The Enchanting Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary of Bali

Ubud

A popular tourist attraction on the island of Bali is the Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary, a nature preserve and temple complex plopped in the center of bustling Ubud (pronounced ooh bood).

Ubud is generally regarded as the cultural and arts center of the island. Its appeal, historically, has been to the aging and younger hippie crowds, artsy folks, and those preferring its laid-back serenity of verdant green, cooler forested spots, and terraced rice patties. Located inland, it’s a substantial distance to the ocean and coastal regions.

The Balinese maintain the area enjoyed a cherished, un-hip reputation until the book and subsequent movie Eat, Pray, Love.

Now, Ubud makes everyone’s “must-visit" Bali list. It has become heavily touristed and vigorously developed with trendy boutiques, coffee shops, eateries, digital nomad work-live spaces, art shops, and yoga venues.

Bali’s discovery as a holiday venue, surfing paradise, tourist attraction, and destination wedding site has morphed over the past thirty years. As always occurs when any location becomes a hot internationally-known spot, pros and cons impact its environs.

Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary

It’s difficult not to be attracted to a place with such an intriguing name. Covering over 25 acres, the sanctuary is home to more than 1,200 long-tailed macaques.

Constructed in the fourteenth century, it’s older than the country of Indonesia. The stated mission of the conservation area is to maintain spiritual and physical harmony according to the Hindu philosophy of tri hata karana, which loosely translates to “three ways to reach spiritual and physical well-being.”

Monkey Forest Ubud holds a significant history intertwined with Balinese culture. Dating back to the 14th century, it has been regarded as a sacred place, housing spiritual forces and guardian spirits. The monkeys, seen as sacred animals, symbolize both protection and mischief, fostering a unique connection between humans and wildlife. https://monkeyforestubud.com/about-us/

After the explosion of tourism commencing in the 1970s, the sanctuary was transformed into a profitable venture. Most visitors remain unaware of the spiritual, conservation, and research aspects of the sanctuary.

Pathways, bridges, and trails are well-designated, allowing people to meander at their own pace through the lush, cooler temperatures of the island. Three Hindu temples exist for traditional Balinese ceremonies and prayers.

Having both lived amongst primates in numerous locales in India and been entranced by the mischievous creatures, I find them delightful, amusing, and charming.

I can watch the little buggers for hours as they play, clean each other, and swing from tree branch to branch in search of food.

It’s easy, though, to forget they are, indeed, wild animals.

Standard warnings about behavior when among simian populations include: Do not look them in the eye. Do not touch, grab, or disturb them. Do not carry visible food or valuable items. Do not feed them. Do not carry cameras that can be easily snatched.

Warnings are posted throughout the sanctuary: DO NOT FEED THE MONKEYS. The park staff remains vigilant for offenders.

Incidents have occurred where monkeys became aggressive, usually as a result of improper conduct by humans. On my two visits here, I witnessed no problems.

For the most part, monkeys live to eat. Not disturbing them while they’re chomping down is exceedingly prudent.

During the pandemic when the park was closed, it was reported that they became more antagonistic, missing the substantial human interaction to which they were accustomed.

On my last visit, for an additional fee, a furry creature was allowed to spend a few minutes in our laps. Naturally, I couldn’t pass up that golden opportunity and was instructed not to touch or speak to it. Happily, my brief monkey-bonding experience transpired without incident.

The official site of the sanctuary provides historical and cultural information. https://monkeyforestubud.com/about-us/

Your time is valuable! Thanks for spending some of it here.

Victoria 🙏😎