Ubud Monkey Forest, Bali, Indonesia

There isn’t really a shortage of monkey encounters available in Southeast Asia (the little dudes are everywhere!), but the Ubud Monkey Forest in Bali allows for a unique opportunity to get up close and personal with some species that are currently endangered.

It houses numerous monkeys and creates research and conservation opportunities while giving the public the chance to learn about important issues facing both monkeys and the environment.

© Tekoruay | Dreamstime

I went as part of a group and was able to enjoy my experience here, despite a somewhat nefarious reputation. You see, the monkeys are used to having humans in their habitat and certainly aren’t shy about engaging tourists. The problem is they don’t look at people as friends, but as targets.

Guides warn you ahead of time about their propensity for trying to steal your food and cameras, so it’s best to take as little as possible in with you or keep your goods in your pockets. One girl in our group became engaged in a fierce tug of war with a Macaque who obviously though he’d look better in her sunglasses than she ever could.

© Ekaterina Pokrovsky | Dreamstime

While none of the monkeys attempted to bite us, they were a little on the aggressive side. The babies are generally friendly and will sometimes attempt to crawl on you if you let them, but it’s not recommended as it might tick off the mom.

I thought the overall experience was pretty wonderful and informative, but you might want to get your rabies shots before you go.

Ubud Monkey Forest

Padangtegal

Ubud 80571

62 361 971304