Ubud Monkey Forest

Located in the heart of Ubud, the Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary is one of Bali’s most distinctive cultural and nature attractions. The destination combines a dense tropical forest, free-roaming long-tailed macaques, traditional Balinese temples, stone sculptures, bridges, streams, and sacred areas connected to the local community of Padangtegal.

Many travellers visit because they want to see the monkeys at close range. However, Ubud Monkey Forest is not simply a wildlife park or photography attraction. It is also a protected forest, an active religious area, a conservation centre, and an important part of the spiritual and economic life of the surrounding village. The official sanctuary covers approximately 12.5 hectares and is home to more than 1,200 Balinese long-tailed macaques.

For travellers staying in Amed, visiting Ubud Monkey Forest involves a longer journey across Bali. It works particularly well as part of a private Amed-to-Ubud transfer or a full-day trip combined with Tegalalang Rice Terrace, Tirta Empul Temple, central Ubud, or another attraction along the route.

What Is the Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary?

The official name of the attraction is the Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary, while it is also commonly known as Ubud Monkey Forest or Mandala Suci Wenara Wana.

The sanctuary is located in Padangtegal Village, close to central Ubud. It protects a forest environment that includes walking paths, large trees, streams, temple structures, statues, bridges, and areas where the macaques live and move freely.

The monkeys are Balinese long-tailed macaques, scientifically known as Macaca fascicularis. They live in separate social groups with their own territories inside the sanctuary. Visitors may observe them grooming one another, resting beneath trees, climbing, carrying infants, searching for food, or interacting with other members of their group.

These animals are not domesticated pets. They live in a semi-wild environment, and their behaviour can change depending on food, territory, social position, nearby monkeys, and the actions of visitors. The safest experience comes from observing them calmly rather than attempting to touch, hold, tease, or control them.

More Than a Place to See Monkeys

The sanctuary’s purpose goes beyond tourism. Its management follows the Balinese philosophy of Tri Hita Karana, which focuses on maintaining harmony between humans and the divine, humans and other humans, and humans and the natural environment.

This philosophy can be seen throughout the forest. Temples represent the spiritual relationship, local management reflects the relationship between community members, and conservation work supports the relationship between people, animals, trees, and the wider ecosystem.

The forest is also connected to research and conservation programmes. Researchers have studied macaque behaviour, social interaction, and the relationship between the animals and their environment. The sanctuary’s official information also identifies numerous tree species, including trees used in Balinese ceremonies, shrine construction, cremation rituals, and sacred mask-making traditions.

Understanding this wider purpose makes the visit more meaningful. The monkeys may be the most visible attraction, but the forest also represents Balinese spirituality, community management, biodiversity, and cultural preservation.

The Sacred Temples Inside the Forest

Three principal temples are located within the sanctuary. They are connected to different religious functions and remain important to the Padangtegal community.

Pura Dalem Agung Padangtegal

Pura Dalem Agung Padangtegal is the main temple within the forest. According to the sanctuary, worship at this temple is associated with Shiva, who is understood within this context as a transforming or recycling force. The temple is situated in the southwestern part of the sanctuary.

Pura Beji or Holy Spring Temple

The Holy Spring Temple is located in the northwestern area. It is associated with Goddess Gangga and is used for purification practices, including forms of spiritual and physical cleansing known locally as melukat.

Pura Prajapati

Pura Prajapati is associated with Brahma Prajapati and is located near the cemetery area. The cemetery is connected with local cremation traditions and community ceremonies.

The temples are believed to date from around the 14th century. Some sacred areas are reserved for Balinese worshippers and are not open for general tourist entry. Visitors may observe the architecture from permitted areas but must follow signs, barriers, and instructions from sanctuary staff.

Walking Through the Forest

The forest offers much more than a single path past a group of monkeys. Visitors can walk beneath a dense canopy, cross bridges, see moss-covered stone carvings, observe streams, and explore different sections of the sanctuary.

Some of the most atmospheric areas feature large tree roots, traditional guardian figures, stone walls, and sculptures gradually covered by moss. The shaded paths provide a welcome break from the heat of central Ubud, although the environment can still feel humid.

The official visitor map identifies several points of interest, including the main temple, Holy Spring Temple, Dragon Bridge, wooden pathways, forest-conservation areas, exhibition space, animal clinic, central point, cemetery areas, and several entrances and exits.

Allow approximately one to two hours for a relaxed visit. Travellers who move slowly, take photographs, observe the monkeys, and explore the quieter paths may wish to stay longer.

