Sacred Monkey Forest Ticket with Guided Walk Ubud Bali

Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary

The Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary lies at the southern end of Ubud's main street, in the village of Padangtegal, which owns and manages it. Its shaded paths wind through a steep ravine of tropical forest, mossy statues and temples, creating a calm green world just a few minutes' walk from the town centre and one of the best-loved things to do in Ubud.

The forest is cared for according to Tri Hita Karana, the Balinese philosophy of harmony between people, nature and the spiritual world. Your guide explains how this idea shapes everything from the protection of the trees to the temple ceremonies, which gives the visit far more depth than simply buying Ubud Monkey Forest tickets and walking in alone.

The Long-Tailed Macaques

The stars of the sanctuary are its Balinese long-tailed macaques, which live in several groups, each with its own territory in the forest. You see them grooming, feeding, playing in the trees and bathing in the streams, and mothers carrying tiny babies are a common and delightful sight.

Your guide knows the monkeys' behaviour well and keeps the visit safe. Do not bring food into the park, keep valuables, sunglasses and earrings out of reach, and avoid direct eye contact, which macaques read as a challenge. If a monkey jumps on you, stay calm and walk slowly; the guide is always nearby to help. Watching them from a respectful distance is the best way to enjoy them.

Banyan Trees, the Dragon Bridge and the Cave Passage

After entering by the koi pond and a carved gate guarded by macaques, the walk passes through a cave-like passage, one of the forest's lesser-known corners, into an area of enormous trees. Giant banyans drop curtains of aerial roots down the ravine walls, and the light filtering through the canopy gives the place a mysterious, ancient atmosphere.

The most photographed spot is the dragon bridge, a curved stone bridge whose balustrades are carved as serpent-dragons, with banyan roots wrapping around the stonework and a stream running below. Is the Monkey Forest worth visiting? This part of the walk alone, with its moss-covered statues and deep shade, makes a strong case.

Pura Beji and Pura Dalem Agung Padangtegal

Down a flight of steps beside a stream lies Pura Beji, the bathing temple of the forest, where holy water is used for purification before ceremonies. Its setting among ferns, mossy carvings and running water is one of the most peaceful in Ubud.

The main temple, Pura Dalem Agung Padangtegal, dates from the 14th century and is dedicated to the village's death and funeral rites. Visitors may not enter the inner courtyards, but the carved gateways and guardian statues wrapped in checked cloth are impressive from outside, and the macaques treat the temple steps as their playground. Your guide explains the meaning of the carvings and the offerings placed around the shrines.

Opening Hours, Tickets and How to Get There

The sanctuary opens daily at 9 am and closes in the early evening, and our start times run from 9 am to the afternoon. Mornings are cooler and the monkeys are often most active; the forest can be very humid, so dress lightly and bring insect repellent. Your entry ticket is included in every option, so there is no need to queue at the ticket office.

How to get to the Ubud Monkey Forest depends on where you stay: the default option includes return transfers from most areas of central Bali, while guests in central Ubud can meet the guide at the entrance on Monkey Forest Road or at Ubud Palace. The guided walk itself lasts about an hour.