Ubud Monkey Forest: Ticket and Essential Safety Advice

If you’re planning a trip to Bali and seeking an unforgettable adventure surrounded by nature’s wonders, then the Ubud Monkey Forest should be at the top of your list. Nestled in the heart of Ubud, this lush sanctuary offers a unique opportunity to interact with playful long-tailed macaques while immersing yourself in the tranquillity of a sacred forest. 

We will delve into all you need to know about purchasing tickets, as well as crucial safety guidelines to ensure a joyful and secure experience at the Ubud Monkey Forest.

The Allure of Ubud Monkey Forest

Situated in the cultural heartland of Bali, Ubud Monkey Forest is more than just a tourist attraction; it’s a sanctuary where nature and spirituality converge. With towering ancient trees, intricate temple complexes, and a diverse range of flora and fauna, this forest exudes an ethereal charm. 

Home to over 1,200 long-tailed macaques, these mischievous yet adorable creatures are a highlight of the experience, offering visitors a chance to witness their playful interactions and observe their natural behaviours up close. 

Engaging with these lively animals can create lasting memories, but it’s vital to remain vigilant since the monkeys’ behaviour can be unpredictable occasionally. Thankfully, the sanctuary has round-the-clock guards to guarantee safety. Also, it’s a good idea to watch over your belongings closely, given the monkeys’ inquisitiveness, particularly when they detect the scent of food.

Things to do at Ubud Monkey Forest

1. It’s time to learn about the monkeys

The Sacred Monkey Forest in Ubud, Bali, is home to hundreds of Balinese long-tailed monkeys. With over 115 tree species and hundreds of Balinese macaques, the Monkey Forest is a wonderful place to visit. Because it is also a conservation and research institute, you will be able to learn new things! Monkey interactions and behaviour might be an intriguing topic to include in your own encyclopaedia.

2. Finding the Komodo dragon statue

The Komodo dragon statue is another unique feature of Monkey Forest Ubud. However, you have to walk deep into the bush to find it. It’s worth the effort! Take steps to discover another magnificent treasure hidden within the forest.

The statue depicts a pair of Komodo dragons rushing down the balustrades of a set of steps. It’s comparable to how dragons frequently run down the stairs in Buddhist temples. You may come upon native vegetation while walking.

3. Visiting the sacred temple

The site is approximately 30.8 acres in size and contains three temples. The main temple is Pura Dalem Agung, the holy spring temple is Pura Beji and the temple near a graveyard is Pura Prajapati. Those ancient temples play an essential role in linking the forest’s monkey and human worlds. The three temples, as well as the forest, are considered sacred by the local people.

When visiting the temples, you may find monkeys in the area. Keep an eye on the 100-year-old banyan tree where the monkeys frequently hang out. You must be respectful, even if you are captivated by the location.

4. Witnessing the traditional Balinese Hindu cremation, ‘Ngaben’

Ngaben, also known as Pitra Yadnya, is a traditional Hindu cremation rite in Bali. Ngaben is a ritual that is performed to honour and release the deceased’s soul from its earthly existence, guiding it to the land of ancestors, or Moksha (freedom). Despite its association with death, the ritual is regarded as a joyful occasion. It is seen as an important phase in the soul’s path towards reincarnation.

The Ngaben ceremony usually consists of multiple phases and rites. If you want to see this traditional cremation ritual, we recommend that you check the date first. Why? because the mass cremation ceremony occurs only every five years.

5. Enjoy the Balinese dance

Do you enjoy cultural entertainment? Monkey Forest is ideal for your artistic soul because it has Balinese dance performances! Lubdaka dance and Balinese frog dance (Tari Katak) are two of their exhibitions.

The Lubdaka dance will be performed on Saturday and Sunday at 11 a.m. and 4 p.m. This dance is based on the ancient Mahabharata epic, notably the Lubdaka episode. The theatre will fascinate you with its beautiful dances, subtle gestures, and vivid clothes that depict a heartbreaking story.

Tari Katak, also known as the Balinese Frog Dance, is a dance inspired by the whimsical motions and features of frogs. It captures their agility and energy through the expression and movement of the dancers. Every Sunday at 11 AM and 4 PM, you can watch it on the site!

Temples in Ubud Monkey Forest

The Ubud Monkey Forest, officially known as the Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary, is not only home to a diverse population of macaques but also features several ancient temples that hold significant cultural and spiritual importance. 

These temples add a profound layer of history and reverence to the overall experience of visiting the sanctuary. Here are some of the notable temples within the Ubud Monkey Forest:

1. Pura Dalem Agung Padangtegal

This temple is the most prominent and central within the sanctuary. It is dedicated to Lord Shiva, associated with the forces of destruction and creation in Hinduism. The temple’s intricate carvings and structures offer a glimpse into Balinese architectural and artistic traditions. Inside the temple complex, you’ll find statues representing various deities and mythological figures.

