to see how the vegetation and the sacred places belong together.

Understanding the three temples

The temple history of the site goes back to around the middle of the 14th century, according to the sanctuary's reading of the Pura Purana.^[3]

Pura Dalem Agung Padangtegal

The main temple is in the southwest of the forest. It is associated with Shiva and Durga and with the community's beliefs surrounding death and transformation.^[3] Look at its setting and exterior from the visitor paths; the prayer spaces are not open to tourists.

Pura Beji

This temple is in the northwest and is associated with Gangga and ritual purification.^[3] Purification here is religious, not an invitation to bathe.

Pura Prajapati

The northeastern temple is associated with Brahma Prajapati. The sanctuary also has a community cemetery, where temporary burial can precede collective cremation.^[3]

All three temples are reserved for local worship.^[3] Respectful clothes do not grant entry to prayer areas. Follow barriers and staff instructions, including any restrictions around ceremonies; photograph only from permitted places without interrupting worship.

Observing the macaques without seeking contact

The monkeys are long-tailed macaques, Macaca fascicularis, living in social groups.^[2] Watching them move and interact is the heart of the visit. They are not pets, and being used to visitors does not mean they will ignore you.

Give yourself time to observe the groups from a distance, without following an animal to obtain a closer view. Do not approach young macaques or handle an animal, and leave feeding to staff.

The practical visitor rules

Follow the official guidelines and FAQ before and during the forest walk.

• Do not bring food or drinks into the forest. Arrange refreshments outside the animal area. The lobby has lockers; ask staff how to store prohibited belongings before entering.^[2]
• Do not feed, touch or pick up monkeys. Staff do the feeding.^[2]
• Avoid direct eye contact and move calmly. Do not run, tease an animal or force an interaction.^[2]
• Secure small objects. Keep glasses, jewellery, phones and loose accessories out of reach. A strap or closed bag does not stop a determined monkey.^[2]
• If a monkey climbs on you, seek staff assistance. Stay calm, stand up slowly and walk away rather than running. Do not push it or try to handle it.^[2]
• If an animal takes an item, do not pull it back. Ask staff for help, and do not offer food in exchange.
• Supervise children closely. Do not let them approach, feed or touch the animals.^[2]

After a bite or scratch

After any monkey bite or scratch, immediately wash the wound thoroughly with soap and running water and seek medical care without delay, even if it appears minor. A clinician should assess rabies exposure and other infection risks; first aid does not replace that assessment.^[4] CDC

Following the rules does not make animal contact risk-free, so never postpone care.

Getting there and choosing the next stop

The sanctuary is on Jalan Monkey Forest, and the visitor lobby is on the east side near Sentral Parking.^[1] Use that arrival point when planning your route from your accommodation or agreeing a drop-off with a driver.

If you arrange a vehicle, confirm the drop-off, parking and return pickup.

For a longer Ubud day, add the palace, the market or a walk such as Campuhan; the rice terraces need their own onward journey. Check access and travel time for each. The Indonesia travel overview helps place Bali within a wider trip.

A simple visit sequence

1. Check the current price and opening information, then choose your arrival and return route.
2. At the lobby, read the posted rules and ask about storage, child eligibility or any route restrictions.
3. Follow the open forest paths, observe animals from a distance and view sacred places only from permitted areas.
4. Leave time to exit before closing and take refreshments outside the forest animal area.

Wear practical shoes and respectful clothing. Carry rain protection if your forecast calls for it, watch your footing on wet paths and follow temporary closures. Watch for natural hazards such as falling branches; an open route is not a guarantee of safety.^[2]