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Read this BEFORE Visiting The Ubud Monkey Forest Bali

Read this BEFORE Visiting The Ubud Monkey Forest Bali

Visiting the Ubud monkey forest in Bali is a must on all Bali itineraries. The Ubud monkey forest is visited by over 10,000 tourists a month, I mean look at these cute guys who wouldn’t want to feed them bananas?!

So what exactly is the monkey forest, where is it, how much does it cost, etc? We’re here to answer all your questions about the monkey forest!

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Visiting the Ubud Monkey Forest

Ubud Monkey Forest Close Up Of A Monkey

What Is The Ubud Monkey Forest?

The Ubud Monkey Forest is a nature reserve and Hindu temple located in Ubud, Bali Indonesia. Technically its official name is the Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary, but if you ask for the monkey forest in Bali everyone will know what you are referring to.

The monkey forest demonstrates the coexistence of humans and nature. Several temple festivals are held within the grounds of the monkey forest. The area enclosed by the temple walls and the forest area around it is considered sacred.

Related Article: Things To Do In Bali


Where Is The Monkey Forest?

Ubud Monkey Forest Feeding Monkeys

The Ubud monkey forest is located in the town of Ubud on the island of Bali in Indonesia.  If you search “Sacred Monkey Forest” in Google maps and it will bring the location up.

  • Address:

How Do I Get To The Monkey Forest Ubud?

The easiest way to visit the monkey forest is on a tour. Several tours include a stop at the Ubud monkey forest as part of the day trip. Here are a few of the tours including the Bali monkey forest:

We rented a driver for the day and made our own day trip. This lets us visit sights in Bali at our own speed, and spend enough time at the monkey forest in Bali. If you are staying in Ubud either grab a taxi, rent a motorbike, or you can easily walk to the monkey forest.

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When Is The Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary Open?

The Ubud monkey forest is open daily from 8:30 a.m till 6 p.m. We suggest visiting earlier in the day, the temperatures are more favorable earlier in the morning. Tickets are only available for sale until 5:30 pm, as that is the last entrance.

How Much Does It Cost To Get In The Monkey Forest?

As of August 2019, entrance fees for adults is 80,000 Indonesian Rupiahs which is roughly $6 and children 60,000 rupiahs $4.50. Bananas are available for sale in front of the monkey forest, we bought a bundle for 45,000 rupiahs $3.25.

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Ubud Monkey Forest Bali Baby Monkey Eating Banana

What Are The Guidelines For Visiting the Ubud Monkey Forest?

Ubud Monkey Forest monkey climbing me

There are several guidelines when visiting the monkey forest, all of which are there for your own safety.

  • Do not run
  • Do not panic
  • Do not look a monkey in the eye
  • Do not hide food
  • Do not bring a paper/plastic bag
  • Take care of your belongings, monkeys will steal items
  • Do not touch/grab/disturb the monkeys especially babies, the mothers are defensive
  • Do not feed peanuts, cookies, candy, bread, or any snack/drink (bananas are okay)

Children should be supervised at all times. Please remember these are wild animals and are unpredictable.

Tips For Visiting The Monkey Forest?

When we visited we didn’t listen to our driver who told us DO NOT BUY BANANAS. If you insist on buying the bananas so you can feed the monkeys in the monkey forest do not hide them from the monkeys.

The monkeys can smell the bananas and will be literally crawling up your body to get them. We are speaking from experience.

Ubud monkey forest monkey looking for bananas

When you run out of bananas you will still smell like bananas, and the monkeys will think you still have bananas. They will continue to climb on you. This can all be avoided if you don’t buy the bananas.

Ubud monkey forest baby monkey and mother

Don’t wear sunglasses, we saw several monkeys steal sunglasses right off of tourists heads. Make sure your purse is shut and on you, monkeys are quick and will steal items out of they have the chance. They will snatch your items and run up and laugh, you won’t be laughing.

Ubud monkey forest laughing monkey


Have you been to the monkey forest in Ubud? 

Ubud monkey forest monkey on a statue

Don’t forget about visiting us at the Ubud monkey forest just pin me on Pinterest!

Ubud monkey forest pinterest

Natasha

Monday 6th of January 2020

Hi. I am planning to travel to bali with my husband. I am 14 weeks pregnant, is there any chances that I should visit or not to visit the monkey forest? As being said that they are wild animals.

Adam

Sunday 5th of April 2020

Personally we would avoid visiting while pregnant, the monkeys are used to people having food for them so they will approach people and sometimes jump on them. If you do go, don't buy or bring any food for them, this increases the chances you'll have an encounter with the monkeys. The main reason this is a concern is because the monkeys can carry diseases that can be passed to humans and it is an unnecessary risk while pregnant in our opinion. Have fun in Bali!

Lisa

Thursday 19th of January 2017

Great post! Definitely recommend to visit Monkey forest! Don't forget to buy some fruits for monkeys and you'll receive lots of positive emotions. We spent great time there with our guide from http://7.holiday/ so don't miss your chance)

Gabrielle Henry

Monday 29th of April 2019

Thank you !!

Ria

Thursday 21st of July 2016

Last week it was my 2nd visit in this forest and I really suggest to read and follow suggestions in this post what not to do in Ubud monkey forest! I saw by myself when one mom monkey attacked and bitten seriously one traveler who came too close to take a picture of her and her baby. The traveler was bleeding a lot. Stay safe! P.S. really cool photos! :)

Dannielle | While I'm Young and Skinny

Thursday 21st of April 2016

Maaan I ran out of time in Indonesia and didn't make it to Ubud, and seeing posts like this makes me regret it!

Jesper, The Biveros Effect

Thursday 21st of April 2016

Nice photos. :)