The Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary sits at the southern edge of Ubud, a 12.5-hectare pocket of dense tropical jungle right in the middle of Bali's cultural heartland. More than 1,200 long-tailed macaques live here, roaming freely among moss-covered stone carvings, towering banyan trees, and three Hindu temples dating back to the 14th century. It is one of Bali's most visited sites, and for good reason - few places on the island blend nature, spirituality, and wildlife this seamlessly.
But the Monkey Forest is not a zoo. The macaques are wild, the temples are active places of worship, and the forest itself is a protected conservation area managed by the village of Padangtegal. Understanding how the sanctuary works, what to expect from the monkeys, and how to make the most of your visit will turn a quick stop into one of the highlights of your time in Ubud.
What Makes the Monkey Forest Special
Unlike most wildlife attractions in Southeast Asia, the Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary operates on the Balinese philosophy of Tri Hita Karana - the belief in maintaining harmony between humans, nature, and the spiritual world. The sanctuary is not just a tourist attraction. It is a functioning religious site where Balinese Hindu ceremonies take place regularly, a conservation project protecting native flora and fauna, and a community resource managed entirely by the local village.
The forest is home to 186 species of trees, including giant banyan, nutmeg, and fig trees that form a thick canopy overhead. Walking paths wind through ravines, across small bridges over a stream, and past dragon-shaped staircases carved from stone. The atmosphere shifts noticeably as you step inside - the air is cooler, the noise of Ubud's streets fades, and you are surrounded by the sounds of running water and chattering monkeys.
Things to Do
The Three Temples
Three Hindu temples stand within the forest grounds, all believed to have been built around 1350 CE.
Pura Dalem Agung Padangtegal is the main temple, located in the southwestern section of the forest. Dedicated to Shiva in the form of Dewa Mahadewa, it serves as the village's death temple where cremation and afterlife rituals are performed. The entrance features an elaborate split gate flanked by stone guardians, and the inner courtyard is often closed to tourists during ceremonies.
Pura Beji sits in the northwestern corner near the main entrance. This bathing temple is dedicated to the goddess Gangga and is used for spiritual and physical purification before religious ceremonies. The carved stone facades here are some of the most photogenic in the entire sanctuary.
Pura Prajapati occupies the northeastern area and is dedicated to Prajapati, the god of creation. This is also where the village cremation grounds are located. Visitors can walk around the exterior of all three temples but cannot enter the inner sanctums.
Understanding the Macaques
The Balinese long-tailed macaques (Macaca fascicularis) that live in the forest are organized into several social groups, each with a clear hierarchy. Staff and researchers from the sanctuary monitor the troops continuously, studying their behavior and managing their health. The monkeys are not tame - they are wild animals that have grown accustomed to human presence.
Most of the time, the macaques will ignore you completely. They sit on pathways, groom each other on stone walls, and play in the trees overhead. Problems arise when visitors carry food, shiny objects, or loose items that catch a monkey's attention. The macaques are remarkably skilled at grabbing sunglasses, water bottles, hats, and phones from unsuspecting visitors.
How to Behave Around the Monkeys
- Do not make direct eye contact or show your teeth - both are perceived as threats
- Keep bags zipped and avoid dangling straps, jewelry, or accessories
- Do not feed the monkeys anything you brought from outside - staff sell bananas at designated feeding areas
- If a monkey climbs on you, stay calm and still. Do not push it off or scream. It will lose interest
- Never try to touch or pet a monkey, especially mothers with babies
- If a monkey grabs something, do not try to pull it back - alert a staff member who can retrieve it
Monkey bites are rare but do happen. The sanctuary has a first aid station, and any bite should be cleaned immediately. Consult a doctor about rabies post-exposure prophylaxis if the skin is broken.
Visiting the Sanctuary
Opening Hours and Entrance Fee
The Monkey Forest is open daily from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM, with the last tickets sold at 5:00 PM. Entrance fees are:
| Visitor Type | Weekday (IDR) | Weekend (IDR) |
|---|---|---|
| Adult | 80,000 | 100,000 |
| Child (3-12) | 60,000 | 80,000 |
| Under 3 | Free | Free |
At current exchange rates, adult entry is roughly $5 to $6. Payment is accepted in cash (IDR) and by card at the ticket counter.
Best Time to Visit
Arrive right at 9:00 AM opening for the smallest crowds and the most active monkeys. Mornings are feeding time, so you will see the macaques at their liveliest. By mid-morning, tour buses start arriving and the main paths get busy. Late afternoon (after 4:00 PM) is another good window - the light filtering through the canopy is beautiful for photography, and many day-trippers have already left.
Avoid visiting between 11:00 AM and 2:00 PM if possible. This is peak tour group time, and the combination of midday heat and crowds makes the experience less enjoyable.
How Long to Spend
Most visitors spend 1 to 2 hours exploring the forest. If you want to walk every path, linger at the temples, and spend time watching the monkeys, allow closer to 2 hours. The sanctuary is not enormous, but the winding trails and multiple levels mean there is more ground to cover than it first appears.
Getting There
The Monkey Forest is located on Jalan Monkey Forest, the main road running south from the center of Ubud. It is walkable from most Ubud hotels - roughly 10 to 15 minutes on foot from Ubud Palace and the central market.
