Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary
Ubud, Indonesia
About This Activity
The Mandala Suci Wenara Wana — Sacred Monkey Forest — is Ubud's most visited natural attraction, where over 700 Balinese long-tailed macaques live freely within a lush ancient Hindu temple complex. The forest contains three moss-draped temples dating back to the 14th century, surrounded by giant banyan trees and sacred springs. The monkeys are fascinating to observe up close but will snatch any food, loose jewellery, or plastic bags — heed the warnings from rangers. The forest is in the heart of Ubud town, making it easy to combine with the nearby art market and royal palace.
Compare with Alternatives
See how Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary stacks up against other must-see activities nearby.
See This in an Itinerary
This activity appears in 80 of our curated itineraries.
Best 3 Days in Indonesia
Denpasar → Ubud
Best 3 Days in Indonesia — Food & Wine
Denpasar → Ubud
Best 3 Days in Indonesia — Romantic
Denpasar → Ubud
Best 3 Days in Indonesia — Wellness & Spas
Denpasar → Ubud
Best 3 Days in Indonesia — Temples & Shrines
Denpasar → Ubud
Best 3 Days in Indonesia — Nature
Denpasar → Ubud
More Activities in Ubud
Tegallalang Rice Terraces
Walk through Bali's most photographed rice terraces — cascading subak paddies just north of Ubud (2h)
Tirta Empul Holy Water Temple
Witness the ancient Hindu purification ritual at Bali's most sacred spring-fed temple (2h)
Ubud Art Market & Royal Palace
Browse Bali's best artisan market and tour the ornate Ubud Royal Palace opposite (2h)
Campuhan Ridge Walk
Walk the scenic Campuhan ridge trail through alang-alang grasslands and terraced valley views — free (2h)
Free Day in Ubud
A free day to immerse yourself in Ubud — yoga, cooking class, or exploring hidden temples