Not only is Bali famous for its beautiful beaches and delicious cuisine, but it is also renowned for its other stunning tourist attractions. These places have their own charm, appealing to both domestic and foreign tourists. One of them is the Monkey Forest in Ubud, Bali, also known as the Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary.
About Ubud's Bali Monkey Forest
The Monkey Forest Ubud Bali, also known as Mandala Suci Wenara Wana or Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary, is a popular tourist destination in Bali, which is home to thousands of long-tailed monkeys.
This nature reserve and tourist destination, featuring a series of temple complexes, is home to more than 1,260 long-tailed macaques (Macaca fascicularis) of various ages. This forest nature reserve covers an area of approximately 12.5 hectares.
The long-tailed monkeys in this Bali nature reserve live in groups according to their type. Based on information gathered from officers during visits, there are currently six types of monkey groups inhabiting the Monkey Forest in Ubud, Bali. Among them are the Pura group, the Hutan Baru group, the Sentral Point group, the Timur group, the Michelin group, and the Kuburan group.
Within the Monkey Forest Ubud area, there are also three temples named Pura Dalem Agung Padangtegal, Pura Beji, and Pura Prajapati. These temples are managed directly by local villagers who also serve as officials at Monkey Forest Ubud, Bali.
The Wenara Wena Sacred Mandala is a popular tourist destination, especially for foreign tourists who enjoy nature and culture. This tourist attraction, featuring long-tailed monkeys, is a kid-friendly spot.
Children aged three years and above are charged the regular entrance fee for children. It can also be an educational tourist attraction for children to learn about animals and their habitats.
Activities You Can Do at Monkey Forest Ubud Bali
At this popular tourist destination in Bali, numerous activities are available for tourists to enjoy. What are they?
1. Watching monkey activities
From the name itself, it is clear that the main attraction of Monkey Forest is watching long-tailed monkeys. Tourists can watch these monkeys in trees or on the ground. We can observe various monkey activities, from playing to feeding.
2. Take photos with monkeys
Tourists can also take photos with these monkeys, but please note that you must be accompanied by an officer for your safety and security as a tourist. According to the officers at this nature reserve, many of the monkeys are aggressive. Therefore, ensure that when you want to take photos and interact with these monkeys, you are under the supervision of an officer.
3. Visit the temples
As I explained at the beginning, there are three sacred temples in the Monkey Forest Ubud Bali tourist area, namely Pura Dalem Agung, which is considered the main sacred temple. This sacred temple is a place of worship for Hyang Widhi, also known as Lord Shiva, the Destroyer.
The second temple is Pura Beji, a place of worship for Hyang Widhi and Dewi Gangga. In this second sacred temple, there is a natural holy water source that local Hindus commonly use for purification rituals. The third temple is Pura Prajapati, a place of worship dedicated to Hyang Widhi, also known as Prajapati. This temple is close to a cemetery that is also used for mass ngaben rituals or the cremation of Hindu bodies every five years.
4. Enjoying the beauty of nature
For those who love nature and want to breathe fresh air, Monkey Forest Ubud Bali is the perfect place to visit. Many large trees with lush green leaves release fresh air, creating a calm and comfortable atmosphere.
You can linger in this place to breathe in the fresh air and take in the lush scenery. You can also take pictures in several locations with these large green trees as the background. It feels very peaceful and comfortable.
5. Buying food
Another activity that tourists can do when visiting Monkey Forest Ubud Bali is buying food available in this tourist area. You can enjoy Balinese duck dishes. It feels very comfortable to enjoy food while accompanied by the sounds of monkeys in the trees and the cool air. It is a must to try eating in this tourist area.
6. Shopping for souvenirs
In addition to buying food, tourists can also purchase various Balinese souvenirs, such as paintings, baskets, woven fabrics, and other Balinese handicrafts, around this popular tourist area in Ubud, Bali.
7. Grounding
Traveling in nature not only allows us to interact with it, but also provides other benefits, such as grounding ourselves by walking through the Monkey Forest and taking off our shoes.
You can also freely hug the large trees to release all the burdens you have been carrying inside you. Believe me, this activity will make your vacation even more enjoyable and relaxing. Have you tried it? If not, why not give it a try and enjoy how much closer you feel to nature? These are some of the activities that tourists can enjoy when visiting Monkey Forest in Ubud, Bali.
Monkey Forest Ubud Bali offers a unique blend of nature, culture, and wildlife, making it one of the island's most captivating destinations. Home to over a thousand long-tailed macaques and three sacred temples, the sanctuary offers visitors an immersive experience in Bali's rich spiritual and natural heritage.
Tourists can observe monkey behavior, enjoy the lush forest, take guided photos, explore ancient temples, shop for local crafts, and even practice grounding to reconnect with nature. With its serene atmosphere and educational value, Monkey Forest Ubud is a must-visit spot for families and nature lovers seeking a meaningful and refreshing escape.
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