Is Bali Travel Guide Plus free to use?

Yes. Browsing the guides, itineraries and area breakdowns is free, and asking follow-up questions via WhatsApp is free too. We only monetise when we help you book a driver, activity or accommodation with trusted local partners, and only if you ask us to.

When is the best time to visit Bali?

The dry season (May to October) is the easiest for first-timers: sunny, less rain, best for surfing on the west coast. July-August is peak and busier. The wet season (November to April) is cheaper and still has plenty of sunny days, with rain usually coming in short afternoon bursts.

How many days do I need in Bali?

We recommend at least 7 days for a first trip, and 10-14 days to include Nusa Penida or the Gili Islands properly. Anything under 5 days means a lot of transport and not much downtime, especially if you also want Ubud.

Which area is best to stay in Bali?

There is no single best area. Canggu is great for surf, cafes and nightlife; Ubud for culture, jungle and yoga; Uluwatu for cliffs and serious surf; Seminyak for beach clubs and shopping; Sanur for calm beaches and Nusa Penida access. Most first-timers split their trip across 2-3 areas.

Do I need a visa to visit Bali?

Most nationalities can get a Visa on Arrival (VoA) for 30 days, extendable once for another 30 days. You can also apply online (e-VoA) before you fly. For stays longer than 60 days, consider a B211A visit visa. See our visa + SIM guide for details.

Is it safe to rent a scooter in Bali?

Scooters are the fastest way around, but Bali traffic is intense and accidents are common for inexperienced riders. We recommend a private driver for first-timers or longer trips, scooters only if you already know how to ride. Check insurance and always wear a helmet.

Pura Dalem Agung (Ubud Monkey Forest) — Visitor Guide & What to Expect

The Ubud Monkey Forest (Mandala Wisata Wenara Wana) is a protected nature reserve and Hindu temple complex in the Padangtegal neighbourhood of Ubud. It contains three active temples — Pura Dalem Agung Padangtegal, Pura Beji and Pura Prajapati — set within 12.5 hectares of dense tropical forest inhabited by approximately 1,000 free-roaming Balinese long-tailed macaques (Macaca fascicularis). The forest is both a functioning sacred site for the local Balinese Hindu community and Ubud's most-visited tourist attraction.

History & Significance

Pura Dalem Agung Padangtegal is a pura dalem — a temple associated with the dead, purification and the goddess Durga, consort of Shiva. Pura dalem are typically located at the edge of villages near cremation grounds. The Monkey Forest temple was built in the 14th century as the death temple for Padangtegal village. The forest itself has been maintained as sacred (hutan keramat) because the monkeys are considered guardians of the temple and the forest. The connection between sacred forests, temple complexes and primate populations is a consistent feature of Balinese Hindu temple culture.

The Monkey Forest is managed by the Padangtegal village cooperative (desa adat) which uses entrance revenue to fund temple upkeep, forest conservation, and feeding and veterinary care for the monkey troops. Researchers from Ubud's universities and international institutions study the monkey social structure and behaviour here. The forest contains over 115 tree species and serves as a genuine ecological refuge in increasingly developed central Ubud.

Opening Hours & Entrance Fee

Opening Hours

09:00–18:00 daily

Entrance Fee

IDR 80,000 per adult (check on arrival, prices change)

Note: prices change without notice — always verify on arrival.

How to Get There

Walking from Ubud centre: 1.5 km south along Jalan Monkey Forest — about 15–20 minutes on foot from the main market area. By scooter 5 minutes. Grab car from central Ubud IDR 20,000–35,000. From Canggu: 38 km, 55–75 minutes by car. The main entrance is on Jalan Monkey Forest at the south end of Ubud town. A second entrance exists on Jalan Hanoman.

View on Google Maps (-8.5187, 115.2622)

Dress Code & Etiquette

Sarong and sash required to enter the temple areas within the forest (provided at the entrance). No specific restriction on non-temple areas of the forest path. Closed-toe shoes recommended. Secure all food, bottles, earrings, necklaces, sunglasses and phone earbuds before entering. Monkeys can snatch quickly.

What to See: Highlights

Close encounters with hundreds of macaques on the forest paths
Pura Dalem Agung — the main death temple with ornate demonic carvings and moss-covered statues
The stone bridge over the stream with carvings of nagas (sacred serpents)
Pura Beji — a small bathing temple at the base of the forest ravine
Dense tropical forest feel despite being in the heart of Ubud
Photography opportunities with curious and habituated monkeys

Best Time to Visit

Opening time (09:00) for the fewest crowds and most active monkey behaviour. Midday is the busiest — large tour groups arrive between 10:30–14:00. Late afternoon (16:00–17:30) is calmer and the light is beautiful through the forest canopy. Avoid immediately after midday feeding time (usually around 09:00 and 15:00) when the monkeys are most agitated.

Common Scams & What to Watch For

The official ticket is purchased at the main entrance booth. No additional fees inside. Do not buy banana bundles from vendors outside — bringing food inside the forest encourages aggressive monkey behaviour and is against the management rules. If a monkey takes something, do not pull it back suddenly — this can provoke biting. Guides at the entrance can explain monkey etiquette. Photography with monkeys is done at your own risk.

Nearby Attractions

Ubud Palace and main market (1.5 km north), Campuhan Ridge Walk trailhead (2 km northwest), Goa Gajah temple (6 km east), Tegallalang Rice Terrace (10 km north), Neka Art Museum and ARMA (within 2 km in Ubud).

Frequently Asked Questions

Are the monkeys dangerous?

Generally no, but they can bite if provoked, startled, or if you have food. Follow the posted rules: do not bring food inside, do not touch the monkeys, do not pull back anything they snatch. Bites are uncommon but do happen. Travel insurance covering medical treatment is advisable.

Is Ubud Monkey Forest a real temple or just a tourist attraction?

Both. Pura Dalem Agung Padangtegal is an active, functioning Balinese Hindu temple with regular ceremonies. The Padangtegal village community maintains it as a sacred site. The tourist entrance fee funds temple maintenance and conservation. On ceremony days the inner temple area is closed to visitors.

How many monkeys are in the Monkey Forest?

Approximately 1,000 Balinese long-tailed macaques (Macaca fascicularis) in about eight social groups, each with a defined territory within the forest. The population is counted and managed.

How long do you need at the Monkey Forest?

1–1.5 hours for a relaxed walk through the main paths and temple areas. The forest is not large but the monkeys make you stop frequently.

Is the entrance fee worth it?

Yes. The IDR 80,000 (approximately USD 5) fee is reasonable for one of Ubud's most distinctive experiences. Revenue goes to the village and conservation fund.

Can you enter the Monkey Forest temples?

The outer areas of the temples are visible from the forest paths. Inner temple areas are restricted to Balinese Hindu worshippers. On ceremony days (which occur regularly) some temple areas are fully closed to tourists.

Planning a visit to Ubud Monkey Forest Temple?

Ask us anything — best day, transport from your accommodation, combining with other temples, guided tours. Free WhatsApp help, real reply in about 10 minutes.

Message us on WhatsApp

Other Temples to Visit

Goa Gajah (Elephant Cave)

Gianyar Regency, Bedulu village, near Ubud

Pura Tirta Empul

Gianyar Regency, Tampaksiring, central Bali

Gunung Kawi Sebatu

Gianyar Regency, Sebatu village, north Ubud