Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary

shan157
May 14
3 min read

Updated: Jul 29

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.

Four monkeys sit closely together on a stone ledge, surrounded by lush green leaves, creating a serene, intimate jungle scene.

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.

Ancient stone temple in lush greenery, intricate carvings, damp stone tiles, and thatched roofs. Peaceful, historic ambiance.

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 Leyak, 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.

Monkeys sit near graves with plaques, surrounded by dirt and scattered greenery. One plaque has visible writing. The mood is calm.

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.

Monkey resting on ornate stone ledge in a temple setting. Vibrant yellow and red carvings above, with lush green forest backdrop.

🗺️ Location

Jalan Monkey Forest, Padangtegal, Ubud, Bali, Indonesia

🚆 How to get there

The Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary has a single main entrance located on Jalan Monkey Forest, serving as the primary access point for visitors exploring the 12.5-hectare reserve. Conveniently situated just a 15 minute walk from downtown Ubud’s main street, the sanctuary is easily accessible on foot and also offers on site parking for those arriving by car or motorbike.

⭐ Attraction Info

The Monkey Forest is open daily between 9am - 6pm, with the ticket counter closing at 5pm. Entry fees are 100,000 IDR for adults and 80,000 IDR for children on weekdays and 120,000 IDR for adults and 100,000 IDR for children on weekends. Visitors are advised to arrive early in the morning or later in the afternoon to avoid crowds and enjoy the monkeys at their most active. The park is large, so allowing at least two hours to explore is recommended. Tickets can be purchased online in advance to skip the queue and enter directly through the main gate.