Leonardo reading the Monkey Forest guidelines
As part of our round-the-island car journey through Bali, Leonardo and I had the chance to visit one of the island’s most famous attractions—the Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary in Ubud. While monkeys were not the main highlight for Leonardo, given his experiences with their mischievous counterparts in Thailand, the forest itself was what truly captivated him. The Ubud Monkey Forest is more than just a home for Balinese long-tailed macaques; it’s a sacred natural reserve, a place of tranquility, and a symbol of harmony between humans and nature.
Leonardo’s Unique Perspective
He was so surprised to se so many well-behaved monkeys
Leonardo, being a nature lover, was immediately drawn to the lush surroundings of the forest. The monkeys here behaved surprisingly well: they didn’t attempt to steal or interact with us in the way Leonardo expected, which gave him a new perspective on these creatures. Although he maintained a healthy respect for them—keeping his distance—he seemed less frightened after seeing how they calmly coexisted with visitors, walking freely around the temple grounds. This made our time in the forest much more enjoyable, as Leonardo was able to relax and focus on the beauty of the place.
The Sacred Forest: A Natural and Spiritual Haven
Feeding time
Spanning about 12.5 hectares, the Sacred Monkey Forest is not just a tourist spot—it is a site of cultural and spiritual significance. The forest is home to three sacred Hindu temples, including the Pura Dalem Agung Padangtegal, the Holy Spring Temple, and the Prajapati Temple. These temples have stood for centuries, making the Monkey Forest a place of reverence as much as it is a natural sanctuary. Walking through the forest with Leonardo, we passed these stunning structures, surrounded by towering trees and thick vines. The natural beauty, combined with the peaceful aura of the temples, created a sense of wonder and serenity for both of us.
Immersed in Nature’s Beauty
The anphitheater
The forest itself boasts a rich ecosystem, featuring over 100 species of trees, many of which are centuries old. As we strolled along the winding paths, Leonardo marvelled at the sheer variety of plant life. The cool shade from the forest canopy made it the perfect spot to escape Bali’s heat, and we took our time to explore the bridges, streams, and natural clearings scattered throughout the area. It was a paradise for Leonardo, whose love for nature took over any initial hesitation about the monkeys.
The sacredness of the forest also intrigued Leonardo. We learned that this space is believed to embody the concept of Tri Hita Karana—a Balinese Hindu philosophy that aims to achieve harmony between humans, nature, and the divine. This sense of balance was palpable as we wandered deeper into the forest, creating a lasting impression on both of us.
A Different Perspective on Monkeys
Leonardo was always very cautious
Though monkeys weren’t the primary focus for Leonardo, they were undoubtedly an integral part of our visit. Over 1,000 Balinese long-tailed macaques live in the forest, and we saw them in every corner—hanging from trees, resting near the temples, and interacting with visitors. Leonardo was cautious, as monkeys in Thailand have a reputation for being aggressive, but here they behaved differently. Although he didn’t get too close to them, seeing them coexist peacefully with people challenged Leonardo’s previous experiences and gave him a new outlook on these intelligent creatures.
A big Alpha male
It is worth mentioning that the staff at the Ubud Monkey Forest played a vital role in maintaining the harmonious atmosphere of the sanctuary. Their presence, all dressed in traditional Balinese clothing, was felt everywhere, from watering the lush plants and trees to assisting visitors with directions or capturing the perfect photo. They were also instrumental in managing the monkeys, ensuring that the animals behaved well and did not interfere with guests’ belongings. These dedicated rangers and guards seamlessly balanced their duties, ensuring that both the visitors and the natural inhabitants of the forest coexisted peacefully in this sacred environment.
Art and Culture: A Creative Retreat
Art at the Monkey Forest art gallery
One of the unexpected highlights for both of us was the art gallery located within the sanctuary. The gallery showcases works from renowned local painters and artists, offering visitors a taste of Bali’s rich artistic culture. What fascinated Leonardo most was the section featuring creations by children from different age groups. Seeing the artwork of other kids his age left Leonardo inspired, and he lingered here, absorbed by the creativity on display. It was a wonderful addition to our visit, as it provided Leonardo with a way to connect to the local culture on his own level.
A Memorable Experience in Ubud
Leonardo with the Barong exposed at the entrance
Our visit to the Ubud Monkey Forest turned out to be one of the highlights of our Bali trip. While Leonardo approached it with some initial skepticism due to his past encounters with monkeys, the peacefulness of the sanctuary, the beauty of the forest, and the sense of harmony it embodied left a strong impression on him. Watching him explore the forest, interacting with nature, and observing the calm behaviour of the monkeys was a special experience for me as a parent. The visit provided him with a deeper appreciation for both the natural world and the unique culture of Bali.
For families or anyone looking to experience both the cultural and natural beauty of Bali, the Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary is a must-visit. 
It offers not only a glimpse into Bali’s spiritual and ecological heritage but also an immersive experience in the island’s lush, tropical landscape. Leonardo and I left with memories of adventure, discovery, and a newfound perspective on the world of monkeys and nature alike.
For more information about the sanctuary, visit the official website here.
Entrance fees for foreign visitors are 80000 IDR for adults and 60000 IDR for kids.
FURAMAXCLUSIVE Resort & Villas Ubud
Asian Itinerary stayed at FURAMAXCLUSIVE RESORT & VILLAS, UBUD, set amidst the picturesque paddy field and framed by the majestic Mount Batur in the background, offering a sanctuary of accommodations for our guests to relax and unwind.
Echo Bali Car Rental
AsianItinerary drove around the island of Bali with a reliable car provided by Echo Bali Car Rental in Jalan Pantai Sentosa No 4,Canggu, Seminyak, Bali – You can contact Mr. Wayan Suyadnya – Tel: +62 87860131999 / +62 85100151909 – FACEBOOK https://www.facebook.com/echobalicarrental – MAP: https://maps.app.goo.gl/m5fEDoZx8BSGfF3q7 – EMAIL: info@echobalicarrental.com
