Bali Guide by IZZI · Sights & Routes

Ubud Monkey Forest & Centre

The sacred forest, the temples and how to do the monkeys safely
ENRU

The Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary is Ubud's most famous attraction — a lush temple forest in the heart of town, home to hundreds of long-tailed macaques living among mossy statues and ancient banyan trees. It's genuinely beautiful and genuinely a little chaotic. Here's how to enjoy it, keep your sunglasses, and see the rest of central Ubud around it.

The Monkey Forest

Sacred Monkey Forest SanctuaryCentral Ubud

A protected nature reserve and Hindu temple complex right in town, with hundreds of macaques roaming free among the trees, bridges and moss-covered shrines. It's a real sanctuary, not a zoo — the monkeys are wild and bold. Walk the shaded paths, see the temples, and watch the troop go about its day.

Monkey rules — read before you go

Keep your stuff safe: the macaques are expert thieves. Don't carry loose sunglasses, phones, hats, water bottles or bags — they'll grab them. Don't bring food or plastic bags (they read as food). Don't feed them, don't touch them, and don't make eye contact or smile with teeth (a threat signal). If one takes something, let staff handle it — never try to grab it back.

Around the centre

Ubud Palace & MarketJl. Raya Ubud

The royal palace (Puri Saren) and the traditional market sit at the town's main crossroads — carvings, art, textiles and souvenirs. Come early for the market before the crowds and heat.

Campuhan Ridge WalkJust west of centre

A free, easy walking trail along a green ridge between two rivers — best early morning or late afternoon. A lovely counterpoint to the busy town.

Art & craftUbud & villages

Ubud is Bali's cultural and arts heart — galleries, museums, silverwork in Celuk, painting in the surrounding villages. Easy to fill an afternoon.

Making a day of it

The Monkey Forest pairs naturally with the palace, market and a ridge walk for a full day in central Ubud — and with the rice terraces and temples just outside town for a classic Ubud day trip. If you're coming from the coast, it's roughly 1–1.5 hours each way, so start early.

Tip: see our full Ubud day trip guide to string the forest together with the rice terraces and the drive up, and time your return for the coast at sunset.

Quick answers

Is the Ubud Monkey Forest worth visiting?

Yes — it's a beautiful sacred forest and temple complex with hundreds of wild macaques, right in central Ubud. Just follow the rules to keep your belongings safe.

Are the monkeys in the Monkey Forest dangerous?

They're wild and bold opportunists rather than aggressive — mainly they steal loose items. Don't carry valuables, food or plastic bags, don't feed or touch them, and don't make eye contact.

What else is there to do in central Ubud?

Ubud Palace and market, the Campuhan Ridge Walk, art galleries and craft villages, plus the rice terraces and temples just outside town.

How long do you need at the Monkey Forest?

Around an hour or two to walk the paths and see the temples. It pairs well with the palace, market and a ridge walk for a full central-Ubud day.

Planning the wider trip? Our Bali Guide has the rice terraces, temples and the full Ubud day route.

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