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Ubud Monkey Forest

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Ubud Monkey Forest (Indonesia)

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The Ubud Monkey Forest, officially known as Mandala Suci Wenara Wana, is a sacred nature reserve and temple complex located in the village of Padangtegal, Bali. Spanning approximately 12.5 hectares, the area is home to over 1,000 long-tailed macaques (Macaca fascicularis), which are regarded as sacred by the local community. The sanctuary is managed based on the Balinese spiritual philosophy of Tri Hita Karana, which emphasizes harmony between the divine, humanity, and the environment. Within the forest lie three significant 14th-century Hindu temples: Pura Dalem Agung Padangtegal, Pura Beji, and Pura Prajapati. The dense canopy consists of over 180 different species of trees, providing a natural habitat for the primates and shade for the historic temple structures. Visitors can observe the monkeys from designated pathways, with strict guidelines in place to ensure the ecological balance and religious integrity of the site are maintained. The forest serves not only as a popular tourist destination but also as an important hub for primate behavioral research.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Jul–Sep.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C272727272726252526272827
Rain mm318251207123824633164262159296

📋 Practical info

📅
Best season
The reserve is typically accessible throughout the entire year, but visiting during the dry season from May to September usually has much more pleasant walking conditions and less humidity for exploring the dense temple grounds.
🌅
Best time of day
Early mornings are often considered the absolute best time to explore the sanctuary, as the tropical temperatures are generally cooler and the resident macaques are typically very active before the intense afternoon heat sets in.
📜
Etiquette
It is strongly advised to properly secure all loose items like sunglasses, jewelry, and hats, avoid direct or aggressive eye contact with the monkeys, and absolutely never attempt to offer them any unauthorized snacks or food.
🎒
What to bring
Comfortable, closed-toe walking shoes are highly recommended for safely navigating the occasionally uneven and mossy forest pathways, along with a secure daypack to keep personal belongings safely out of reach of curious animals.
🧭
Getting there
The renowned forest complex is centrally located within the bustling town of Ubud, making it easily and quickly reachable on foot from most central accommodations, or via a very short local taxi or scooter ride from the outskirts.
🦌
What to expect
While the macaques are typically abundant and easily spotted right at the entrance, visitors should take their time calmly observing the intricate social interactions from a respectful and safe distance to truly appreciate their natural behaviors.

Geography

Coordinates
-8.51880, 115.25920

Facts

  • Over 1,000 long-tailed macaques reside within the sanctuary.
  • The temple structures date back to the 14th century.
  • The reserve covers an area of approximately 12.5 hectares.
  • There are over 180 different species of trees in the forest.
  • The Pura Dalem Agung temple is dedicated to the god Shiva.
  • The forest is managed by the local Padangtegal community.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Goa Gajah 'Elephant Cave'Goa Gajah 'Elephant Cave'3 km · NExplore →
Bali Bird ParkBali Bird Park5 km · NEExplore →
PeringPering7 km · NEExplore →
Gunung Kawi TempleGunung Kawi Temple7 km · NWExplore →
Bajra Sandhi MonumentBajra Sandhi Monument8 km · SEExplore →
SanurSanur8 km · EExplore →
Bali Butterfly ParkBali Butterfly Park11 km · SExplore →
Alas Kedaton Monkey ForestAlas Kedaton Monkey Forest13 km · SExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):

© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService

Sights in the town Ubud Monkey Forest (12)

Naka Contemporary Art Gallery🏛 museum

This gallery in Ubud houses a significant collection of Balinese art, documenting the development of local painting style.

Don Antonio Blanco Museum🏛 museum

The former home and studio of eccentric artist Antonio Blanco displays his flamboyant, erotic works amidst a lush tropical garden.

🕒 Mo-Su 09:00-17:00

Museum Puri Lukisan🏛 museum

The oldest art museum in Ubud presents a fine selection of traditional and contemporary Balinese paintings and wood carvings.

🕒 Mo-Su 9:00 - 17:00

Pura Dalem Agung Padangtegal⛪ religious

This important Hindu temple in Ubud's Monkey Forest is dedicated to the goddess Durga and is known for its intricate stone carvings.

Saraswati Temple📍 landmark

This Hindu temple is famous for its large water garden filled with hundreds of blooming pink lotuses.

💶

Puri Saren Agung Ubud Palace📍 landmark

The official residence of Ubud's royal family features ornate stone carvings and hosts traditional dance performances nightly.

🕒 09:00-18:00,09:00-19:00

Puri Mayun Blahkiuh🏰 castle

A historic palace complex featuring classic Balinese stone architecture and quiet courtyards in Blahkiuh.

🕒 Mo-Su 09:00-16:00

Monumen Pahlawan I Gusti Ngurah Rai🏺 historical

A monument honoring the Balinese national hero who led the resistance against colonial forces during the independence war.

Oka Kartini Arts Centre🎭 culture

A cultural hub known for hosting traditional Balinese music evenings and shadow puppet (wayang kulit) shows.

💶

Balai Banjar Ubud kelod🎭 culture

This community hall is a popular venue for watching classical Legong and Barong dances performed nightly.

Balerung Stage🎭 culture

This famous stage in Peliatan is renowned for the exceptional quality of its Gamelan music and dance traditions.

FREE entrance to monkey forest!📍 landmark

An alternative perimeter path offering views into the monkey sanctuary without requiring a formal entrance ticket.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

Are the monkeys aggressive?
Only if provoked or if they see food.
Can I bring food inside?
No, bringing food is strictly prohibited.
What precautions should I take?
Keep glasses and jewelry safely in your bag.
Are there temples in the forest?
Yes, there are three sacred Hindu temples on site.
When does the forest close?
It typically closes at 6:00 PM.
Ubud Monkey Forest: where is it located?
Ubud Monkey Forest is located in Indonesia.
Ubud Monkey Forest: what is there to see?
Highlights include Naka Contemporary Art Gallery, Don Antonio Blanco Museum, Museum Puri Lukisan.
Ubud Monkey Forest: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jul, Sep.
Ubud Monkey Forest: why is it worth visiting?
The Ubud Monkey Forest, officially known as Mandala Suci Wenara Wana, is a sacred nature reserve and temple complex located in the village of Padangtegal, Bali.
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