Jungles, Temples,
and Mischief

Tucked into the vibrant heart of Ubud, the Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary offers a walk that feels equal parts nature escape and cultural immersion, with just a touch of cinematic adventure. Dating back to the 14th century, this lush forest has long been considered sacred by the village of Padangtegal, rooted in the Balinese philosophy of harmony between people, nature, and the spiritual world. But as you step onto the .9-mile paved loop, it’s hard not to feel like you’ve wandered straight into an Indiana Jones movie.

The path quickly slips beneath a dense canopy of towering banyan trees, where the light filters in softly and the air turns cool and earthy. Moss-covered statues line the walkway, some fierce, some crumbling, half-hidden beneath vines and roots, as though the jungle is slowly reclaiming them. You cross narrow stone bridges guarded by carved creatures, and every turn feels like it might reveal something ancient just out of sight.

And then, of course, there are the monkeys. The sanctuary is home to over a thousand Balinese long-tailed macaques that bring a lively, unpredictable energy to the forest. They lounge along the path, leap overhead, and watch you with a kind of bold curiosity that makes it clear you’re the visitor in their world. At one point, I paused to take in the scenery, completely unaware that I’d become part of the entertainment. My sunscreen—tucked inside an open pouch in my backpack—must have caught their attention with its coconut scent.

Before I could react, a monkey darted in, grabbed it with impressive speed, and scampered up a nearby tree like it had just struck gold. There it perched, turning the bottle over in its hands, completely absorbed in its discovery. When I instinctively stepped a little closer, hoping it might drop it, the monkey let out a sharp hiss—just enough to make its position clear. Message received. I stopped in my tracks, watching as it clutched its prize and, moments later, disappeared deeper into the canopy, sunscreen and all. Equal parts hilarious and humbling, it was a quick reminder that in this forest, you’re very much a guest, and the monkeys tend to win.

As the path continues, the jungle deepens and the temples appear almost unexpectedly, like hidden ruins waiting to be discovered. Pura Dalem Agung Padangtegal rises dramatically from the forest floor, its dark stone gates and intricate carvings adding to that sense of mystery and reverence. Further along, the sound of water leads you to Pura Beji, where the atmosphere softens and the steady flow of a nearby stream brings a quiet calm. Near the edge of the sanctuary, Pura Prajapati offers a more reflective pause, its connection to the island’s cremation traditions grounding the experience in the rhythms of life and renewal.

By the time you loop back toward the entrance, the forest begins to loosen its hold, the light brightens, and the sounds of Ubud slowly return. It’s the kind of walk that stays with you, part adventure, part stillness, and just unpredictable enough to feel alive.