Ubud Monkey Forest Bali Guide 2026: Tickets, Timings & Tips

While many travellers pass through the Ubud Monkey Forest looking for a quick photo opportunity, others find themselves wandering its jungle trails for hours at a time discovering forest temples and playful monkeys. Nestled deep in Ubud’s jungle is this world-renowned monkey sanctuary, featuring over 1,200 Balinese long-tailed macaques. It’s one of Bali’s top attractions. In this guide, you’ll find everything you actually need before visiting: ticket prices, opening hours, the best time to go, safety tips, what to wear, and nearby places worth exploring. If you’re planning a Bali trip or a well-planned Ubud tour package, this is one experience you should not miss in Bali.
Quick Visitor Information
- Location: Jalan Monkey Forest, Ubud, Bali
- Timings: 9 AM – 5 PM
- Ticket Price: IDR 80,000 for adults (approx. INR 430)
- Duration Needed: 1–2 hours
- Best Time to Visit: Early morning
- Ideal For: Families, couples, nature lovers & photographers
Why Visit Ubud Monkey Forest?
The Ubud Monkey Forest is one of Bali’s most famous attractions and welcomes travellers from around the world. Home to more than 1,200 Balinese long-tailed monkeys, the sanctuary offers a mix of nature, culture, and history. Inside, you’ll find ancient temples, tall jungle trees, and peaceful walking paths that make it one of the top Ubud attractions for visitors exploring Bali.
The sanctuary also supports wildlife conservation and local communities. Many travellers combine their visit with nearby temples, rice terraces, and popular cafes in Ubud, making it an easy full-day experience.
Ubud Monkey Forest Tickets, Entrance Fee & Opening Hours
- Ubud Monkey Forest Entrance Fee:
Adults: IDR 80,000 (approx. USD 5)
Children (3–12 years): IDR 60,000 (approx. USD 3.75)
Children under 3: Free
- Ubud Monkey Forest Opening Hours: Open daily from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM (last entry at 4:00 PM).
- Where to Buy Tickets: Tickets can be purchased at the entrance gate or online advance through Bali travel platforms and customised Bali tour packages.
Tip: If you’re visiting during peak tourist season (July–September or December–January), book tickets in advance to avoid queues.
Best Time to Visit Ubud Monkey Forest
The sanctuary is open year-round, but the best time to visit the Ubud Monkey Forest is the following:
- Early morning (9–10 AM): Cooler temperatures, fewer crowds, and more active monkeys.
- Late afternoon (3–4 PM): Quieter atmosphere before closing.
Season-wise:
- Dry Season (April–October): Best for photography and outdoor exploration.
- Rainy Season (November–March): Fewer tourists, but carry a raincoat/umbrella.
What to Expect Inside the Sanctuary
1. Meet the Monkeys Inside Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary
Hundreds of monkeys roam freely. They are curious, cheeky, and sometimes mischievous – so expect close encounters! Feeding them is discouraged, but you’ll have plenty of opportunities to observe their behaviour up close.
2. Sacred Temples
The sanctuary houses three temples:
- Pura Dalem Agung Padangtegal (main temple)
- Pura Beji (holy spring temple)
- Pura Prajapati (cremation temple)
These are not only stunning architectural marvels but also hold deep cultural and spiritual value for Balinese Hindus. Add these temples to your itinerary if you plan to explore the temples in Bali.
3. Natural Beauty Inside Ubud Monkey Forest
Lush jungle paths, hanging roots of giant banyan trees, and stone carvings give the forest a mystical vibe. It’s also a photographer’s paradise, especially for Instagram-worthy spots in Ubud.
Safety Guidelines for Visiting Ubud Monkey Forest
- Secure Your Belongings: Keep sunglasses, phones, water bottles, and jewellery zipped inside your bag.
- Avoid Eye Contact: Direct staring can be seen as aggression. Stay calm if a monkey approaches.
- Don’t Feed the Monkeys: Feeding them can encourage aggressive behaviour, so it’s best to observe them from a safe distance.
- Keep Calm: If a monkey jumps on you, stay relaxed and let it move away naturally.
- Follow Staff Instructions: There are trained guides who help manage visitor safety.
- Stay on Paths: Avoid wandering into dense areas of the jungle.
- Children Supervision: Keep kids close at all times, as monkeys can be unpredictable.
What to Wear in Ubud Monkey Forest
- Light, breathable clothing (humidity can be high).
- Comfortable walking shoes for uneven forest paths.
- Modest attire around temple areas (carry a sarong if visiting temples).
