Monkee Forest

If you want to get up close (sometimes too close!) with Bali's cheekiest residents, the Sacred Monkey Forest in Ubud is the place to be. This lush, ancient forest is home to over 1,200 long-tailed macaques, roaming freely among centuries-old temples, moss-covered statues, and towering banyan trees. It's one of Ubud's most famous attractions, offering a mix of nature, history, and playful chaos, just be ready to hang on to your sunglasses, hats, and snacks! Why Visit the Ubud Monkey Forest? Monkeys, Monkeys Everywhere!: The long-tailed macaques here are fearless and highly entertaining, whether they're swinging from trees, playing with each other, or casually jumping on visitors. A Beautiful Jungle Setting: The forest is gorgeous, with thick tropical greenery, stone pathways, and towering trees, making it feel like an ancient temple lost in time. Sacred Temples & Balinese Culture: The forest is home to three ancient temples from the 14th century, where Balinese Hindus still come to pray. Epic Photo Opportunities: Between the dramatic jungle scenery, intricate carvings, and (if you're lucky) a monkey selfie, it's a photographer's dream.

Tips for Visiting

Don't Bring Loose Items: Monkeys love grabbing sunglasses, hats, water bottles, and even phones. Keep everything zipped up or leave valuables at home.
No Feeding the Monkeys: The monkeys used to be fed by tourists, but this has been stopped for safety. Avoid holding food or plastic bags, or you might get an unexpected visitor!
Stay Calm & Don't Make Eye Contact: If a monkey jumps on you, stay still and don't panic, they usually leave on their own. Staring directly at them can be seen as a challenge.
Go Early for Fewer Crowds: The forest gets busy by midday, so visiting before 10 AM makes for a quieter and cooler experience.
Respect the Sacred Site: The temples inside the forest are still used for worship, so be mindful and don't enter restricted areas.