Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary Tourism

The Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary, also known as the Mandala Suci Wenara Wana, is located in Ubud, Bali, Indonesia. This natural forest reserve is home to the grey long-tailed macaques (Macaca fascicularis), and it's a popular tourist attraction due to its unique combination of natural beauty, cultural significance, and conservation efforts. Spanning approximately 10 hectares in the village of Padangtegal, the forest is not only a wildlife sanctuary but also a spiritual place, with three ancient Hindu temples constructed around 1350 AD within its grounds: Pura Dalem Agung Padangtegal, Pura Beji, and Pura Prajapati. These temples play an important role in the spiritual life of the local community. The dense forest canopy, combined with the chattering of the monkeys and the ancient temple structures, lends an otherworldly feel to the sanctuary. Conservation efforts focus on preserving the area's natural resources, protecting the monkey population, and maintaining the sacredness of the temples. The sanctuary provides an excellent example of harmonious coexistence between humans and nature, with pathways allowing visitors to observe, feed, and interact with the monkeys while also respecting their habitat.