Monkey Forest, Ubud

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According to historical records, the Holy Monkey temples were erected during the mid 14th century during the Pejeng Dynasty or in the early Gegel Dynasty. There are 3 holy temples in the sacred monkey forest. Shown here (5pics enclosed) are the surroundings near Pura Beji, the Holy Bathing Temple. You can reach this temple by going straight into the forest, following the signs on the path. To the Northwest, down a long flight of stairs and next to a stream, you will arrive at the Holy Bathing Temple with the structure of of the "Three Mandala Concept". The Utama Mandala, in the most northern position is the area of the Gods. the Madia Mandala, for the disciples of the deities is located at the centre and contains the holy pond. Last but not least, the Nista Mandala at the southern bridge is the special bathing place for human beings.

The place is cool and relaxing. Explore slowly, walk down further the steps and you will find 2 giant stoned carved komondo dragons. Walk further down and you will find yourself looking down into a stream flowing beneath you.

Sacred Monkey Forest is a small but from a scientific point of view very important nature reserve on the southern outskirts of Ubud. Along with its lush surroundings and a beautiful temple are hundreds of Balinese macaques. They're very tolerant of people, but are very famous for stealing food and... sunglasses from tourists! Adult males may weigh up to 8 – 10 kilograms and have large canine teeth, broad shoulders and facial hair that resembles a moustache. The adult females are smaller than the males (4 – 8 kilograms) and have long facial hair resembling beards. You have to use extreme caution when the monkeys are near. They will bite if provoked. And even if they appears to be overweighted they can be very fast. They can try to stole your bag, especially if you carry some food in.
But not only the monkeys are worth attention in the Forest. There are also three Holy temples - the most prominent temple - Pura Dalem Agung - is located in the southwestern portion of the main forest area.
In the the northwest, down a long flight of steps and next to the small river, you will find the Holy Bathing Temple with a structure of the “Three mandala Concept.” The Utama Mandala, in the most northern portion, is the area of the Gods. The Madia Mandala, for disciples of the deities, located at the centre and contains the holy pool. The Nista Mandala, at the southern side of the bridge, is the special bathing place humans.
The third temple, Pura Prajapati, is a cremation temple. Sometimes you can assist there at the very interesting cremations ceremonys.

About a kilometre south of Ubud is a small heavily forested reserve (Mandala Wisata Wanara Wana) that you can visit for a fee of around 7,000Rp (this had doubled because of the Bali tourist crisis, and may have increased further since!), which gets you a map of the reserve and some rules such as the fact that the monkeys within may snatch possessions and can bite at times!

The monkeys in the forest are called Balinese or long tailed macaques and apparently there over 100 in the reserve.

The adult males are the larger monkeys with the big teeth and can weigh up to 10 kilograms. The females are a bit smaller and weigh up to eight kilograms and you can tell individual monkeys apart by their 'moustaches'...

Most of the baby monkeys are born during May to August and the parents are very protective of their babies, so do not get between mum and a baby as she may get upset - and bite you!

Remember it is important to treat monkeys with respect, as this is their home. You will also be asked to stay on the paved paths as the monkeys may become aggressive if you stray into their home areas - and bite you!

The reserve seems well run with plenty of wardens on hand if need be.

You can buy small bananas from the old women at the entrance for a fairly exhorbitant fee, or bring your own.

Also, if you wish to visit the Temple Complex within the reserve remember to bring a sarong and sash to put over your clothes - you can borrow them for a donation (see picture) at the temple entrance.

Another thing to be wary of are the gigantic mosquitoes that swarm the park - that day I decided to wear my 'breathable' t-shirt because of the humidity and they had a field day on my back!!! :-(

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Visit Monkey forest and temple. Price 10.000RP
you will able to see 200 monkey, great a pice of rain forest. Highly recomended to visit

Outside Monkey Forest in Ubud there are some small statues. Some are really worth seeing, like this little naughty gremlin…
I think it is a fertility god or just a practical joke…

Outside Monkey Forest in Ubud there are some small statues. Some are really worth seeing, like this little naughty gremlin…
I think it is a fertility god or just a practical joke…

Outside Monkey Forest in Ubud there are some small statues. Some are really worth seeing, like this little naughty gremlin…
I think it is a fertility god or just a practical joke…

In this area, close to each other, ya can visit monkey forest or the zoo. I prefer the monkey forest. It is a hilly land with free monkeys everywhere.