Monkeys have been part of Bali's landscape long before the tourists arrived. In Balinese Hinduism, the long-tailed macaque (Macaca fascicularis) is associated with the god Hanuman — a revered figure in Hindu mythology who represents loyalty, devotion, and extraordinary capability. This sacred status has allowed monkey populations to thrive around temples and forests across the island, creating genuinely memorable wildlife encounters for visitors who know where to look.

Bali is home to two primate species: the Balinese long-tailed macaque and the Javanese Lutung (ebony leaf monkey). The macaques are the more commonly encountered — smart, bold, and completely habituated to human presence, which makes them fascinating to observe and occasionally challenging to manage your belongings around. Book your flights to Bali with Traveloka and plan a primate encounter responsibly.

The Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary in Ubud is the most visited and most famous monkey location in all of Bali. Home to over 700 long-tailed macaques living freely across 12.5 hectares of ancient forest, the sanctuary also contains three sacred Hindu temples — making it simultaneously a wildlife attraction and an active place of worship. The macaques here are completely unafraid of humans and will approach, climb on, and occasionally steal from visitors with remarkable confidence. The forest itself is genuinely beautiful — towering trees, moss-covered stone statues, and temple courtyards that create an atmosphere unlike anything else in Bali.

Practical tips: secure all bags and pocket items before entering, remove sunglasses from your head (macaques are attracted to them), don't offer food unless instructed by staff, and don't make sudden movements near babies — protective mothers can be unpredictable. Entry fees apply. Explore wildlife experiences and activities in Bali through Traveloka.

Sangeh, 30 minutes from Ubud in Abiansemal district, offers a quieter and more atmospheric monkey forest experience than the busier Sacred Monkey Forest in town. The forest here is dominated by towering nutmeg trees — a rare ecosystem type in Bali — and the macaque population is large and active. The name Sangeh translates roughly as "a person who watches", rooted in a local legend about a princess who passed through this forest of frozen nutmeg trees. Entry fees are among the lowest for any wildlife attraction in Bali.

The clifftop Uluwatu Temple is one of Bali's most spiritually significant sea temples — and its resident macaque population is one of its most notorious features. The monkeys here have learned to steal sunglasses, hats, phones, and any loose item with particular determination, and they're clever enough to return items in exchange for food. It makes for entertaining viewing from a distance. Visit for the Kecak fire dance at sunset and factor the monkeys into the experience rather than being surprised by them.

Alas Kedaton near Tabanan is a smaller, less-visited monkey forest that combines wildlife with genuine religious significance — the forest contains the Alas Kedaton Temple dedicated to Ratu Gede Mas Mecaling and is considered sacred by local Balinese. The monkeys here are free-roaming and the atmosphere is considerably more peaceful than the commercial sites. It's a good option for visitors seeking a more authentic, less touristic monkey experience. Flying foxes (large fruit bats) also roost here in enormous numbers.

Beyond the dedicated forest sanctuaries, monkeys appear throughout the Ubud area — particularly along Monkey Forest Road and near the rice terraces at the edge of town. Encountering macaques in more natural settings outside the formal sanctuaries can be equally memorable. The best time to spot them is late afternoon when they become more active as the day cools. Book your airport transfer in Bali through Traveloka and head straight to Ubud — Bali's most rewarding wildlife encounters are all within walking distance.

The monkeys of Bali reward visitors who come with patience and awareness rather than expectations. Find flights to Bali, browse hotels in Ubud for the best access to all the major monkey forest sites, and check Traveloka deals — the wildlife is free, which means more budget for everything else Bali offers. Download the Traveloka app on Google Play or the App Store.