This stretch of forest in Ubud is renowned above all for its monkey colonies. Though sacred to Hindus, these primates are far from the sanctuary's only attraction. This magnificent tropical forest is first and foremost a sacred place that houses the temple of the dead for the Padangtegal community, as well as two other temples and a cemetery. It would be a shame to stay in Ubud without visiting the Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary, especially since just an hour is sufficient.

 

We recommend visiting this enchanting place in the morning around 9 a.m., when there are fewer crowds. Around 4 p.m. is also pleasant, but not much later, as insects become a nuisance once night falls.

The Balinese name for the forest is Wenara Wana, and it is formally known as the "Padangtegal Monkey Forest" because it belongs to and is managed by the Padangtegal community, which protects and promotes it.

The main entrance to the Monkey Forest is at a bend on Jalan Monkey Forest, also known as Jalan Wanara Rana. The forest sits in a sort of depression and is actually quite small—no more than one and a half hectares in area.

The sacred forest is accessible only on foot. Admission is 50,000 IDR for adults and 4,000 IDR for children. At the entrance, street vendors will offer you bananas (for the monkeys!). You'll understand further on in this article why you might want to resist the temptation to feed the macaques.

As you pass through the entrance to the Monkey Forest, you step beneath a vegetable canopy several dozen meters high. You move along paved pathways winding through the forest. The forest is home to over 110 tree species. Some specimens are centuries old and sacred, revered by the Balinese. The atmosphere, the beauty of the trees and structures, the humidity, the distinctive soundscape, the monkeys, the squirrels—all of it contributes to a truly unique experience.

A Sacred Forest

For the Balinese, the forest is inhabited by human and animal spirits dating back to the very origins of their religion. It's worth noting that Balinese Hinduism is a syncretism of multiple beliefs, including Buddhism, animism, Indian Hinduism, and secular beliefs—some of which trace back 2,500 years before Christ.

To the southeast, starting from the central plaza, take the stairs that lead upward on your left. You'll find the cemetery and the cremation temple. The cemetery holds the dead awaiting cremation (a wait that can last decades after death). The temple itself is no longer used for cremations.

To the northwest, from the central plaza, take the opposite route from the previous one and you'll find the bathing temple. You reach it via a stone bridge worthy of an Indiana Jones set. You pass by a lovely sacred pool, then a series of stairs descends to a stream in a fairly deep gorge. There you'll admire, notably, two majestic monitor lizard statues and a religious guesthouse.

For the Balinese, personal hygiene is of paramount importance, and bathing is both a means of relaxation and a place of social gathering.

Continuing to the south, you'll find the temple of the dead (Pura Dalem Agung) for the Padangtegal community. The Pura Dalem are dedicated to Shiva, the god who prepares people for reincarnation by judging their actions during life. By going around the temple—which is closed to visitors—you'll reach a deer enclosure and a lane of small, sparsely active shops.

The Monkeys

Much is said negatively about the macaques that populate the forest (over 300 individuals grouped into 4 colonies), and much of it is often true. These animals can be aggressive, especially when they're after food or objects.

In tourist guides, the forest is discouraged for young children, but with a few precautions and parents' continued vigilance, the walk is not particularly risky.

Most often, problems with monkeys arise when you're walking around with food. Don't worry about their diet, though—they're fed by the keepers, who dispense quantities of papayas for them. Some tourists have been bitten, often because they treated the monkeys like friendly mascots to play with. If the monkeys approach too closely and show signs of excitement—because despite warnings, you're carrying a banana—throw it and don't wait for them to snatch it from you. Then calmly move away.

There are keepers in the most frequented zones who can assist you if you really insist on feeding the monkeys.

Monkeys are also thieves—sunglasses, necklaces, anything that dangles and glitters can catch their interest.