Bali is more than just trendy cafes and perfect beaches. In the depths of central Bali, you could find adventure—and maybe a little mischief—with cheeky macaques at Monkey Forest Ubud!
As your local hosts in the heart of Ubud, we're excited to share our insider knowledge to help you experience this enchanting destination like a true local. Our team has curated these expert tips from years of helping visitors create unforgettable memories at one of Bali's most captivating attractions.
Save this article as your guide for your next visit to Ubud Monkey Forest
The Ubud Monkey Forest, officially known as Mandala Suci Wenara Wana, isn't just another tourist attraction—it's a living testament to Bali's unique philosophy of Tri Hita Karana, the harmonious relationship between humans, nature, and the divine. This 27-acre sanctuary houses over 1,000 long-tailed macaques alongside three sacred 14th-century Hindu temples, creating an experience that's equal parts adventure and enlightenment.
Unlike typical zoos or wildlife parks, the Monkey Forest preserves authentic Balinese culture while protecting indigenous wildlife. Every step through this mystical forest connects you to centuries of spiritual tradition and natural conservation.
The Ubud Monkey Forest is located at Jl. Monkey Forest, Ubud, Kecamatan Ubud, Kabupaten Gianyar, Bali 80571. Its close proximity to the center of Ubud means plenty of visitors usually opt to walk down to the forest instead of using transportations.
This is a great idea to avoid the hassle of parking, especially when it’s the holiday season! For your convenience, you can get in touch with our concierge to arrange your transportation—Ubud Monkey Forest is just 20 minutes away from Abisena Wellness and Resort.
Here is a comprehensive breakdown for the price to get into Monkey Forest Ubud:
| Weekday | Weekend | |
| Adult (Foreign Tourist) | IDR 80,000 | IDR 100,000 |
| Child (Foreign Tourist) | IDR 60,000 | IDR 80,000 |
| Adult (Domestic Tourist) | IDR 50,000 | IDR 75,000 |
| Child (Domestic Tourist) | IDR 40,000 | IDR 60,000 |
It is advisable to purchase tickets before your visit to ensure a seamless experience. You can still get tickets on-site, with park assistance ready to help you. Our team of local experts are ready to assist you in securing tickets, readily answering any questions regarding your trip to Monkey Forest Ubud!
For many years, Ubud Monkey Forest has made a name for itself as a must-visit destination for when you’re vacationing in Bali. As the natural habitat for native monkey species, Ubud Monkey Forest is a sanctuary, letting these cheeky creatures roam free.
There are about a thousand plus Balinese long-tailed monkeys in Ubud Monkey Forest, each establishing their own dominion with their packs. There are about 10 factions separated by distinct areas, such as the Temple groups, Central groups, and more. Each faction will grant you a glimpse of the natural monkey hierarchy.
Aside from that, the Ubud Monkey Forest is more than just cheeky monkeys waiting for the perfect snap—venture deeper into the lush greeneries and you’ll find three ancient temples that truly capture the spirit of this sanctuary.
However, it is important to note that these temples are strictly for local communities to enter. Visitors can observe and take pictures from outside. Here are the main temples you can find in Ubud Monkey Forest:
Pura Dalem Agung (Main Temple)
The forest's spiritual centerpiece, dedicated to Shiva in his role as destroyer and transformer. The intricate stone carvings depict scenes from Hindu epics, with moss-covered statues creating an otherworldly atmosphere.
Look for the carved demon faces (Bhoma)—they're guardians protecting sacred spaces from evil spirits.
Pura Beji (Holy Spring Temple)
Often overlooked by tourists rushing to see monkeys, this temple surrounds a natural spring considered sacred for purification rituals.
Pura Prajapati (Cremation Temple)
Used for Hindu cremation ceremonies, this temple represents the cycle of death and rebirth central to Balinese Hinduism. This temple is usually off-limits for visitors and will hold one major event—mass cremation—every 5 years.
- Do not attempt to feed or interact with the monkeys without a trained staff present to supervise to prevent aggressive behavior, ensuring safety for everyone in the park.
- Be mindful of your items. Crinkly plastic packaging, shiny items, dangling toys, and other small items are easily stolen! We’ve seen monkeys swipe at sunglasses, water bottles, even a vlogger’s mic.
