How to Experience the Magic of the Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary in Bali

If you are looking for a unique and unforgettable experience in Bali, you should not miss the Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary in Ubud. This is not just a tourist attraction, but a sacred site where you can witness the harmony between nature, culture, and wildlife. In this article, you will learn everything you need to know about the Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary, from its history and significance, to its attractions and tips. Whether you are a nature lover, a culture enthusiast, or a wildlife fan, you will find something to enjoy and appreciate in this amazing place.

Photo of Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary 1/1 by — (C) Minority Nomad

What is the Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary?

The Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary, also known as the Ubud Monkey Forest, is a nature reserve and a Hindu temple complex located in the village of Padangtegal, Ubud, Bali. It covers an area of about 27 acres and is home to more than 700 long-tailed macaques, who are considered sacred by the locals. The forest also contains three temples that date back to the 14th century, dedicated to the Hindu gods Shiva, Vishnu, and Brahma. The forest is a symbol of the harmonious coexistence between humans and nature, and a place where visitors can experience the spiritual and cultural aspects of Bali.

Why Visit the Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary?

There are many reasons to visit the Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary, but here are some of the main ones:

- You can interact with the monkeys in their natural habitat and observe their behavior and personality. The monkeys are friendly and curious, but also mischievous and playful. You can feed them with bananas or nuts, but be careful not to touch them or provoke them. You can also take photos with them, but make sure to respect their space and privacy.

- You can explore the temples and learn about their history and meaning. The temples are not only beautiful and impressive, but also rich in symbolism and significance. You can see the statues, carvings, and offerings that represent the Hindu beliefs and practices. You can also witness the ceremonies and rituals that take place in the temples, such as the daily prayers and the monthly festivals.

- You can enjoy the nature and beauty of the forest and its surroundings. The forest is a lush and green oasis that offers a refreshing and relaxing escape from the hustle and bustle of Ubud. You can walk along the trails, cross the bridges, and admire the waterfall. You can also see the variety of plants, flowers, and trees that grow in the forest, some of which are rare and endemic to Bali.

How to Visit the Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary?

If you are interested in visiting the Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary, here are some practical information and tips that you should know:

- The forest is open daily from 8:30 am to 6:00 pm, and the entrance fee is 80,000 IDR (about 5 USD) for adults and 60,000 IDR (about 4 USD) for children. You can buy the tickets at the entrance gate or online through the official website.

- The forest is located in the center of Ubud, and you can easily reach it by walking, cycling, or taking a taxi or a shuttle bus. You can also join a guided tour that includes the forest and other attractions in Ubud, such as the Ubud Palace, the Ubud Art Market, and the Tegalalang Rice Terrace.

- The forest is suitable for different types of travelers, such as families, solo travelers, couples, and groups. However, you should be aware of some rules and etiquette that you need to follow when visiting the forest, such as:

- Dress modestly and respectfully, especially when entering the temples. You can borrow a sarong and a sash at the entrance if you need to cover your shoulders and legs.

- Do not touch or disturb the monkeys, the temples, or the offerings. The monkeys are wild animals and they can bite or scratch if they feel threatened or annoyed. The temples and the offerings are sacred and they should be treated with respect and reverence.

- Do not bring any food or drinks into the forest, except for the bananas or nuts that you can buy at the entrance or inside the forest. The monkeys can smell the food and they can snatch it from you or your bag. You can also find some cafes and restaurants outside the forest where you can eat and drink.

- Do not litter or damage the forest or its environment. The forest is a nature reserve and it should be kept clean and preserved. You can find some trash bins and recycling stations where you can dispose of your waste properly.

When is the Best Time to Visit the Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary?

The best time to visit the Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary depends on your preference and availability, but here are some factors that you can consider:

- The weather: Bali has a tropical climate and it is warm and humid throughout the year. However, there are two seasons: the dry season (from April to September) and the rainy season (from October to March). The dry season is more favorable for visiting the forest, as the rain can make the trails slippery and muddy, and the monkeys less active and visible. The rainy season can also bring some advantages, such as fewer crowds, lower prices, and more lush and green scenery.

