Ubud Monkey Forest is one of Bali’s most famous Places of Interest occupying 27 hectares of lush greenery at the lower end of Monkey Forest Road in the village of Padangtegal. Home to over 400 long-tailed macaques (Macaca fascicularis) divided into 4 groups occupying different areas of the park, this is an important cultural and spiritual site that welcomes more than 10,000 visitors every month.

Basically, The Monkey Forest Sanctuary is in the village of Padang tegal, with village members serving on a government council that seeks to uphold the integrity of the land while promoting it as a tourist destination.

Ubud Monkey Forest

Ubud Monkey Forest is a small rainforest inhabited by several groups of monkeys and other tropical animals. Strategically located in the heart of Ubud Village. Monkey Forest in Balinese language called Wanara Wana spreading across the island and Ubud Monkey Forest itself has a very important function for the continuity of monkey habitat in Bali.

Meanwhile, the local community has an important role in maintaining this forest naturally so that all wildlife can live smoothly.

Wanara Wana is the name of the monkey forest in Sanskrit, because the language had influenced the religious layers and ruling classes of the archipelago before converting to Islam, and only Bali has maintained this tradition strongly. It is important to treat monkeys with respect because this forest is the home of the heir and you are a guest in it. Please stay on paved roads, monkeys can become aggressive.

if you invade their private areas (Wanara Wana staff and researchers are occasionally seen in this area, please don’t follow them).

Often seen how Balinese monkeys are breaking coconuts. If available they also like to eat bananas and papayas. Once taken please leave the fruit with the monkey. If you want to feed the monkeys, please do so with care, and if they take food from you, don’t try to take it back.

It is also very important that you treat the trees, plants, and other animals and buildings within the Sacred Ape Forest with the utmost respect.

This is a sacred area and an important ecological preservation, please enjoy the beauty and magic of this place. while respecting what lives in it. If you have any questions or need assistance, please ask Wenara wana personnel (identified by their green uniform) or research project members.

Tri Hita Karana’s Thoughts

According to Balinese Hindu thought, we may find peace and freedom in our lives only if we respect and observe the three harmonious relationships known as Tri Hita Karana with the following suggestions:

The Gods blessed life and created nature and all its entities
Nature provides sustainable support for the needs of living things
Humans as supreme beings have an obligation to preserve mother nature which was once only a religious approach that could work before more reasons could take over that role.

Temples in Ubud monkey forest

Based on the analysis of a manuscript called Pura Purana (which means the history of a temple). This temple was built around the 14th century during the reign of the king with a palace in the Pejeng area.

The establishment of the temple would have taken place before 1343 AD. Not at the beginning of the far-left Gelgel Palace around the 17th century.

There are three temples in The Sacred Monkey Forest, namely:

Pura Dalem Agung, is located in the southwest corner of the main forest area. This shrine is the most prominent in the Monkey Forest
The Temple of the Holy Baths is located at the bottom of the stairs close to the stream. This temple is divided into 3 courtyards (mandalas) with a pool.
Prajapati Temple with a cemetery located in the southernmost part of the area.

The monkeys in Ubud Monkey forest

Monkeys that live in the Ubud Monkey Forest known as long-tailed macaques. Their scientific name is macaca fascicularis and apart from humans, apes are the most widespread and successful primates. About 400 monkeys currently live in the monkey forest. There are about 35 adult men, 95 adult women and 170 young people. These monkeys live mainly in three groups of females and males. Each of these groups tends to use different forest areas on different days. All the monkeys use all the forest.

Conflicts sometimes arise when two groups are in the same area. Adult males weigh up to 8 to 10 kg and have large canine teeth, broad shoulders and facial hair that resembles a mustache.

Adult females are smaller than males (4-8 kg) and have long, beaded facial hair. Balinese macaque groups are centered around a related group of females called matrilines. Male monkeys usually migrate from other areas and seek to associate themselves with matriline females. Both males and females, have a dominant relationship, but they are not always clear or consistent.

See the location here

Mating can take place all year round but most babies are born during the months of May – August. Ape mothers range from very protective to very permissive with their babies. Many women who are not mothers spend time holding and caring for babies. Sometimes you’ll even see a grown man becoming a mother too.

Ubud Monkey Forest Research and Conservation

The Ubud Monkey Forest Wildlife Sanctuary not only serves as an important component in the spiritual lives. But is also the site of several research and conservation programs. Specific maintenance and management.

>> Family Vacation in Bali