Ubud Monkey Forest is the best and popular attractions as well as the most visited monkey forest in Bali for both domestic and foreigners tourist. Also known as the Mandala Suci Wenara Wana is the sanctuary or natural habitat of Balinese long tailed Monkey, in scientific called Macaca fascicularis.
The Ubud Monkey Forest lies within the village of Padangtegal, which owns it. The village’s residents view the Monkey Forest as an important spiritual, economic, educational, and conservation center for the village. The forest is also conveniently positioned near Ubud Town Centre, and within easy walking distance from guesthouses and resorts along the main roads of Jalan Hanoman and the namesake Jalan Monkey Forest. There are around 749 monkeys live in this sanctuary. They are divided into 6 groups, namely in front of main temple group, forest conservation group, central point group, eastern group, Michelin group, and cemeteries group.
Ubud Mongkey Forest has 186 species of the plan and tree in 12,5 hectares of the forest, and it has 3 temples inside namely Dalem Agung Padangtegal Temple, Holy Spring Temple and Prajapati Temple. We’re going to dig deep into Ubud Monkey Forest in Bali, but feel free to jump to any section that interests you.
What to Expect at Ubud Monkey Forest
For monkey lovers, this forest is definitely one for the bucket list. When else would you get the chance to get up close and personal with monkeys!.The beautiful forest grounds and hilarious, entertaining monkeys make for a funny afternoon and definitely one not to be forgotten!
There are many of point of interest that you can see here. Other than around 700 monkeys, you also can see 186 species of trees in 12.5 hectares of forest, where will allowing you to get an abundant of fresh air. The type of monkeys that live in the area of The Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary (Ubud Monkey Forest), known as the Balinese long-tailed monkey, in scientific called Macaca fascicularis. In English called macaque. They are divided into 5 groups: in front of the main temple, Michelin, eastern, central, and cemeteries. Each group consist of 100 – 120 monkeys which: infants (0 – 1 year), juvenile 1 (1 – 2 years), juvenile 2 (2 – 4 years), sub adult male (4 – 6 years), adult female (> 4 years), and adult male (> 6 years).
Deep inside the forest lies the 14th century Pura Dalem Agung Padangtegal. Another site of interest is the Pura Prajapati, which is dedicated to village funerals. Most mossy relics and statues are under dense foliage with little sunlight, giving these smaller sites their mysterious and ancient feel. Banyan tree roots hanging over shadowy dragon staircases offer exotic photo opportunities. You can also discover an ancient bathing temple, located northwest of the main Ubud Monkey Forest grounds, known as Pura Beji, accessible down a flight of stairs and next to a stream.
Ubud Monkey Forest Address & Map Location
Ubud Mongkey Forest located Jalan Hanoman (Jalan Monkey Forest) in the village of Padangtegal, Gianyar regency, Ubud, Bali, Indonesia. About 1,8 km or within 5 minutes drive away from Ubud Palace (Puri Saren), and Ubud Art Market.
How to Get to Ubud Monkey Forest
It’s pretty easy to get to the Sacred Ubud Mongkey Forest Sanctuary, and can be reached by many sides besides from central town of Ubud, from eastern corner of Ubud and from southern area of Ubud. As the distance from Kuta is around 55 kms, from Sanur around 40 kms, and from Nusa Dua area around 65 kms. Simply find Jalan Hanoman or Jalan Monkey Forest (aka Monkey Forest Street) which is the main street that runs through Ubud. Take this all the way until you get to the Sacred Monkey Forest! Once you arrive, you will see welcome sign “The Padangtegal Mandala Wisata Wanara Wana Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary” and you will start to see a monkeys.
Ubud Monkey Forest Entrance Fee
Visit to the Ubud Monkey Forest are subject to an entrance fee of 50,000 IDR per person for adult, and 40,000 IDR per person for kid. The ticket can be bought at the ticket counter which located just before the entrance gate of the forest.
And the payment should be cash in Indonesian Rupiah (IDR), so please prepare small cash before you come here.
There is local guides and staff ready to assist you during your visit. The staff may also try in assisting you with retrieval of any ‘items’ stolen by monkeys, And also give you information about the cultural and historical significance about the sites and temples within the sanctuary grounds.
Ubud Monkey Forest Opening Hours
The Ubud Monkey Forest is open for visitor at 08.30 AM to 06.00 PM daily, and whilst the ticket office closes at 5.30 PM.
And the best time to visit monkey forest in Ubud around 14:00. At this time period, most of the monkeys already get fed by the previous visitor. This way you will get the less aggressive behavior of the primate.
Ubud Monkey Forest Dress Code
There is no dress code required when you go to Ubud Monkey Forest. However as a sanctuary filled with actual temples, be respectful of the local attire and make sure you are covered. Avoid spaghetti straps and wear a tank top or T-shirt. Cover your legs and wear a sarong, skirt or loose-fitting pants.
There are some parts of the area that prohibited for the public to see or visit. For example, the sacred area or temple. The temple area is only accessible for whom willing to pray and wear proper Balinese praying dress.
Ubud Monkey Forest Travel Tips
A visit Ubud Monkey Forest should not be done lightly or without caution, and you can have a pleasant visit if you are mindful of the rules and always remember that these monkeys are not pets, they are wild animals. For your safety and convenience please read and follow the “Monkey Forest Tips” that had been placed around the area.
If you bring a bag (plastic or paper) or plastic bottle, we suggest you to entrust and left at ticket counter.
In generally, monkeys will not come to you if you do not bring bananas or any other food. If you want to interact or feed the monkey, please do it carefully. If you are giving bananas or food to the monkey and they approached to take it, do not ever try to pull it back. To maintain the monkey’s health, please do not feed the monkeys by peanuts, biscuits, bread, or any other human snacks. In order to conserve the monkeys and forests, we engage you to keep the forests, wildlife, and the environment in good manner.
Best Time to Visit Ubud Monkey Forest
The best time to visit Ubud’s monkey forest is during the dry, warm months of June, July, and August. The forest makes a pleasant escape from the afternoon heat, but expect crowds during this time of year.