The Ubud Monkey Forest is a site for Balinese Hindu worship and every aspect of the grounds has sacred meaning, from its trees and temples, to its long-tail macaques. This site is also a research centre where you can learn more about the monkeys and some 115 species of trees. The site is also known as the Padangtegal Monkey Forest because it is owned by the village of Padangtegal, one of Ubud’s communities.
Enter the tropical Monkey Forest to explore the temple complex. The original pagodas, pavilions and shrines are thought to date back to the mid-14th century, but many have eroded over time and some of the current structures are replicas. The biggest structure, the Dalem Agung Temple, is the main temple and used for everyday rituals. The Prajapati Temple is used for cremation ceremonies and the Holy Bathing Temple, almost hidden from view near the stream, is used for cleansing rituals.
Meet some of the macaques who call this jungle home. There are more than 600 of them, living in four troops. In Balinese Hinduism, which incorporates elements of animism, Buddhism and ancestor worship, the monkeys are considered as sacred as the buildings. The monkeys are cheeky don’t feed them and guard any items they can grab.
Watch the locals give offerings and use certain trees for religious purposes. The leaves of the banyan tree, also known as the beringin tree, are used in cremation ceremonies and the wood of the pule bandak tree is used for masks.
Ubud Monkey Forest is open daily. The admission fee helps maintain the site you can make additional donations at the main entrance. It’s easy to get to the site on foot if you are staying in Ubud. Free parking is available for vehicles.
When accessing this active place of worship, rent or bring a sarong and cover your legs. Women need to cover their shoulders too. Anyone who has a child under 4 years old, is menstruating or wounded, or has buried or cremated a relative in the past week, is not allowed to enter the main temple.
Ubud Monkey Forest Tours and Activities
Visit Ubud Monkey Forest
Plan a trip to see Ubud Monkey Forest
The Kalyana Ubud Resort
Reviewed on 22 Aug. 2023
Ubud Diary Villa
Reviewed on 11 Feb. 2024
Adventure & outdoor
See all 258 activitiesOpens in new tabBali: Mount Batur Sunrise Hike and Natural Hot Spring
Attractions
See all 12 activitiesOpens in new tabAn Evening of Bali Traditional Dance
History & culture
See all 401 activitiesOpens in new tabAll-Inclusive Ubud Tour
Shows & concerts
See all 23 activitiesOpens in new tabAn Evening of Bali Traditional Dance
Water activities
See all 107 activitiesOpens in new tabBali quad bike Quad Bike Through Tunnel, Waterfall, White Water Rafting
Reviews of Ubud Monkey Forest
5/5 - Excellent
Go early and follow the rules!
5/5 - Excellent
Don’t go too close... I got bitten in the chin by one .. apparently an everyday occurrence here... now having a series of rabies shots.... they’re cute but angry!!
5/5 - Excellent
Monkeys are fine if you don't touch them and get too close. be careful of the baby monkey they are very playful but the mothers are not :)
1/5 - Terrible
Go to the Zoo and have breakfast with the monkey
3/5 - Okay
They have changed it and now you have to pay and you can't feed the monkeys anymore. Not as good. You can I have been many times but won't go again.
4/5 - Good
Don't stare at the monkeys - and don't tease them - they are tougher and smarter than you!
Popular places to visit
Pura Dalem Agung Padangtegal
Find out about the history of Ubud when you spend time at Pura Dalem Agung Padangtegal. Visit the spas and temples in this romantic area.
Agung Rai Museum of Art
Immerse yourself in Balinese culture at this interactive centre, enjoy a meal, or stay in the resort and relax in the peaceful natural setting.
Peliatan Palace
You can learn about the history of Peliatan with a visit to Peliatan Palace. Amble around this culturally rich area's lush forest or seek out the cycling trails.
Ubud Traditional Art Market
You can browse for the perfect souvenirs at Ubud Traditional Art Market during your trip to Ubud. Amble around this quaint area's lush forest or seek out the cycling trails.
Ubud Palace
You can find out about the history of Ubud with a trip to Ubud Palace. Amble around this culturally rich area's lush forest or seek out the cycling trails.
Puri Lukisan Museum
Discover the unique style of Balinese art at the island’s oldest art museum, established by a Dutch painter and the former prince of Ubud.
Top Ubud Monkey Forest Hotel & Accommodation Deals
Check availability on hotels close to Ubud Monkey Forest
- Are there hotels near Ubud Monkey Forest?
- Hotels near popular Ubud Attractions
- Expedia's Latest Trends
- Hotels near Sanur Beach
- Hotels near Ubud Palace
- Hotels near Tegallalang Rice Terrace
- Hotels near Bali Safari and Marine Park
- Hotels near Campuhan Ridge Walk
- Hotels near Tegenungan Waterfall
- Hotels near Sanur Night Market
- Hotels near Keramas Beach
- Hotels near Sindhu Beach
- Hotels near Bali Beach Golf Course
- Hotels near Splash Waterpark Bali