Scenes from the Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary
A visit to Bali’s Sacred Monkey Forest in Ubud, capturing candid moments of macaques among centuries-old temples and jungle paths.
The Sanctuary
Tucked away in the heart of Ubud, the Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary is a lush nature reserve and temple complex unlike any other. Home to over 700 long-tailed macaques, the sanctuary offers an immersive encounter with wildlife amid dense jungle paths and centuries-old stone shrines.
Wandering through the moss-covered temples, with monkeys leaping through the canopy and lounging on ledges, felt like stepping into a living scene from The Jungle Book. It’s a place where nature, culture, and myth exist side-by-side, and easily one of the most unforgettable stops in Bali.
An alpha-male macaque was just chilling on the edge of an old temple, totally relaxed. Watching him soak up the afternoon sun without a care in the world pretty much set the vibe for the whole visit… calm, curious, and completely in tune with the place.
Monkey See, Monkey Do
The macaques are curious, clever, and completely unbothered by humans. They’ll approach you without hesitation… sometimes for a snack, other times out of pure mischief. Cameras, bags, and sunglasses are fair game in their eyes.
While their antics are entertaining, it’s essential to remember they are wild animals. Observing them with care and keeping a respectful distance goes a long way in ensuring a safe and positive experience… for both you and them.
This lone macaque, perched quietly with a pensive gaze, felt like the embodiment of the forest’s slower rhythm. There’s a surprising serenity here too… moments where the monkeys seem lost in thought, just as we were. It’s not all chaos and snatching bananas.
Baby Monkeys
One of the joys of visiting the sanctuary is witnessing the younger macaques in action. The baby monkeys, often clinging to their mothers or tumbling through the undergrowth, are endlessly fascinating to watch.
Their playful energy brings a sense of vitality to the forest, and their tiny hands and expressive faces make them irresistibly photogenic.
This little one had just scavenged a snack and was happily nibbling away, seemingly unaware of how adorable it looked. The contrast between its soft, youthful features and the ancient stone backdrop was one of many moments that made this visit so memorable.
A Memorable Experience
Our time in the Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary was more than a sightseeing stop… it was a quiet reminder of the delicate relationship between people and the natural world.
From observing the social dynamics of the macaques to exploring the serene temple grounds, the visit left a lasting impression. If you’re planning a trip to Bali, I wholeheartedly recommend spending a few hours here with your camera… and your child-like sense of wonder.