Ubud Monkey Forest

When you talk about Bali, the first thing that comes to mind has to be the beautiful beaches in Bali. But there is so much more that goes into this serene city. One of the main attractions of Bali is the Ubud Monkey Forest, or the Sacred Monkey Forest of Padangtegal.

About

A natural forest sanctuary, the forest has become home to a horde of grey long-tailed macaques. There is a community based program for the management, because of which, the site remains well preserved to date. Within an easy walking distance from Jalan Monkey Forest and Jalan Hanoman, the reserve is a real treat for all nature lovers.
Take a cool walk along paved pathways winding through a nutmeg forest as you watch playful monkeys in their natural habitat. You can see the monkeys swinging around, eating bananas and lazing on the pathways, or you can visit a few of the ancient temples that feature throughout the forest. These temples even have moss covered statues to enhance that temple run feeling.

Ancient Sites

Venture deep inside the forest to the 14th century Pura Dalem Agung Padangtegal, or visit the Pura Prajapati, which is actually dedicated to village funerals. Another site waiting to be discovered is the Pura Beji, an ancient bathing temple that is located northwest of the main Ubud Monkey Forest grounds. The best part of this site is probably how it is accessible down a flight of stairs, next to a stream. If this wasn’t enough, there are also a number of relics and statues. Under the dense foliage, little sunlight reaching them, and covered in moss, not to mention, Banyan tree roots hanging about, add to the mysterious and eerie feel.

The Monkeys

Sumber gambar: Amazonaws

The Ubud Monkey Forest is well known for the efforts that have been put into its conservation. A tourist attraction, the Monkey Forest is also a place where a number of studies and researches are carried out regularly, in attempts to observe the monkeys’ diet, health and breeding habits. There are more than a hundred macaques that inhabit the region, and observation shows that they are divided into four troops. One important thing to remember is that monkeys are notorious for snatching things. So it would be best if you do not wear any loose jewelry, or even apparel when visiting. The macaques would be rather tempted to snatch a necklace or even a bag, looking for something interesting to eat. While
you also might be tempted to try and play with the monkeys, or to try to feed them, it would be an unwise move as the monkeys still are wild animals and are best not bothered.

Details

Opening Hours: Mon – Sun 08:00 – 18:00
Location: Jalan Monkey Forest, Padangtegal, Ubud
Tel: +62 (0)361 971 304
Getting there: Start from the Ubud main road and enter south into Jalan Hanoman, this road will lead you directly to a right turn, which will lead to the sanctuary.
Prices: Adults – IDR 40,000
Children – IDR 30,000

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