Monkey Forest

🌍 Location: Uluwatu Temple, Bukit Peninsula, Bali
📅 Best Time to Visit: Late Afternoon (before the Kecak Fire Dance at sunset)
⚠️ Beware of: Monkeys stealing belongings such as sunglasses, hats, and phones

🌴 Overview

Uluwatu Temple (Pura Luhur Uluwatu) is one of Bali’s most sacred and scenic sea temples, perched on a 70-meter-high cliff overlooking the Indian Ocean. The temple is home to a large troop of long-tailed macaques, which are playful, curious, and sometimes mischievous.

While these monkeys are a popular attraction, visitors should be cautious, as they have been known to snatch personal belongings like glasses, phones, hats, and even earrings.

🐵 Highlights & Monkey Behavior

✅ Wild Monkeys in Their Natural Habitat – Watch the long-tailed macaques interact and play.
✅ Smart & Mischievous Monkeys – These monkeys are known for stealing and may exchange stolen items for food.
✅ Monkey Feeding Areas – Visitors can observe locals offering fruits to the monkeys.
✅ Breathtaking Cliffside Views – Enjoy panoramic ocean views while spotting monkeys.
✅ Uluwatu Kecak Fire Dance – A must-see cultural performance at sunset in the temple’s amphitheater.

⚠️ Tips to Stay Safe from the Monkeys

🚫 Do NOT feed the monkeys – This encourages aggressive behavior.
🕶 Keep sunglasses and loose accessories in your bag – Monkeys love to snatch shiny objects.
📱 Hold your phone tightly when taking photos – They are known for stealing and running away.
🎒 Zip up your bag – Avoid easy-to-grab items like snacks, wallets, or cameras.
🦶 Do not chase or provoke the monkeys – They can become aggressive if they feel threatened.
🍌 If a monkey steals something, offer food in exchange – Some locals may help retrieve stolen items.