Culture · Ubud
Monkey Forest
A sacred forest and its long-tailed macaques.
About the experience
A sacred forest and its long-tailed macaques.
The Ubud Monkey Forest is not a wildlife park; it is the sacred forest of Padangtegal village. Three temples dating to the fourteenth century stand inside it and the site is still run by the village. Mossy stone stairways, huge banyan roots and paths running between them.
Around 1,200 Balinese long-tailed macaques (Macaca fascicularis) live here freely. Feeding is done by the sanctuary staff; visitors are not allowed to feed them. The monkeys are used to people and curious — they take an interest in bags, glasses and bright jewellery.
The walk takes an hour and is shaded. It is within walking distance of central Ubud, so it slots easily onto the start or end of an Ubud day. Your guide explains which paths are quiet when, and how to keep your distance, before you go in.
“Moss, stone and a curious look sizing you up from above.”
Highlights
Three things to expect from this stop
Not a tourist park but the village’s own sacred ground. The three temples inside are still used for ceremony.
About 1,200 long-tailed macaques live here uncaged. Staff do the feeding; visitors are not permitted to.
The exit is ten minutes from Ubud’s main street, so it fits your day without a detour.
Who it suits
Is this your kind of day
You’ll love it if
- Anyone with half a day in Ubud
- People who enjoy watching animals at a distance
- Photographers — the light through the mossy trees is exceptional
- Anyone wanting a short, shaded walk
Think twice if
- Families with very small children — the macaques can be unpredictable
- Anyone who wants to carry open food or drink
- Anyone uneasy around animals at close range
- Anyone unwilling to take off jewellery and glasses
Programme
How the day runs
-
+0
Entry
Tickets and briefing.
-
+10 minutes
Walk
Main path and temples.
-
+40 minutes
Frames
Statue and forest stops.
-
+60 minutes
Exit
Back toward central Ubud.
Transparent price
What’s in, what’s not
Included
- Entry
- Guided commentary
Not included
- Transfer (add on request)
- Food (do not feed the monkeys)
- Tips
Meet: Sacred Monkey Forest entrance · Walkable in Ubud; transfer optional from other areas.
Prepare
Bring with you
Good to know
Small, important notes
Don’t make direct eye contact, don’t smile with your teeth, don’t reach out. If one takes something, don’t chase it — staff retrieve it.
Glasses, hats, jewellery and plastic bags are what get grabbed. Carry your bag closed and in front; open food and drink must be left at the entrance.
Before 9am and after 4pm is cooler and quieter. At midday both the monkeys and the visitors are busier.
FAQ
Common questions
Shall we hold this day?
Once dates and group size are clear, we reply the same day.
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