Sangeh Monkey Forest

Sprawled across 14 hectares of ancient forestland, Sangeh Monkey Forest, also known as Obyek Wisata Bukit Sari Sangeh, is one of Bali’s most enchanting natural sanctuaries. Towering nutmeg trees, some reaching over 40 metres tall, dominate the landscape, creating a high green canopy that diffuses the tropical light and hushes the sounds of the outside world. But what truly sets this forest apart is its origin story. According to legend, the trees were not planted, they walked. One night, a divine nutmeg forest uprooted itself from the sacred slopes of Mount Agung to follow a royal goddess destined to marry into the Mengwi kingdom. But when mortals spotted their silent march, the forest turned to stone, frozen mid-step by shame or spell, forever rooted in its current form.

This otherworldly tale also gives the forest its name, Sangeh, meaning “to be seen.” The name is both a memory and a warning, what is seen cannot be undone. Some elders whisper that the forest was punished for its arrogance and that the trees themselves still carry the energy of exile. On moonless nights, they say, if you listen closely, you might hear the rustling not of leaves but of footsteps still trying to move.

Guardians of this haunted grove are the grey long-tailed macaques, numbering in the hundreds. Fiercely territorial, sometimes playful and often unnervingly intelligent, these monkeys are considered descendants, or incarnations, of Hanuman, the Monkey God and Warrior King. Locals revere them as protectors of the sacred grove, capable of sensing insincerity in visitors. While they may steal your snacks, some believe they can also steal your luck if you enter with ill intent.

Amidst the twisting roots and hanging vines stands the Bukit Sari Temple, built in the early 17th century under the patronage of the Royal Family of Mengwi. Though historically significant, it is largely absorbed by the forest, its shrines and statues appearing like stone apparitions among the trees. The temple was originally intended to honour the mountain gods of Agung but over time it became more closely linked with the spirits of the forest itself, some benevolent, others forgotten and best left undisturbed.

At the temple’s moss-draped gate, known as Candi Bentar, a towering stone statue portrays a desperate scene, a giant

knight overwhelmed by a swarm of monkeys. The figure is often identified as Kebo Iwa, a mythical Balinese warrior. But in darker retellings, the monkeys are not protectors but vengeful spirits of betrayed men, cursed to remain as simian guardians of the grove, eternally reliving their downfall.

Further within, a large Garuda carving perches in the temple courtyard, a symbol of divine deliverance and the pursuit of Amerta, the elixir of life. Some priests claim the Garuda watches over a sealed portal beneath the temple, a tunnel to the ancestral realm, long since closed by sacred rites and offerings of blood to trap a malevolent spirit said to once haunt Mengwi’s royal line. Visitors report strange chills and inexplicable silences near this statue, even on the hottest days.

Despite its serene beauty, Sangeh Monkey Forest holds a darker undercurrent. There are stories of travellers who mocked the forest and suffered misfortune shortly after. Others speak of monkeys who stare too long, almost knowingly or of trees that seem to shift slightly in photographs, like they’re inching forward when no one’s looking. Whether a sacred sanctuary or a cursed woodland paused mid-escape, Sangeh remains one of Bali’s most spellbound landscapes. It's a place where nature remembers and legends walk beside you.

Location : Sangeh Village, Jalan Brahmana, Abiansemal, Badung Rejency, Bali, Indonesia

How to get there : Sangeh Monkey Forest is located around 15 km's northwest of downtown Ubud, making it an easy and scenic 30 minute drive through rice fields and small Balinese villages. The most convenient way to reach the forest is by private driver, which typically costs around 300000 - 400000 IDR for a half-day hire, depending on your negotiation skills and where you’re departing from. A Go-Gek or Grab rider and motorbike will set you back around 250000 for a 4 hour tour. While signage to Sangeh is minimal, apps like Google Maps or offline GPS tools will easily guide you there. There’s parking available near the entrance and from there it’s a short walk into the forest.

Attraction Info : The grounds are open between 8am - 6pm daily. It costs 50000 IDR to enter and the funds go toward preserving the forest and supporting local conservation. Monkey food costs 1000 IDR per bag although I'd advise against it, as they can become aggressive. If a monkey jumps on you, there are local guides who will appear and encourage it off you, for a small fee. Standard temple attire is required at this holy site.

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