The Monkey Forest Ubud Bali is a wildlife reserve which is well known for its 600 monkeys who are living in this area. The type of monkeys which live in this area are known as Balinese long-tailed monkeys, called Macaque or Macaca fascicularis. The Long-tailed Macaques can be located in six distinct locations where they reside in groups in their own territories. You can spot them easily in the Cremation Temple, the East part of the main temple, Central Point, at the main temple area, the northeast area, and the new forest area.
Located near Tampaksiring in central Bali, in the village of Manukaya, is the Holy Spring Bathing Temple, where you can take a dip in the holy water or amrita, where you can wash your soul as per the Balinese Hindu custom. The temple has a bathing pond, where a hot spring regularly releases freshwater.
Devotees from around the world visit this temple to take a bath in the holy water for ceremonial purification of their souls and to ward off the evil from their bodies. Visitors admire the splendor of the site and also visit the Tirta Empul Temple, along with the Royal Presidential Palace to get some spectacular views.
Get a glimpse of the incredible Balinese traditional culture through the Barong Dance, one of the many art forms that are part of the Balinese people’s daily life. The spectacular dance form is related to spirituality and is often performed during religious rituals. The barong is a character of Balinese mythology who is considered the King of the Spirits who characterizes Virtue and is seen in the form of a lion.
The dance form, a reflection of life, represents the classic struggle between the barong and Good vs Evil. In this beautiful performance, two people, decked up in a thick coat of white fur along with gold jewels as well as mirrors, dance in unison to simulate a lion in action.
The Pura Dalem Agung Padangtegal, also known as Padangtegal Great Temple of Death, is the main temple in the Monkey Forest Ubud. It is located in the southwest area of the forest. The temple is dedicated to a god (known as Hyang Widhi), who is a personification form of Lord Shiva, the Transformer or The Recycler. This temple is the one where the main worship of the lord takes place. People visit this temple and offer their prayers to god. The sacred area of the temple is only open to those who are willing to wear proper Balinese praying attire and offer prayer here.
The Pura Beji, or Beji Temple, is located in the northwestern part of the park. This temple is used for worshiping Hyang Widhi who is in the personification form of the goddess Ganga. This is the temple where worshippers go for purification(known as piodalan) before conducting any ceremony. The temple is also known to be the place of ”melukat”, which means physical and spiritual cleansing.
The third temple located inside the Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary is the Pura Prajapati or Prajapati Temple. This temple is located in the northeast area of the forest and is used for worshiping Hyang Widhi in the personification of Prajapati. Lord Prajapati is known as the great creator deity who is also identified as Lord Brahma. The temple is adjacent to a cemetery which is temporarily used to store bodies while awaiting the day of the mass cremation held once every five years.
The forest is located at the heart of Ubud in the village of Padangtegal and it is very convenient to reach the Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary by road. You can rent a private car or a motorbike from Bali and travel for 28.7 km to reach the place in just 55 minutes traveling via Jl. Raya Denpasar. You can also opt to drive alone, using your GPS to reach the Monkey Forest Ubud by taking the Jalan Hanoman south from the main road of Ubud and then taking a right turn to proceed towards the forest.
The Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary Ubud has several facilities which include an exhibition area, an open stage, and a wide parking area. If you get hurt for some reason, there is a first-aid clinic. For the animals(monkeys), there is an animal clinic as well. The whole place has several toilets scattered all over for the ease of the visitors.
If monkeys jump on you, do not panic. Just drop any food that you are carrying and walk away slowly. You will find them jumping off soon.
If a monkey approaches you, do not run or scream as shouting may frighten them. Keep calm.
Do not look into the eyes of the monkeys as it is interpreted as a sign of aggression.
It is no use hiding any food as monkeys will know and will try to find it. If they do find it, do not ever try to pull it back
Please do not bring any kind of plastic or paper bag to avoid monkeys taking and playing with it. Help in maintaining the forest litter-free.
Please take care of your valuable belongings such as jewelry, sunglasses etc.
How long do you need at Ubud Monkey Forest?
An hour or two is sufficient to explore the Monkey Forest Ubud. You can spend the time well by opting for a guided tour or explore the whole area and walk around different sections of the sanctuary with lush green forest, tranquil river, Balinese Hindu temples and moss-covered stones.
While exploring, stop to spot the playful monkeys as they freely move in their distinct territories and create memories by taking some pictures with them. The sanctuary also hosts shows and performances such as the Barong Dance performance which will give you a glimpse of the Balinese tradition and culture.
Which is the best time to visit Ubud Monkey Forest?
The months of June, July and August are the best time to visit the Monkey Forest Ubud. During these months, the weather is dry and the forest is in its full glory. Also, while visiting the sanctuary during these months, you will be able to escape the heat of the summer season and will be able to explore the whole place even during the afternoon.
Is it safe to take photos in Ubud Monkey Forest?
Yes, it is safe to take a few pictures of the monkeys in the forest. But remember to maintain a good distance from the animals when you take the picture. If need be, you can take the help of the Monkey Forest Staff as well.
What are the opening and closing hours of Ubud Monkey Forest?
The Ubud Monkey Forest is open to its visitors every day. It opens its gate in the morning at 9 am and closes in the evening at 6 pm.
How many monkeys are there in the Monkey Forest?
The Monkey Forest Ubud has 600 monkeys of the type which is known as Balinese long-tailed monkeys, called Macaque or Macaca fascicularis. The monkeys reside in groups in six distinct territories - Cremation Temple, the East part of the main temple, Central Point, at the main temple area, the northeast area, and the new forest area.