- Do not feed the monkeys! It might be tempting to throw a snack at the cute little animals, but visitors are discouraged from feeding the monkey themselves to avoid swarming and other unpredictable behavior. There are designated feeding stations should you want to experience feeding them yourselves.
- Stay calm and avoid eye contact. Wild animals are unpredictable in nature. By being calm, you increase your chances of getting to see these animals up close, and even let them come to you. Make sure to avoid direct eye contact—they’ll take it as a sign that you’re ready for a fight!
Unlike most temples in Bali, there are no official guidelines regarding dress codes at Ubud Monkey Forest. However, that doesn’t mean you can come in a bikini! You should aim for dressing comfortably.
Shorts, singlets, and sandals are allowed, but consider wearing appropriate footwear as you walk past mossy cobblestone paths and stairs, plus clothes that cover enough skin to avoid bug bites.
Relaxed monkeys: Grooming each other, sitting casually, soft vocalizations
Agitated monkeys: Bared teeth, direct staring, aggressive posturing, loud screeching
Curious monkeys: Head tilting, approaching slowly, gentle reaching gestures.
If you see monkeys grooming, sit quietly nearby—these peaceful moments offer the best photography opportunities.
Consider timing your visit to Ubud Monkey Forest with the weather in Bali. We highly recommend visiting Ubud Monkey Forest during the dry season (April-October) as this allows for more sunny days for your Ubud Monkey Forest exploration! The steps are not too slippery as the monkeys will be out and about.
Visiting in the wet season?
You might encounter fewer crowds and get the rare chance to observe how the monkeys react to rain—like seeking shelter, playing in puddles, or cuddling under leaves.
Your entrance ticket helps maintain the sanctuary, but you can go a step further by donating or supporting conservation efforts on-site. Funds help with monkey care, staff training, and maintaining the natural balance between visitors and wildlife.
Ubud Monkey Forest isn’t just a tourist attraction—it’s a sacred spiritual site for the Balinese. Temples within the forest are still actively used for worship.
Please dress modestly, speak softly, and never climb on temple structures or shrines. Show the same respect you would in any holy place.
Do these monkeys have rabies?
The monkeys at Ubud Monkey Forest are regularly overseen by scientists and vets, in cooperation with the Primate Research Center of Udayana University. However, if you do happen to unfortunately get bitten, staff are ready to assist you to the nearest clinics to get proper medication.
There have been no recorded case of rabies in any monkey in Bali, as confirmed by their researcher, Dr. Agustin Fuentes of the Department of Anthropology, University of Notre Dame.
Do the monkeys bite people?
When provoked, the monkeys tend to get aggressive and defensive. There have been several cases of ignorant tourists getting scratched or bitten because they did not follow the guidelines. Smart and calm visitors are more likely to have better encounters with the monkeys.
Can you take a selfie with monkeys?
Sure! There have been plenty of moments where visitors captured a candid picture with the monkeys. You can ask the staff for assistance as they are more familiar with the monkeys and the layout of the forest so you can get the best picture.
Can visitors enter the temple?
The temples at Ubud Monkey Forest are not open for public. These sacred temples are mainly for local worshippers. But you can still speak with a guide for information. They might just grant you quick access to these beautiful stone structures in the middle of the forest.
Why are the monkeys fighting?
The monkeys are usually fighting for dominance, territory, or food. This is a natural occurrence, and it’s best to avoid them should you encounter one during your trip.
The Ubud Monkey Forest offers profound connections between Balinese spirituality, wildlife conservation, and cultural heritage. Approach your visit with patience, respect, and genuine curiosity about the intricate relationships between humans, animals, and sacred spaces.
Take time to observe beyond the obvious—notice how temple architecture incorporates natural elements, watch subtle monkey social interactions, and appreciate the forest's role as both spiritual sanctuary and wildlife habitat. These deeper observations create lasting memories that extend far beyond typical tourist experiences.
And just like the philosophy of the Ubud Monkey Forest, here at Abisena Wellness & Resort Ubud, we are proud to be preserving and transforming the beauty of heritage. We honor the timeless beauty of Bali, offering a space where nature, culture, and well-being can come together in harmony.
