Following the death of two tourists at Bali’s world-famous Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary in Ubud, another of the island’s popular monkey forest attractions has issued updates regarding their approach to public safety this rainy season.
Alas Kedaton Monkey Forest, in Tabanan Regency, and Sangeh Monkey Forest are taking a proactive stance on safety.
Alas Kedaton Monkey Forest is one of Bali’s less crowded monkey forest attractions.
Located in Tabanan Regency, close to famous attractions like Tanah Lot Temple, Alas Kedaton is taking a series of steps to help promote public safety in the forest as the monsoon season continues to affect large parts of the island.
Speaking to reporters, the Field Coordinator of the Alas Kedaton Monkey Forest Attraction, Ketut Armandi, explained, “We are taking precautions by warning tour guides not to take tourists around in dangerous areas. We prune and maintain trees that are potentially dangerous.”
Alas Kedaton Monkey Forest is oriented around the stunning Pura Dalem Kahyangan Kedaton Temple and the nutmeg forest brings the senses alive in new ways.
Home to over 2,000 grey long-tailed macaques, the Alas Kedaton Monkey Forest spans over 12 hectares of protected landscape, features ancient trees, and regularly hosts cultural dance performances within the temple grounds.
Since it is located just 16km from Tanah Lot Temple, a visit to Alas Kedaton Monkey Forest is often included on day trip itinerates that explore the best attractions and landmarks Tabanan Regency has to offer, including the Jatiluwih Rice Terraces.
What sets Alas Kedaton Monkey Forest apart is that it is also home to a resident population of giant fruit bats, also known as flying foxes.
Alas Kedaton Monkey Forest is open daily from 9 am until 5 pm, though may close if management deems weather conditions unsafe for the public.
Over at Sangeh Monkey Forest in Badung Regency, General Manager of the attraction, Ida Bagus Gede Pujawan told reports that he and his teams will not be taking a cautious approach especially during storms and heavy rains.
He shared, “We will close the object if there is heavy rain and wind. It will be temporarily open and closed if there is heavy rain.”
Pujawan added, “We are aware that unexpected events are bound to happen everywhere. Well, this is what we are paying attention to, stay alert.”
“We have received instructions from the police to ensure security. Tourists are obliged to be comfortable.” Sangeh Monkey Forest is open from 8 am until 5 pm daily.
The updates from Sangeh Monkey Forest and Alas Kedaton Monkey Forest come in response to a tragedy that took place at Ubud’s Sacred Monkey Forest on Tuesday, 10th December, where a falling tree killed two tourists and seriously injured another.
In a statement published after news of the incident broke, Ubud Monkey Forest management wrote, “With deep regret that a tree fell due to strong winds in the Monkey Forest Ubud area.”
“We would like to emphasize that the fallen tree was in healthy condition. We regularly conduct tree monitoring and pruning as part of our commitment to the safety of visitors, staff, and wildlife in the Monkey Forest Ubud.”
A second statement, issued by Anak Agung Ngurah Bagus Bhaskara, the General Manager of Sacred Monkey Forest Ubud, explained, “As a forest conservation area dedicated to environmental preservation and the safety of our visitors.”
“Sacred Monkey Forest Ubud carries out routine weekly and monthly maintenance and conservation work, including inspections of tree conditions and the surrounding environment. We also advise all visitors to remain vigilant and refrain from entering during rainy weather.”
The statement concludes, “Once again, we extend our heartfelt condolences for this incident. We remain committed to providing the best possible support to the victims, ensuring the safety of all of our visitors, and maintaining the harmonious balance of the natural environment within our sanctuary.”
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