The Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary offers visitors a chance to experience the sacred in Nature. The Monkey Forest is a sacred haven for Bali's various tribes of long-tailed macaques, a very playful group of over 300 monkeys who live, eat, and mate within the sanctuary. Sacred means "worthy of devotion" and the highest love. The Monkey Forest is sacred for many reasons. It is believed to be the settlement of the Bali Aga, an ancient tribe that practiced rituals of animism and held the belief that the earth, from the mountains, trees, waters, and all living beings, are filled with 'gods'. The Balinese still believe the Monkey Forest is "filled with gods" and spirits.The forest also has many temples within the sanctuary, including a bathing temple, a cemetery and cremation Temple known as Pura Prajapati, and an ancient Lingga/Yoni stone in Pura Dalem Agung Padantegal that may date back to the 9th century. The forest is also home to various trees and plants, including the Banyan Tree, the world's largest tree, which is also regarded as sacred and believed to contain spirits.

 The Monkey Forest is one of the most popular tourist sites in Ubud. Take your time as you wander through the forest. Enjoy the playfulness of the monkeys and really see the beauty of the forest. This is a rare opportunity to walk through a jungle forest! Stop to feel the aliveness of the trees and plants and the waters flowing. When you see the harmony and beauty of the earth, life itself becomes a walk through a spiritual garden where everything is sacred. 

Tips: Go early to avoid the crowds; don't pet the monkeys (no monkeying around!), and keep your belongings tightly secured to your person.

The UbudVibe.com Directory is no monkey-business! Find a tour guide or transport to the Monkey Forest.