Oh monkeys. 🐵 We all know what happened last time I encountered them in Thailand. One might think I had learned a lesson or two. It appears not to be the case. Having fun at the Sacred Monkey Forest Ubud edition, was another learning experience.
At least this time, I was not robbed. 😂
The Grounds
This is a large piece of natural park that has been preserved for these long-tailed macaques. There are so many entrances, most of which were closed, and I had to keep skirting the perimeter before I found one that was opened.
Look for where the vehicles are being told to park and the green gates for them to pass through. Walk behind and past all of this, and you will come to a large pagoda, with a central ticketing area.
The tickets are now 100,000K per adult, which I am more than happy to pay for the upkeep and well being of these beautiful creatures.
Areas of the Forest
Having been through, I can now see that there are four distinct areas to this space. The first is walking through a dark tunnel, and into an open place that is filled with monkeys! This area is had the highest concentration of monkeys when I was there.
Wander around through the trees, past all the moss covered statuary and take many pictures. There are signs to read for your safety and open feeding stations for the macaques.
The second area I entered into was a sort of educational space with large amphitheatre. Here is a café where I stopped for a soggy croissant and a refreshing bottle of bubbly water. The door is heavily gated to not allow clever and cheeky monkeys to enter the cafe. I also noticed staff, locking their entrance, so the crafty crew wouldn’t open that door.
Third & Forth Areas
The third area is a natural forest, there is very little ground cover here, mostly tall trees and paths through them. There are additional signs telling visitors that these monkeys are wilder, and not as used to people as the first ones you saw. Take extra precautions here.
The final area was my favourite, While I saw the fewest monkeys here, you will walk through suspended trails up and over the cavernous ravine and through the dark and draping vines. I just about expected Tarzan to swing out in front of me at any moment. 😅
Temple
There is a temple on the grounds, however like all temples I have tried to see, visitors are now allowed to enter. The scene, with monkeys roaming around and climbing up and over all of the sacred buildings is absolutely beautiful though.
Monkey Encounters
I did have two monkeys jump on me. One was in the forest, and I was nervous. I just kept walking and he eventually hopped off.
The other was near a bridge in the jungle area. This fella was showing interest in my earrings and glasses which I quickly tried to cover up with my hands. Both times, the monkeys were gentle, just curious.
I was really scared at a couple of points, when I had to walk past monkeys that were fighting. They were screaming at each other, hitting and biting and it was terrifying to have to pass by. All I could do was keep walking and hope that I didn’t end up in their path when they charged each other.
I can highly recommend the Sacred Monkey Forest in Ubud to anyone who wants to see and interact with these gorgeous, cheeky and cute characters. Watching the babies playing in the trees was a highlight that I will remember for a very long time.
