If you want to find monkeys in Bali, then we’ve got all the information you need. We’ve got 10 monkey hotspots for you to enjoy, a guide to all the Bali monkeys (including their species and how to behave around a monkey) and more.
What Kind Of Monkeys Live In Bali?
There are three main species of monkey that you’re going to encounter in Bali.
Crab-eating Macaque
While these animals are most commonly found in Sumatra, Java and Borneo, they are a bit of an invasive species and can also be found in Bali and the other Less Sunda Islands.
This makes them quite unique because they are a rare example of an animal that has crossed the “Wallace Line” (that is they are an Austronesian species that has strayed into Asian species’ territory).
Though their name suggests they will happily feast on crabs and often live around beaches they don’t do this and are, in fact, opportunistic omnivores. They eat pretty much anything on land that’s smaller than them and fish and birds too.
They are a nightmare for farmers and villagers and can make managing the local ecology very hard work. Crab-eating macaques are only too happy to raid farms for food.
Balinese Long-Tailed Macaque
The long-tailed macaques (Macaca fascicularis) are Bali’s main monkey species and the ones that you will find at 9 out of 10 of the sites listed in this article.
They are cute to watch and a lot of fun to be around. The males are bigger than the females and the upper parts of their bodies tend to be dark brown with a light gold/brown tip.
The underneath of these animals are light grey and their tails are dark grey or light brown.
You can spot the males by their moustaches, as while both sexes have cheek whiskers, on the men have moustaches.
Interestingly, this macaque species uses a cheek pouch to store food (rather like a hamster).
When you visit them in the jungle you won’t need to search for them, they will find you (particularly at places like the monkey forest in Ubud), particularly if you have bananas anywhere near you.
They also seem to enjoy lounging in banyan trees when they’re not running around having fun.
East Javan Langur
The golden langur is a completely different creature from the macaques and it is, perhaps, the most attractive monkey that you can find in Bali.
They are social creatures that live in small family groups and are almost orange in colour.
Interestingly, while the different families rarely interact with each other and can even fight, all females of the species will watch out for juveniles as though they were their own.
When Is The Best Time To See Monkeys In Bali?
There is no bad time of year to visit and see these cute, fun animals. The jungle is at its best in the rainy season but it might rain when you go to watch the monkeys and you might need to wait for it to stop.
There’s less chance of rain during the dry season but the crowds of tourists are bigger, particularly in places like Ubud and you might find your overall visit to Bali is more expensive at this time of year.
How To Get To Monkeys In Bali?
If you want to see monkeys in Bali, we’d recommend that you book an organized tour of somewhere like Ubud and get out into the jungle to meet them.
This is usually the most cost-effective way to get to most of the locations on our list of places to watch monkeys.
You could also rent a private car and driver to tour the sites at your own pace.
The final option is to use a scooter, but we don’t recommend that. Scooter use is dangerous and it’s hard to say legal and insured in Bali. We’d rather you had fun than an expensive trip to the hospital.
Where To See Monkeys In Bali?
There are plenty of places to see monkeys in Bali but we’ve got 10 spots where monkeys live and it’s very easy to see as many monkeys as you want to see.
Please read all the way to the end of this article and make sure you know how to deal with monkeys in Bali before you visit any of these places, as monkeys can be quite a handful if you’re not expecting them to act like monkeys.
Ubud Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary (Ubud Monkey Forest or Mandala Suci Wenara Wana)
The Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary or Ubud Monkey Forest is, without a doubt, the most famous place to meet monkeys in Bali.
There are over 1,000 long-tailed macaques at the Ubud Monkey Forest and it’s a place where you can get very close to the monkeys, indeed.
This sacred monkey forest is a very popular place to get snaps with monkeys and there are photo spots set up for this purpose.
We strongly advise you to work with a local guide to get your images and that you don’t just walk up to a monkey and try and get it to pose with you at Ubud Monkey Forest.
There are also three temples that are worth seeing in this monkey forest. Ubud also has a road that runs up to the sacred monkey forest where monkeys can often be seen playing around in their natural habitat.
Ubud Monkey Forest is a must-see if you want to meet monkeys in Bali. There are no monkeys at the Ubud Royal Palace, even though it’s just a short walk from here.
Where Is It? Ubud Monkey Forest, Ubud Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary, Jalan Monkey Forest, Ubud, Kecamatan Ubud, Kabupaten Gianyar, Central Bali 80571, Indonesia
Pura Luhur Uluwatu Temple (The Monkey Temple)
Uluwatu Temple has some of the most beautiful scenery in Bali. It sits on top of a 70-metre-high clifftop and looks out over the Indian Ocean.
