Ubud Monkey Forest

Only about a 10-minute walk south of central Ubud, Bali, the Ubud Monkey Forest is known for its conservation efforts. The forest represents the harmonious coexistence between humans and animals. It also preserves rare plant species and is used as a site to study monkey behavior, especially their social interaction.

The population of Balinese long-tailed macaques, known in English as Macaque (Macaca fascicularis) in Ubud Monkey Forest is approximately 1059 (aggregated April 2019). They are divided into 7 groups: the Central group, the Temple group, the Selatan group, the Cemetery group, the Michelin group, the Eastern group and the New Forest group. Each group can gather about 100 to 120 monkeys. Besides the army of curious monkeys, the Ubud monkey forest also attracts many visitors thanks to its greenness with paved roads leading through giant banyan and nutmeg trees, where statues are covered with Moss and ancient temples loom over the dense foliage, creating a mystical feel.

The forest also has a number of ancient temples with moss-covered guardian statues. To the southwest of the forest is the 14th-century Pura Dalem Agung Padangtegal (The Great Temple of Shiva), which is dedicated to Lord Shiva, Hyang Widhi's embodiment Fuser. This sacred temple is also home to Goddess Durga, the main deity of the Bhairawa Sect. Pura Dalem is closely related to Setra (cemetery) and Pura Prajapati is a place of cosmic worship to neutralize positive and negative forces. The temple's location southwest of the village of Pakraman Padantagal is said to be where the wind direction is controlled by Lord Rudra, an aspect of Lord Shiva.

To the northwest of the forest is Pura Beji Padang Tegal (Holy Spring Water) – a sacred temple area dedicated to Goddess Gangga. Pura Beji Temple became a special site for the purification of Tapakan - statues representing Gods and souls of like-minded people before praying to another temple area in the Monkey Forest Ubud. The construction process at Pura Beji Temple aims to express gratitude for the blessing of holiness and prosperous life.

*While touring the forest, hold on to your belongings and avoid making direct eye contact or smiling at animals, as it can be interpreted as a sign of aggression. Visitors should also not bring any food into the area.

Address: Jl. Monkey Forest, Ubud, Kecamatan Ubud, Kabupaten Gianyar, Bali 80571

Opening hours: daily 09:00 - 17:00

Admission: IDR 80,000 (adult) / IDR 60,000 (child)

Website: https:// monkeyforestubud.com