Ubud Sacred Monkey Forest

The Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary is a patch of old forest in the middle of Ubud, with paths winding between giant banyan trees, stone bridges over a ravine and three Hindu temples. It is home to several hundred Balinese long-tailed macaques, which roam freely among the visitors.

Watching the monkey families groom, play and squabble is great fun for children, and the moss-covered statues and carved temple gateways make the walk atmospheric in their own right. The temples are used for village ceremonies and are not open to visitors.

Do not carry food, keep bags zipped, and take off dangling earrings and sunglasses before you go in. Avoid staring at the monkeys or touching them, and follow the staff’s guidance. An hour is plenty, and the forest sits right beside Ubud’s main shopping streets.