Ubud Monkey Forest – 20 Things to Know Before You Go

One of the most visited tourist attractions in Ubud, located in the south of the town is Ubud Monkey Forest. If you’re looking for things to do in Ubud, the monkey sanctuary is the perfect place to visit but before you go, you should get familiar with some facts to keep in mind for safety and to preserve the monkeys.

1. Known in Balinese language as Mandala Suci Wenara Wana, which translates to Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary.
2. Ubud Monkey Forest is a 10-hectare, heavily forested and hilly monkey sanctuary, 
3. The forest is natural habitat of more than 700 Balinese long-tailed monkeys. The monkeys in this sanctuary are separated into 6 groups: the main temple group, the forest conservation group, the central point group, the eastern group, the Michelin group, and the cemeteries group. 
4. Besides being home to more than 180 species of trees and plants, Ubud Monkey Forest has a deep ravine that runs through the grounds with a rocky stream at the bottom, which visitors can access through the trails. 
5. There are three temples within the park, including Pura Dalem Agung Padangtegal, Pura Beji and Pura Prajapati. Other facilities in the park include a forest conservation area, gallery, an open stage and a composting facility.
6. Monkeys roam freely in the sanctuary and they are usually not aggressive unless they feel the need to defend themselves when scared or provoked.
7. The Monkey Forest, its temples and its graveyard are owned by the village of Padang Tegal.
8. The local community of Ubud keeps the forest wild which allows the wild animals to live naturally. The monkeys are free to come and go as they want to! Important is that there are no cages, no walls or nets to hold them in the forest.
9. The monkeys are considered the temple guardians.
10. The spirits of the trees in Monkey Forest are said to have strong powers! There are over 115 species of trees here.
11. Monkey Forest has its local guides and staff ready – they will assist you during your visit – for example, if you want to make a photo with a monkey or if you want to get your stolen stuff back 😀 )
12. All monkeys are macaques, known also as the Balinese long-tailed monkeys.
13. .The most monkey babies are born during the months between May and August.
14. The pregnancies take about 6 months mostly only 1 infant is born.The baby stays with the mother for about 10 months.
15. The average female monkey weights between 2.5 kg and 6 kg and male monkey between 3.5 kg and 8 kg.
16. The mail macaque monkeys could live up to 15 years and the females up to 20 years.
17. Be sure not to panic if a monkeys jump on you. Simply drop any food you have and slowly walk away when they jump off.
18. Remember not to run when monkeys approach! Stay calm and don’t scream, this might agitate them.
19. Try not to make eye contact with the monkeys as they might interpret it as a sign of aggression.
20. Don’t bring any food with you! When you try to hide it, they’ll definitely find it.
21. Please don’t bring any plastic or paper bags to avoid littering in the forest. Also the monkeys recognize the bags may have food inside. 
22. Always take care of your personal belongings! Some cheeky monkeys may steal your belongings such as sunglasses, earrings, accessories, phone, etc.
23. It’s highly advised that visitors do not touch, grab or disturb the monkeys ever! The monkeys may make contact with you, but do not touch them back to avoid any unpredictable response. Baby monkeys may look harmless, but their mothers are extremely overprotective so beware!
24. Don’t feed the monkeys any kinds of snacks and drinks including peanuts, cookies, bread, candy, etc. as it may affect their health.
25. The local community considers Ubud Monkey Forest a sacred sanctuary that must be preserved at all cost and is an integral spiritual, educational, economic, and conservation centre for the Padangtegal Village. Therefore, visitors must always be mindful, respect the culture and follow the guidelines when visiting Ubud Monkey Forest.
26. Opening hours for tourists are 9am to 6pm.  Last entrance 5pm. 
27. Only a 5 minute walk from Bisma Cottages to Ubud Monkey Forest. Turn right from our entrance and right again when you get to the end of Bisma Street. Learn more about Bisma Street HERE 
28. There has been zero cases of rabies since 1960. When a monkey is found dead for no reason a sample of brain tissue will always be tested for rabies.  
29. Price Per Adult. Monday – Friday IDR 80,000. Saturday & Sunday IDR 100,000
30. Price Per Child (3 – 10 years) Monday – Friday IDR 60,000. Saturday and Sunday IDR 80,000. Under 3 Free.
31. Follow Ubud Monkey Forest on  Instagram  HERE 
32. For more info click HERE