The Ubud Monkey Forest is a natural reserve and a sacred sanctuary in the heart of Ubud, Bali, Indonesia. It is home to more than 1200 Balinese long-tailed macaques that belong to 10 different groups. The monkeys are free to roam around the forest and interact with visitors, but they can also be aggressive if provoked or fed. The forest also contains several Hindu temples and a cemetery that are part of the local culture and spirituality.
The ticket price for entering the Ubud Monkey Forest is 80,000 IDR (5.40 US$) for adults and 60,000 IDR (4 US$) for children.
The Ubud Monkey Forest is open every day from 8:30 am to 6:00 pm, but the last entry is at 5:30 pm. You can buy tickets at the entrance or online through the official website.
The easiest way to get to the Ubud Monkey Forest is by walking from the center of Ubud, which takes about 15 minutes. You can also take a taxi, a motorbike, or a bicycle from other parts of Ubud or nearby towns. There is a parking area near the entrance for vehicles.
The Ubud Monkey Forest has many attractions to offer to visitors, such as:
- Watching the monkeys play, groom, and feed in their natural habitat.
- Exploring the lush green forest with more than 100 species of trees and plants.
- Visiting the three main temples: Pura Dalem Agung Padangtegal, Pura Beji, and Pura Prajapati.
- Learning about the history and culture of the forest and its inhabitants at the information center and the art gallery.
- Enjoying the scenic views of the river valley and the rice fields.
There are also various tours available for those who want to learn more about the forest and its monkeys. You can book a guided tour with a local expert who will explain the significance of the forest and its temples, as well as the behavior and ecology of the monkeys. You can also join a photography tour with a professional photographer who will help you capture the best shots of the monkeys and the forest.
Some tips for visiting the Ubud Monkey Forest are:
- Do not feed, touch, or tease the monkeys. They may bite or scratch you if they feel threatened or annoyed.
- Keep your belongings close to you and do not leave them unattended. The monkeys may steal them or damage them.
- Respect the sacredness of the forest and its temples. Dress modestly, do not enter restricted areas, and do not disturb any ceremonies or rituals.
- Follow the instructions and advice of the staff and guides. They are there to ensure your safety and enjoyment.
The Ubud Monkey Forest has some prohibitions that visitors must follow, such as:
- No smoking or littering in the forest.
- No bringing any food or drinks into the forest.
- No using flash photography or drones in the forest.
- No harming or disturbing any animals or plants in the forest.
