The monkeys are loose - Monkey Forest Ubud

One thing is clear, a visit to a Monkey Forest is part of every Bali trip. If you want to get to know the island away from the beach life and get up close to the monkeys, head to the Monkey Forest in Ubud. A great excursion for young and old. On Bali, you can be sure of species-appropriate keeping and loving care - because the monkeys are indeed sacred.

The animals owe their sacred status to the deity Hanuman. In Hinduism, Hanuman is depicted with a human body, but with a monkey face and a long tail. This is why Hanuman is also called the monkey god. People are thus benevolent towards the monkeys and are also (mostly 😅) happy about their presence. You can see this in the behaviour of the free-roaming monkeys on the island. Unlike elsewhere, they are not shy and ready to flee, but often even seek contact with humans. This is a sign of the monkey-friendliness of the population, both in the wild and in the monkey forests.

Monkey Forest Ubud - the most popular Monkey Forest on Bali

It is also called Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary or Mandala Suci Wenara. Here the Javanese monkeys, also known as long-tailed macaques, are at home in a forest area of well over 12 hectares. The Monkey Forest sees itself as a sacred city with an educational mission to promote the coexistence of humans and nature in harmony. More than 10,000 visitors come to the monkey forest every month. But despite such high visitor numbers, one finds oneself in a truly dreamlike and relaxed as well as natural environment.

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The monkeys are basically peaceful and well-disposed towards us. Over 600 animals live in the Monkey Forest Ubud. Most of them stay in groups. They play, romp around, climb or even like to be photographed while sleeping and lounging. Ceremonies can often be observed as well, because the Monkey Forest Ubud is home to 3 temple complexes dedicated to the deities Shiva, Brahma and Gangga.

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These rules of conduct must be observed

* Leave all valuables in your accommodation, as these monkeys are born thieves. Whether jewellery, sunglasses, caps or hats - they steal everything, or at least try to. The same applies to mobile phones and cameras - hold them tightly or attach them to your body.

* Please do not take any plastic bottles with you, the little rascals only suspect treats in them and beg for them or try to steal them. Then they chew on the plastic and sometimes swallow plastic parts.

* You can hand in handbags and backpacks at the entrance - the monkeys are more than adept and open bags with a twist to then make off with the contents.

* Always keep calm in case of contact - hectic or hysterical screaming are absolutely out of place. You should also avoid loud laughter.

* What is really important to remember: monkey babies are taboo! Try not to touch them or get too close to a mother with a baby. Monkey moms are protective of their babies and can then also become aggressive and bite. On the other hand, you may experience a mum coming closer with her baby and posing for you, thus proudly presenting her baby to you. These will definitely be the most beautiful photos!

* Please do not feed the animals; if you do, give them a banana, but never any other food. And please let them go immediately. Tug-of-war games are not very popular with monkeys. The same also applies to cameras, mobile phones, etc.

* If, contrary to expectations, a monkey does bite you, please consult a doctor immediately. Officially, the monkeys are free of any diseases, but it is definitely better to be safe than sorry.

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This may all sound a bit scary now - but, as everywhere in nature, humans should adapt when entering the realm of animals. If you do, we promise you a truly beautiful experience with great photos!

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We have made you a little video of our last visit to Monkey Forest Ubud - enjoy here 💛

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Monkey Forest Ubud
Jl. Monkey Forest, Ubud, Kecamatan Ubud, Kabupaten Gianyar
Bali 80571
+62 361 971304
https://monkeyforestubud.com

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