Sacred Monkey Forest Temple: Things To Do and Tips To Follow

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.