The Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary (also known as Monkey Forest Bali or the Ubud Monkey Forest) is one of Bali’s most visited family attractions. When we were planning our family holiday to Indonesia I was worried it was going to be really touristy. But actually, we loved it. This 12.5‑hectare sanctuary combines centuries-old Hindu temple complexes, dense tropical woodland, and over a thousand free-roaming long-tailed macaques (Macaca fascicularis). It’s an amazing wildlife experience in the most beautiful setting. If you are thinking of visiting the Monkey Forest in Bali then these are all our top tips. Including ways to really get the most out of the experience. The Bali Monkey Forest is a truly unique experience and one you shouldn’t miss.
👩💻 About the author – Nichola is a family travel expert and has written for The Guardian, The Telegraph, Lonely Planet Magazine and Wanderlust, amongst many others. She’s spent over a decade travelling the world with her children, finding the best places for you to explore too.
*AD / This post contains affiliate links & as an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. We may also have been compensated in this post either financially or with products / stays. To read more see our Disclosure Policy.
Get your skip-the-line tickets here.
Table of Contents
Monkey Forest Bali highlights
Macaque monkeys
Monkey Forest Bali is home to around 1,200 long-tailed macaques, divided into six social troop groups across the forest . We loved spotting the playful infants and watching adults interact – grooming, walking along roots, or chasing each other.
The monkeys are wild but habituated to visitors. They’re generally relaxed unless food or valuables are involved (see our top tips below). It’s very possible to stay at a good distance to them and watch the interactions.
Ancient temples & sacred trees
Explore three major temples built circa the 14th century:
- Pura Dalem Agung Padangtegal near the southwest temple area.
- Pura Beji (a holy spring bathing temple).
- Pura Prajapati (associated with cremation ceremonies) .
The forest also hosts a wide range of native tree species, around 115 varieties, including tall banyan trees with dramatic aerial roots seen throughout the sanctuary. It really feels ike a lost kingdom.
Deer enclosure – Monkey Forest Bali
A quiet area houses Timor Rusa deer, introduced to the Bali Monkey Forest and kept safely away from the macaques. It’s a pleasant surprise for children to spot them among the trees .
Guided trails & conservation spaces at Ubud Monkey Forest
You’ll find an animal clinic, first-aid station, composting centre, gallery, and a shaded stage area. Trail signs or maps given at the entrance help orient you, and local staff are available for questions or a planned selfie .
All our top tips for visiting Ubud Monkey Forest
The best time to visit
Arrive between 9 and 11 am if you can. Here temperatures are milder, monkeys are active, and it’s less crowded . The tickets usually last for the full day, so you can always leave for lunch and then return.
What to wear & bring to the Monkey Forest Bali
- If you are looking to visit the temples then dress modestly – no shorts or bare shoulders if you’re planning temple entry.
- Comfortable shoes: paved paths and stairs abound.
- Bring sunglasses & hats, but keep sunglasses inside. You’ll need a secure pocket or case since monkeys may try to snatch loose items .
- Backpack / rucksack advice: use closed-day bags, zipped securely. Monkeys can open loose bags within seconds .
Food & drink at Monkey Forest Bali
- Avoid bringing any snacks or bottles. There’s a small onsite café. Monkeys have sensitive diet habits, and feeding disturbs their natural behaviours.
- Use reusable water bottles filled before entry.
Interacting (or not) with monkeys
- Don’t touch; no picking up monkeys or eye contact .
- If a monkey jumps on you, stay calm. Don’t scream or run; they’ll usually move off .
- To get a selfie, ask staff. They may lure a friendly monkey with treats and supervise the interaction .
- We saw a number of parents fail to supervise their children and a couple of these interactions didn’t end well. Keep an eye on your children and remind them to watch from a distance.
Belongings & valuables
- Leave jewellery, plastic bags, bananas, food, or dangling accessories at home or in your accommodation.
- Bring zipped bags and keep smartphones inside them . The monkeys know to steal belongings and then get bananas in return.
Staying safe
- Follow staff instructions at all times. They carry protective tools (like slingshots loaded with soft pellets) to discourage aggressive monkeys if needed.