The temple is said to protect Bali from the evil spirits of the sea and just like at the monkey forest in Ubud, there are a lot of monkeys hanging around here.
You may find yourself approached by guides offering to protect you from the creatures, but you don’t really need this help – just use the tips at the end of this article and you’ll be more than safe enough.
The best time to visit is in the late afternoon because of the spectacular sunset and the fire dance (Kecak dance) performances.
The Kecak dance is Bali’s best-known dance and the setting at Uluwatu really brings this performance to life.
Where Is It? Pecatu, South Kuta, Badung Regency, Bali, Indonesia
Alas Kedaton Monkey Forest
The monkey forest in Ubud is not the only sacred monkey forest in Bali.
The Alas Kedaton Monkey Forst is also a sacred monkey forest and it’s home to hundreds of Bali monkeys.
While you’re here make sure to stop at the Pura Dalem Kahyangan Kedaton temple which is extremely attractive and the Bali monkeys are free to roam the grounds to their heart’s content.
There are also a lot of flying foxes (fruit bats) here to entertain nature lovers. We recommend taking a long zoom lens if you intend to start taking pictures of the bats as they are difficult to get close to.
Where Is It? Alas Kedaton Monkey Forest, F5C4+644, Jl. Raya Alas Kedaton, Kukuh, Kec. Marga, Kabupaten Tabanan, Bali 82121, Indonesia
Sangeh Monkey Forest
This monkey forest is also considered to be sacred and it’s only a few minutes’ drive away from Ubud.
It’s much less busy at Sangeh Monkey Forest than it is at the main Ubud Monkey Forest, though, and you can get much closer to the monkeys here than at most other sites in Bali.
There’s a lovely temple here at Sangeh Monkey Forest, the Pura Bukit Sari, which is surrounded by lush greenery and shaded by huge trees.
If you’re into wildlife, you can also find falcons, kites, owls, bulbul birds, palm civets, wild cats and even the Asian woolyneck (a type of stork) at this site!
Where Is It? Sangeh Monkey Forest, Jl. Brahmana, Sangeh, Kec. Abiansemal, Kabupaten Badung, Bali 80353, Indonesia
Bedegul & Mount Batur
Bedugul and the slopes of Mount Batur, in particular, have plenty of monkeys just roaming around.
You can’t predict exactly where you’ll see them but they turn up in most places and will happily entertain you with their antics.
We need to caution you that the monkeys in this part of Bali are much less used to human interaction than monkeys elsewhere and you should keep your distance.
Perhaps, the best place to see the monkeys in this area is around the Bali Botanic Garden which also has some of the most interesting flora on the island.
Where Is It? Bedugul, North Bali
Pulaki Temple
Pura Palaki is a huge temple complex that is just to the West of Singaraja (the second biggest city in Bali).
It’s a sea temple and one of the six holiest temples in Bali. There are so many monkeys around this site that the temple buildings had to be fenced off from them because the curious animals kept breaking things!
We’d recommend visiting this temple if you’re in North Bali whether or not you’re into monkeys, it’s absolutely beautiful.
Be warned though, you will need a shawl and a sarong to be allowed inside the grounds. Western clothing will see you turned away.
Where Is It? Jl. Singaraja-Gilimanuk, Banyupoh, Kec. Gerokgak, Kabupaten Buleleng, Bali 81155, Indonesia
Lempuyang Temple (Aggressive Monkeys)
The Lempuyang Temple is amazing and it’s famous for the “Gates of Heaven” which offer an incredible split-gate view out over the mountain opposite.
Unfortunately, it’s a place where you might not want to see monkeys. The government keeps collecting monkeys here and rehoming them, but they always keep coming back.
This is unfortunate, as they are, perhaps, the most aggressive group of monkeys in Bali.
If you do see them, make sure to keep a respectful distance from them.
Where Is It? Jl. Pura Telaga Mas Lempuyang, Tri Buana, Kec. Abang, Kabupaten Karangasem, Bali 80852, Indonesia
Pura Luhur Mekori Temple, Pupuan
If you’ve been in Bali for a while, you should get off the beaten path and find the places that really matter to the locals.
Pura Luhur Mekori is just such a place. It’s about thirty minutes from Tabanan and is in the middle of a forest.
This temple is said to have been founded by the great Naga Rarik (a naga is a guardian spirit in Hindu lore).