2. Pura Beji

Located in the northwest corner of the sanctuary, Pura Beji is a temple dedicated to the goddess Dewi Sri, who is revered as the goddess of rice and agriculture. The temple’s name, “Beji,” refers to purification through water, and you can see this influence in the temple’s decorative ponds and water features.

3. Pura Prajapati

This smaller temple is situated near the cemetery within the Monkey Forest. It is primarily used for cremation ceremonies, an important ritual in Balinese Hinduism that signifies the passage of the deceased to the next realm. The temple’s unique design and purpose offer insights into Balinese funeral customs and beliefs.

These temples are sacred and you can’t go in there carelessly. But if you have an intention to pray and wear traditional clothes, then you may enter the temples. Otherwise, you can take pictures from the outside of the temples, relishing the sight of monkeys making the centuries-old architecture their playground.

Ticket Information and Entry Fee of Ubud Monkey Forest

To step into the enchanting realm of Ubud Monkey Forest, you’ll need to purchase an admission ticket. The ticket prices vary depending on age and nationality. As of our last update, the approximate entry fees are as follows:

Weekday:

• Adult: IDR80,000 (AUD8.1)
• Child: IDR60,000 (AUD6.08)

Weekend:

• Adult: IDR100.000 (AUD10.13)
• Child: IDR80.000 (AUD8.1)

These fees contribute to maintaining and preserving the forest and its inhabitants. It’s advisable to bring cash for the ticket purchase, as some places might not accept credit cards.

For your additional information, Ubud Monkey Forest is Open Daily, from 9AM-6PM.

Safety First: Dos and Don’ts in Ubud Monkey Forest

While the allure of interacting with the macaques is strong, it’s crucial to prioritise safety for both yourself and the monkeys. Here are some essential do’s and don’ts to keep in mind:

Dos

• Keep a respectful distance from the monkeys

As mentioned before, the monkeys’ behaviour can be unpredictable. You should observe them from a safe distance to ensure a harmonious coexistence.

• Secure your belongings 

Monkeys are curious creatures. So, if they find you are bringing something interesting, like keys, sunglasses, or shiny jewellery, they might attempt to grab it. Please make sure you don’t bring anything valuable to the forest or keep it secure in your bag.

• Follow the rules and guidelines provided by the staff

They are there to ensure the safety and enjoyment of all visitors. So if the staff tells you to stay away from the monkeys or give you instructions, listen to them. 

Don’ts

• Hiding your food from the monkeys

Since monkeys have a very strong sense of finding food, it’s pointless to hide any kind of food from them. The monkeys will know and try to find it. And once they find it, never try to pull it back. We know it sounds fun to interact with the monkeys and feed them food, but as mentioned before, their behaviour is unpredictable. It’s better for you to not bring any food at all.

• Make direct eye contact or show your teeth

For monkeys, this shows a sign of aggressiveness and can trigger them to see you as a threat for them.

• Do not panic

If a monkey shows some interest in you and jumps on you, do not panic or scream. Screaming may frighten them and make things worse. All you have to do is to drop any food to the ground and walk away slowly. They will find the food and soon jump off of you. 

• Do not bring any plastic bag

The forest is not only a place to interact with the monkeys but also for praying. So, to keep the forest litter-free, it’s better for you to not bring any plastic bags to the forest. It’s also to avoid monkeys taking and playing with it.

How to get to Ubud Monkey Forest

The Monkey Forest is located on the outskirts of Ubud. It’s about a 1.5-hour drive from Bali’s international airport in the south. The duration is similar if you start in Seminyak (22 km), Kuta (25 km), Canggu (27 km), Sanur (20 km), or Jimbaran (30 km). However, because it is 42 kilometres away, staying in Nusa Dua may take you longer (1.5 to 2-hour journey).

If you’re nearby and want to walk there, you may ask the locals for directions. It is preferable to take a Bali travel tour or rent a car with a driver to get to the Ubud Monkey Forest. Taxis and motorcycles are also viable options.

A visit to the Ubud Monkey Forest promises an enchanting journey into the heart of nature’s beauty and the captivating world of Bali’s long-tailed macaques. By adhering to the safety tips and guidelines provided, you can create cherished memories while respecting the habitat of these fascinating creatures.

The forest’s blend of spirituality, lush landscapes, and the playful antics of its inhabitants make it a truly unique destination for travellers seeking an authentic Balinese experience. So, if you’re ready to embark on an adventure that combines nature, culture, and wildlife, don’t miss the opportunity to explore the mesmerising Ubud Monkey Forest.

• Address: Jl. Monkey Forest, Ubud 
• Website: https://monkeyforestubud.com/