Alas Kedaton Monkey Forest
A serene nutmeg forest sanctuary in Tabanan, Bali, home to hundreds of free-roaming monkeys and an ancient temple.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, active monkeys
Alas Kedaton Monkey Forest
Best Time
Fewer crowds, active monkeys
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A serene nutmeg forest sanctuary in Tabanan, Bali, home to hundreds of free-roaming monkeys and an ancient temple.
"Hundreds of monkeys, not aggressive like in the touristic places."
🔒 Secure Your Valuables
Keep phones, sunglasses, and bags secure. Monkeys are known to snatch items!
🍌 Bring Your Own Snacks
Peanuts are popular, but prices can be high. Consider bringing your own if allowed.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Feeding the Monkeys
Forest paths
Engage with hundreds of free-roaming monkeys by offering them peanuts or bananas. A truly interactive experience!
Ancient Temple Grounds
Within the forest
Explore the serene Pura Dalem Kahyangan Kedaton Temple, nestled amidst the nutmeg trees and monkey habitat.
Bat Encounters
Designated area
Get up close with tame fruit bats; you can even hold them for a unique photo opportunity.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Monkey Encounters: Be Prepared!
Timing is Key for a Peaceful Visit
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🔒 Secure Your Valuables
Keep phones, sunglasses, and bags secure. Monkeys are known to snatch items!
🍌 Bring Your Own Snacks
Peanuts are popular, but prices can be high. Consider bringing your own if allowed.
🚶♀️ Hire a Local Guide
Guides help manage monkeys and offer insights, but agree on a tip beforehand.
👗 Dress Modestly
Long clothing is recommended to avoid scratches and for temple etiquette.
Tips
from all over the internet
🔒 Secure Your Valuables
Keep phones, sunglasses, and bags secure. Monkeys are known to snatch items!
🍌 Bring Your Own Snacks
Peanuts are popular, but prices can be high. Consider bringing your own if allowed.
🚶♀️ Hire a Local Guide
Guides help manage monkeys and offer insights, but agree on a tip beforehand.
👗 Dress Modestly
Long clothing is recommended to avoid scratches and for temple etiquette.
🚕 Arrange Transport
Taxis can be scarce afterward; pre-arrange a pickup or driver.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Alas Kedaton offers a less crowded and more intimate monkey forest experience compared to Ubud, with opportunities to feed monkeys and interact with tame bats. While the natural setting and temple are appreciated, some visitors note a strong commercial push from guides and shopkeepers, which can detract from the authenticity of the visit.
"Tour lady guide invited us to buy peanuts for Monkeys. we did & had so much fun taking pictures while feeding them. Also, wearing traditional Indonesian dress & having photos with the bat."
Cashflow RE Diana Lovetravel
"The place is full of monkeys, but they are not aggressive. The tour guide is friendly and skilled at managing the monkeys, ensuring they don’t disturb visitors, making us feel safe throughout our visit.
However, toward the end, we discovered that the tour guide was also the shopkeeper. She almost begged us to purchase items at significantly inflated prices. I would recommend buying only if you're familiar with the original pricing."
Shubham Kanwal
"Entrance was free, there was a lady who was very attentive to us, we walked around all the time. The monkeys liked it very much when they saw the bananas. We walked around and wanted to take pictures of the bats at the back, but it was paid, and then we did some shopping."
Deniz TURNA
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Alas Kedaton is about a 25-km drive northeast of Denpasar, making it accessible from Ubud. Hiring a private driver or joining a day tour is the most convenient way to reach it.
Transportation can be tricky after your visit. It's best to arrange for your driver to wait or pre-book a taxi for pickup.
Many visitors combine Alas Kedaton with other attractions like Tanah Lot or Ulun Danu Beratan Temple on a day trip from southern Bali or Ubud.
Yes, there is a small entrance fee, typically around 30,000 IDR.
While ride-sharing apps are popular in Bali, availability can be limited in more remote areas like Alas Kedaton, so a pre-booked driver is often more reliable.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Alas Kedaton is generally open daily from morning until late afternoon, typically around 9 AM to 5 PM. It's advisable to check locally for any specific holiday hours.
Tickets can usually be purchased at the entrance upon arrival. It's not typically necessary to book in advance, especially since it's less crowded than other sites.
Yes, you can purchase peanuts for the monkeys at the site, usually for a small fee of around 5,000 IDR.
While there aren't usually formal packages, you might find options for photos with bats or traditional dress for an additional fee.
Holding a bat and giving it juice typically costs around 20,000 IDR.
🎫 🐒 Onsite Experience
While monkeys can be unpredictable, visitors generally report that the monkeys at Alas Kedaton are not as aggressive as those in more tourist-heavy locations. However, caution is still advised.
It's recommended to wear long clothing to protect yourself from potential scratches and to be respectful of the temple grounds.
Yes, you can take photos, but be mindful of your belongings. Some guides offer photo opportunities with tame bats for an extra charge.
The site includes the Pura Dalem Kahyangan Kedaton Temple and a nutmeg forest. You can also see large fruit bats hanging in the trees.
Local guides are often available to accompany you through the forest and assist with feeding the monkeys. Tipping is customary.
📸 📸 Photography Tips
Early morning or late afternoon often provides softer light and fewer crowds, making for better photo opportunities.
Generally, photography is allowed, but be respectful of the temple and other visitors. Avoid flash photography directly at the monkeys.
A zoom lens can be useful for capturing monkeys from a safe distance. A wide-angle lens is good for the temple and forest scenery.
Yes, there's an option for professional printed pictures with a bat for a fee, around 70,000 IDR.
The paths where monkeys are actively feeding and the temple grounds offer great photographic potential.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider hiring a local guide to help manage interactions and ensure safety. The opportunity to hold a tame bat might also be a memorable experience for older children. Remember to dress everyone in comfortable, modest clothing.
💰 Budget Travelers
To save money on transport, consider joining a shared day tour that includes Alas Kedaton, or negotiate a day rate with a local driver if you're traveling in a group.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
+1Bring a versatile lens, perhaps a zoom to safely capture monkey behavior from a distance. The natural light filtering through the nutmeg trees can create beautiful atmospheric shots. Don't miss the chance to photograph the large fruit bats, especially during the golden hours.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Understanding the Monkey Behavior
Interacting with the monkeys is a highlight for many. You can purchase peanuts from local vendors to feed them, which often brings them closer. A local guide can be invaluable in managing these interactions, ensuring a safer and more enjoyable experience for everyone. They can help direct the monkeys and advise on how to best offer snacks.
Remember that these are their natural habitats. While feeding is a popular activity, it's important to do so responsibly and under the guidance of locals to minimize any negative impact on the monkeys' natural behavior and diet.
The Sacred Temple and Forest
+1The forest itself is a nutmeg forest, contributing to its unique ecosystem. Walking through the shaded paths, surrounded by lush greenery and the sounds of nature, provides a tranquil experience. The presence of large fruit bats hanging from the trees adds another fascinating element to the sanctuary.
While the primary draw is the monkey interaction, taking a moment to appreciate the temple and the natural beauty of the nutmeg forest enhances the overall visit. It's a place where nature, wildlife, and Balinese spirituality converge.
Navigating the Commercial Aspect
Activities like holding a bat for photos or purchasing snacks for the monkeys come with associated costs. While these can add to the experience, it's good to be prepared for these extra expenses. The price for a professional printed picture with a bat, for instance, is around 70,000 IDR.
Despite these commercial elements, many visitors still find the experience rewarding, especially if they manage expectations and focus on the natural interactions with the monkeys and the serene temple environment.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit