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If you are visiting Bali the Ubud Monkey forest is one of those MUST DO attractions. However, there is a lot of old info floating around and some important things you need to know before you go. In this article we are going to tell you everything you need to know to plan an independent trip to monkey forest in 2026.
Monkey forest is a lot of fun – but it can get pretty chaotic and intense at times. Please read this guide carefully to ensure that you have a fun and safe experience. We have visited monkey forest a few times and we would definitely recommend it – especially if you have never seen monkeys in the wild before.
Don’t miss this AMAZING article on the best things to do in Bali
What is the Ubud Monkey forest?
The Monkey Forest is a 30 acre forest reserve with pathways, statues, 3 Hindu temples and over 600 Balinese Longtail macaque monkeys (Macaca fascicularis). The tropical jungle and mossy temples and statues give Monkey Forest a surreal film-like quality.
You can see monkeys of all ages playing in the trees, climbing statues, fences and nearby buildings. In fact, troops of monkeys often venture out of the forest and explore areas of the surrounding town. The Ubud Monkey Forest is a very popular attraction in Bali. This is a great place to see wild monkeys close up and enjoy some beautiful Bali nature.
Travelling with kids? Don’t miss these awesome family hotels in Ubud
How do you get to the Ubud Monkey Forest in Bali?
Don’t miss our FULL GUIDE on the best ways to get around in Bali
If you are staying in Ubud the best way to get to the Ubud monkey forest is just walk. Ubud isn’t too big. Alternatively, you can also get a taxi in Ubud. It is likely to cost around 20,000 – 60,000IDR to get a taxi in Ubud to the monkey forest. If you have rented a car or a bike you can also drive to the Ubud monkey forest. Parking on the roads nearby can be challenging as there are not many parking spaces and these roads are busy. There are also some parking restrictions on the roads nearby. Ubud monkey forest does have a carpark.
TOP TIP: If you’re driving or using a taxi remember there is a ONE WAY system operating on the main ring road around Ubud. The journey may be further and slower than it looks on the map.
How much does it cost to visit the Ubud Monkey forest?
Ticket prices have changed a lot in recent years. These are the latest ticket prices to visit the Monkey Forest in Ubud:
- Weekdays: 80,000IDR for adults (around £4) and 60,000IDR (around £3) for children 3 – 12 years old
- Weekends: 100,000IDR for adults (around £5) and 80,000IDR (around £4) for children 3 – 12 years old
- Children under 3 years old: FREE entry
The easiest way to get tickets for monkey forest is just rock up and buy your tickets from the office on arrival. If you like to get your ducks in a row you can also book your entry tickets to the Ubud monkey forest online in advance on KLOOK. The Ubud Monkey forest is open daily from 9am – 5pm
Are there any good tours that include the Monkey Forest in Ubud?
Another great way to see the Ubud Monkey forest is to join a tour. If you’re all about the nature you may be interested in the Monkey Forest and Butterfly Farm Half Day tour on Klook. Alternatively there is an amazing tour that includes the Rice Terraces, Elephant cave and Monkey forest on Klook. Taking a tour is a great way to meet people and have a fun and relaxed day where your guide sorts it all for you.
What can you see and do at the Ubud monkey forest?
The Ubud Monkey forest has pathways, pools, statues, water features and 3 Hindu temples:
- There are around 600 or more Macaque monkeys living in monkey forest split into 5-6 groups. You can watch the monkeys play, sleep and feed in the trees.
- Check out Pura Dalem (the main temple). This temple is thought to be around 600 – 700 years old. The temples are reserved for religious ceremonies. You aren’t allowed inside the temples.
- Holy Water Temple (or Holy Spring temple) is dedicated to the Goddess Ganga
- Cremation Temple is also known as Pura Prajapati. This temple is dedicated to Brahma Prajapati
Is the Ubud Monkey Forest ethical?
In our view the Ubud Monkey Forest is an ethical animal encounter. The Monkeys in Ubud monkey forest are well looked after. They are wild and free and their habitat is protected. The Monkeys are regularly monitored including health checks and population monitoring. They are also protected from unhealthy food sources.
You may occasionally see locals or staff using sling shots to scare the monkeys. This can look alarming. Locals don’t generally aim to hurt the monkeys. This is just used to keep humans safe in the area.
What facilities are available at the Ubud monkey forest?
The Ubud Monkey forest is well staffed. There is a ticket desk at the park office and lockers are available (in fact we strongly recommend you use the lockers). There is a large on site car park at Monkey forest. Monkey forest also has toilets and a first aid clinic.
Is Ubud Monkey Forest safe to visit?
Due to the popularity of this area the monkeys are very used to being around people. Monkeys do jump onto people from time to time. The park’s safety guidelines recommend that you walk away slowly and calmly and notify the park staff if a monkey does jump on you. Don’t panic or try to fight the monkey off. If you are aggressive there is a risk that the monkeys will bite.
From time to time monkeys may either try to take bags or even open people’s bags and pinch sunglasses and other things. We recommend leaving bags and belongings at the lockers at the park entrance. Don’t take a plastic bag into the monkey forest. Don’t bring food or drinks to the monkey forest. The monkeys are very good at finding food.
