Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary

Stepping into Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary rewards travelers who plan ahead. Early mornings feature cooler air, gentler light, and fewer crowds; midday brings more visitors and hungry monkeys. Located about a kilometer south of Ubud’s main streets, the sanctuary sits near art shops but is far from urban frenzy. While tickets are required, advance booking is not always necessary besides busy holiday periods. Thoughtful planning helps families, seniors, and first-timers get the most from each shady trail and temple view.

• Best time to visit: Early morning (8:30–10 a.m.) or late afternoon; dry season (May–September) is cooler and less humid.
• How to get there: Walk from central Ubud, hop on a scooter, or take a short taxi ride; limited vehicle parking nearby.
• Accessibility: Paved paths but occasional uneven stones and steps; strollers manageable with care, wheelchairs limited in some temple areas.
• Average visit duration: 1.5–2 hours, longer if exploring at a slow pace or participating in special tours.

Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary divides into three temple complexes, tranquil riverbanks, hushed bamboo groves, and vine-draped bridges. Every path seems to promise discovery—either a troop of monkeys crossing overhead, or an ancient statue peeking from the undergrowth. Tourists snap photos of the main gates, but those who linger find altars to local spirits, small shrines to forest gods, and local staff preparing daily offerings. Along the forest’s edges, sound mixes: cheerful monkey chatter, the distant beat of gamelan music, and the click of camera shutters.

• Pura Dalem Agung Padangtegal: The main temple, with fearsome guardian statues and extravagant carvings, often draped with checkered cloth.
• Dragon Bridge: Overgrown with moss and flanked by serpentine figures—one of the sanctuary’s most photo-worthy spots.
• Holy Spring Temple: A quieter area where locals offer daily prayers—stay nearby for a chance to see rituals in action.
• Monkey troops: Over 1,000 long-tailed macaques, with groups roaming between temples, rivers, and feeding huts.
• Forest canopy walkways: Winding paths lead under giant banyans—a great spot for shade, birdwatching, or a rest.
• Traditional Balinese carving and architecture: Intricate details on every wall and stone tell stories from myth and legend.