The Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary — Mandala Suci Wenara Wana in Balinese — is a patch of protected jungle at the bottom of Monkey Forest Road, ten minutes’ walk from the palace. It belongs to the village of Padangtegal, which manages it as a temple ground first and a visitor attraction second, and it is one of the few places in Ubud where the old forest that once covered the area still stands.
Paved paths loop through a ravine of banyan and nutmeg trees, over a stream gorge on a dragon-carved bridge and past three temples: the main Pura Dalem Agung, a holy bathing temple (Pura Beji) and a temple for cremation rites (Pura Prajapati). The temples themselves are for worshippers; visitors walk the grounds around them.
And then there are the monkeys — several hundred Balinese long-tailed macaques living in troops across the forest. They are wild animals that are used to people, which makes them both entertaining and occasionally a nuisance. With a little sense (see the tips below) a visit is safe and memorable.
Top things to do at Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary
Walk the loop to the gorge
The main circuit takes about an hour at an easy pace. Do not miss the stream valley, where stairs drop to the water under moss-covered dragon carvings and banyan roots.
Watch troop life from a distance
Grooming, squabbles, babies clinging to their mothers — the best moments come when you stand still. The early morning is the calmest time.
See the temple gates
The carved gateways of the Pura Dalem Agung are among the finest in Ubud. Entry to the inner temple is reserved for worshippers, but you can admire the stonework from the path.
Continue along Monkey Forest Road
The road back towards the palace is lined with cafés, galleries and shops, and leads to the football field and the Ubud Market. It is a natural first-morning walk.
How to get to Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary
- The main entrance is at the southern end of Jalan Monkey Forest, about 10–15 minutes on foot from Ubud Palace. There are also side entrances from Jalan Hanoman and Nyuh Kuning village.
- From hotels in Penestanan, Sayan or Tegallalang, a Grab or Gojek car or a hotel shuttle drops you nearby; parking is available for scooters and cars.
- Many full-day Ubud tours include a stop here, often with a guide who handles tickets.
- Take off sunglasses, hats and dangling earrings and put away food, drinks and plastic bags before entering — monkeys grab anything that rustles.
- Do not touch, feed or stare at the monkeys, and do not hide anything behind your back. If one climbs on you, stay calm and let it jump off.
- If you are scratched or bitten, report to the first-aid post at once and seek medical advice: rabies is present in Bali.
- Entry is ticketed (around IDR 80,000–100,000 for adults at the time of writing, with lower prices for children) — check the current rate at the gate.
Best tours & tickets for Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary
These top-rated experiences are the easiest way to see Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary and make the most of the day:
Ticket & guided walk from US$17 Ubud: Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary Ticket and Guided Tour
Entry to the Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary with a guided walk past its temples and troops of long-tailed macaques — plus an explanation of Tri Hita Karana, the Balinese idea of harmony that shapes how the forest is cared for.
- Entry ticket to the sanctuary
- A guide who knows how to behave around the monkeys
- The temples and the Tri Hita Karana philosophy explained
Full-day tour from US$21 Bali: Ubud Full-Day All-Inclusive Highlights Tour
The classic Ubud day with every headline stop: the Sacred Monkey Forest, the Tegallalang rice terraces, the holy springs of Tirta Empul, Ubud Palace and the Art Market, finishing at Tegenungan Waterfall. With more than 6,000 reviews it is one of the most-booked days out in Bali.
- Monkey Forest, Tegallalang and Tirta Empul in one day
- Ubud Palace, the Art Market and Tegenungan Waterfall
- Hotel pickup; optional lunch
Day tour from US$30 Bali: Saraswati Temple & Ubud Monkey Forest with Waterfall
A day that ends in the heart of town: a waterfall and rice terraces, the Monkey Forest, then the lotus-pond temple of Saraswati and the Ubud market.
- A waterfall and rice terraces
- The Monkey Forest
- Saraswati Temple and Ubud Market
