Forested temple reserve in central Ubud with hundreds of free-roaming long-tailed macaques.
The Monkey Forest is a forested sanctuary and temple complex on the southern edge of central Ubud, home to several hundred Balinese long-tailed macaques. Paved and dirt paths wind through tall trees, past mossy stone carvings, a stream and three Hindu temples that are still actively used.
The monkeys are wild and habituated to people. They will climb on you, and they are quick to grab loose bags, sunglasses, water bottles and phones, especially anything that looks like food.
It sits right in town, so it is easy to combine with a walk down Jalan Monkey Forest. Expect it to be busy through the middle of the day.
Getting there
The entrance is at the south end of Jalan Monkey Forest, an easy 10 to 20 minute walk from the centre of Ubud. You can also ride a scooter or take a short Grab. There is paid parking near the gates if you drive.
Best time
Go soon after the 9am opening or in the last hour before closing for cooler air and calmer monkeys. Midday is hottest and most crowded, and the macaques are more assertive when the most visitors (and snacks) are around.
Good to know
Do not bring food, and zip away phones, sunglasses and anything dangling, as the monkeys snatch them. Avoid direct eye contact and do not try to pull items back yourself; ask a ranger. Entry runs about IDR 100,000 for foreign adults on weekdays and more at weekends, cash preferred.
Foreign adults pay around IDR 100,000 on weekdays and roughly IDR 120,000 at weekends, with lower rates for children, as of 2025. Bring cash.
Bites and scratches do happen, usually when monkeys grab for food or feel cornered. Keep your distance, hide food and shiny items, and follow the staff instructions. If you are bitten, see a clinic about rabies precautions.
Leave snacks, plastic bags and drinks out of reach, and secure sunglasses, hats and phones. The monkeys target loose, food-like or shiny objects and are fast and persistent.
Add it to a route across Indonesia and we will work out the travel time and cost between every stop.
Build your tripCampuhan Ridge Walk
