What should you know before visiting the Ubud Monkey Forest?
The Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary is a pocket of jungle of about 12.5 hectares (31 acres) on the southern edge of Ubud: a 10 to 15 minute walk from the centre along Monkey Forest Road. It is not a zoo: the macaques are wild, the temples are still in use, and the forest is run by the village of Padangtegal according to the Balinese philosophy of harmony between people, nature and the spirit world.
What you'll see:
- More than 1,200 long-tailed macaques, moving in groups with their own hierarchies, leaping from trees and playing along the paths.
- Three Hindu temples, including Pura Dalem Agung, particularly important and sacred on the island and said to date from around 1350, hidden in the vegetation.
- Giant banyan trees and paved paths winding down through the forest.
- Surprises: a monitor lizard may block your way.
The rules to remember:
- No visible food: the macaques rifle through bags and pockets. Don't buy the bananas you'll be offered: most of the monkeys are already well fed.
- Don't touch them, and avoid eye contact or showing your teeth, even when smiling: to them it is a threat. Keep clear of mothers with babies, who are more aggressive.
- Protect your belongings: sunglasses, jewellery and phones can end up in a thieving hand.
- If you are bitten or scratched, get medical help immediately (see "Health and precautions").
Tip: go late in the afternoon: the monkeys are calmer. The sanctuary closes at 6pm (last entry around 5:30pm), and entry is paid: check the current price on the official website.
Prices, hours and rules checked in October 2026. Confirm before your visit.