- The festivals: Bali has a rich and vibrant culture and it celebrates many festivals and events throughout the year. Some of these festivals are related to the forest and the temples, such as the Kuningan Festival (in January or February), the Galungan Festival (in March or April), and the Purnama Kedasa Festival (in October or November). These festivals are a great opportunity to witness the religious and cultural aspects of the forest, as the locals perform ceremonies, rituals, and offerings in the temples. However, these festivals can also attract more crowds, noise, and traffic, so you should plan ahead and book your tickets and accommodation in advance.

What are the Other Things to Do and See Near the Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary?

The Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary is not the only attraction in Ubud, and you can find many other things to do and see near the forest, such as:

- The Ubud Palace: This is the official residence of the royal family of Ubud, and a historical and cultural landmark. You can visit the palace and admire its architecture, gardens, and art. You can also watch the traditional Balinese dance performances that take place in the palace every evening.

- The Ubud Art Market: This is a popular and colorful market where you can find and buy various handicrafts, souvenirs, and products made by the local artisans and artists. You can also bargain and haggle with the sellers and get the best deals.

- The Tegalalang Rice Terrace: This is a stunning and scenic landscape of rice fields that are arranged in terraces and slopes. You can walk, hike, or cycle along the rice terrace and enjoy the views and the fresh air. You can also visit the nearby villages and learn about the traditional farming and irrigation system of Bali.

- The Campuhan Ridge Walk: This is a beautiful and easy walk that takes you along the ridge of the Campuhan River. You can see the panoramic views of the hills, valleys, and forests of Ubud. You can also stop by the Campuhan Temple and the Karsa Spa along the way.

Conclusion

The Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary is a must-see attraction in Bali that offers a unique and unforgettable experience for visitors. You can interact with the monkeys, explore the temples, and enjoy the nature of the forest. You can also learn about the history, culture, and spirituality of Bali. Whether you are looking for fun, adventure, or relaxation, you will find it in the Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary.

So, what are you waiting for? Book your tickets now and get ready to experience the magic of the forest. And don't forget to share your thoughts and experiences with us in the comments below

Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary Reviews

Namita Kulkarni

1325 Followers

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Speaking of monkeys, what’s a trip to a tropical island without a little run-in with some wildlife? And given how aggressive the monkeys (long-tailed macaques, actually) of the Sacred Monkey Forest are, snatching away anything they fancy, wild is an apt description. While we’re on lessons learned, nuggets of wisdom are never far behind in Ubud’s gift shops. This one really struck a chord one bright sunny morning. Possibly the most artistic store I’ve been to in a long time. Run by the Kupu Kupu Foundation, it houses a broad variety of handicrafts reasonably priced and imaginatively created by the physically challenged using local materials, with the proceeds going towards improving the lives of the latter. The artist’s profile and photo are displayed next to each piece. For details visit http://www.kupukupufoundation.org/. In a concept that most of us city-bred souls would do well to imbibe, the Balinese allot a special day for silence every year, when even their airports pull their shutters down. Called Nyepi and celebrated with much gusto on the preceding evening, its larger-than-life preparations make for quite the imposing sight. As this little boy just found out. A short quad-bike ride through the rice fields led me to this. Green grass, blue skies and black coffee. Under a post-rain drizzle. Some afternoons have perfection written all over them. And now for some Bali Spirit Festival, the bait that hooked me in the first place to this island and its many charms. Music concerts every night at the five-day festival, because there’s no such thing as too much music. Here’s a Balinese ‘offering’ that you will see more times than you can keep count of in a day here, not just in temples but almost everywhere. While I’m not wild about organized religion, the kind of reverence the Balinese have for artistic beauty and the amount of care and effort they put into creating beauty in their daily rituals is something I could get behind. From homes that could well be ancient temples, to sculptures that seem as intricately worked as nature, the orchestra of frogs and crickets every night outside my room, beauty was simply in the air. I’m sure I’ll be back for more, and with even less of a plan than a lost notebook the next time.

