What To Expect at Ubud's Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary

Bali's Sacred Monkey Forest is a place you just HAVE to experience if you're going to Indonesia. While you may have seen monkeys at the zoo in your home country, I bet you've never seen free range monkeys in a 25 acre forest. Before you start to plan your visit though, there are some things you should know before purchasing a ticket to the Ubud Sacred Monkey Forest. Below I've outlined answers to all your common questions about this popular tourist attraction including opening hours, ticket information, tips about the monkeys, and more based on both my experience and what I learned from the locals so that you could have a great experience.

WHAT IS THE UBUD SACRED MONKEY FOREST IN BALI?

The Ubud Sacred Monkey Forest is a monkey sanctuary that spreads across 25 acres of land that's composed of 115 species of trees, three temples, and multiple ponds. There are over 1260 Balinese long-tailed macaque monkeys that call this sanctuary home and they are split up into 10 groups based on their location. These monkeys are allowed free range, which means that they are allowed to roam as they please, and visitors are expected to view the monkeys in their natural habitat. This means when you're visiting the monkey forest you'll likely get the closest to a monkey that you've ever been! They walk across the paved paths and sometimes even sit on people.

WHAT TIME IS THE UBUD SACRED MONKEY FOREST OPEN?

The Sacred Monkey Forest in Ubud is open from 9:00 am to 6:00 pm every day of the week. The sanctuary does not typically close on holidays or weekends, so the only times you may not be able to visit are if there is inclement weather, like a really bad storm. You do not need a reservation to visit so you can either purchase your ticket in advance here (< this one comes with a knowledgeable guide so you aren't just walking around aimlessly!) or you can purchase a ticket at the facility to enter unguided.

THE HISTORY OF THE UBUD SACRED MONKEY FOREST SANCTUARY IN BALI

While there is no official "opening date" of the Ubud Monkey Forest Sanctuary, archaeological evidence suggests that the temples were created in 1350 and that it has been considered sacred territory since the 14th century. It didn't become an important conservation and research area until the 20th century though due to a lack of scientific knowledge. Today, the forest's main mission is to to uphold the Hindu principle of Tri Hita Karana, which emphasizes harmonious relationships between humans, nature, and the divine.

HOW MUCH ARE TICKETS TO THE UBUD SACRED MONKEY FOREST?

Ticket prices at the Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary in Ubud are different based on the day you go. An adult ticket on a weekday is IDR 100.000 (approximately $6 USD or $9.5 AUD) while a child's ticket during the week is IDR 80.000 (approximately $5 USD or $8 AUD). Prices increase when tourism is at its highest each week, which is during the weekend. On Saturdays and Sundays visitors can expect to pay IDR 120.000 for an adult ticket (approximately $7 USD or $11 AUD) and IDR 100.000 for a children's ticket (approximately $6 USD or $9.5 AUD). Tickets can be purchased along with a guide by clicking here (which is recommended if you don't want to walk around aimlessly and want to learn a bit!) or you can buy tickets at the entrance upon arrival.

IS IT WORTH GOING TO THE SACRED MONKEY FOREST?

YES, it is definitely worth it to visit the Sacred Monkey Forest in Ubud. This is one of the only sanctuaries in the world where both monkeys and visitors roam freely which makes it a super cool experience. Admission is also pretty inexpensive so there really isn't a reason not to visit. My friend group and I spent a couple hours walking the sanctuary here, taking pictures of monkeys, sitting with monkeys, and just enjoying the forest.

WHAT TO WEAR WHEN VISITING THE SACRED MONKEY FOREST IN UBUD

Because the Sacred Monkey Forest in Ubud has been considered a holy place since the 14th century, it's important to dress modestly to respect the Balinese culture. Make sure to cover both your knees and shoulders. For women, I would suggest getting a sarong like this one for your Bali trip so you can cover your knees or shoulders whenever you're at sacred spots. Do not wear any jewelry or anything sparkly that could attract the monkeys attention-they might try to steal it from you! I would also advise wearing comfortable shoes because there is a lot of walking involved. My favorite cute walking sneakers and my boyfriend's favorite are linked here.

WHAT TO EXPECT WHEN VISITING THE SACRED MONKEY FOREST IN UBUD

When you're visiting the Sacred Monkey Forest in Ubud, Bali, expect a decent amount of tourists. This is a pretty popular tourist attraction in Bali so it can fill up pretty quickly, especially on the weekends. You should also expect to see monkeys running around EVERYWHERE! Since they have free reign, they can go wherever they please, and that does include sitting on your shoulder or lap. If a monkey does come up to you during your visit, just remain calm and don't touch the monkey or make direct eye contact. These monkeys are used to seeing visitors every single day, but it's better to be cautious.

How Long does It Take to get through bali's sacred monkey forest?

It takes approximately 1.5 to 2.5 hours to walk through Bali's Sacred Monkey Forest. However, it's important to keep in mind that the total time it takes depends on your walking pace, if you stop for snacks, and how often you pause to take a photo. My friend group and I spent two hours at the monkey forest and we felt like that was the perfect amount of time.

Does the Sacred Monkey Forest in Ubud have any food?

Yes, Ubud's Monkey Forest actually has multiple food options for visitors to choose from, including the Wenara Cafe in the lobby and Wana Cafe near the open stage. Just remember that while there are options in the forest, guests are not permitted to bring food when visiting!

Ready to Explore More of Bali? Let’s Keep Going

Visiting the Sacred Monkey Forest in Ubud is one of Bali’s most magical and unforgettable experiences — and now you’re ready to enjoy it safely and respectfully. But your adventure doesn’t have to stop here. Scroll down to explore more travel guides on where to stay, what to eat, and what to explore across Bali. And if you're loving these tips, be sure to subscribe for weekly updates packed with travel hacks, destination insights, and helpful advice to make every trip smarter, smoother, and way more fun.