- Bites and scratches do occur. If injured, seek help at the forest’s first-aid area. While no human rabies cases have been recorded here, caution is essential .
Length of visit to Monkey Forest Bali
Most families spend 1–2 hours, but you can stay until closing time if you fancy slow wandering or peaceful temple visits . We planned for an hour but ended up staying for nearly two as it was such. a beautiful place and we were all enjoying it so much.
Monkey Forest Bali – Ideal for families
- Younger children are fascinated by the playful monkeys and temple settings. But they must be closely supervised. We saw children left to roam and some approaching monkeys which can be dangerous. Keep your distance and you will have a great time.
- The Elm-shaped paths, accessible toilets, and shaded seating areas make it relatively easy for pushchairs or occasional rests.
- Noisy or high-energy behaviour is definitely discouraged. Visitors are reminded to respect the sanctuary as a holy space and conservation area .
- Staff are used to families; they are helpful and understanding when kids get nervous or excited .
Why visit the Monkey Forest in Bali?
Labelled a sacred space and a conservation sanctuary, the Monkey Forest offers visitors a unique blend of adventure, education, and culture. Here’s what makes it stand out:
- Close wildlife encounters – see macaque monkeys in their natural habitat, watch families groom, climb and play.
- Stunning ancient temples – explore three Balinese Hindu temples from the 14th century, hidden amid moss-draped trees and roots.
- Conservation & culture – learn about local efforts to protect sacred forests and support the Padangtegal community.
- Scenic walks – trails wind through lush greenery, past stone statues, pura gates and tropical streams.
This outing engages all your senses, from spotting cheeky macaques to seeing temple carvings come alive and hearing local caretakers explain the forest’s spiritual significance, all amid rich garden scenery.
Location & how to get to The Bali Monkey Forest
- Address: Jalan Monkey Forest, Padangtegal, Ubud, Gianyar Regency, Bali.
- Located around 800 metres south of Ubud’s main square, it’s easily walkable from central Ubud.
- For families, a 20-minute Grab or Gojek ride from north Ubud or farther districts is convenient (costing roughly 30–40k IDR).
- Parking is available if you’re self-driving.
The sanctuary sits in Padangtegal Village, home to the famous Pura Dalem Agung temple, and is owned and maintained by the local community. It operates under the Tri Hita Karana principle – harmony between humans, nature, and the spirit world
The Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary – opening times & entrance fees
- Open daily from 9 am to 6 pm, with the last ticket sold at 5 pm.
- Fees (correct at time of writing):
- Adults: 80k IDR weekdays, 100k IDR weekends
- Children (3–12): 60k IDR weekdays, 80k IDR weekends
- Children under 3: Free
- Tickets are valid for unlimited re-entry on the same day
Get your skip-the-line tickets here.
Getting there & extras
- Getting there: Easily walkable from Ubud centre, Grab taxis are common, or park your car on Jalan Monkey Forest.
- Facilities: On-site toilets, wheelchair-accessible paths, a café, and small souvenir shop.
- Nearby attractions:
- Campuhan Ridge Walk: scenic ridge trail, lovely walk to combine.
- Ubud Royal Palace & Art Market: just north of the sanctuary.
- Tegenungan Waterfall: short ride away for a splashy finish.
- Rice paddies & workshops: nearby creative studios or rice terrace viewpoints.
What we thought of visiting the Monkey Forest Bali
Visiting the Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary offers families a rare combination of nature, spirituality, and wildlife interaction in a carefully preserved setting. With over a thousand monkeys, ancient temples, lofty banyan trees, and gentle village ambience, it’s a memorable half-day trip.
But the key to a harmonious experience is respect: for the monkeys, for the sanctity of the temples, and for the balance of this sacred space. Stick to the guidelines, observe with curiosity (not interruption), and you’ll leave with something special: a sense of wonder, a few happy photos (no stolen sunglasses), and a deeper appreciation for Bali’s living cultural heritage.
We were initially unsure as to whether we would enjoy a visit here. But it was an absolute highlight of our trip to Bali. We would definitely recommend it.
Read more of our Indonesian posts –
A review of Kayumanis Villas, Bali and our best things to do in Bali with kids
