Ubud Monkey Forest Is A Must Visit For Bali Tourists But Rules Must Be Obeyed 

Share The Article

Bali’s Ubud Monkey Forest is one of the most popular tourist attractions on the island. Welcoming tens of thousands of visitors every month, the attraction offers guests the chance to experience close encounters with native wildlife. 

Monkey Forest Ubud, also known as the Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary, is home to more than 1,260 long-tailed macaques.

These primates are considered sacred by Balinese people and, as such, have been given a protected status on the island. The monkeys at Monkey Forest Ubud are technically wild, though many have become habituated to human presence; this does not mean that they are in any way domesticated. 

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Monkey Forest Ubud Official (@monkey_forest_ubud)

These super smart monkeys are as wild as can be, and in taking a visit to Monkey Forest Ubud, tourists must remember and respect that they are entering the habitat of wild primates and should act accordingly. Monkey Forest Ubud staff are stationed throughout the attraction to help keep both tourists and monkeys safe, but those planning to visit should take a moment to read up on the safety guidelines to ensure that all beings are safe and respected. 

The Monkey Forest Ubud website has a wealth of information for visitors to read before they make their visit. As one of Bali’s leading tourist attractions, there is information signage posted throughout the complex, and English-speaking staff are always more than happy to share their knowledge with visitors and guide the experience. 

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Monkey Forest Ubud Official (@monkey_forest_ubud)

There are eleven key guidelines that visitors must respect during their visit to Monkey Forest Ubud. As the team explains, “Our sanctuary is home to a large group of long-tailed macaques living in a semi-wild environment. Their behavior can vary, as they are not domesticated pets. Please be aware that any incidents that occur outside these guidelines will be at your own risk.”

The first four guidelines can all be learned together. This is to maintain a safe distance, engage in supervised interactions only, avoid direct eye contact, and stay calm. Monkey Forest Ubud shares, “Do not touch the monkeys or try to pick them up. Always keep a respectful distance to avoid any potential issues.”

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by BULE GILA | people watching (@balibaily)

Adding “Do not attempt to feed or interact with the monkeys unless you are under the direct supervision of a trained staff. This helps prevent aggressive behavior and ensures both your safety and theirs.”

In terms of avoiding eye contact, Monkey Forest Ubud explains, “Looking directly into a monkey’s eyes may be interpreted as a sign of aggression. Please avoid eye contact to prevent any misunderstandings.”

Staying calm and attentive throughout the visit to Ubud Monkey Forest is paramount. The team explains, “If a monkey jumps on you, do not panic or run. Simply stay calm and walk slowly. The monkey will likely move on after a moment.”

It is also essential to note that the Ubud Monkey Forest is also called the Sacred Monkey Forest for no reason. Not only are the long-tailed macaques of great significance in Balinese culture, but the forest itself is home to ancient temples and is believed to be a sacred landscape. 

Monkey Forest Ubud invites visitors to dress respectfully and respect the sanctity of the landscape. They share, “As a sign of respect for Balinese culture, please dress appropriately when entering the sanctuary. Revealing clothing is discouraged in this sacred area.”

Adding “Some areas of the forest are considered sacred and are off-limits to visitors. Please respect the signs and do not enter restricted zones.”

Within the forest complex, there are three temples: Pura Dalem Agung Padangtegal is dedicated to the Hindu god Lord Shiva, the other is a Holy Water Temple, and the third is a traditional cremation temple. These temples are believed to be built in the 14th Century, making them 600 – 700 years old. 

One of the leading concerns of tourists planning visits to Monkey Forest Ubud is the risk of rabies.

In the more than 30 years that the forest has been operational as a tourist attraction, the on-site and consulting veterinary teams have never found a positive case of rabies, and strict health monitoring protocols are in place for the resident population of monkeys.

Nevertheless, rabies post-exposure protocols must be followed to the letter in the instance that a visitor is bitten, scratched, or comes into contact with monkey saliva.

A report should immediately be made to staff who can advise on the rabies post-exposure protocols and further monitor the monkey in question.