Ubud Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary
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About
Nestled in the heart of Ubud, this sanctuary is home to over 1,200 long-tailed macaques and serves as a vital center for spiritual and conservation efforts. The forest contains three sacred temples—Pura Dalem Agung, Pura Beji, and Pura Prajapati—dating back to the 14th century, all draped in thick banyan roots and moss. Walking through the shaded paths feels like stepping into an Indiana Jones movie, with ancient stone carvings peering through tropical foliage. Experts recommend focusing on the Dragon Bridge for the most atmospheric photos. Pro tip: Avoid any eye contact or smiling (showing teeth) at the monkeys as it is perceived as aggression, and strictly do not bring food or plastic bags into the sanctuary to avoid unwanted attention from the primates.
Highlights
- Ancient moss-covered temples
- Playful long-tailed macaques
- Lush rainforest jungle canopy
- Spiritual forest conservation area
Amenities
Nearby Attractions
Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary Ubud
Nestled within the lush highland town of Ubud, this ancient forest sanctuary is home to over 700 long-tailed macaques living among three 14th-century Hindu temples shaded by towering tropical trees draped in moss and strangler figs. Walking the forest paths while mischievous monkeys swing overhead, groom each other on ancient statues, and occasionally steal food from unsuspecting visitors is one of Bali's most memorable wildlife encounters. The sanctuary serves as an active spiritual site where daily Hindu ceremonies are performed at the temples, and the forest's sacred status has preserved an extraordinary pocket of biodiversity in the heart of Ubud's cultural heartland.
The Yoga Barn
The Yoga Barn is an iconic wellness center that has become the spiritual heart of Ubud's global yoga community. Spanning a lush campus of studios, treatment rooms, and an organic cafe, it offers over 15 classes daily ranging from Vinyasa and Yin to Tibetan Sound Healing. The architecture is rustic and open-air, allowing the tropical breeze and jungle sounds to enhance the meditative experience. The atmosphere is vibrant and communal, attracting practitioners from all over the world. Experts recommend the Sunday Morning Ecstatic Dance for a high-energy, transformative experience. Pro tip: Classes are on a first-come, first-served basis and can fill up quickly; arrive at least 30 minutes early to register and secure your spot in the studio.
Bebek Bengil (Dirty Duck)
Bebek Bengil, or 'The Dirty Duck Diner,' opened in 1990 and has since become synonymous with Balinese crispy duck. The restaurant is vast, featuring traditional pavilions (bales) set amidst lush lotus ponds and rice paddies in the heart of Ubud. The cultural context stems from the local duck-farming heritage of Bali. The sensory experience is tranquil, offering an escape from the city's traffic. The expert recommendation is the 'The Original Crispy Duck,' served with Balinese vegetables and sambal. Pro tip: Request a table in the back garden area to dine right next to the rice fields for the most authentic atmosphere; it is particularly magical during the evening when the gardens are lit with lanterns.
Locavore
Consistently ranked among Asia's 50 Best Restaurants, Locavore in Ubud champions a hyper-local sourcing philosophy where every ingredient is sourced from within the Indonesian archipelago, resulting in tasting menus of extraordinary creativity and flavor that celebrate the biodiversity of one of the world's richest culinary landscapes. Chef Ray Adriansyah transforms local ingredients like salam leaves, kecombrang ginger flower, and heirloom Balinese pork into dishes of global fine dining caliber that simultaneously educate diners about Indonesian ingredients they may never have encountered before. The stunning open kitchen, natural wine program focused on sustainable producers, and dedicated vegetarian tasting menu make Locavore the benchmark for progressive Indonesian cuisine.
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