Sangeh Monkey Forest
Discover Sangeh Monkey Forest, a serene sanctuary with ancient trees, temple ruins, and hundreds of friendly Balinese macaques.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, calmer monkeys
Sangeh Monkey Forest
Best Time
Fewer crowds, calmer monkeys
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Discover Sangeh Monkey Forest, a serene sanctuary with ancient trees, temple ruins, and hundreds of friendly Balinese macaques.
"A must-visit for a relaxed monkey encounter, far from the crowds!"
Skip Ubud, Go Sangeh! :point_left:
Many find Sangeh less crowded and monkeys friendlier than Ubud's. A great alternative for a relaxed experience.
Feed the Monkeys Safely :banana:
Entry includes peanuts! Feed them gently by hand. Staff are present to help and ensure safety.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Playful Macaque Encounters
Throughout the forest
Get up close with hundreds of friendly Balinese long-tailed monkeys. They're known for their gentle nature and willingness to interact.
Ancient Nutmeg Trees
Forest canopy
Wander beneath the shade of towering, 400-year-old nutmeg trees, creating a serene and picturesque natural setting.
17th-Century Temple Ruins
Within the forest
Discover remnants of historical Hindu temples, adding a cultural and spiritual dimension to your visit.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Beat the Crowds, Embrace the Calm
+1Monkey Etiquette is Key
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Skip Ubud, Go Sangeh! :point_left:
Many find Sangeh less crowded and monkeys friendlier than Ubud's. A great alternative for a relaxed experience.
Feed the Monkeys Safely :banana:
Entry includes peanuts! Feed them gently by hand. Staff are present to help and ensure safety.
Entrance Fee Value :moneybag:
Around 75k IDR ($5 USD) includes monkey food and water. A good deal for a memorable experience.
Protect Your Belongings :sunglasses:
Monkeys can be curious! Keep valuables secure and avoid wearing flashy jewelry.
Tips
from all over the internet
Skip Ubud, Go Sangeh! :point_left:
Many find Sangeh less crowded and monkeys friendlier than Ubud's. A great alternative for a relaxed experience.
Feed the Monkeys Safely :banana:
Entry includes peanuts! Feed them gently by hand. Staff are present to help and ensure safety.
Entrance Fee Value :moneybag:
Around 75k IDR ($5 USD) includes monkey food and water. A good deal for a memorable experience.
Protect Your Belongings :sunglasses:
Monkeys can be curious! Keep valuables secure and avoid wearing flashy jewelry.
Capture the Moment :camera:
Plenty of photo ops! Staff can help take pictures, but be mindful of monkey movements.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Sangeh Monkey Forest for its relaxed atmosphere and friendly, well-behaved monkeys, offering a more peaceful alternative to busier attractions. The inclusion of monkey food with the ticket and the helpfulness of the staff are frequently highlighted positives, making it a worthwhile and enjoyable experience for many.
"A lovely place to see the monkeys. It didn’t feel overly busy when we were there, like some place in Bali do now, much more relaxed.
You get a small bag of food for the monkeys with you ticket and a bottle of water. You can hand feed the monkeys or they may climb and sit on you if you hold the food up. Lots of staff walking about to help / take photos / answer questions. Also the monkeys weren’t that aggressive which was nice."
James Craxton
"A must visit ! The forest is beautiful to see and the monkeys are very well behaved and friendly. Entrance was 75k pp and you get a goody bag to feed the monkeys. They’ll gently take the food out of your hand when you feed them.
Not too crowded which was a big plus!"
Amer0701
"Sangeh Monkey Forest is a beautiful and peaceful place to visit. The surroundings are lush and scenic, and the monkeys here are relatively calm compared to those in the Ubud Monkey Forest.
That said, it doesn’t mean you should try to touch them — they’re still wild animals. The good news is, they don’t try to steal your belongings, which made the experience feel safer and more relaxed.
Definitely worth a visit if you want to see monkeys without the chaos."
Sofiia Pronichkina
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Sangeh Monkey Forest is about a 30-minute scooter ride from Ubud. You can also hire a private driver or take a taxi. Many day tours from popular tourist areas in Bali include a stop here.
Public transport options are limited. Hiring a scooter or arranging private transport is the most convenient way to reach Sangeh Monkey Forest.
Scooter rental offers flexibility and is cost-effective. Alternatively, a private driver provides comfort and can be combined with other sightseeing stops.
