The Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary is situated in Ubud, Bali and is more commonly known as Monkey Forest Temple. The forest is known for scenic views as the giant roots bending around bridges and you can spot stone carvings of Komodo Dragons sticking out from the sides of riverbank. The place also has some temples which are inhabited by macaques/Balinese Long-tailed monkeys.
The entire area lies within the village of Padangtegal and is a nature reserve as well as Hindu temple complex. The village considers the reserve is an important educational, spiritual and economic centre.
There are about 115 different types of trees that cover an entire playground for the monkeys to hop and play. You can buy bananas from vendors and feed the monkeys who are quite friendly.
Things to do
Photography
This is one of the best spots for photographers as you get to capture monkeys playing in the fields and the lush green garden area. The antique temples are a sight to behold. One of the best scenes to capture is the baby monkeys being protected by elder monkeys.
Pray
The temples in the complex offer the calm and tranquil to help you connect with the higher power and worship. Here are the temple in the reserve:
The temples in Sacred Monkey Forest
The nature reserve has three Hindu temples that were built in around 1350.
- Pura Dalem Agung Padangtegal
Pura Dalem Agung Padeangtegal is the main temple and is dedicated to the god Hyang Widhi in the personification of Shiva. Also known as Padangtegal Great Temple of Death, it lies in the southwestern part of the Ubud Monkey Forest grounds.
- Pura Beji
This is a “Holy Spring” bathing temple dedicated Hyang Widhi in the personification of the goddess Gangga. Locals conduct purification and physical cleansing before religious ceremonies.
- Pura Prajapati
Dedicated to worship Hyang Widhi in the personification of Prajapati, the temple is located in the northeast area of the complex.
Facts to know
Cost: $3USD per person
Time required: At least 2 hours
Tips to follow around monkeys
- Do not panic
- Do not run
- Do not look the monkeys in the eye
- Do not hide any food
(Curated by Priya Pareek)