It’s also surrounded by monkeys. We should note that these monkeys don’t get a lot of visitors and you should not try to get near them for photos, etc.
Where Is It? J27P+239, Jl. Antosari Pupuan, Belimbing, Kec. Pupuan, Kabupaten Tabanan, Bali 82163, Indonesia
Bukit Gumang Temple
The Guman Temple is an amazing place to meet some monkeys just outside the BugBug village in Gumang Hills.
It’s a bit of a trek up stairs and hillside pathways to get to the temple and it’s through some pleasant countryside.
Once you reach the top, you will find an excellent view of the ocean on one side and Mount Agung on the other, through the split temple gate.
The monkeys here are a little shy around visitors and it’s probably best not to try and interact with them, but just enjoy their playful behaviour from a distance.
Where Is It? FHVQ+MFW, Jl. Raya Bugbug, Sengkidu, Kec. Karangasem, Kabupaten Karangasem, Bali 80811, Indonesia
West Bali National Park
While you can see macaques at all the other sites above, the only place to find the East Javan Langur, oddly, is at the West Bali National Park.
This is a huge area of over 190 square kilometres and if you want to see monkeys here, it’s best to engage the services of a local guide who can help you get to where you want to be.
It’s a glorious place for nature lovers and you will find all sorts of birdlife and other native fauna here. It is the only Indonesian national park in Bali and the island’s biggest nature reserve.
We’d recommend taking a pair of binoculars and a long telephoto lens if you want to capture some memories here.
Where Is It? VFCG+X44, Sumber Klampok, Bali, Indonesia
Possible Problems With Monkeys In Bali
Before you rush off to meet the monkeys in Bali, we need to have a frank talk about Bali monkeys.
That’s because these are wild animals in their natural habitat and while the Ubud monkey forest is a famous destination for people to meet monkeys, there’s no doubt that wild monkeys are not always friendly and can cause real problems for unsuspecting visitors.
These problems fall into three categories, let’s take a look at each of them.
Theft
Monkeys have absolutely no concept of personal property and the monkeys roaming the monkey forests and temple grounds of Bali, are notorious thieves.
If they see you with anything that they like to eat, they will rip the food out of your hands so fast that you will wonder what happened. They will then proceed to wolf down your food.
Similarly, monkeys often steal people’s glasses or sunglasses and wear them themselves. They may taunt you while they do this. It’s funny when it happens to other people, not so much when it happens to you.
They may also rob things from your bags, particularly if you are foolhardy enough to put the bags down and leave them unattended while playing with the monkeys.
At Uluwatu Temple, the monkeys have learned a unique feat – they steal from tourists and then offer the goods back in exchange for food. Incredibly, they’ve learned the approximate value of things to the people they steal from!
So, expect to pay more for a camera or an iPhone to be returned, than you would for a reusable water bottle! The monkeys of Uluwatu Temple are the only monkey species on Earth to exhibit this behaviour.
Growling/Biting
Bali monkeys will growl if they feel they are under threat. If they feel sufficiently intimidated or provoked, they may attack too and bite.
This is pretty scary and the best way to make them lose interest in you is to back off slowly.
It’s rare for Bali monkeys to fight solo and if one attacks, the odds are pretty good that all of its friends from the area around will soon be joining in on the biting.
Remember that the monkey forests and temples are their homes and that it’s always better to give up some ground and respect their territory than it is to get bitten.
We should note that monkeys are mammals and that mammals in Bali can carry rabies.
While nobody we know of has contracted rabies in the monkey forests of Bali, you can’t take any chances – if you’re bitten, you need to go to a clinic immediately and get anti-rabies treatment.
The bad news is that this treatment is very expensive in Bali. So, we’d advise you to try to avoid getting bitten in the first place.
Urinating
Monkeys may also urinate on people at random. These are usually the people who’ve gone to the Ubud monkey forest and opted to have a monkey sit on them to pose for a photograph.
The animals know that people find this behaviour unpleasant, they just don’t always care about that.
It’s not dangerous to be peed on by a monkey, but it isn’t something we’d want to volunteer for, either.
How To Stay Safe Around Monkeys In Bali
The good news is that Bali monkeys don’t have to be a huge problem for visitors. You can take some precautions with Bali monkeys that help you stay safe and these include:
Don’t leave your bags or other items unattended. Monkeys steal, it’s their nature. If you leave stuff lying around, the Bali monkeys think it’s being given away.
