The sacred Ubud Monkey Forest is not only Bali’s most visited forest, but it’s one of the country’s most famous attractions. Each year over 10,000 tourists flock to the sanctuary to see the forest’s notorious monkey troops and their antics. If you’re planning a visit to the forest yourself, here are a few things to keep in mind before you go.
Getting to the Forest
Most tours that take you through Bali will include a stop at the Monkey Forest, making it one of the easiest ways to get to the sanctuary. Of course, if you want to explore at your own pace, booking a rental car would be ideal. Now, if you’re staying in Ubud at a place like the Anantara Ubud Bali Villas – which offers a comfortable Bali home for sale – you can simply grab a taxi to the forest.
Cost and When to Visit
Ubud Monkey Forest is open for visitors throughout the week from 8.30 am to 6 pm. The entrance cost equates to around $6 for adults and $4.50 for children. Ideally, you want to visit the forest during the morning hours when the temperatures aren’t too high. This means that you’ll be comfortable during your trek and the monkeys will be more active too.
What to Expect in the Forest
The forest’s main attraction is, of course, its namesake – the monkeys, long-tail macaques to be specific. There are over 1000 individuals in Ubud Monkey Forest who are divided into six distinctive troops. The forest interior also contains three ancient Hindu temples said to be constructed in the mid-14th century.
Behaving Around the Monkeys
The monkeys of the Ubud forest may appear to be tame but visitors should always remember that these are wild animals and should be treated as such. Monkeys tend to grab and run off with loose items like sunglasses and hats, so remember to keep your stuff safe and secure inside a bag. It’s also best to avoid trying to feed the animals as they can get quite rowdy and are more than capable of injuring you with their bites.
