Monkey Forest Sanctuary

The Ubud Monkey Forest is a temple complex and nature reserve situated in Bali. As one enters the forest, one can read the full name "Padangtegal Mandala Wisata Wanara Wana Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary" written eloquently. According to the monthly numerical estimations, the sanctuary is frequented by over 10,000 visitors every month.

Some Highlights of the Sanctuary

Crab-Eating Macaque: There are approx 605 Crab-eating Macaque (Macaca fascicularis) in the sanctuary.

Monkeys: The sanctuary havens 39 adult male monkeys, 38 male sub adult monkeys, 194 adult female monkeys, 243 juvenile monkeys and 91 infant monkeys.

There are four groups of monkeys in total in the forest and occupy different areas.

Trees: The sanctuary has vast expanse of flora spread over (10^{th of a square km), which is expounded by 115 species of trees.}

Temple: The sanctuary has two main temples, Pura Dalem Agung Padangtegal temple and "Holy Spring" bathing temple. There is also a temple that is used for varied cremation ceremonies in the forest.

Ownership & Management

The village of Padangtegal holds ownership claims of the Monkey Forest, and the members of the village act as the forest’s governing council. The forest is managed by the Padangtegal Wenara Wana Foundation. Along with maintaining the forest, the Padangtegal Wenara Wana Foundation also promotes the site.

Food Supply

The forest has always been replete with innumerable monkeys, and according to 2013 statistics, the population of the monkeys in the forest is higher than ever. No matter how much the population of monkeys in the forest increases, there is never any shortage of food supply in the forest. People who make visit to the forest also bring along food for the monkeys and it’s not surprising why many monkeys in the forest look obese.

Many incidents have occurred on recurrent basis in the Monkey Forest Sanctuary, such as monkeys or crab-eating macaques appearing in groups and grabbing the bags containing food of the visitors. The incidents of tourists bitten by monkeys are also quiet common.