Monkey Forest works with the Udayana University Primate Research Center to monitor the monkey’s health. No cases of rabies have been found. Monkey forest also has a first aid clinic and they have a medical insurance policy. Ask for more details.
These are the Ubud Monkey Forest Pask safety guidelines:
- Don’t panic if a monkey jumps on you, just walk away and notify a member of staff
- Don’t run or scream if a monkey approaches you. Just walk away calmly
- Avoid looking the monkeys in the eye – this may be taken as a sign of aggression
- Don’t bring any food on site – monkeys can even find hidden food
- Don’t bring paper bags or plastic bags with you
- Don’t bring valuable or important items – wallet, passport, jewelry or medicines
Is the Ubud Monkey Forest good for families with kids?
Monkey forest is a great activity with kids. Children are likely to love watching the monkeys climb, play and feed. This could be a great way to integrate some worldschooling into your travels. You can observe monkey behaviour or study their adaptations. It is important to brief kids on the safety rules and make sure you supervise them carefully in the area. Help your kids to learn and respect the temples in Monkey Forest.
Are there any other Monkey Forests in the area?
There is another quieter Monkey forest not too far from Ubud – check out the Sangeh Monkey Forest
What else is there to do near Monkey Forest in Ubud?
You may be interested in our in depth 10 day Bali itinerary
Here are a few other things to do near the Ubud Monkey forest:
- Visit the Ubud Palace
- Check out the beautiful Sarawati temple
- Visit the Agung Rai Museum of fine art in Ubud
- Enjoy some of the amazing Bali coffee shops, cafes and restaurants
- Explore the Goa Gajah cave temple
- Take an Art Class near Ubud
- Do a cooking course
- Visit the beautiful rice paddies (Tegallalang rice terraces, The Abian Desa Rice Terrace and the Hidden Valley Tunggir Bali)
- Explore the coffee plantations around Ubud
- Stay at the Eat Love Pray hotel (Liyer Spirit Guest House)
- Explore the Ubud street markets
- Try a flower bath at the Udiya Resort in Ubud
Don’t miss our FULL GUIDE on the best things to do in Ubud
Where are the BEST places to stay in Ubud?
Here are a few of our TOP PICK hotels in Ubud. We have listed these wonderful hotels in order of increasing price to help you snatch up the best place for you. Oh yeah and please use our links to book – we can earn a little money at no extra cost to you (win win). Here we go…
1 Poshtel Ubud
Price range: £5 – £10 dorm
Poshtel is a great option in Ubud for anyone travelling on a low budget. Trendy hostel with 8 bed mixed dorm. Cool Asian stylings. Excellently located in the center of Ubud. A great option for solo travelers on a budget.
2 Yoga’s House
Price range: £10 – £15 double room
Amazing value for money. Great location. Spacious light double room with balcony. Small gardens and lots of character. Not far from Monkey forest. This hotel is a great option for a solo backpacker or couple on a budget.
3 Putu’s Paradise Guest House
Price range: £15 – £20
Lovely home style accommodation with lush gardens. Right next to the monkey forest. This guest house is great value for money. Double and twin rooms available – private bathrooms, outdoor seating and a lovely green garden.
4 Liyer Spirit House Ubud
Price range: £20 – £50
Packed with character and Balinese artwork this hotel is most famous for its appearance in Eat Love Pray. There are beautiful gardens, an outdoor pool, outdoor seating areas and comfortable double and twin rooms available with ensuite bathrooms and bathtubs. They can also add an additional mattress to rooms to accommodate families.
5 Ubud Lestari Bungalows
Price range: £20 – £50
Stunning rice terrace hotel with an outdoor pool and spacious suites including bathtubs. Double and twin rooms available. Excellent location on Jalan Monkey Forest in the heart of Ubud.
6 Pondok Serayu
Price range: £30 – £40
Very beautiful spacious rooms with balconies. Excellent value for money. You can book breakfast too. Excellent location right next to the Ubud Palace and Saraswati temple.
7 Sapodilla Ubud
Price range: £50 – £120
This super stylish hotel combines lush green nature with luxurious and tranquil accommodation. Suites are beautifully furnished with plenty of natural light and ensuite bathrooms with elegant freestanding bathtubs. There is a large outdoor swimming pool. The also offer a great breakfast – check whether this is included when you book. Excellently located 5 – 10 minute walk from Monkey Forest.
8 Kebun Indah Ubud
Price range: £50 – £160
Pay a little more and get a LOT more. Kebun Indah is genuinely a superlative property. We love the beautiful wooden Balinese style of this lush property. As a 4 star hotel there are great facilities and service here. We are particularly impressed with the spacious two bedroom suite (that has a double and a single bed). The beautiful ensuite bathroom has a bali style bathtub.
9 Royal Kamuela Villas & Suites
Price range: £200 – £400
This remarkable hotel offers luxurious 5 star accommodation right in the heart of Bali. You get a lot for your money here. We are super impressed with the stylish spacious villa with a private pool. This is perfect for a special occasion or a romantic splash out.
10 Goya Boutique Resort
Price range: £200 – £1,000
This marvelous 5 star resort has a wide range of rooms and suites for every occasion. This stylish property has a decadent Asian interior design with comfortable furniture and plenty of space to relax. They offer villas with private pools and open air bathtubs. There is also a stunning rooftop infinity pool with mountain views. This really is a remarkable property.
