Your Guide to The Ubud Monkey Forest, Bali

Located in Ubud, Bali, the Sacred Monkey Forest is a sanctuary for hundreds of Balinese long-tailed monkeys. The site is about 30.8 acres big and contains three temples dedicated to different gods; Pura Dalem Agung is the main temple, Pura Beji is the holy spring temple, and Pura Prajapati is the temple located close to a graveyard.

The Monkey Forest has over 115 species of trees and hundreds of Balinese macaques, so it makes for quite an interesting place to visit. It also helps to know that the Ubud Monkey Forest is a conservation and research centre that studies the monkeys' interactions and behaviour, so there's plenty to learn here as well.

To get to the Ubud Monkey Forest, it's best to take a Bali travel tour or rent a car with a driver. Taxis and motorbikes are a good option too. Bali's Ubud Monkey Forest is located in Ubud town at Kabupaten Gianyar. A quick search in Google Maps or Waze should show you how to get there, and if you are nearby and want to get there on foot, you can ask the locals to point you the way.

The Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary represents more than just a tourist attraction to Balinese people. In fact, it is a deeply spiritual place for them. Within the monkey forest in Ubud, you will find three ancient Hindu temples, each with its own significance.
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Pura Dalem Agung is dedicated to Shiva, the god of destruction and transformation. Pura Beji, near a sacred spring, is a site for spiritual and physical cleansing rituals.
Pura Prajapati, located near a traditional Balinese cemetery, plays a key role in local mass cremation ceremonies. As you walk through the forest area, moss-covered statues and towering banyan trees create an almost mystical atmosphere.

The monkey forest in Ubud is home to more than 600 monkeys, specifically long-tailed macaques. These playful and intelligent animals live in different groups throughout the forest area, and watching them interact is both entertaining and educational. While observing them, you might notice how they groom each other, forage for food, or even steal a backpack or two from unsuspecting tourists.
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The sanctuary also preserves lush greenery, with over 115 species of trees, including sacred banyan trees that play a role in Balinese rituals. It’s a beautiful mix of natural habitat and local traditions.

A visit to the Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary is just the beginning of what Ubud has to offer. Just a short drive away, you’ll find Tegenungan Waterfall, one of Bali’s most scenic cascades, where visitors can swim or take in the lush jungle surroundings. For those interested in Bali’s traditional arts, the Ubud Art Market is a must-see. It offers handmade crafts, paintings, and textiles from local artisans.
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If you prefer something more tranquil, a walk along Campuhan Ridge provides panoramic views of Ubud’s rolling hills and rice fields, which makes it a perfect spot for photography or peaceful reflection.

The Bali Monkey Forest is open daily from 8:30 AM to 6:00 PM, but the best time to visit is early in the morning when the temperature is cooler, and the monkeys are more active. Entrance fees vary depending on age, and the admission price can be checked online before your visit. The pathways take you through dense jungle, past centuries-old Hindu temples, and under towering banyan trees.
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You'll also see moss-covered statues and intricately carved temple gates. Beyond the monkey forest area, Jalan Monkey Forest Street offers great local shops, cafés, and markets where you can experience the artistic side of Ubud.

A visit to the Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary is just one of many experiences waiting for you in Bali. Staying at Club Med Bali in Nusa Dua allows you to enjoy this adventure effortlessly. The resort’s team can arrange day trips to Ubud Monkey Forest, Tegenungan Waterfall, and the stunning Tegalalang Rice Terrace, so you can explore Bali without the hassle of planning.
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After a day of sightseeing, unwind at Club Med’s beachfront resort, where you can relax with a Balinese massage, enjoy a sunset yoga session, or indulge in gourmet dining featuring local and international flavours.

The first thing you'd probably want to know is if the monkeys at Bali's Ubud Monkey Forest are aggressive and if it's safe to visit. The good news is, the monkeys here are friendly and generally not aggressive. However, they are mischievous and being wild animals, can get aggressive if they sense they may be in danger. Here are some tips when dealing with the monkeys:

• Don't panic and run.
• Avoid looking a monkey in the eyes as it's a sign of aggression.
• Avoid bringing food, and if you do, don't hide them as the monkeys can smell them and will try to rummage
  through your belongings.
• Don't touch the monkeys especially the babies as the mothers can get aggressive. Also, don't disturb them or make sudden movements around them.
• Secure your belongings especially your bags, hats, sunglasses, and mobile phones as some monkeys may steal your items.
• If a monkey climbs on you, just gently shoo them off you. You can also get assistance from one of the staff.
• The monkeys have a strict diet, and things you shouldn't feed them include bread, candy, cookies, peanuts, and other snacks and drinks.

The Ubud Monkey Forest is open daily from 8:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. and the best time to visit is in the morning when the weather is nice and cool. If you want to visit but avoid the monkeys, then a good time to be there is around feeding time as the monkeys will be busy eating. While there's no official dress code in the area, it's best to wear appropriate clothing since there are temples in the compound.

The Sacred Monkey Forest is a unique attraction with centuries of history and natural beauty. If you're in Bali and touring Ubud, why not visit other attractions as part of your Ubud tour such as the Tegenungan waterfall and Tegalalang Rice Terrace? At Club Med Bali, we can arrange excursions for you around Bali including to the Monkey Forest and other nearby destinations for a fulfilling day. Book a stay with us when you travel to Bali!