Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary

Also known by locals as Mandala Suci Wenara Wana, the Sacred Monkey Forest is more than just a tourist attraction, it is a living, breathing expression of Balinese Hindu cosmology. Located in the village of Padangtegal in Ubud, this lush 12.5-hectare reserve is home to over 1260 grey-haired long-tailed macaques. But beyond the mischievous antics of its primate residents, the forest houses three ancient temples, centuries-old banyan trees and stone paths shrouded in moss and mist.

The sanctuary is divided into territories, each ruled by one of six monkey troops that patrol their domains with discipline and occasional chaos. These monkeys, while playful and accustomed to humans, are also seen as spiritual messengers, connected to the divine through the temple structures they roam. Central to the forest's spiritual identity is the Hindu philosophy of Tri Hita Karana, which emphasises balance and harmony between humans, nature and the divine. The Padangtegal community sees their role as guardians, not only of the environment but of a deeper, more esoteric legacy.

The temples within the Monkey Forest, the Pura Dalem Agung Padangtegal (the temple of the dead), Pura Beji (a purification temple) and Pura Prajapati (a temple associated with cremation ceremonies) are considered spiritually potent. Visitors are not permitted to enter the temple interiors unless participating in religious ceremonies. Of particular note is Pura Dalem Agung, surrounded by dense jungle and often cloaked in shadow. This is where offerings are made to Durga, the goddess of death and transformation and it is here that the forest's darker legends begin to surface.

One such tale speaks of a spectral monkey that appears only during temple ceremonies, its eyes glowing red, its fur pitch black. Locals say this is not a monkey at all, but a leak (pronounced lay-ak), a shape-shifting sorcerer known in Balinese myth. These beings, capable of taking animal form, are said to haunt cemeteries and temple grounds in search of offerings and spiritual energy. Some villagers whisper that deep within the forest, rituals still take place to keep these dark forces at bay.

The monkeys have been guarding this temple of death since the 14th century

Behind Pura Prajapati lies the forest’s cemetery, a solemn and often overlooked part of the site. Unlike typical Western graveyards, this sacred ground is a transitional resting place. Here, the dead are buried temporarily before they are exhumed and cremated in accordance with Balinese Hindu tradition. The cemetery is encircled by moss-covered statues and guarded by ancient trees whose twisted roots seem to clutch the earth like fingers. It is said that on certain nights, when the mist hangs low and the jungle is unnervingly silent, the spirits of the dead walk the paths back toward the temple to receive blessings, a liminal space where life, death and the sacred intertwine.

In the Sacred Monkey Forest, every vine-draped statue and weathered temple wall seems to tell a story, some of devotion, others of warning. While many visitors come for the monkeys and the Instagram-worthy scenery, those who take the time to wander off the beaten path may sense something deeper. This is not just a sanctuary for animals but for ancestral spirits, for gods and demons, for legends whispered through the leaves. And in that sacred balance, between beauty and unease, the forest breathes.

Location : Jalan Monkey Forest, Padangtegal, Ubud, Bali, Indonesia

How to get there: The Monkey Sanctuary is located an easy 15 minute walk from downtown Ubud’s main street. There are two entrances to the Monkey Forest Sanctuary, one at Monkey Forest street and the other at Hanomen Street.

Attraction Info : The monkey forest is open daily, between 9am - 6pm. The entry fee is 100000 for adults / 80000 IDR for children on weekdays and 120000 for adults / 100000 IDR for children on weekends. You're better off to get there early in the morning or later in the afternoon when the crowds have died down. The park is big! Allow at least 2 hours to have a good look around.

Official Website - www.monkeyforestubud.com

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