Bali sights
Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary
A forested nature reserve and Hindu temple complex in the heart of Ubud, home to hundreds of long-tailed macaques living among moss-covered shrines, stone bridges, and towering banyan trees.
About
The Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary (Mandala Suci Wenara Wana) is a 12-hectare patch of old-growth forest in the middle of Ubud, owned and managed by the local village of Padangtegal as both a nature reserve and a place of worship. Its shaded paths wind among enormous banyan and nutmeg trees, over carved stone bridges, and past three moss-cloaked Hindu temples dating to the 14th century, where ceremonies are still held. The stars, of course, are the residents: more than 1,000 long-tailed (crab-eating) macaques in several troops, living wild but habituated to visitors. They are entertaining to watch but genuinely cheeky — keep food, loose jewellery, sunglasses, and water bottles out of reach and don't try to touch them. Beyond the monkeys, the forest is a cool, atmospheric refuge from Ubud's busy streets and an easy walk from the town centre, making it one of Bali's most popular single attractions.
Good to know
Opening hours and entry fees vary by season — check before you visit.