Visiting the sacred Ubud Monkey Forest is a must-do for many travelers in Bali. To ensure your experience is magical, not stressful, it’s crucial to understand how to interact with its famous residents. This guide provides all the Ubud Monkey Forest tips you need for a safe, fun, and memorable visit.
Before You Go: Essential Things to Know
A little preparation goes a long way to ensuring your visit is smooth and enjoyable. Before you even leave your hotel, considering these few key points will help you avoid the most common mistakes visitors make.
Opening Hours, Location, and Ticket Prices
The Ubud Monkey Forest is located on Jalan Monkey Forest in the heart of Ubud. It is typically open daily from around 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM, with the last ticket entry around 5:00 PM. Ticket prices are subject to change but are very affordable (as of early 2025, expect around IDR 80,000 – 100,000 for adults).
What to Wear (and What NOT to Wear)
Wear comfortable walking shoes and modest clothing suitable for a sacred site. Most importantly, do not wear any loose items that can be easily snatched, such as dangling earrings, necklaces, or sunglasses perched on your head. Keep your valuables secure and out of sight.
The Golden Rule: Do Not Bring Food or Plastic Bags
This is the most important of all Ubud monkey rules. The Long-tailed Macaques have an incredible sense of smell and can detect food from a distance. Bringing food, snacks, or even plastic/paper bags (which they associate with food) is the #1 cause of unwanted attention and negative interactions.
During Your Visit: The Rules of a Respectful Guest
Once you are inside the forest, remember that you are a guest in a sacred space and the home of wild animals. Following these simple rules of conduct will show respect to the monkeys and the temple, and it is the best way to ensure a peaceful visit for both you and the resident macaques.
Do Not Touch or Pet the Monkeys (Especially Babies)
They may look cute, but they are wild animals and must be treated with respect. Attempting to touch or pet a monkey—especially a baby, which is fiercely protected by its mother—can be perceived as a threat and lead to a defensive bite.
This rule of keeping a safe distance is doubly important for human children, and it’s vital to know how to teach children to be safe around animals before your visit.
Do Not Make Direct Eye Contact or Show Your Teeth
In the primate world, prolonged, direct eye contact and baring your teeth (even in a smile) can be interpreted as a sign of aggression or a challenge. It’s best to observe them using your peripheral vision and keep a neutral facial expression.
Walk Calmly and Be Aware of Your Surroundings
Do not run or panic, as this can startle the monkeys. Walk calmly along the designated pathways and always be aware of where the monkeys are, especially around your feet.
The Medical Protocol: What to Do After a Monkey Bite or Scratch
This is the most important safety information you will read. Although the monkeys are accustomed to people, they are wild animals. Any monkey bite in Ubud or scratch that breaks the skin carries a potential risk of infection, including rabies.
Step 1: Wash the Wound Immediately & Thoroughly
Find the nearest restroom or first aid station and wash the wound with soap and running water for at least 15 minutes. This is the single most effective step you can take to reduce your risk of infection.
Step 2: Seek Professional Medical Attention
After thoroughly cleaning the wound, it is essential to visit a medical clinic for a professional evaluation. A doctor will properly clean the wound again and discuss the need for a tetanus shot and a course of Post-Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP) for rabies. PEP is a series of vaccinations that is highly effective at preventing rabies if administered promptly after an exposure.
To understand why this medical follow-up is non-negotiable, read our complete guide to Rabies in Bali.
The Ubud Monkey Forest is a unique and enchanting place. By following these rules and respecting the monkeys as part of the local wildlife, you can ensure your visit is a positive highlight of your Bali adventure. These residents are just one part of the fascinating fauna we cover in our general guide to animals in Bali.
Had an Incident at the Monkey Forest?
Our clinics are experienced in handling animal bites and scratches. If you need a wound assessment or have questions about rabies prevention, our doctors are here to help.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about Visiting the Monkey Forest
Are the monkeys in the forest aggressive?
They are not typically aggressive, but they are opportunistic and can be assertive if they think you have food. Most negative incidents occur when visitors break the rule about bringing food or loose items.
Can I buy bananas to feed them inside the forest?
The official policy of the Monkey Forest is to not feed the monkeys to maintain their natural behavior and health. Staff may sell bananas at times, but always follow the guidance of the on-site rangers when interacting.
What happens if a monkey steals my sunglasses or phone?
Do not try to fight the monkey for it. Find the nearest ranger (they wear green uniforms); they are very skilled at “bartering” with the monkeys using food to get items back.
Is it really necessary to see a doctor for just a small scratch?
Yes, absolutely. The rabies virus can be transmitted through saliva on the animal’s claws. Any scratch that breaks the skin should be treated with the same seriousness as a bite.
Are the monkeys vaccinated against rabies?
While the monkey population’s health is monitored, you cannot and should not assume any individual monkey is vaccinated. Always follow the medical protocol for any bite or scratch as a precaution.
How much time do I need to visit the Monkey Forest?
Most visitors spend between 1 to 2 hours exploring the forest’s paths and temples.
Is the Monkey Forest suitable for young children?
It can be, but it requires extremely close supervision. You must hold your child’s hand at all times and never allow them to run or approach the monkeys. It’s a crucial part of how to teach children to be safe around animals.
What if I’m afraid of monkeys but my group wants to go?
You can still enjoy the forest. Stick to the main, wide pathways, stay with a group, and do not carry any bags that might attract attention. The monkeys generally ignore people who are calmly walking through.
Are there other places to see monkeys in Bali?
Yes, other notable monkey habitats include Uluwatu Temple and Sangeh Monkey Forest, each with its own unique setting. The same safety rules apply.
Is first aid available inside the Monkey Forest?
Yes, the Monkey Forest has its own first aid station for immediate wound cleaning. However, this does not replace the need for a professional medical evaluation at a clinic afterwards.
