You’ll find Ubud’s Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary in central Ubud, open daily from 8:30 AM to 6:00 PM. The sanctuary features three ancient Hindu temples surrounded by lush forest paths where over 700 long-tailed macaques roam freely. You’ll need to wear a provided sarong to enter the temples and follow key safety rules: no food or loose items, avoid eye contact with monkeys, and keep your distance. Early mornings offer the best experience with active monkeys and fewer crowds. Visit during weekdays in the dry season (April-October) for ideal conditions. Our complete guide covers everything you need to stay safe while exploring this magical place.

Location and Opening Hours

Finding the Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary is easy – it’s right in central Ubud on Jalan Monkey Forest Road. You can walk there from most hotels in Ubud, or hop on a scooter if you’re staying further away. If you prefer not to walk, grab a taxi or book a private driver.

The sanctuary sits among several nearby attractions, including art galleries, yoga studios, and the Ubud Market just a 10-minute walk north.

You’ll spot the entrance gate easily – it’s a large stone archway with traditional Balinese carvings. The sanctuary opens daily from 8:30 AM to 6:00 PM, with last entry at 5:30 PM. You don’t need to book in advance; just show up and buy your ticket at the counter.

Morning visits (before 10 AM) offer cooler temperatures and fewer crowds.

Transport options to the sanctuary are plentiful. You can arrange a hotel pickup, rent a bicycle, or join a guided tour. If you’re driving yourself, there’s a parking area near the entrance.

Most visitors spend 1-2 hours exploring the grounds, so plan your arrival time accordingly.

Sacred Temple Highlights

Beyond the monkey-filled grounds, three ancient Hindu temples form the spiritual heart of the sanctuary.

The Main Temple stands tall with its traditional Balinese temple architecture, featuring intricate stone carvings and multi-tiered roofs called merus. You’ll spot monkeys perched on these sacred structures, though they rarely disturb religious ceremonies.

The Cremation Temple sits in a quieter corner, where locals perform important funeral rites. Its weathered walls tell stories of countless ceremonies, while moss-covered guardian statues keep watch.

You’ll need to maintain respectful monkey behavior here – keep food hidden and avoid direct eye contact with the primates.

The Holy Spring Temple rounds out the trio, built around a natural water source. Stone-carved water spouts pour sacred water into ancient bathing pools.

This area usually sees less monkey activity, making it perfect for peaceful reflection. You’re welcome to explore these temples’ outer courtyards, but remember the inner sanctums remain reserved for worshippers.

Wear the provided sarong as a sign of respect, and you’ll discover these temples aren’t just monkey hangouts – they’re living pieces of Balinese spiritual heritage.

Meet the Balinese Long-Tailed Macaques

The Balinese long-tailed macaques rule this forest sanctuary, with over 700 monkeys divided into six main family groups.

You’ll spot these agile creatures swinging through trees, lounging on temple walls, and grooming each other on the forest floor. They’re highly social animals, and you’ll quickly notice their distinct hierarchy within each group.

Watch their fascinating macaque behavior as they interact with each other. The alpha males protect their territory, while mothers carefully tend to their babies.

Don’t be surprised to see younger monkeys playing, wrestling, and chasing each other through the trees. Their feeding habits are interesting too – they’ll munch on sweet potatoes, bananas, and other fruits provided by the sanctuary staff.

These intelligent primates can be quite bold. You’ll see them snatching snacks from visitors’ bags or climbing onto shoulders for a better view.

While they’re used to humans, remember they’re wild animals. Keep your distance, avoid direct eye contact, and never feed them yourself. The sanctuary staff knows exactly what and when to feed them to maintain their natural behaviors.

Safety Guidelines and Rules

Staying safe at Ubud’s Sacred Monkey Forest requires following strict rules. While these monkeys might look cute, they’re wild animals that can become aggressive if you don’t respect their space.

First, don’t bring any food or drinks into the forest – the monkeys will smell it and try to grab it. Don’t wear loose items like jewelry, sunglasses, or hats because the monkeys love shiny objects and might snatch them. Keep your bags zipped and close to your body.

Understanding monkey behavior is essential for your safety. Never look them directly in the eyes – they see it as a threat. Don’t touch or pet them, even if they seem friendly. If a monkey climbs on you, stay calm and don’t scream or make sudden movements.

Visitor etiquette includes walking calmly through the paths and keeping a safe distance from the monkeys, especially mothers with babies.

Don’t use flash photography or tease them with empty hands – they’ll think you’re offering food. If you feel uncomfortable, find a staff member wearing a uniform. They’re trained to handle monkey encounters and will help you navigate safely through the forest.

Best Time to Visit

Now that you know how to stay safe around the monkeys, picking the right time for your visit can make a big difference in your experience.

You’ll want to plan around both the crowds and Bali’s distinct weather patterns.

Visit early in the morning, between 8:00 AM and 10:00 AM, when the monkeys are most active and hungry. They’re friendlier during feeding times, and you’ll get better photos in the morning light. You’ll also beat the tourist crowds that start rolling in around mid-day.

Consider seasonal events and weather conditions when planning your trip. The dry season (April to October) offers the most comfortable weather, with less rain and humidity. If you’re visiting during the wet season (November to March), plan your visit during the morning hours to avoid afternoon downpours.

Skip weekends and local holidays when the sanctuary gets packed with visitors. During these busy times, the monkeys can get overwhelmed and agitated.

Mid-week visits, especially Tuesday through Thursday, give you more space to explore and better chances for memorable monkey encounters without the pushing crowds.

Photography Tips and Spots

Capturing great photos at Ubud’s Monkey Forest requires smart preparation and knowing the right spots. Keep your photography equipment minimal – a smartphone or small camera works best. You’ll want to move quickly and stay nimble around the monkeys, who might grab bulky gear.

For the best shots, head to the Dragon Bridge early in the morning when fewer tourists are around. The ancient stone bridge with moss-covered dragons creates stunning backdrops.

The main temple area offers excellent composition techniques with its layered architecture and morning light filtering through the trees.

You’ll find photogenic moments near the banyan trees, where monkeys often gather in family groups. The forest’s walking paths provide natural frames with light streaming through the canopy.

Don’t miss the moss-covered guardian statues – they’re perfect for moody shots, especially after light rain.

Remember to keep a safe distance when photographing monkeys with babies. Use burst mode to capture their quick movements, and focus on catching natural behaviors rather than posed shots.

The best photos often happen when monkeys interact with each other or their environment, so patience is key.