Sacred Monkey Forest Ubud

At a Glance

• Original name: Mandala Suci Wenara Wana
• Where: Padangtegal village, central Ubud, Gianyar regency
• Size: about 12.5 hectares
• Residents: over 1,200 Balinese long-tailed macaques
• Hours: roughly 9 AM to 6 PM
• Time needed: 1–1.5 hours
• Getting there: a walk from central Ubud, at the end of Monkey Forest Street

The Sacred Monkey Forest (Mandala Suci Wenara Wana) is a nature reserve right in the center of Ubud, where more than 1,200 wild long-tailed macaques roam freely among old-growth trees and three ancient temples. It's both a forest reserve and a living sacred site for Padangtegal village, which owns and manages it.

Why Visit

It's a rare chance to come face to face with wild monkeys in their own forest — and at the same time to see moss-covered Balinese temples in a genuine jungle setting, a step off the city street. The place suits nature lovers and anyone who wants to feel the other, shaded and quiet side of Ubud.

Be aware: the macaques are wild and used to people, so they're bold and curious. That's part of the experience — and the reason to follow the rules below.

The Macaques and the Rules

The forest is home to around 1,260 Balinese macaques (Macaca fascicularis), split into several troops with their own territories. They move along the paths, trees, and temple roofs, so an encounter is all but guaranteed.

For a smooth visit, follow a few simple rules:

• Don't look a monkey in the eye — direct eye contact reads as a challenge.
• Don't bring food or plastic bags — a rustling bag signals a treat inside.
• Hide loose items — the macaques may grab glasses, phones, earrings, hats, and water bottles.
• Don't touch the babies and don't panic — sudden movements provoke them. If a monkey climbs on you, stay calm and let it climb down.

The Three Ancient Temples

The forest holds three 14th-century temples, and for the Balinese it is first a sanctuary, not a zoo.

• Pura Dalem Agung Padangtegal — the main "temple of death," dedicated to Shiva, thought to date to around 1350 AD.
• The Holy Bathing Temple (Pura Beji) — a temple by the stream on the west side, used for purification rituals.
• Pura Prajapati — a funerary temple associated with cremation rites. The inner courtyards are open only to worshippers during ceremonies.

The Forest and Tri Hita Karana

The sanctuary embodies the Balinese idea of Tri Hita Karana — harmony between people, nature, and the gods. Across its 12.5 hectares grow some 180 tree species, including sacred pule trees whose wood is carved into ritual masks. Paths wind through the forest past moss-greened stone statues, and a scenic "Dragon Bridge" spans a stream-cut ravine.

When to Visit and What to Know

• Best time — at opening around 9 AM: cooler, fewer people, and the monkeys are more active.
• Clothes and belongings — closed shoes, loose items tucked into a bag; never take out food on the grounds.
• Tickets — there's a paid entrance, with booths at the gate; signs and wardens advise on how to behave.
• Time needed — about 1–1.5 hours for a relaxed walk through the forest.

Combine Your Trip

The Monkey Forest sits in the very center of Ubud, so it's easy to combine with a wander around the town, the rice fields, and the art market. A little further out are the Tegallalang rice terraces, the Tegenungan waterfall, and the sacred water temple of Tirta Empul.

FAQ

Are the monkeys dangerous? They're wild, but rarely aggressive. Avoid eye contact, don't tease them with food, and stow small items — and the visit will go smoothly.

Can you feed the macaques? Don't feed them yourself: it breaks the rules and provokes the monkeys. Any feeding is done only by the wardens.

How much time do I need? Usually 1–1.5 hours to walk the trails and see the temples.

When is the best time to come? Early morning at opening: cooler, fewer tourists, and the monkeys are more active.