Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary Ubud

The Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary in Padangtegal brings together a forest habitat, Balinese sacred places and a resident population of long-tailed macaques. It is one of the most distinctive stops in Ubud, but the experience is best approached as a visit to a living sanctuary rather than a place to handle animals.

Allow yourself time to walk, observe the forest and read the site information. Watching the macaques from a respectful distance can be more rewarding than trying to arrange a close encounter. The temples and paths are part of the setting, and some sacred spaces are reserved for worship.

What to see inside the sanctuary

The official visitor map identifies forest paths, temple areas, a dragon bridge and an exhibition room. Use the map at the beginning of your visit to choose a manageable route. You do not need to cover every path to have a worthwhile experience, particularly if travelling with children or anyone who prefers a shorter walk.

Look beyond the animals as you explore. The relationship between the forest, community and sacred places helps distinguish this sanctuary from a conventional animal attraction. A slow walk gives you time to appreciate the trees and architectural details without rushing between groups of monkeys.

Rules for observing the macaques

The sanctuary’s official guidance asks visitors to keep their distance, avoid touching the monkeys and avoid direct eye contact. Do not feed them independently. Secure small objects, keep food put away and follow staff directions. If a monkey approaches or climbs on you, remain calm and seek staff assistance rather than running or trying to grab it.

Discuss these rules with children before entering. Choose photographs that can be taken without encouraging an animal to come closer. A zoomed photograph from a sensible distance is preferable to creating an interaction for the camera. If an incident occurs, notify the sanctuary staff immediately and use their assistance facilities.

Opening hours and admission

When checked on 16 October 2026, the sanctuary’s official visitor page listed opening hours of 09:00–18:00, with last entry at 17:00, and admission of IDR 130,000 for adults and IDR 100,000 for children. Recheck the official page for your travel date, ticket conditions and any changes before purchasing.

Last entry is not the same as a recommended arrival time. Arriving near the cutoff gives you less time to explore before closing. If the forest is an important part of your Ubud day, make it a defined stop rather than something squeezed in after a long excursion elsewhere.

Location, walking and transport

The sanctuary is on Jalan Monkey Forest in Padangtegal, Ubud. If using a driver, agree on the entrance and pickup point, because the site map shows multiple gates. Keep the meeting instructions available on your phone, and avoid assuming that your exit will be the same place as your entry.

Wear shoes with a reliable grip and keep your hands free where possible. Before bringing a large bag or mobility equipment, ask the venue about the route and storage arrangements that suit your needs. A forest setting can include surfaces and changes in level that are different from an ordinary city pavement.

Combine it with an Ubud day

Ubud Palace and Ubud Art Market offer a central-town contrast to the forest. For an art-focused afternoon, consider Agung Rai Museum of Art. Pick the combination that matches your interests, leaving a break between activities rather than treating Ubud as a checklist.

Frequently asked questions

Can I feed or hold a monkey?

Do not plan to handle or independently feed the animals. Follow the sanctuary’s rules and the directions of trained staff throughout the visit.

Can tourists enter all the temples?

No. Sacred areas can be restricted to worshippers. Observe from permitted visitor spaces and respect signs and ceremonies.

Is the sanctuary still interesting without a monkey selfie?

Yes. Forest walking, observing macaque behaviour from a distance and seeing the temple surroundings provide a complete reason to visit.

Sources: Official visitor information and map; official sanctuary guidelines.