The exact founding date of the Ubud Monkey Forest remains uncertain, yet historical records from the sacred text known as Pura Purana suggest its temples date back to the 14th century during the reign of the Pejeng Dynasty, or possibly even earlier during the onset of the Gelgel Dynasty. If we consider this analysis, the establishment of the temple predates 1343 AD, contradicting the notion of its origin coinciding with the Gelgel Palace in the 17th century. The creation of the Ubud Monkey Forest aligns with the principles of Tri Hita Karana, emphasizing the interconnectedness between humanity and the environment.

Sprawled across 12.5 hectares of sacred land, the Ubud Monkey Forest encompasses three revered temples: Pura Dalem Agung, Beji Temple, and Prajapati Temple, each sanctified by the local community. Research conducted by Udayana University in Bali has identified 115 species of trees within the forest, some of which hold profound significance in Balinese Hindu rituals. For instance, the majestic majegan tree is exclusively used for temple construction, while the venerable banyan tree plays a crucial role in cremation ceremonies. Additionally, the revered pule bandak tree symbolizes the forest’s spiritual essence and is utilized in the creation of sacred masks.

Moreover, the Ubud Monkey Forest serves as a natural habitat for approximately 800 long-tailed monkeys, coexisting harmoniously within this tranquil sanctuary.

The Ubud Monkey Forest Sanctuary is home to approximately 340 Crab-eating Macaque monkeys, consisting of 32 adult males, 19 male sub-adults, 77 adult females, 122 juveniles, and 54 infants. These monkeys are often observed demonstrating their natural behaviors, including cracking open coconuts and enjoying bananas and papayas. Visitors are kindly requested to refrain from taking back any fruit once it has been offered to the monkeys. Feeding the macaques is permitted, but it should be done with caution, and if they accept food from you, please avoid attempting to retrieve it back from them.

Respect for the environment and all its inhabitants is of utmost importance within the Sacred Monkey Forest. This sanctuary holds significant spiritual and cultural value for the local community, and it also serves as a hub for various research and conservation efforts. Researchers from around the globe are drawn to this unique site to study the intricate interactions between humans and monkeys, as well as to contribute to the ongoing preservation of this sacred ecosystem.

As visitors, it is our responsibility to cherish the beauty and magic of this place while demonstrating reverence for its inhabitants. Should you require any assistance or have inquiries, please feel free to approach the Wenara wana personnel, identifiable by their green uniforms, or a member of the research team. Let us all appreciate and protect this holy sanctuary, ensuring its preservation for generations to come.

The Ubud Monkey Forest stands as the premier tourist destination in Ubud, boasting comprehensive amenities that cater to visitors of all ages. With its plethora of facilities, this renowned attraction welcomes hundreds of tourists daily, ensuring a comfortable and enjoyable experience for all. Notably, the expansive parking area eliminates the hassle of finding a spot, while conveniently located restroom facilities are easily accessible throughout the forest grounds. For those seeking guidance or information, a welcoming lobby serves as an informative hub, offering maps and assistance. Additionally, opposite the forest entrance, a charming array of shops showcases a variety of locally crafted souvenirs at affordable prices. Along the forest’s pathways, visitors can also find refreshment options, including beverage and snack vendors, as well as a restaurant. These amenities are thoughtfully provided to enhance the satisfaction of tourists during their visit to the serene village of Ubud.

In addition to its captivating natural beauty, the Ubud Monkey Forest boasts a serene environment characterized by lush forests inhabited by hundreds of friendly monkeys, revered by the local community. Adding to its charm is a stunning temple adorned with traditional Balinese architectural designs, imbuing it with a sense of uniqueness and antiquity. This historical site, steeped in ancient traditions, comprises three temples within The Sacred Monkey Forest:

1. **Pura Dalem Agung Padang Tegal**: Nestled in the heart of the Padang Tegal village within the Ubud Monkey Forest, this temple is dedicated to the worship of the deity Shiva, forming an integral part of the Kahyangan Tiga concept prevalent in traditional Balinese villages. Historically, it was associated with the worship of Dewi Durga as the primary deity of the Bhairawa Sect, underscoring its significance as a spiritual sanctuary to harmonize cosmic energies. Revered by locals and affectionately known as the “Temple of the Dead” by tourists, it holds a sacred place in both spiritual and cultural contexts.

2. **Pura Beji**: Situated in the southwest corner of the Ubud Monkey Forest, Pura Beji serves as a sanctuary for the goddess Ganga. According to Balinese Hindu beliefs, it functions as a sacred space for ritual purification before religious ceremonies. Local villagers seek holy water from Pura Beji for essential ceremonial rites, emphasizing its pivotal role in spiritual practices. Additionally, it serves as a site for melukat, a ritual cleansing of the mind and soul, contributing to the spiritual well-being of devotees.

3. **Pura Prajapati**: Located in the eastern precincts of the Ubud Monkey Forest, Pura Prajapati is revered as a place of worship for Sanghyang Widhi in His manifestation as “Prajapati,” alongside Dewi Durga situated in Hulun setra. According to Balinese Hindu customs, the temple plays a crucial role in guiding departed souls to their final resting place, ensuring their peaceful transition. Families of the deceased gather here to offer prayers and seek blessings for a smooth cremation process, elevating the departed souls to a higher spiritual realm known as “Pitra.”

By encapsulating the spiritual significance and cultural richness of these temples, visitors are invited to delve into the profound heritage of Bali while experiencing a serene and enlightening journey through the Ubud Monkey Forest.