Essential Safety Rules Around the Monkeys

The macaques are intelligent, fast, curious, and comfortable around people. Visitors should never assume that a monkey will behave like a trained animal.

The sanctuary provides several important rules:

• Do not touch, hold, or pick up a monkey.
• Do not feed or interact with the monkeys unless directly supervised by trained staff.
• Avoid staring directly into a monkey’s eyes.
• Do not bring visible food or drinks into the forest.
• Keep jewellery, toys, loose accessories, and other small objects secured.
• Stay calm if a monkey approaches or jumps onto you.
• Keep children close and supervised.
• Respect restricted and sacred areas.
• Avoid bringing plastic bags into the sanctuary.

These rules protect both visitors and the animals. Feeding monkeys independently can encourage grabbing, competition, and aggressive behaviour. Human snacks may also be unsuitable for their health.

Keep sunglasses, hats, phones, water bottles, keys, and loose accessories secure before entering. A monkey may investigate an object because it is brightly coloured, reflective, or resembles food.

What to Do If a Monkey Approaches You

Remain calm and avoid sudden movements.

Do not run, scream, hit the monkey, or attempt to pull an object forcefully from its hands. Running may encourage chasing, while struggling can increase tension.

When a monkey jumps onto you, the sanctuary advises standing calmly and moving away slowly. Ask a member of staff for assistance rather than attempting to remove the animal yourself.

Staff members are positioned around the sanctuary and are experienced in managing macaque behaviour. Contact them immediately when you feel uncomfortable or when a monkey takes an important item.

Should a scratch or bite occur, report it immediately and go to the sanctuary’s first-aid clinic. The official facility list includes both a first-aid clinic and an animal clinic within the area.

Can Visitors Feed the Monkeys?

Visitors are not permitted to feed the monkeys independently. The sanctuary states that feeding is handled by its staff for safety reasons and that the macaques receive scheduled food throughout the day. Their diet includes sweet potatoes along with items such as bananas, papaya leaves, and seasonal fruit.

Do not bring peanuts, biscuits, sweets, bread, packaged snacks, or fruit with the intention of feeding them. Keeping all food securely stored also reduces the chance of monkeys approaching your bag.

The safest way to observe the animals is from a respectful distance. Natural behaviour such as grooming, climbing, resting, or caring for infants is often more interesting than encouraging a monkey to approach for food.

Taking Photographs with the Monkeys

Visitors may photograph the macaques as long as they maintain a safe distance and do not disturb them.

Avoid placing your phone directly in a monkey’s face or moving too close to a mother carrying an infant. Do not attempt to arrange a pose by touching, feeding, or calling the animal.

The sanctuary offers a supervised monkey-selfie activity. Its official FAQ currently lists the activity at IDR 50,000, although prices and operating arrangements may change. Ask staff about current availability after entering.

A supervised activity is safer than trying to create an interaction independently. Staff understand the animals’ behaviour and can guide visitors while protecting the monkeys from inappropriate handling.

Current Opening Hours and Entrance Fees

At the time of checking in August 2026, the official Ubud Monkey Forest website lists the sanctuary as open daily from 9:00 a.m. until 6:00 p.m.

The published admission prices are:

Adult: IDR 130,000
Child: IDR 100,000

Opening hours, admission prices, special events, and operating procedures may be updated, so travellers should confirm the latest details before departure.

Arriving earlier in the day generally provides cooler walking conditions. Late afternoon may feel less hot, but allow enough time to explore before closing.

Best Time to Visit Ubud Monkey Forest

Morning is usually a practical time to visit. The temperature is more comfortable, visitors have enough time to explore, and the forest can feel calmer before the busiest part of the day.

The tree canopy provides considerable shade, but the air remains humid. Tropical rain can occur at any time, particularly during Bali’s wet season.

A visit after light rain can be visually beautiful because the stone carvings, tree roots, and vegetation appear greener. However, paths and steps may become slippery. Walk carefully and use handrails where available.

Weekends, public holidays, and peak travel periods can attract larger crowds. Visitors who prefer a quieter atmosphere should arrive close to opening time.

What to Wear and Bring

Wear lightweight and comfortable clothing suitable for walking in a humid forest. Because the sanctuary contains sacred temples, revealing clothing is discouraged. Respectful clothing covering the main part of the body is the most appropriate choice.

