This guide covers the key things to know before entering Monkey Forest Ubud. It helps first-time visitors find the correct entrance, understand the visitor rules, and prepare for a smoother visit.
This page does not cover visit costs. For ticket prices and other visit-cost details, see the Monkey Forest Ubud Entrance Fee page.
Ubud Monkey Forest, also known as Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary, is a protected forest area and temple complex in Padangtegal, Ubud. Long-tailed macaques live here in a forest area that is still maintained as a sacred site.
For readers who prefer Bahasa Indonesia and want a before-you-enter guide, read panduan Ubud Monkey Forest dalam Bahasa Indonesia.
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30-Second Summary Before You Enter
Before you go, keep these points in mind:
- Use the Sentral Parking lobby as the main entrance for visitors.
- On Google Maps, search for Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary or Ubud Monkey Forest.
- Do not bring food, drinks, or plastic bags into the area.
- Keep small items secure.
- Do not touch the monkeys.
- Watch children at all times.
- Respect sacred and restricted areas
What Is Ubud Monkey Forest?
Ubud Monkey Forest is not only a place to see monkeys. It is a protected forest area and temple complex in Ubud.
Visitors can walk through the forest setting, use the pedestrian paths, and see areas that are still respected as sacred by the local community.
Because this is not a theme park or a zoo, visitors are expected to stay on the designated paths, behave respectfully, and avoid restricted areas.
There are three main temples inside Monkey Forest:
- Pura Dalem Agung Padangtegal
- Pura Beji
- Pura Prajapati
Some outer parts of the temples can be seen from the visitor paths. However, the inner temple areas are used for worship, so visitors must not enter restricted sections.
How to Find the Correct Entrance at Monkey Forest Ubud
Location and map search terms
Monkey Forest Ubud is located on Jalan Monkey Forest, Padangtegal, Ubud, Gianyar, Bali 80571. In some apps, the address may also appear as Jl. Wenara Wana.
On Google Maps, the easiest name to search is usually Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary or Ubud Monkey Forest.
Main entrance for visitors
To enter the visitor area, use the Sentral Parking lobby as the main entrance. It is on the east side of the parking area and is usually easier for first-time visitors to find.
Plus Code and official map
Plus Code for the Sentral Parking entrance: F7J6+67 Ubud, Gianyar Regency, Bali
Save this pin on your phone before you leave so you do not end up at the wrong point inside the area. If you want to check the correct entrance first, open the official Monkey Forest Ubud map.
Travel time overview
As a general guide, travel time to Monkey Forest Ubud is usually:
- about 1 hour and 15 minutes from Ngurah Rai Airport
- about 1 hour and 30 minutes from the Kuta area
Travel time in Bali can change depending on your departure time and traffic conditions, so use these numbers as estimates, not exact travel times.
If Monkey Forest is only one stop on your day out, see our guide to the best things to do in Ubud.
What to Expect Inside
How long do most visits take
A relaxed visit to Monkey Forest Ubud usually takes around 60 to 90 minutes. If you stop often for photos or want to explore more paths, you may need more time.
Within that time, visitors can usually:
- walk through the main area
- Watch monkey activity from a safe distance.
- Enjoy the forest setting inside the sanctuary.
What you will see
Besides the monkeys, many visitors come to enjoy the forest atmosphere, paved walkways, shady trees, small bridges, and stone carvings.
Paths, stroller access, and accessibility
Some of the main paths are fairly easy to use. However, some areas still have steps and uneven stone surfaces.
A light stroller can still be used carefully in some sections. Wheelchair users may need help in certain areas.
The official pages checked do not clearly state whether wheelchair rental or on-site mobility assistance is available. If this is important for your visit, contact Monkey Forest Ubud before you go.
If you are visiting with young children or older family members, it is best to stay on the main paths and avoid narrow or steep sections.
Basic facilities near the entrance
Near the main entrance area, you will usually find:
- visitor information area
- toilets
- rest area
- security post
- first aid clinic
Toilets and rest areas are usually easiest to reach from the main entrance area.
At the lobby area near the entrance, Wenara Café serves drinks, coffee, and snacks before you enter the forest area.
Visitor Rules and Safety at Ubud Monkey Forest
This is the most important part to understand before you enter. The monkeys at Monkey Forest Ubud live in a semi-wild environment, so visitors need to behave carefully and follow the rules inside the area.
Follow these basic rules:
- Do not touch the monkeys or try to pick them up.
- Do not feed the monkeys.
- Do not bring food or drinks into the forest area.
- Do not bring plastic bags into the area.
- Keep glasses, jewelry, phones, bottles, toys, and other small items secure.
- Avoid making direct eye contact with the monkeys.
- Do not run, shout, clap, or make sudden movements near the monkeys.
- If a monkey comes close or jumps onto you, stay calm
- Supervise children at all times and keep them within arm’s reach.
- Respect sacred areas and do not enter restricted zones.
- Stay on the designated paths and do not enter vegetation areas or get too close to groups of monkeys.
- This is a non-smoking area.
- Pets are not allowed inside the sanctuary.
If an incident happens, ask staff for help or go to the first aid clinic.
Practical First-Time Tips Before Entering
If this is your first visit to Monkey Forest Ubud, keep these practical tips in mind:
- A zippered cross-body bag is usually easier to manage than a loose bag.
- If you bring a backpack, do not place it on the ground.
- For photos, avoid using flash and use zoom if needed.
- Give monkeys space when they move past.
During heavy rain or strong wind, stay away from large trees and follow staff instructions if there is a temporary closure.
The official pages checked do not clearly state whether the forest remains open during heavy rain.
If Something Goes Wrong
If a Monkey Takes Your Belongings
If a monkey takes something from you, do not pull it back by force. Loosen your grip, step back slowly, and ask nearby staff or a ranger for help. Do not try to exchange your item for food.
If You Are Scratched or Bitten
If you are scratched or bitten, stay calm and move to a safe area immediately.
Wash the wound with soap and running water. After that, report it to the staff or go to the first aid clinic for initial treatment.
If needed, continue with further checks at a clinic or healthcare facility.
What to Wear and What to Bring
There is no complicated dress code for visitors. However, it is still best to dress respectfully because the area includes sacred spaces and temple grounds.
What to wear
Neat casual clothing is suitable for most visitors. For walking comfort, wear closed shoes with a good grip. Avoid heels or loose sandals, especially on wet stone paths or steps.
What to bring
Bring only simple personal items, such as:
- a small bag that closes securely
- a phone or camera, only as needed
- an umbrella or raincoat if the weather looks uncertain
- personal items only as needed
What to avoid bringing
Try to avoid bringing:
- small, eye-catching jewelry
- paper bags
- small items that can be grabbed or dropped easily
- loose accessories or shiny objects that may attract the monkeys
The simpler your belongings, the more comfortable your visit will usually feel.