If a monkey tries to seize something from your hands, let it go – don’t try and hold on. This is likely to be seen as a sign of aggression and the animals will fight back. Water bottles definitely aren’t worth fighting over.
Keep your valuables in a closed and secure bag. Monkeys, particularly those living in the Ubud monkey forest or Uluwatu temple, are quite capable of opening zips, laces, ties, etc. So, make sure the bag is locked up (a cheap padlock will suffice) with no loose items and that it’s kept very close to your body.
Don’t feed the monkeys. At the Sangeh Monkey Forest, they’ve just started to give tourists food for the monkeys. This is a very bad idea and as soon as you offer a monkey some food, all of its friends will come to demand food too. You cannot carry enough food for all the animals and when you run out, those who missed out will be annoyed.
Don’t pet or touch the monkeys in Bali. They’re wild animals, not pets. They don’t like being touched and you’re just going to get bitten.
Don’t make direct eye contact with Bali monkeys. This is a sign of aggression in the monkey’s world. You might as well ask it for a fight. So, avoid eye contact.
Stay calm around the animals. Sudden movements born of panic are going to frighten the animals and a scared monkey is an aggressive monkey.
Stay away from baby monkeys. Yes, they’re super cute but there’s no better way to get a monkey bite than to scare a large monkey that wants to take care of its children. Little monkeys are best left alone.
Monkeys In Bali Are Considered Sacred
The Ubud Monkey Forest is not called the Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary for nothing. The Balinese people believe that every monkey and every monkey forest is sacred.
That’s because the Balinese are Hindus and in the Hindu faith there is a monkey god, Hanuman.
Bali monkeys are thought to be Hanuman’s earthly representatives and they are there as sacred guardians of the island, to protect temples and to deliver good luck to the people of Bali.
Thus, Bali monkeys hold a unique position in the religious and cultural makeup of the island. A monkey in a monkey forest or a temple is not thought of as a problem, in fact, it’s considered to be a blessing.
The mischief they cause is not seen as mean or evil either, it’s seen as a manifestation of the playful nature of the gods.
You will often see local people at each popular attraction taking care of the animals because it’s seen as a way to directly connect with the divine.
They are playful creatures never evil spirits and it’s important to treat the monkeys in Bali with respect.
FAQs
Can You See Monkeys In Bali?
Yes! Many people come to spend time in the jungle in Bali because they want to visit these cute, fun creatures and take pictures for the folks back home.
All you need to see a monkey is to visit one of the places above and buy an entrance ticket, the creatures are never far away from their favourite sites.
Is It Safe To Visit Monkey Forest In Bali?
Yes, though we strongly recommend you read and follow all the tips above to ensure that you stay safe around the animals.
Most encounters with a monkey and its friends are nothing but fun and joy. Just remember they are wild animals and you will be fine.
Do Monkeys Swim In Bali?
Yes! Sometimes you will find monkeys using the pool at a hotel, in fact! But mostly they will play in rivers, streams, and natural pools.
Are There Monkeys Everywhere In Bali?
No, but if you’re near a forest, the odds are pretty good that you’re near a monkey or two.
They don’t normally come waltzing into big towns and you’re not likely to encounter a monkey on the beach (though it’s not impossible) but once you get away from major population centres, the odds start increasing.
The places we’ve listed above have the largest monkey populations in Bali and you will definitely find some of the animals at those sites, all year round.
Are There Monkeys In Ubud?
Yes! Ubud is very famous for its monkey forests and there are so many places to meet a monkey in this part of Bali, that you simply can’t go wrong.
How Long Does It Take To See The Monkey Forest In Bali?
Assuming you mean the main monkey forest in Ubud, then once you have paid the entrance fee, you’re free to explore all day long, but most people find that 2-3 hours is usually enough time to get some great pictures and then move on to another site.
How To Book A Bali Holiday To See Some Monkeys?
Whether you want to see monkeys, Ubud, Tanah Lot Temple, or anywhere else in Bali, the best place to book a Bali holiday is the Bali Res Centre.
This is a local travel service that specializes in Balinese travel. They can ensure you see everything that you want to see and get a great deal on any accomodation (and find you a private pool if you need one) and transport you need too.
Final Thoughts On Monkeys In Bali
Monkeys are very cute and a ton of fun to enjoy on your visit to the island.
The easiest place to find them is Ubud in the Centre of the island but there are plenty of other great places to meet monkeys here.
Just make sure to take care of your camera or phone while you get pictures of these awesome little beasts as they aren’t afraid to snatch electronic items out of your hands.
