The Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary covers about 12.5 hectares of forest at the southern end of Ubud, home to several hundred Balinese long-tailed macaques living in distinct groups. It is one of the most visited places on Bali, and yet, once inside under the canopy, the mossy paths, stone bridges and temple statues still carry a strong sense of a sacred place.
The forest is owned and managed by the village of Padangtegal, and it is first and foremost a temple site. It contains three temples, including Pura Dalem Agung Padangtegal, a temple of the dead, as well as a holy spring temple and Pura Prajapati, near the village cemetery. The sanctuary reflects Tri Hita Karana, harmony between people, nature and the spiritual world, and around 186 plant species grow here.
Visitors wander shaded paths past banyan trees with hanging roots, a ravine crossed by a dragon-carved bridge, and moss-covered statues. The monkeys are wild and confident: they groom, play, chase each other and investigate bags. Watching them is endlessly entertaining, but keep your distance, avoid eye contact, and never feed them, as bites and scratches do happen.
Highlights
- Several hundred long-tailed macaques
- Pura Dalem Agung Padangtegal
- Banyan trees and carved bridges
- Walkable from central Ubud
Good to know
- Leave food, plastic bags and loose items behind; monkeys will grab them.
- Do not touch or feed the monkeys, and stay calm if one climbs on you.
- Seek medical advice promptly if you are scratched or bitten.
On the map
Bali 2027 Travel Guide
The complete island guide: where to go, how to get around, what to avoid, health and safety, and the phrases that open doors.