- On foot: The most common option if you are staying in central Ubud. The walk down Jalan Monkey Forest passes shops, cafes, and restaurants
- By scooter: Parking is available near both the main entrance (south) and the secondary entrance at the top (north, near Jalan Wenara Wana). Expect to pay IDR 5,000 for parking
- By car or taxi: Grab and GoJek both operate in Ubud, though ride-hailing drivers sometimes have trouble reaching the entrance due to one-way streets. A private driver can drop you at the main gate
There are three entrances to the forest. The main entrance is at the southern end of Jalan Monkey Forest. A second entrance is on Jalan Wenara Wana to the north. A third entrance is on the western side. All are staffed with ticket counters. The southern main entrance tends to be the busiest.
What to Wear and Bring
- Footwear: Closed-toe shoes or sturdy sandals with grip. The stone paths get slippery, especially after rain, and some sections involve steps
- Clothing: Light, breathable layers. The forest canopy keeps things cool but it is still humid. If you plan to enter temple areas, shoulders and knees should be covered
- Secure your belongings: Use a crossbody bag or backpack you can zip shut. Leave sunglasses on a strap or in your bag. Phone cases with wrist straps are helpful
- Water: Bring a bottle but keep it in your bag when not drinking. Monkeys will grab bottles right out of your hands
- Camera: The forest is incredibly photogenic. A camera with a neck strap is safer than holding a phone loosely
Nearby Attractions
The Monkey Forest's central location makes it easy to combine with other Ubud highlights in a single day.
Ubud Palace (Puri Saren Agung) is a 15-minute walk north and offers free entry to its courtyard gardens. Traditional Balinese dance performances are held here most evenings.
Ubud Art Market sits directly across from the palace and is best visited in the morning when local artisans sell handmade goods before the souvenir vendors set up.
Tegallalang Rice Terraces are about 20 minutes north by scooter or car. The cascading paddies are one of Bali's most photographed landscapes.
Campuhan Ridge Walk is a gentle 2-kilometer trail along a narrow ridge between two river valleys, best done at sunrise. It starts about 20 minutes northwest of the Monkey Forest on foot.
For more ideas on what to see and do across Bali and the rest of Indonesia, GoAsia.cc has detailed guides covering routes, cities, and practical travel tips.
Tips for a Great Visit
- Buy bananas inside, not outside. Street vendors near the entrance sell bananas at inflated prices and the monkeys may mob you before you even get through the gate. Buy from the official feeding stations inside where staff can supervise
- Start from the secondary entrance. Most visitors enter from the south. Walking in from the northern entrance on Jalan Wenara Wana means you explore the quieter sections first and hit the busy areas last
- Watch the babies. Young macaques are endlessly entertaining, tumbling over each other and practicing their climbing. But keep your distance from mothers - they are protective and can be aggressive if they feel their baby is threatened
- Respect the temples. Even though you cannot enter the inner sanctums, be mindful around temple areas. Do not climb on walls or statues for photos. Ceremonies may close off sections temporarily
- Check for events. The sanctuary occasionally hosts cultural events and Balinese ceremonies that add a unique dimension to a visit. Ask at the ticket counter if anything is scheduled
- Bring a rain jacket. Ubud gets afternoon showers frequently. A light rain jacket keeps you dry and the forest in the rain is actually quite magical - just watch your footing on wet stone
Frequently Asked Questions
The Monkey Forest is generally safe for visitors of all ages. The macaques are wild but accustomed to humans, and sanctuary staff are stationed throughout the grounds to help if issues arise. The main risks are monkeys grabbing loose belongings or the occasional scratch. Follow the posted rules, secure your items, and stay calm around the animals.
Adult admission is IDR 80,000 on weekdays and IDR 100,000 on weekends, which works out to roughly $5 to $6. Children aged 3 to 12 pay IDR 60,000 on weekdays and IDR 80,000 on weekends. Children under 3 enter free. You can pay in cash or by card at the ticket counter.
The Monkey Forest is a 10 to 15 minute walk south from Ubud Palace along Jalan Monkey Forest. You can also ride a scooter or take a Grab or GoJek. The main entrance is at the southern end of the road, with secondary entrances on the north and west sides.
Do not try to pull the item back, as this can provoke the monkey. Instead, stay calm and alert a nearby staff member. Sanctuary workers are experienced at retrieving items from the macaques, usually by offering a food trade. Keep phones, sunglasses, and bottles secured in a zipped bag to prevent this from happening.
Most visitors spend 1 to 2 hours exploring the trails, watching the monkeys, and visiting the temple grounds. If you want to walk every path and take your time with photography, plan for the full 2 hours. The forest has more winding trails and levels than it appears from the entrance.
Arriving right at the 9:00 AM opening gives you the smallest crowds and the most active monkeys during their morning feeding. Late afternoon after 4:00 PM is another good option with softer light for photos. Avoid the 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM window when tour groups peak and midday heat is strongest.
You can buy bananas at designated feeding stations inside the sanctuary where staff supervise the interactions. Do not bring your own food or feed the monkeys anything other than what is sold inside. Processed or sugary foods harm the monkeys' health, and carrying outside food often leads to aggressive behavior.
Visitors can walk around the exterior of all three temples and admire the stone carvings and architecture. The inner sanctums are reserved for Balinese Hindu worshippers and are not open to tourists. Certain areas may be temporarily closed during religious ceremonies.
