10 Fun Facts About the Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary Ubud
Nestled in the heart of Ubud, Bali, the Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary Ubud is one of the island’s most enchanting and culturally rich destinations. Home to hundreds of long-tailed macaques and centuries-old temples, this lush forest attracts travelers from all over the world. Whether you’re an animal lover, nature enthusiast, or culture seeker, the Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary Ubud offers an unforgettable experience. Here are 10 fun facts that make this sanctuary truly special:
sacred monkey forest sanctuary ubud
1. Home to Over 1,200 Monkeys
The sanctuary is inhabited by
more than 1,200 Balinese long-tailed macaques (Macaca fascicularis). These
curious and intelligent primates roam freely throughout the forest and are
known for their playful behavior—just be careful with your belongings!
2. A Spiritual and Cultural Site
More than just a monkey habitat,
the forest is considered sacred by the local community. It houses three ancient
temples that date back to the 14th century, dedicated to important Balinese
Hindu deities.
3. The Three Sacred Temples
Inside the sanctuary, you’ll find
Pura Dalem Agung Padangtegal (the Main Temple), the Holy Spring Temple, and the
Cremation Temple. These temples are central to the spiritual and ceremonial
life of Ubud.
4. A Natural Rainforest Sanctuary
The forest covers about 12.5
hectares of protected land, filled with over 115 species of trees. Towering
banyans, towering canopies, and winding paths create a magical jungle
atmosphere.
5. Monkeys Are Divided Into Groups
The macaques are organized into
six different groups based on territory. Each group occupies a specific area of
the forest, and they rarely venture into the territories of others.
6. The Forest Plays a Role in Conservation
The Sacred Monkey Forest
Sanctuary Ubud is more than a tourist attraction—it’s a conservation project.
It promotes harmony between humans, animals, and nature, while also supporting
scientific research and education.
7. A Symbol of Tri Hita Karana
The sanctuary embodies the
Balinese philosophy of Tri Hita Karana, which emphasizes harmony between humans
and God, humans and nature, and humans with each other. The forest is a living
example of this philosophy in action.
8. It’s a Photographer’s Paradise
With its mystical lighting,
moss-covered statues, and ancient temples hidden among trees, the sanctuary is
one of the most Instagram-worthy spots in Bali. The monkeys also make for
lively and unpredictable photo subjects.
9. A Place for Meditation and Reflection
Despite its popularity, the
forest still retains areas of peaceful silence. Early in the morning or during
weekdays, visitors can enjoy moments of solitude, meditation, or quiet walks
among the trees and shrines.
10. The Monkeys Have a Strict Diet
Visitors are no longer allowed to
feed the monkeys freely. The sanctuary staff provides a balanced diet of sweet
potatoes, corn, and other healthy foods to ensure the monkeys remain healthy
and non-aggressive.
Discover Silver Jewelry Making Just Minutes Away
After your visit to the Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary Ubud, why not continue your cultural adventure by creating your own silver jewelry? Just an 8-minute walk from the forest, Ubud Monkey Forest Silver Class offers a hands-on workshop where you can design and craft your very own piece of silver jewelry from scratch.
Guided by experienced local
silversmiths, the workshop is suitable for beginners and provides all the
materials you need. It’s open daily from 9 AM to 9 PM, giving you plenty of
time to explore your creativity after a morning with the monkeys. Whether
you're making a unique souvenir or a gift for someone special, it’s a memorable
way to experience Balinese craftsmanship up close.