Useful items include:

• Comfortable walking shoes
• A small secure bag
• Sunscreen
• Insect repellent
• A compact rain jacket
• A fully charged phone or camera
• A portable power bank
• Cash or another accepted payment method
• A secure strap for glasses when needed

Do not carry visible plastic bags into the sanctuary. Lockers are available in the lobby for items that should not be taken inside.

Avoid carrying unnecessary food, loose jewellery, expensive accessories, or items that could attract the monkeys.

Visiting with Children

Families can visit Ubud Monkey Forest, but children require continuous adult supervision.

Young visitors may become excited when a monkey approaches. Teach them not to chase, touch, shout at, or stare directly at the animals. Keep snacks and toys hidden, as monkeys may attempt to take them.

Hold younger children close when walking through an area with several macaques. Do not allow them to carry food, plastic bags, bottles, or loose objects.

Families who feel uncomfortable around free-roaming animals can still enjoy parts of the forest by keeping a greater distance and asking staff which paths are currently calmer.

Accessibility and Physical Considerations

The sanctuary contains developed pathways, but some areas include stairs, slopes, bridges, uneven surfaces, and damp sections.

Travellers with reduced mobility may be able to enjoy the more accessible paths near the entrance and central areas, but not every section will be equally easy to reach. Ask the ticketing or information staff about the most suitable route before beginning.

Comfortable footwear is important for all visitors. Smooth sandals may become slippery on wet stone, particularly after rain.

Travelling from Amed to Ubud Monkey Forest

The journey from Amed to Ubud takes travellers from Bali’s eastern coastline into the greener cultural centre of the island. Traffic conditions can vary considerably, especially near Gianyar and central Ubud.

Because it is a longer journey, Ubud Monkey Forest is particularly suitable as a stop during an Amed-to-Ubud hotel transfer. Your luggage can remain inside the private vehicle while you explore the sanctuary before continuing to your accommodation.

It can also be included in a full-day private trip from Amed, although the schedule should remain realistic. Spending most of the day rushing between distant destinations can reduce the quality of the experience.

An early departure provides more flexibility for traffic, sightseeing, meals, and time inside the sanctuary.

Places to Combine with Ubud Monkey Forest

Tegalalang Rice Terrace

Tegalalang is known for its steep terraced rice fields, palm trees, valley paths, and traditional irrigation landscape. Visiting the rice terrace in the morning before continuing to central Ubud creates a balanced day of nature and culture.

Tirta Empul Temple

Tirta Empul is a sacred water temple near Tampaksiring. Visitors can observe the holy springs and purification pools while respecting worshippers and temple regulations.

Ubud Palace

Located in central Ubud, the palace provides a convenient cultural stop near markets, restaurants, shops, and evening performances.

Ubud Art Market

The market offers textiles, crafts, bags, carvings, souvenirs, and locally produced items. Bargaining may be expected in some areas, but it should remain friendly and respectful.

Tegenungan Waterfall

Tegenungan is located south of Ubud and can be added to certain transfer routes. The visit involves stairs and may require additional time during busy periods.

Choose two or three main stops rather than trying to visit every attraction in one day.

Explore Ubud Monkey Forest with Amed Taxi Service

Amed Taxi Service provides private transportation for travellers visiting Ubud Monkey Forest from Amed or including the attraction during a transfer to Ubud.

Your driver can collect you directly from your hotel, villa, or guesthouse in Amed, carry your luggage securely, wait during your visit, and continue to your selected destination.

The trip can be personalised with stops at Tegalalang Rice Terrace, Tirta Empul, central Ubud, or another attraction that fits naturally along the journey. Private transportation allows you to choose your departure time and adjust the schedule according to traffic, weather, and the amount of time spent at each stop.

Before departure, share your pickup location, number of passengers, luggage requirements, destination hotel, and preferred attractions with Amed Taxi Service. This helps create a comfortable and realistic trip plan.

Final Thoughts

Ubud Monkey Forest offers an unusual combination of wildlife, sacred temples, tropical vegetation, traditional sculpture, and living Balinese culture. The macaques are fascinating to observe, but the experience becomes more rewarding when visitors also appreciate the forest’s spiritual, environmental, and community importance.

Follow the official safety rules, secure loose belongings, avoid feeding or touching the monkeys, and ask staff for help whenever needed. Dress respectfully and remember that several areas remain active sacred spaces rather than tourism displays.

For travellers coming from Amed, Ubud Monkey Forest can become a memorable part of a private day trip or an Amed-to-Ubud transfer. With a well-planned schedule and reliable transportation, the journey connects the quiet coast of East Bali with one of Ubud’s most distinctive cultural and natural landmarks.