This corner of Ubud's forest is renowned chiefly for its monkey colonies. Yet these sacred animals to Hindus are far from being its only attraction. This magnificent tropical forest is above all a sacred place that shelters the temple of the dead of 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 a short hour is all you need.

We recommend visiting this enchanting place in the morning around 9 o'clock, when there are fewer crowds. Around 4 p.m. is also quite pleasant, but no later: once night falls, the insects take over!

The Balinese name for the forest is Wenara Wana and it is officially the "Padangtegal Monkey Forest," as it belongs to the Padangtegal municipality, which manages, protects and promotes it.

The main entrance to the Monkey Forest is located at the southern bend of Jalan Monkey Forest, also known as Jalan Wanara Rana. The forest is situated in a sort of basin and is actually not very large: 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, vendors will offer you bananas for the monkeys. You'll understand later in this article why you might want to resist the temptation to feed the macaques.

Upon entering the Monkey Forest, you step beneath a canopy of vegetation tens of meters high. You move along paved pathways. The forest is home to more than 110 species of trees. Some specimens are over a century old and are sacred, venerated by the Balinese. The atmosphere, the beauty of the trees and their architecture, the humidity, the distinctive sound of the place, the monkeys, the squirrels… everything contributes to a very unique experience.

A Sacred Forest

For the Balinese, the forest has been inhabited by human and animal spirits since the earliest origins of their religion. It bears noting that Balinese Hinduism is a syncretism of multiple beliefs including Buddhism, animism, Indian Hinduism and secular beliefs; some of these date back 2,500 years before Christ.

To the southeast, from the central square, take the stairs that climb on your left. You'll find the cemetery and cremation temple there. In the cemetery are buried the dead awaiting cremation, a wait that can last decades after death. The temple itself is no longer used for cremations.

To the northwest, taking the opposite path from the central square from the previous route, you'll find the bathing temple. It's accessed by a stone bridge worthy of an Indiana Jones set. You'll pass a very beautiful sacred pool, then to the right a series of stairs descends toward a stream in a fairly deep gorge. You'll admire there notably two majestic statues of monitor lizards and a religious hostel.

Let's recall that for the Balinese, personal hygiene is of paramount importance: bathing is also a means of relaxation and a place of socialization.

Continuing south, you'll find the temple of the dead (Pura Dalem Agung) of the Padangtegal community. The Pura Dalem are dedicated to Shiva, the god who prepares men for reincarnation by judging their actions during their lifetime. By circling the temple — closed to visitors — you'll reach a deer enclosure and a lane of very quiet small shops.

The Monkeys

Many negative things are said about the macaques that inhabit the forest — more than 300 individuals grouped into 4 colonies — and they are often true. These animals can be aggressive, especially when they covet food or objects.

In tourist guides, the forest is not recommended for young children, but with a few precautions and the parents' constant vigilance, the walk presents no major risk.

It's most often because you're strolling with food that you might encounter problems with the monkeys. And don't worry about their waistlines: they're fed by caretakers who provide quantities of papayas for them. Some tourists have been bitten, often because they viewed the monkeys as friendly mascots to tease.

If the monkeys get too close, showing signs of excitement because, despite the warnings, you have a banana, throw it without waiting for them to come snatch it, then calmly move away. Caretakers are present in the most frequented areas and can assist you if you really insist on feeding the monkeys.

The monkeys are also thieves: glasses, necklaces… if it dangles and shines, it might catch their interest.