Ubud Monkey Forest Sanctuary: A sacred place where monkeys rule
Indonesian Name: Mandala Wisata Wenara Wana
Ubud's Sacred Money Forest Sanctuary | Image: Nick Fewing
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Introduction
Ubud Monkey Forest Sanctuary, also known as the Sacred Monkey Forest of Padangtegal, is a popular tourist destination located in the town of Ubud on the island of Bali, Indonesia. The sanctuary is home to a large population of long-tailed macaques, and visitors can observe the monkeys in their natural habitat as they roam freely through the forest.
The sanctuary covers an area of about 27 acres and is home to around 600 monkeys. It is also home to a number of temples and other cultural sites, including the Pura Dalem Agung Padangtegal Temple, which is dedicated to the Hindu god Shiva.
In addition to observing the monkeys, visitors to the sanctuary can also enjoy a variety of activities, such as guided tours, monkey feeding, and photo opportunities. The sanctuary also has a number of walking trails that allow visitors to explore the forest and its temples.
Address
Jl. Monkey Forest, Ubud, Kecamatan Ubud, Kabupaten Gianyar, Bali 80571, Indonesia (See on Google Maps)
Location
Ubud Monkey Forest Sanctuary is located in the town of Ubud on the island of Bali, Indonesia. The sanctuary is situated about an hour's drive from the international airport in Denpasar and is easily accessible from other popular tourist destinations in Bali, such as Kuta and Seminyak.
The sanctuary is located in the center of Ubud, and it is easy to reach by foot or by car. There are several parking lots available for visitors, and the sanctuary is also easily accessible by public transportation.
Address & Phone Number of Nearest Hospital for Emergency
The nearest hospital to the Sacred Monkey Forest is the Ubud Hospital, which can be found at Jl. Raya Ubud No.8, Ubud, Kecamatan Ubud, Kabupaten Gianyar, Bali 80571, Indonesia. The hospital's phone number is +62 361 978033.
Make sure you get travel insurance cover for Bali to cover the high cost of medical treatment in Bali.
Three Key Reasons To Visit On The Island Of Bali
There are many reasons to visit Ubud Monkey Forest Sanctuary, but here are three key reasons:
1. Observe the monkeys in their natural habitat: The sanctuary is home to a large population of long-tailed macaques, and visitors can observe the monkeys as they roam freely through the forest. This is a unique opportunity to see these fascinating animals up close and learn more about their behavior and habits.
2. Explore the cultural sites: In addition to the monkeys, the sanctuary is also home to a number of temples and other cultural sites, including the Pura Dalem Agung Padangtegal Temple, which is dedicated to the Hindu god Shiva. Visitors can learn about the cultural significance of these sites and explore the beautiful architecture and carvings.
3. Enjoy the natural beauty: The sanctuary is located in the beautiful town of Ubud, which is surrounded by lush forests, rice fields, and other natural attractions. The sanctuary itself is home to a variety of plants and animals, and visitors can enjoy the natural beauty of the forest while exploring the walking trails and other areas of the sanctuary.
A Little History About Ubud Monkey Forest Sanctuary
The sanctuary was established in the 1930s by the local community, who believed that the forest and its monkeys were sacred. The sanctuary is managed by the Padangtegal village community, and the proceeds from visitors' entrance fees are used to fund conservation efforts and support the local community.
In addition to being a popular tourist destination, the sanctuary is also an important conservation area. The sanctuary is home to a number of endangered plant species, and the monkeys that live there are protected by Indonesian law.
What To Expect When Visiting
When visiting Ubud Monkey Forest Sanctuary, you can expect to:
1. Observe the monkeys: The sanctuary is home to a large population of long-tailed macaques, and visitors can observe the monkeys as they roam freely through the forest. You may see the monkeys climbing trees, playing, and interacting with each other.
2. Explore the cultural sites: In addition to the monkeys, the sanctuary is also home to a number of temples and other cultural sites. Visitors can explore the temples and learn about their cultural significance.
3. Enjoy the natural beauty: The sanctuary is located in a beautiful forest setting and is home to a variety of plants and animals. Visitors can enjoy the natural beauty of the forest as they explore the walking trails and other areas of the sanctuary.
4. Participate in activities: The sanctuary offers a variety of activities for visitors, such as guided tours, monkey feeding, and photo opportunities. You can choose to participate in these activities or simply observe from a distance.