Sangeh Monkey Forest is approximately an hour's drive from Denpasar, depending on traffic conditions.
Yes, there are parking facilities available for scooters and cars at the entrance of Sangeh Monkey Forest.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The entrance fee is typically around 75,000 IDR for adults and 50,000 IDR for children. This usually includes a bag of peanuts to feed the monkeys and a bottle of water.
No, advance booking is generally not required for Sangeh Monkey Forest. You can purchase tickets upon arrival.
Sangeh Monkey Forest is usually open daily from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. It's always a good idea to check current hours before your visit.
Yes, Sangeh Monkey Forest is generally cheaper than the Monkey Forest in Ubud, making it a more budget-friendly option.
Your ticket typically includes entry to the forest, a small bag of dry fruits or peanuts for feeding the monkeys, and a bottle of water.
🎫 🐒 Onsite Experience
The monkeys at Sangeh Monkey Forest are generally considered less aggressive and more well-behaved than those in Ubud. However, they are still wild animals.
Yes, feeding the monkeys is a highlight! You'll receive a bag of peanuts or fruit with your ticket to feed them by hand.
Compared to the Ubud Monkey Forest, Sangeh is significantly less crowded, offering a more relaxed and peaceful experience.
Wear comfortable walking shoes as you'll be walking through the forest. Light, breathable clothing is recommended due to the tropical climate.
Yes, there are usually friendly guides on-site who can assist you, answer questions, and help you interact safely with the monkeys.
📸 📸 Photography Tips
The entire forest offers great photo opportunities. Focus on capturing interactions between monkeys, their playful antics, and the lush natural surroundings.
Absolutely! The monkeys are often happy to pose, especially if you have food. Be ready to snap pictures quickly as they can be fast-moving.
Use a fast shutter speed to capture the monkeys' movements. A wider aperture can help create a nice bokeh effect, blurring the background.
While you can get close, a zoom lens can be helpful for capturing candid moments without disturbing the monkeys. However, a standard lens is also sufficient for most shots.
Generally, photography is allowed. However, avoid using flash directly at the monkeys, as it can startle them.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
+1Staff are on hand to supervise and assist, ensuring everyone's safety. The relatively calm atmosphere compared to other monkey forests means less stress for parents. Remember to keep a close eye on little ones and their belongings, as monkeys can be curious. The forest itself is also a beautiful place for a family stroll.
💰 Budget Travelers
+2Opting for a scooter rental to get there is also a cost-effective way to explore Bali. The overall experience provides a memorable encounter with wildlife and a glimpse into local culture without breaking the bank.
📸 Photographers & Content Creators
While the monkeys can be fast-moving, the generally calmer environment allows for more focused shooting. Staff can assist in getting closer shots or even help stage photos. Remember to use appropriate camera settings for capturing action and consider the natural light filtering through the canopy.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Why Sangeh Over Ubud?
+4While Ubud's forest is undeniably iconic, its popularity can lead to a chaotic atmosphere. Sangeh, on the other hand, offers a more serene environment, often described as beautiful and peaceful. The presence of ancient nutmeg trees and temple ruins adds a unique charm that complements the wildlife encounters.
+1For those seeking a more authentic and less commercialized interaction with Bali's long-tailed macaques, Sangeh Monkey Forest emerges as a compelling choice, offering great value and a memorable experience without the usual tourist hustle.
+1Interacting with the Monkeys
+1It's important to remember that while the monkeys are accustomed to human presence and generally well-behaved, they are still wild animals. Visitors are advised to avoid direct eye contact, which can be perceived as a challenge. Staff members are usually present to guide interactions, ensure safety, and can even help facilitate photos with the monkeys.
Despite their tameness, it's crucial to keep your belongings secure. Monkeys can be curious and might attempt to snatch items like sunglasses, phones, or bags. By following the guidance of the staff and maintaining a respectful distance, you can ensure a safe and enjoyable encounter with these fascinating creatures.
The Natural and Historical Setting
+1Within this verdant landscape lie the ruins of 17th-century Hindu temples. These historical remnants add a layer of cultural depth to the forest, offering a glimpse into Bali's past. Exploring these sacred sites amidst the playful monkeys creates a unique juxtaposition of nature, history, and wildlife.
The combination of the dense forest, the ancient trees, and the historical temple structures makes Sangeh Monkey Forest a picturesque and immersive destination. It offers a serene escape and a chance to connect with Bali's natural and cultural heritage.
+1
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit