Just a few kilometres separate the famous monkey forest in Ubud from another very special one – the Sangeh Monkey Forest. Here, too, you can experience an exciting excursion and get very close to the monkeys. But the forest has more to offer than just monkeys, including a type of tree that cannot be found anywhere else in Bali.
Where is the Sangeh Monkey Forest located?
The Sangeh Monkey Forest is located, as the name suggests, in the village of Sangeh. As the crow flies, this is about 5 kilometres northwest of the popular town of Ubud. The capital Denpasar is located about 24 kilometres south of the monkey forest.
Despite the short distance, you have to plan for the journey from Ubud about half an hour’s drive. From Denpasar, the journey takes about 50 to 60 minutes. Near the entrance to Sangeh Monkey Forest, there is a large car park, so you can easily travel independently by scooter or car.
The inhabitants of Sangeh Monkey Forest
The Sangeh Monkey Forest is officially a protected forest area and covers an area of about ten hectares. Founded in 1969, this nature park is home to more than 700 macaque monkeys. The monkeys are considered sacred – like the entire Monkey Forest, by the way. So you don’t have to worry about the animals not being kept in a species-appropriate way.
Other inhabitants of the monkey forest
In addition to the monkeys, the forest is also inhabited by other animals. For example, forest cats, eagles and owls live here. However, these are rarely seen. Usually, you will only encounter the monkeys during a visit, which naturally attract a lot of attention.
A special forest
What makes the Sangeh Monkey Forest so special is not the animals. There are several similar places in Bali, for example the Monkey Forest in Ubud. What makes the forest in Sangeh so extraordinary are the nutmeg trees. These trees, which can now reach up to 50 metres in height, are unique to Bali and were probably planted on purpose. Some of the trees are several centuries old.
Temples in the forest
How could it be any different in Bali? Of course, there are also temples in the Monkey Forest of Sangeh: the Pura Melanting and the Pura Bukit Sari.
Pura Bukit Sari
The Bukit Sari temple was originally built in the 17th century as an agricultural temple. It was regularly restored to maintain it – most recently in 1973. In the central courtyard of the temple is a large statue of Garuda, the age of which cannot be accurately determined. This statue is said to symbolise liberation from suffering and the attainment of Amerta, the elixir of life.
Pura Melanting
Pura Melanting is only about 200 metres from Pura Bukit Sari. It is dedicated to Dewi Melanting, the goddess of trade. She is said to protect the village community of Sangeh.
Dealing with the monkeys
The monkeys in the Monkey Forest are generally tame. They are fed twice a day, so they get enough to eat. This is an important prerequisite for avoiding aggression. Nevertheless, the animals remain unpredictable and even if you do not have to fear aggressive behaviour, there are a few things to keep in mind:
- Since the monkeys are curious, they are attracted to anything that glitters or flashes. It is best to avoid jewellery, glasses and other reflective objects in the Monkey Forest. Otherwise, you have to expect that the monkeys will steal these things or at least try to.
- It is best to keep valuables in a backpack or other bag that is out of reach of the animals.
- Sometimes the monkeys climb up on people. In this case, you should not panic. Also, you should not hold the animals – for example, to be able to take a photo with them. The monkeys then feel threatened and can defend themselves with a painful bite.
- Even if the monkeys are tame, they are still wild animals. They do not serve the amusement of humans, but go about their self-determined everyday life. You should not disturb the animals or try to encourage them to do anything.
Conclusion: Is a visit to Sangeh Monkey Forest worthwhile?
The monkey forest in Sangeh is a popular excursion destination for locals and increasingly for foreign tourists as well. The forest, with its huge nutmeg trees, offers a unique attraction that cannot be seen anywhere else in Bali. These imposing trees alone make a trip to the Sangeh Monkey Forest worthwhile. In addition, you will never get bored of the monkeys that live in the forest. If you enjoy interacting with animals and are able to protect your belongings at the same time, you will definitely get your money’s worth in this monkey forest.
