Sangeh Monkey Forest is a bit off the beaten path in Bali and that means you can enjoy this awesome forest full of monkeys without competing with big crowds of tourists for it.
Here’s everything you need to know about visiting the monkey forest including where to stay, where to eat, what there is to do and more.
Where Is Sangeh Monkey Forest?
Sangeh Monkey Forest is in the center of Bali not far from Ubud and Mengwi as well as some of the most famous rice terraces in Bali.
Address: Jl. Brahmana, Sangeh, Kec. Abiansemal, Kabupaten Badung, Bali 80353, Indonesia
How To Get To Sangeh Monkey Forest?
We’d recommend that you hire a private car and driver to take you to the Sangeh Monkey Forest. While you could probably get there in a Grab or Gojek, that might leave you struggling to get home afterwards.
It’s not expensive to hire a private car here in Bali and you can spend about 500,000 IDR ($35 USD or $50 AUD) to engage a driver for 8 hours including the use of the car and all petrol.
When Is The Best Time To Go To Sangeh Monkey Forest?
There’s no specific time of year to see the Sangeh Monkey Forest. The nutmeg forest and the monkeys are always there.
However, we always think it’s best to get to tourist attractions in Bali in the early morning if you can to avoid any crowds. The Sangeh Monkey Forest isn’t usually very busy, mind you, but getting there early practically guarantees that you will have the forest and the monkeys all to yourself.
Is There An Entry Fee For Sangeh Monkey Forest?
No! There’s no entrance fee at the moment for Sangeh Monkey Forest which is fairly unusual for Bali. There is also no expectation that you will leave a donation to enter Sangeh Monkey Forest and if you’re asked to make one – it’s going to end up as a donation to the person asking for it, you don’t need to pay.
What To Expect At Sangeh Monkey Forest?
Monkeys, of course. The monkeys are the main draw of this part of the island but we need to urge you to remember that these are not tame monkeys, they’re wild.
Visitors may take pictures of the species that wander the forest and observe them, but it’s not a good idea to annoy a monkey or get too close to one.
It’s worth stressing that rabies is a real problem in Bali and while there are no recorded incidents of tourists getting rabies from a monkey bite, it’s still entirely possible that it will happen in the future.
Just make sure to protect any valuables you have by placing them securely inside a zipped-up compartment in your bag and then the monkeys can’t steal them.
Bukit Sari Temple/Pura Bukit Sari
Bukit Sari Temple is a 17th-century temple that lies in the heart of the Sangeh Forest. It was said to have been built in the centre of the small forest in an area of natural beauty and the tallest trees by one of the sons of the King of Mengwi (another kingdom in Bali).
Nutmeg Forest
Indonesia was once the most important place in the world for spices and nutmeg and cinnamon were the two most valuable spices.
Thus, the nutmeg forest in Sangeh Monkey Forest was incredibly important when it was first cultivated.
Today, it’s something of a curiosity rather than a working forest and you can roam the nutmeg forest area to your heart’s content.
Lanang Wandong Tree
The name “lanang wandong” means “male and female” and the tree gets its name from the fact that it looks like human body parts that are usually obscured by our clothes.
It’s several hundred years old and located near the entrance to the forest, so you’re bound to see it on your visit.
Where To Stay Near Sangeh Monkey Forest?
There are plenty of places to stay near the Sangeh Monkey Forest though some of them are quite basic and they include:
Honey Tree Villa – a pleasant villa complex in the rice fields with an excellent pool area and it’s super kind to your wallet too.
Mambul Garden Private Villa – a clean, cozy villa in the countryside with a gorgeous pool. It’s also very good value for money.
Pondok Grana – a lovely homestay cottage site that is cool and pleasant throughout. You’re sure to feel at home here.
Villa Bunga Bintang – This is nothing to do with Bintang Beer – Bintang just means “star” in Indonesian. It’s a very basic place which is good value for money.
OYO 92438 Nugraha Stay – OYO hostels are never the best locations or the most upmarket but they are cheap and plentiful.
Where To Eat Near Sangeh Monkey Forest?
There are some great local warungs in the area around Sangeh Monkey Forest including:
Warung Makan Babi Guling Men Wenci – if you love roast pork (babi guling) this is a great place to stop for some – the portions are really generous.
Nyoman Bledor Pork Satay II – if you want cheap and decent pork satay in a place with plenty of street-side parking, this is where to go.
Babi Genyol Pan Aplus (Samsam Ganas) – a simple Balinese brunch restaurant with an emphasis on tasty pork dishes. The pork belly is absolutely delicious.
Lawar Sapi Men Daging Sangeh – a delicious traditional Indonesian restaurant with amazing food and a really relaxed vibe. Mark Wiens, the YouTuber, name it as a top place to eat in Bali.
Pan Baruk Balinese Pork Lawar – an excellent Balinese restaurant with very reasonable menu prices. Just be warned, some dishes are very spicy.
What To Do Near Sangeh Monkey Forest?
There are quite a few attractions within a short drive of Sangeh Monkey Forest too, including:
Taman Mumbul Sangeh – a place where you can watch the Balinese worship and practice traditional water purification rituals.
Tanah Wuk – a cute garden with a nice viewing platform that offers lovely views of the countryside.
Pengempu Waterfall – a waterfall that may appeal to only the most determined of waterfall hunters as it’s quite hard to get to, but it’s worth the trip.
Taman Beji Griya Waterfall – a magical waterfall and temple complex that is a real highlight of any tour of Bali.
Acong Swing Punggul Digital – a Bali swing operation that doesn’t see huge volumes of influencers and is thus, cheaper and more relaxed than some other swings.
FAQs
Is The Monkey Forest In Bali Worth It?
There is more than one monkey forest in Bali and as far as we’re concerned. They’re all worth the effort. There is something about a sacred site, a small forest of natural beauty and monkeys running about the place that is quintessentially Balinese.
What Is The History Of Sangeh Monkey Forest?
In the past, trees had to be moved to the monkey forest from Mount Agung. Mount Agung is the most active volcano in the region and the giant nutmeg trees that once lined its slopes were too precious to allow them to perish.
So, the towering trees were brought to South Central Bali and the Sangeh Forest Area was cultivated from the trees that were saved on the volcano.
The monkeys obviously thought it was a good idea and today, the serene atmosphere of the towering trees is complemented by the calls of monkeys.
Is Sangeh Monkey Forest Worth It?
Yes! Given that there’s no ticket price to enter, the forest area and it’s a beautiful place full of monkeys, we think it’s one of the best deals you’re going to get in Bali.
However, watch out for some enterprising folks from the local village who might come and ask for a small donation for the forest. You’re not obliged to give anything, this forest is completely free to locals and foreigners alike.
Is Ubud Monkey Forest Worth It?
Yes! In fact, we’ve just been and it was great. It can get a little crowded at times, but that doesn’t change the fact that the Sacred Monkey Forest in Ubud is a beautiful place.
Final Thoughts On Sangeh Monkey Forest
Tourists love Sangeh Monkey Forest when they visit and that’s because it’s a wonderful quiet sanctuary in nature situated far away from the majority of the crowds in Bali.
You can explore hidden temples, meet cheeky monkeys, and sit and enjoy the lush countryside. It’s a wonderful place to include on your holiday itinerary.
