Bali is filled with mischievous monkeys just waiting for gullible tourists to come along. That’s where the Ubud Monkey Forest comes in, a sanctuary where people can visit the macaques and both the visitor and the monkey feel safe.
Introduction
The Ubud Monkey Forest is a popular tourist destination in Bali, Indonesia. This natural refuge houses around 600 grey macaques, three ancient temples, and makes a big effort to teach tourists about conservation.
The price is 80,000 IDR for adults and 60,000 IDR for children. This comes out to a little less than $6 dollars for adults and a little more than $4 for children.
The Rules:
- Although these monkeys are fed by the staff and more used to humans, they are wild animals and you should always have a level of caution. They are not likely to bite unless they feel threatened or you withhold food from them.
- Do not bring outside food in with you. If you would like to feed the monkeys there are bananas for sale at the front of the reserve. REMEMBER – once a monkey sees you have a banana, they will not leave you alone until all bananas in your possession are theirs.
- Do not wear anything loose, shiny, or anything that can be removed easily. The monkeys will reach into your pockets, steal water bottles out of backpacks, take sunglasses off your head, and want any bright and shiny object they see.
- Do NOT pet the monkeys.
- If you get bitten, contact a staff member immediately.
The Ubud Monkey Forest
If you do follow the rules, the Ubud Monkey Forest offers an incredible experience where you can witness monkeys in their natural habitat. You’ll see them fighting, eating, carrying their young, and using humans as spring boards as they roam from place to place. Then they’ll sit with you on ancient temple steps and relax like its nobodies business.
That being said, keep your camera ready for monkeys to sit on your shoulder for a brief rest. Or, for baby monkeys to hang off branches and stare in your face curiously, or for chubby male monkeys to lounge atop of the temples, reminding you of drunk old men that have just passed out.
The forest itself is gorgeous, filled with winding paths, lush trees, and carved statues resting among ancient pathways and temples. It is also very accessible! I was able to get around in a walking boot for my broken foot fairly easily, and I saw that some places seemed wheelchair accessible.
I highly recommend the Ubud Monkey Forest for anyone visiting Bali. It is a reserve dedicated to conservation, learning, and monitoring the monkeys and to educate tourists about these wonderful creatures. You’ll get some of either the best or the funniest pictures of your entire trip here!
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For more information about the sanctuary, click here.
Any questions? Contact me or comment below!
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