Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary
Mandala Suci Wenara Wana
A 12-hectare rainforest reserve at the southern end of Ubud, where over 1,200 long-tailed macaques share space with three 14th-century moss-covered temples. It's Ubud's most popular attraction.
The Sacred Monkey Forest is a roughly 12.5-hectare rainforest reserve managed by the village of Padangtegal. It lies at the end of Monkey Forest Road, just south of Ubud's town center. More than 1,200 Balinese long-tailed macaques live here in several groups, in a forest of over 180 tree species. The reserve's three temples, Pura Dalem Agung Padangtegal (dedicated to Shiva, 14th century), a holy spring temple, and a cremation temple, are covered in moss and stone carvings. A stone bridge with dragon-shaped railings crosses the ravine, creating a scene straight out of a film. The temple interiors are open only to worshippers. The park embodies the Tri Hita Karana philosophy of harmony between people, gods, and nature in Balinese Hinduism. Visiting tips: the loop trail takes about 1–1.5 hours. Visit right at the 9 a.m. opening or after 4 p.m., when it's quieter and the monkeys are most active. Staff feed the monkeys inside the park. Visitors don't need to bring food, and aren't allowed to feed them. Entry costs IDR 80,000 for foreign adults on weekdays and IDR 100,000 on weekends, with children at half price (pay by card or cash on site). Getting there: it's a 15–20-minute walk from Ubud Palace along Monkey Forest Road, which is lined with restaurants and shops. Grab and motorbike taxis are also available. Safety: monkeys will rummage through bags and snatch glasses, hats, water bottles, and phones, so secure all loose items before entering. Don't stare into monkeys' eyes, and don't touch baby monkeys. If you are scratched or bitten, go straight to the on-site first-aid station and consider a rabies vaccination. Don't bring plastic bags or food. Paths can be slippery, so wear non-slip shoes.
Opening hours
09:00–18:00 (last entry 17:00)
Nearby sights
- Ubud Palace & Ubud Art Market
- Campuhan Ridge Walk
- Goa Gajah
- Bali Swing (Ubud)
- Tegenungan Waterfall
- Pura Taman Ayun
- Tegallalang Rice Terraces
- Bali Safari & Marine Park