5. Follow the rules: The sanctuary has rules in place to ensure the safety and enjoyment of all visitors. Follow these rules and instructions from sanctuary staff to ensure a safe and enjoyable visit.
6. Expect crowds: The sanctuary is a popular tourist destination and can get quite crowded, especially during peak tourist seasons. Expect to encounter other visitors as you explore the sanctuary.
Photo Opportunities and Tips
Ubud Monkey Forest Sanctuary offers a number of photo opportunities and here are a few tips to help you get the best shots:
1. Get close, but not too close: The monkeys at the sanctuary are wild animals, and it is important to respect their space and not get too close. Use a telephoto lens or zoom in on your camera to get closer shots without disturbing the monkeys.
2. Use a fast shutter speed: The monkeys are active and can move quickly, so it is important to use a fast shutter speed to freeze their movement. This will help you capture sharp and clear photos of the monkeys in action.
3. Experiment with different angles: Try taking photos from different angles, such as from above or below, to get a unique perspective on the monkeys.
4. Capture the natural surroundings: In addition to the monkeys, the sanctuary is also home to several beautiful temples and other cultural sites, as well as a variety of plants and animals. Be sure to take some photos of these features as well to capture the full beauty of the sanctuary.
5. Use natural light: The sanctuary is in a forest, and the light can be low in some areas. Try to use natural light as much as possible and consider using a tripod or other stabilizing device to help keep your camera steady in low light conditions.
6. Follow the rules: The sanctuary has rules in place to ensure the safety and enjoyment of all visitors. Follow these rules and instructions from sanctuary staff to ensure a safe and enjoyable visit and avoid disturbing the monkeys or other animals.
What Visitors Say They Liked About Visiting
Visitors to Ubud Monkey Forest Sanctuary generally have a positive experience and enjoy observing the monkeys and exploring the cultural sites. Some of the things that visitors have said they liked about visiting the sanctuary include:
1. Seeing the monkeys up close: Many visitors enjoy the opportunity to see the monkeys up close and observe their behavior and habits.
2. Exploring the cultural sites: The sanctuary is home to a number of temples and other cultural sites, and visitors often appreciate the opportunity to learn about the cultural significance of these sites and explore the beautiful architecture and carvings.
3. Enjoying the natural beauty: The sanctuary is located in a beautiful forest setting and is home to a variety of plants and animals. Visitors often appreciate the opportunity to explore the forest and enjoy the natural beauty of the surroundings.
4. Participating in activities: The sanctuary offers a variety of activities for visitors, such as guided tours, monkey feeding, and photo opportunities. Many visitors enjoy participating in these activities and getting a more interactive experience at the sanctuary.
5. The peaceful atmosphere: The sanctuary is a peaceful and serene place, and visitors often appreciate the opportunity to relax and escape the hustle and bustle of daily life.
6. The cultural significance: The sanctuary is an important cultural and spiritual site for the local community, and visitors often appreciate the opportunity to learn more about the history and significance of the sanctuary.
What Visitors Say They Did Not Like About Visiting
Overall, visitors to Ubud Monkey Forest Sanctuary tend to have a positive experience and do not have many complaints about their visit. However, some visitors have mentioned the following as potential drawbacks:
1. Crowds: The sanctuary is a popular tourist destination and can get quite crowded, especially during peak tourist seasons. This can make it difficult to fully appreciate the sanctuary and its peaceful atmosphere.
2. Hot and humid weather: The sanctuary is located in a tropical climate and can be hot and humid, which can be uncomfortable for some visitors.
3. Limited shade: There are limited areas with shade at the sanctuary, so visitors may have to spend time in the hot sun.
4. Tourist traps: Some visitors have reported being approached by vendors or touts trying to sell souvenirs or services, which can be annoying for some.
5. Lack of clear information: Some visitors have reported that there is a lack of clear information available about the sanctuary and its history, which can make it difficult to fully appreciate the cultural significance of the site.
6. Limited accessibility: The sanctuary is located on a hill and may be difficult for some visitors with mobility issues to access (see below).
How accessible is it for the elderly, children and those who are disabled?
Ubud Monkey Forest Sanctuary is not particularly accessible for elderly visitors, children, or those with disabilities. The sanctuary is located on a hill and requires visitors to climb stairs to access some areas of the forest. In addition, the sanctuary grounds are not fully paved and may be uneven in some places, which can make it difficult for visitors with mobility issues to navigate.
