Monkey Forest

This cool and dense swathe of jungle, officially called Mandala Wisata Wanara Wana, houses three holy temples. The sanctuary is inhabited by a band of grey-haired and greedy long-tailed Balinese macaques who are nothing like the innocent looking doe-eyed monkeys on the brochures. Nestled in the forest, the interesting Pura Dalem Agung has a real Indiana Jones feel to it with the entrance to the inner temple featuring Rangda figures devouring children.

 

You can enter through one of the three gates: the main one at the southern end of Monkey Forest Rd; 100m further east, near the car park; or from the southern side, on the lane from Nyuhkuning. The forest has recently benefitted from an infusion of money. Useful brochures about the forest, macaques and temples are available. Note that the monkeys keep an eagle eye on passing tourists in hope of handouts (or an opportunity to help themselves). Don’t feed these creatures.

Tour information : kayu_urip@yahoo.com