Monkey Forest in Ubud

Ancient trees with impressive vines and roots, hidden magical temples, and countless cheeky monkeys: all of this and much more hides in the mystical forest, the sacred Monkey Forest in Bali!

Perhaps you are just like us, already in love with the magical Indonesian island of Bali, with its dream beaches, mystical jungles, and exciting volcanic landscapes. Today, we want to introduce you to a very special place that is tucked away in enchanting Ubud: the sacred Monkey Forest. You'll find that not only are there mischievous monkeys hiding in this enchanted thicket, but you'll also encounter holy temples and learn what you must know before entering the forest.

The Sacred Monkey Forest is located south of downtown Ubud, where you will find many cute boutiques and jewelry stores, alternative restaurants and cafes, and soothing yoga studios. Just follow Monkey Forest Road, and you'll reach a bend with a small parking lot at the end, behind which is the entrance. You can easily walk here from the town center or take a scooter. There is also a free parking garage next to the parking lot. Caution: the first monkeys are already bouncing around on the street!

Once you have paid your entrance fee and received information brochures that teach you about the real background of the park, you will enter the mysterious jungle. You will be greeted by curious monkeys at the entrance, who will observe you with interest. Follow the winding paths over small steps deep into the mystical jungle and discover the three sacred temples: Pura Dalem Agung, Pura Beij, and Pura Prajapati, all dedicated to their own deities. In the depths of the park, you may even come across a small river. The roots and trees, often populated by numerous bats, are also a natural spectacle in their own right.

Information and Tips:

Location: Ubud, south of the center

Entrance Fee: Mon-Fri Adults $4.55, Children $3.40; on weekends Adults $5.70, Children $4.55

Opening Hours: Daily 9 AM - 6 PM

Tip: Arrive early before the tourist buses if you want to enjoy some peace.

Of course, the Monkey Forest is neither purely a tourist attraction nor a zoo. Access to the three temples is exclusively reserved for locals and believers, which you should definitely respect.

Even from the outside, the temples are truly beautiful and absolutely worth seeing. In the monkey forest, the original lesson of Tri Hita Karana, a Hindu philosophy, is meant to be taught. This aims at spiritual and physical enlightenment and is achieved through harmony between humans, nature, and the gods. So take some time to reflect on yourself and the forest and let the magic work on you a little.

For most visitors, the over 600 monkeys are, of course, the main attraction of the forest. Indeed, the little creatures hop around all the pathways or sit in groups on the stone steps. Watching them eat, play, and groom each other is truly a delightful sight. Obviously, the macaques are at least as interested in you as you are in them, because most of the time they have just one thing on their minds: food. They suspect it might be in every one of your pockets, so be prepared for thorough inspections. Only bananas are suitable for the Java monkeys, which can also be purchased from the park attendants.

So, has the sacred Monkey Forest piqued your curiosity? Let the cute, cheeky monkeys charm you and be fascinated by their social lives in the Monkey Forest. You definitely want to embark on an adventurous discovery tour to marvel at the magical temples and let yourself be enchanted by the unique nature and towering rainforest trees. So off to Bali, and dive into another dreamy world.

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