Ubud Monkey Forest is one of Ubud’s most popular attractions; a natural forest sanctuary that is home to a horde of grey long-tailed macaques. The site is well preserved thanks to a community-based management program. The forest is also conveniently positioned near Ubud Town Centre, and within easy walking distance from guesthouses and resorts along the main roads of Jalan Hanoman and the namesake Jalan Monkey Forest.

The type of monkeys that live in the area of The Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary (Monkey Forest Ubud), known as the Balinese long-tailed monkey, in scientific called Macaca fascicularis. In English called macaque.

There are about 600 monkeys living in this area. They are divided into 5 groups: in front of the main temple, Michelin, eastern, central, and cemeteries. Each group consist of 100 – 120 monkeys which: infants (0 – 1 year), juvenile 1 (1 – 2 years), juvenile 2 (2 – 4 years), sub adult male (4 – 6 years), adult female (> 4 years), and adult male (> 6 years).

Because of the considerable population, the conflicts between groups of monkey cannot be avoided. Sometimes for a specific reason, such as a bath to the river in the dry season, certain groups must cross the other groups territory.

This type of primate is active during the day and rest at night. The pregnancies of female monkey are about 6 months and generally 1 infant is born. Very rarely are twin. Monkey’s baby stays with their mother for about 10 months and thereafter will be weaned to live independently.

Tips that tourists should do when visiting the Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary tourist attractions.

• Put valuables in the bag, such as earrings, scarves, glasses or cellphones. If you want photos, always hold the camera tightly. These items will attract the interest of the monkeys to take.
• Walk on the road provided, don’t set your foot in the ape-eating zone.
• Don’t hit or hurt the monkeys, this will make other monkeys attack you.
• Do not feed monkeys, because food for monkeys has been provided by the manager of the Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary.
• The Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary area is a non-smoking area and tourists are strictly prohibited from smoking in the Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary area.
• Don’t run and stare into male eyes.
• Always supervise your children when in the Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary area.