Ubud Monkey Forest
Park Sacred forest sanctuary home to macaque population and temples
A conservation area in central Ubud, the Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary shelters long-tailed macaques, ancient temples and shaded trails; visitors come for close macaque encounters and short temple walks, though animals can snatch loose items.
The Ubud Monkey Forest, formally the Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary, is a protected forest and temple complex in the centre of Ubud, Bali, managed by the local Padangtegal community and conservation body. It combines conservation of long-tailed macaques with cultural and religious functions.
The site features walking paths through forested grounds, stone-carved temple shrines, and regular visitor encounters with macaques that live freely within the sanctuary. It is a popular short visit for tourists in central Ubud and for those interested in Balinese temple architecture and wildlife observation.
Local caretakers manage the macaque population and maintain the temples and visitor facilities; the sanctuary plays both a cultural role for the village and a wildlife conservation role.
The Monkey Forest sits in central Ubud within short walking distance of Ubud’s town centre and markets.
- Size & temples: The sanctuary covers roughly 12 hectares and contains several Balinese Hindu temples within its grounds, in addition to the macaque population that attracts most visitors.
- Monkey safety: Visitors should secure loose items and follow park rules on feeding and interaction to avoid bites or thefts by local macaques.
How to Get to Ubud Monkey Forest #
The Sacred Monkey Forest is in central Ubud on Jl. Monkey Forest (Monkey Forest Road). From Ngurah Rai/Denpasar Airport expect a private car or taxi via Jalan Bypass Ngurah Rai → Jalan Sunset Road → Jalan Raya Ubud, a drive of roughly 35-60 minutes depending on traffic. Several shuttle services and Perama/Kura-Kura tourist buses run to Ubud town; from the main Ubud area (Ubud Palace/market) the sanctuary is a 5-15 minute walk (about 500-1,200 m) from the town center.
Tips for Visiting Ubud Monkey Forest #
- Go right at opening (usually 08:30) to see the macaques at their most active with fewer tour groups and to avoid the midday heat and larger crowds.
- Enter from the main Monkey Forest Road gate in central Ubud - that's where the ticketing and visitor info are and it places you on the primary loop past the three main temples.
- Secure phones, sunglasses and loose bags before entering; staff prohibit feeding and macaques commonly grab loose items, so many visitors miss quieter temple carvings and mossy statues tucked deeper into the sanctuary when distracted by interactions.
Best Time to Visit Ubud Monkey Forest #
Best visited in the dry season (May-September) for drier trails, more comfortable walks and fewer rain interruptions.
Weather & Climate near Ubud Monkey Forest #
Ubud Monkey Forest's climate is classified as Tropical Monsoon - Tropical Monsoon climate with consistently warm temperatures year-round. Temperatures range from 21°C to 30°C. Heavy rainfall (2015 mm/year), wettest in January.
January
January is warm with muggy conditions (dew point 23°C). The wettest month with heavy rain (315 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
Comfort
Weather
February
February is warm with muggy conditions (dew point 23°C). Heavy rain (252 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
Comfort
Weather
March
March is warm with muggy conditions (dew point 23°C). Heavy rain (218 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
Comfort
Weather
April
April is warm with muggy conditions (dew point 23°C). Significant rainfall (130 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
Comfort
Weather
May
May is warm with muggy conditions (dew point 22°C). Significant rainfall (105 mm).
Comfort
Weather
June
June is warm with highs of 29°C and lows of 22°C. Regular rainfall (94 mm).
Comfort
Weather
July
July is warm with highs of 28°C and lows of 21°C. Significant rainfall (133 mm).
Comfort
Weather
August
August is warm with highs of 28°C and lows of 21°C. Moderate rainfall (47 mm) and mostly sunny skies.
Comfort
Weather
September
September is warm with highs of 29°C and lows of 22°C. Significant rainfall (109 mm) and mostly sunny skies.
Comfort
Weather
October
October is warm with highs of 30°C and lows of 22°C. Significant rainfall (170 mm).
Comfort
Weather
November
November is the warmest month with muggy conditions (dew point 22°C). Significant rainfall (188 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
Comfort
Weather
December
December is warm with muggy conditions (dew point 23°C). Heavy rain (254 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
.jpg?width=600)