Quinn Russell

650 Followers

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Imagine a 'secret jungle' with inquisitive monkeys who rule over sacred temples and century old banyan trees. Sit quietly and hear the sounds of rushing ravines.....drift a little.....see and smell the vivid colour of flower offerings and sweet Balinese incense. This isn't Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's "The Lost World," it's the Ubud Sacred Monkey Forest, a must-see attraction for any visitor to Bali, 'Island of the Gods.'While staying at the spectacular eco-conscious Fivelements Puri Ahimsa wellness retreat, I ventured out to one of Bali's most popular attractions, the Ubud Sacred Monkey Forest. Officially known as the Padangtegal Mandala Wisata Wanara Wana Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary, the site contains 27 acres of protected grounds, 605 long-tailed macaque monkeys, and three 14th-century temples.The forest is located minutes from the main strip of Ubud, the 'Cultural Heart of Bali.' You can purchase bananas on-site to feed the monkeys, make sure to carefully conceal the fruit in a backpack because the monkeys will at random, jump on to you for a free meal. This is all apart of the fun. When you are ready to feed them, take one banana out at a time, this will prevent any accidental bites. I have read many reviews about aggressive behavior from the monkeys, I did witness it for myself, but was never bitten. Most aggression cases have happened because of improper feeding; if you take one banana out at a time, watch your surroundings, and do not taunt the monkeys (especially the mature ones!) this will help to ensure a safe and highly enjoyable interaction. Also note, if you have no bananas, food, or hand-held items the monkeys will typically be unfazed by your presence, allowing visitors who want a little distance to have a great time too. I give this attraction a 10/10, it's literally a 'barrel of monkeys' fun!

Arland

639 Followers

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If you want to get a more interesting experience, you should come visit Monkey Forest to meet the monkeys that can roam freely. In this 27 hectares forest, there are a lot of dense trees and the air is really clean and fresh. Upon entering this area, you will be greeted by a giant monkey statue.You have to be careful with your luggage, as some mischievous monkeys will take your luggage and bring it to the top of the tree.COMING TO UBUD WRITERS AND READERS FESTIVAL (UWRF) If you come at the right time, do not miss to come to International Literature Festival.This festival is held only once a year and is the world’s largest literature festival. You can meet the authors directly, both Indonesian authors and foreign authors. You can also get to know and learn about the culture, art, and literature or can also enter some of the free events that take place during the festival. In the fact there are many morethings what to do in Ubud Bali, like visiting Pura Taman Saraswati, Watch the herons at Petulu return home, Dine at Mozaic, etc. But that’s some of the most popular destinations and it’s a pity if passed while on vacation in Ubud, Bali-Indonesia.Frequent searches leading to this page:- Top Bali tour packages with price, Bali honeymoon package from Delhi India, top places to visit in Bali for honeymoon, best places to visit in Bali for honeymoon, best places to visit in Bali Indonesia for honeymoon, best places to visit in Bali for bachelors, best places to visit in Bali for singles

Kadambari Bhatte (curlytravelmess)

19k Followers

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When you are out and about in Bali you will notice idols of Lord Ganesha and Shiva almost on every corner, it gives you this feeling of serenity and peace. This place has some of the best temples to pay visit to, best part being all are situated by the sea, so you will not only pay respect to the Gods but also make yourself happy by getting those perfect pictures! Some of the temples not to be missed are: The Besakih Temple Uluwatu Temple Taman Ayu Temple Tanah Lot Temple Ulun Danu Beratan Temple Adding to the list is the Sacred Monkey Forest- you will be surrounded by monkeys and also get to feed them, but be aware! One of such huge ones jumped on my boyfriend's back thinking he was a threat to them! I am truly hoping I shall visit Bali soon again to explore more such beaches, food and sunsets! And, that I come back with ample of such adventures in my bag! Thank you for visiting! #bali #indonesiaFrequent searches leading to this page:- Top Bali tour packages with price, Bali honeymoon package from Delhi India, top places to visit in Bali for honeymoon, best places to visit in Bali for honeymoon, best places to visit in Bali Indonesia for honeymoon, best places to visit in Bali for bachelors, best places to visit in Bali for singles

brian

395 Followers

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- Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary - I am not sure if it was the very next day or the 2nd day after arriving in Ubud that we got the chance to walk down to the Sacred Monkey Forest. I remember there was still a lot of raining going on but with moments of hot sun in between. In any case, I met up with Danielle and Cynthia for a tour of the monkey forest. I knew this is what they had been waiting for! Funny thing is, they didn't even have to leave their hotel to get monkeys. The monkeys were stealing anything and everything from the balcony of their bungalow! I know they have some crazy video of that. Girls if you are reading this...YouTube your videos! ...and remember to monetize it... Or send it to me I will upload it to my YouTube channel!