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Sangeh is the village whose northern part covers about 14 hectares of a holy homogen forest of "Pala" trees with hundred of monkey inhabitants. The trees cannot be found on any other part of Bali and their existence in this village remains a mystery. Look for a lovely mossy temple, which is hidden amongst the tall and gracious Pala trees.
 The Sangeh Monkey Forest is located about 30 minutes car drive above Denpasar and just to the east of Ubud. Monkeys have always had a sacred place in the Hindu religion, which is one of the reasons for the number of monkey forests on the island of Bali. Although they make great tourist attractions a monkeys are without doubt some of the most fascinating, incredible and most enjoyable animals to watch.
Sangeh Monkey Forest as with all monkey forests are always located in a holy area where here are many surrounding temples and shrines. Not only this is a cheap and fun day out for all of the family or any groups of travelers but your small admission fee contributes to the running and upkeep of the conservational areas where baby monkeys are bred and protected in their wild habitat with a generous spacing.
The temple of was built in the middle of the 17th century by local priests and it was not long before the rest followed. There are many statutes of figures including demons and spirits around the temple and the forest area to ward evil spirits away from the Sangeh Monkey Forest and the temple is large with excellent use of the Hindu colors orange, red and yellow in cloths and fabrics. The temple is usually closed off to the public but you can see its grandeur from the gates.
 When walking around the monkey park it is possible to walk down to the streamside and where there are rapids and mini water flows and in this area where the ancient trees still tower above your heads with huge thick trunks and entangled in vines and other life. This mix of real rain forest, the monkeys presence and the Balinese cultural importance and presence of the temples and shines make the Sangeh Monkey Forest an unforgettable and totally Balinese experience.
The monkeys of the forest are believed to be sacred and indeed will approach anyone paying respects at the temple. But visitors should be aware that these monkeys are attracted to shiny objects, so cameras and jeweler should be left behind or kept well hidden under clothes or in a bag when exploring the forest. Don't forget to hold your bags tightly to avoid a monkey from stealing it! Also (as you may expect) any food or drinks are likely to be subject to possible theft from a monkey. Incidents are very rare and the monkeys will not attack, except (maybe) if you brought some bananas.
There are trained first aid personnel onsite and monkey experts for consultation on behaviors exhibited and further informational on the area. There are also many great places to eat close by to the forest including western and Indonesian food. There are also a number of places to stay of varying budgets from top end to budget. |
