Ubud Monkey Forest: rules and sensible planning

Ubud Monkey Forest suits families when an adult stays close to the children and keeps food out of sight. The sanctuary lists opening hours of 9:00 to 18:00, with last entrance at 17:00 ^[1]. Plan a short, calm visit and the monkeys become the highlight of the day.

For the wider Ubud picture, see our Ubud destination page and the attractions and cultural places hub.

What are the monkeys really like?

The sanctuary calls its monkeys semi-wild and says it is home to more than 1,054 long-tailed macaques ^[2]. They are not pets, and they behave as animals do. They are curious, quick and used to people.

Children love watching them, so the aim is to keep the encounter relaxed. Stay on the paths, keep a calm voice and let the monkeys come and go.

What are the sensible rules for families?

Simple habits prevent most of the trouble. Follow the signs and the staff on site.

1. Keep food, drinks and plastic bags out of sight, in a closed bag or the car.
2. Do not feed or touch the monkeys, even if they come close.
3. Hold phones, cameras and sunglasses firmly, or leave them zipped away.
4. Keep young children by the hand or carried on busy paths.
5. Avoid staring at a monkey or showing your teeth, because it can read as a challenge.
6. Walk away calmly if a monkey grabs something, and ask staff for help.

Next, tell the children the rules before you enter, so the walk feels like a game and not a lecture.

Is it a good choice for every child?

Children aged about four and over who follow instructions tend to enjoy it most. Toddlers may find it exciting and overwhelming, so a carrier helps. Anxious children, or those afraid of animals, may prefer a quieter stop.

The temple areas inside the sanctuary are used for worship, so keep voices low and follow the signage about where visitors may go. A modest outfit is polite. Our cultural etiquette guide covers the basics.

How long should you stay?

Most families are comfortable with one to two hours on easy paths. Shade helps in the heat, but paths include some steps and can be slippery after rain.

Combine it with a gentle Ubud half day rather than several outings. A short walk through town, a relaxed lunch and an early return to the hotel suit small children better. Our guide to attractions ranked by effort for young kids helps you choose.

What if you would rather skip it?

Some families prefer an easier choice. Rice terrace walks, a cooking class or a quiet cafe with a garden give children space without animals close by.

Muslim families should note that some of the town’s meal options are mixed. Ask the driver or agency for a meal-by-meal list and look for the BPJPH halal logo on menus.

What should you confirm before you go?

Ask your driver for the current ticket price on the day, the best arrival time and the walking distance from the drop-off point. Prices and hours can change, so rely on the official page and the ticket desk.

Check your travel insurance, and bring wipes or hand sanitiser for afterward. Use the driver day checker to see whether Monkey Forest fits alongside your other stops.