- Hat/sunglasses (only if secure, as monkeys may grab them).
- Raincoat/umbrella if visiting during the wet season.
Best Places to Visit Near Ubud Monkey Forest
Once you’re done exploring, don’t rush off just yet. The Monkey Forest is located in the heart of Ubud, surrounded by cafes, markets, temples, and scenic walking trails. Many travellers spend the rest of their day exploring these nearby attractions and turning the visit into a full Ubud experience.
1. Discover the Best Cafes in Ubud
After your jungle walk, relax at some of the best cafes in Ubud known for smoothie bowls, speciality coffee, and peaceful rice-field views. Many cafes are just a short walk from the sanctuary, making them perfect for a quick break.
2. Shopping – What to Buy in Bali
Visit the nearby Ubud Art Market for handmade souvenirs, batik fabrics, wooden crafts, silver jewellery, and locally produced coffee. It’s one of the best places to visit in Bali for traditional shopping and cultural finds.
3. Combine With Other Attractions
Ubud Monkey Forest is close to famous attractions like Ubud Palace, Saraswati Temple, and Campuhan Ridge Walk to make their journey more memorable. Many travellers combine these spots into a half-day or full-day Ubud itinerary.
How to Reach Ubud Monkey Forest
Ubud Monkey Forest is located in central Ubud and is easily accessible from most major tourist areas in Bali. Visitors can reach the sanctuary by private taxi, scooter, or ride-hailing apps like Grab and Gojek.
| Starting point | Distance to Ubud Monkey Forest | Travel time | Approx. cost (IDR) | Approx. cost (INR) |
| Ubud Palace | ~1 km | ~5 min | IDR 20,000–50,000 | INR 105–265 |
| Seminyak | ~29 km | ~35 min by car; ~1h 45m by public transport | IDR 50,000–75,000 by car; IDR 190,000–220,000 by public transport | INR 265–398 by car; INR 1,010–1,170 by public transport |
| Canggu | ~34–38 km | ~1–1.5 hrs | IDR 300,000–500,000 | INR 1,590–2,650 |
| Kuta | ~31 km | ~30 min by car; ~1h 37m by public transport | IDR 55,000–85,000 by car; IDR 20,000–80,000 by public transport | INR 290–450 by car; INR 105–425 by public transport |
| Denpasar Airport | ~37–40 km | ~1–2 hrs | IDR 350,000–550,000 | INR 1,855–2,915 |
Is Ubud Monkey Forest Worth It?
Absolutely. Visiting the Ubud Monkey Forest isn’t just about seeing monkeys – it’s about experiencing a slice of Balinese culture, spirituality, and nature. Whether you’re travelling solo, as a couple, or with family, the sanctuary appeals to all ages.
Things to Know Before Visiting Ubud Monkey Forest
- Avoid carrying food openly, as monkeys may try to grab it.
- Don’t touch baby monkeys because protective adults can react aggressively.
- Keep sunglasses and loose items secured to avoid monkeys snatching them.
- Forest paths can become slippery after rain, so wear shoes with good grip.
- Midday usually gets crowded with tour groups and long photo queues.
- Avoid carrying plastic bags in hand, as monkeys often mistake them for food.
- Carry a reusable water bottle, but keep it hidden from monkeys.
- Hire a local guide if you want in-depth cultural insights.
- Plan 1–2 hours inside the sanctuary, followed by nearby explorations.
Conclusion: Explore Ubud Monkey Forest
The Ubud Monkey Forest is one of those places that feels far more memorable in real life than in photos. From ancient temples and jungle trails to playful monkeys, every corner offers something unique. With the right timing, safety tips, and planning, your visit becomes much smoother and more enjoyable. If you’re exploring Ubud tourism, make sure this sanctuary is part of your itinerary. Carry your camera, stay alert around the monkeys, and enjoy one of Bali’s most unforgettable experiences.
FAQs
Most monkeys are playful and used to visitors, but they can become aggressive if you carry food or try to touch them. Staying calm and following safety rules usually keeps the experience safe.
Yes, monkeys are known to grab loose items like sunglasses, hats, phones, and plastic bags. It’s best to keep valuables secured inside your bag while walking through the forest.
Yes, families with children visit the sanctuary regularly. Parents should keep kids close at all times because the monkeys are wild animals and can behave unpredictably.
Most visitors spend around 1–2 hours exploring the forest, temples, and walking trails. If you enjoy photography, you may want to stay longer.
Yes, photography is allowed throughout most areas of the sanctuary. Early morning is usually the best time for clearer photos and fewer crowds.
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