Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary

The Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary is a 12.5-hectare nature reserve and temple complex in Padangtegal, Ubud, Gianyar Regency, Bali. Home to over 1,260 long-tailed Balinese macaques, it centers on three 14th-century Hindu temples within dense tropical forest. Managed by the Padangtegal village community, the sanctuary combines wildlife conservation, spiritual significance, and forest preservation, making it one of Ubud's most visited cultural and natural attractions.

Visitors can expect a shaded tropical forest with paved pathways, stone bridges, and dense vegetation housing more than 115 tree species. The sanctuary is inhabited by free-roaming long-tailed Balinese macaques visible throughout the grounds. Visitors can explore three Hindu temples - Pura Dalem Agung Padangtegal, Pura Beji, and Pura Prajapati - ancient banyan trees, moss-covered statues, and a forest conservation area. The site includes marked walking trails, viewing areas, and staff-guided zones for observing monkeys in their natural habitat.

The forest and its temples are believed to have been established around the 14th century and are managed by the Padangtegal village community. The three temples - Pura Dalem Agung Padangtegal, Pura Beji, and Pura Prajapati - have served as spiritual and community centers for centuries. The sanctuary was formally managed as a conservation area to preserve the sacred forest and its macaque population under traditional village governance.

The sanctuary embodies the Balinese Hindu philosophy of Tri Hita Karana, which emphasizes harmony between humans, nature, and the spiritual realm. The forest is considered sacred by the local community, and the temples are active places of worship and ceremony. The macaques are regarded as sacred guardians of the forest. The site serves as an important center for spiritual practices, conservation education, and research on human-macaque interaction.