That being said, the sanctuary does have some amenities that may make it more accessible for certain visitors. For example, the sanctuary has wheelchair ramps and handrails at some of the entrances, and there are several areas with shade that may provide some relief from the heat. There are also some areas of the sanctuary that are flat and paved, which may be easier for some visitors to navigate.
If you or someone you are traveling with has mobility issues, it may be best to discuss your needs with a tour operator or travel agent to determine if the sanctuary is a suitable destination. You may also want to consider hiring a local guide who can assist you during your visit.
Safety Tips When Visiting
There are a few safety tips to keep in mind when visiting Ubud Monkey Forest Sanctuary:
1. Dress appropriately: The sanctuary is a place of worship, so it is important to dress modestly and cover your shoulders and knees.
2. Wear sunscreen and a hat: The sanctuary is located in a tropical climate and can be hot and sunny, so it is important to protect your skin from the sun's rays.
3. Stay hydrated: It is important to stay hydrated when visiting the sanctuary, especially in the hot and humid weather. Bring a water bottle and drink plenty of fluids.
4. Be mindful of your surroundings: As with any travel destination, it is important to be aware of your surroundings and take basic safety precautions. Keep an eye on your belongings and avoid carrying large amounts of cash.
5. Respect local customs: The sanctuary is a place of worship, and it is important to respect local customs and traditions. Follow the instructions of sanctuary staff and avoid taking photos or videos during ceremonies or other religious rituals.
6. Follow the rules: The sanctuary has rules in place to ensure the safety and enjoyment of all visitors. Follow these rules and instructions from sanctuary staff to ensure a safe and enjoyable visit.
7. Don't feed or harass the monkeys: The monkeys at the sanctuary are wild animals, and it is important to remain watchful for any aggressive behaviour and theft by the monkeys, who are expecting a banana in return for repatriating your belongings!
Typical Amount of Time to Allocate for a Visit
The amount of time you should allocate for a visit to Ubud Monkey Forest Sanctuary will depend on your interests and how much you want to see and do. Most visitors spend between 1-2 hours at the sanctuary, although some may stay longer if they wish to fully explore the grounds and participate in any activities.
If you just want to see the main highlights of the sanctuary, such as the monkeys and the main temples, you may be able to visit in an hour or less. However, if you want to spend more time exploring the forest, taking a guided tour, or participating in any activities, you may want to allocate more time for your visit.
It is also worth considering factors such as the weather and crowds when deciding how long to allocate for your visit. If it is hot and humid, you may want to allocate more time for breaks in the shade, and if the sanctuary is crowded, you may need to allocate more time to navigate through the crowds.
Food and Drink Options Nearby
There are several food and drink options available near the Sacred Monkey Forest in Ubud. Visitors can find a variety of local and international cuisine at the various restaurants, cafes, and food stalls located in the surrounding streets as the forest is in the centre of Ubud Village.
There are also several small convenience stores and markets selling a variety of snacks and beverages, including local fruits and juices. Many of the restaurants and cafes in the area offer vegan and vegetarian options, as well as traditional Indonesian dishes.
In addition to dining options, there are also several shops selling traditional Balinese crafts, clothing, and other items in the surrounding area. Visitors can find a variety of souvenirs and local products to take home with them.
Conclusion
Ubud Monkey Forest Sanctuary is a must-visit destination for anyone visiting the beautiful island of Bali, Indonesia. The sanctuary is home to a large population of long-tailed macaques, and visitors can observe the monkeys in their natural habitat as they roam freely through the forest.
In addition to observing the monkeys, visitors can also explore the cultural sites, including the beautiful temples and other cultural landmarks, and enjoy the natural beauty of the forest. The sanctuary offers a variety of activities for visitors, such as guided tours, monkey feeding, and photo opportunities, and it is a great place to relax and escape the hustle and bustle of daily life.
The sanctuary is also an important cultural and spiritual site for the local community, and visitors have the opportunity to learn about the history and significance of the sanctuary.
Overall, Ubud Monkey Forest Sanctuary is a unique and fascinating destination that offers something for everyone. Whether you are interested in observing the monkeys, exploring the cultural sites, or simply enjoying the natural beauty of the forest, there is something for everyone at this amazing sanctuary.
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