Visit the Monkey Forest in Bali: Bookings & Rates

Are you planning to discover Bali? Enjoy it to visit the Monkey Forest (Monkey Forest), one of the most friendly places on the island!

Compulsory passage for any visitor to Bali, the Black Forest is, as its name suggests, a large green space (on)populated by our dear macaque cousins! Soothing and restless, the park allows to plunge into an ancient and sanctuarized Bali. This article lists all the practical tips (visit period, rate, what to do...) to visit the Sins Forest in Bali.

Ready for the big trip? Follow the guide to discover this unique place.

History of the Black Forest

Appeal Mandala Suci Wenara Wana in Balinese, the Monkey Forest is located in Ubud In the centre of Bali. The history of the forest is quite undocumented. It is known that it has existed for a very long time and that the construction of its temples dates back to the 14th century. Nevertheless, no one knows with certainty who they were built. What we are sure of is that monkeys have always been there.

The Black Forest is part of the different kingdoms of Bali until 1908, the year of the Dutch takeover of the island. Among his kingdoms are the dynasty of the Pejeng and Gelgel. It was one of the two that built the temples. The area of the forest is 12.5 hectares and houses more than a thousand monkeys, but also more than a hundred species of trees.

Our tips to visit the Black Forest

Best times

The Bali climate is fairly stable. Indeed, temperatures are between 23° and 30° throughout the year, rarely more. However, the period April-October is preferred because it is the dry season. Between November and March, it is the rainy season, although the storms often take place at the end of the day.

The humidity is present throughout the year and the feeling is often higher than the actual temperature, especially during the rainy season. Also know that Ubud is a rarely sunny city so consider yourself happy if you see the sun!

In summary:

• It’s from May to October that the weather is the most lenient.
• It’s in July and August that the climate is the dryest and therefore the most pleasant... but it is also the most touristic period.
• We advise December and especially January, the last month being generally very rainy.
• For those who have the choice, we recommend visiting the Forest of the Indies May, June and September, months off tourist season and almost as pleasant as July and August.

Visit time

You can stay as much as you want in the forest but in general, 3 hours suffice to say: "Good, let's see something else than monkeys!" Unless three groups arrive in front of you, there is no waiting at the entrance.

To take in his backpack

• Many water because you may be hot, the forest being very wet!
• Have also good walking shoes and, in case, what to protect you in case of rain.

Consignes to know

• It is forbidden to disturb monkeys in their daily lives and feed them with your own snacks. It is not a zoo and the monkeys are here at home, and it has been for centuries, never forget it.
• Also the forest is a sanctuary for the premises and some parts are inaccessible to the public.

What to see and what to do at the Black Forest?

Walk in the sacred forest

Not very original for a forest will tell me! Yet, it is above all the discovery of a real tropical forest. Immens trees with branches that swing and cross, mastodons absent from our temperate forests. Of course, we also see the monkeys jump from one tree to another but we will talk about them a little further.

Its particularity: It is also to be sacred to the premises, which explains that it is delimited by ramparts and that three temples are built there. The immensity of the place does not allow to truly grasp this sacred character, but one can sometimes see Hindu processions near the temples or some trees.

Observe monkeys

To confess it is LA main reason why you want to visit the Black Forest! We understand you! They're absolutely everywhere. The monkeys are the symbol of this forest they have always inhabited. The forest belongs to them and the Balinese make it clear at the entrance: ban on disturbing them in their daily lives!

It is a unique opportunity to see how a family and monkeys are in general, and in a space where they live freely. We are then shocked by the likeness in their behavior with that of humans.

The macaques are players: Pay attention to everything that shines, for one of them will be a pleasure to pick you up. The sunglasses are also part of their favorite play. Of course, any food attracts them and it is not uncommon to have a surprise visitor on your shoulder! Know that you are allowed to feed them with the only food sold in the forest.

Be reassured, the incidents are extremely rare and are always due to some non-competitive humans (for example, to undifferent one in the presence of his mother or during the meal). If he jumps on you, let him do it, the monkey will leave himself... but maybe with your glasses!

Discover Balinese temples

Visiting the Black Forest is also admiring the Hindu temples dating back to the 14th century. There are three of them.

• The first is Pura Dalem Agung, the largest of them, recognizable to its orange color. It is dedicated to Shiva and only monkeys are allowed to enter!
• The second is the Pura Beji, dedicated to Ganggaand the farthest from the entrance. Unlike the first, Hindu believers can pray there after purifying themselves with water, which is called melukat.
• The third is Pura Prajapati and is located right next to the cemetery.

To be honest, there are more beautiful temples elsewhere in Bali. Nevertheless, they are an integral part of the forest and the pictures with the monkeys are unforgettable!

How much does a ticket cost to visit the Black Forest?

The adult entrance is set to:

• 80,000 Indonesian rupees (about 5€) for an adult
• 60,000 Indonesian rupees (about €3.80) for a child

Know that there are many packages sold on site or, more rarely, online that can include transport from any city of Bali to the forest, its visit and accommodation in Ubud where we advise you to stay a few days.

How to book an online ticket for the Black Forest?

The entry ticket can only buy on site .

On the other hand, tour operators allow you to book its online package including, for example, a vehicle with driver, visit with a private guide, discovery of secret places and accommodation in Ubud. Depending on the options selected, prices vary between 30€ and 60€ day.

Opening hours of the Black Forest

The Monkey Forest opens 8:30 and close at 6:00 . What is the best time of the day to visit? Hard to say because there's always a world! However, the large size of the forest is not one on the other. However, it is a little quieter during the lunch break, between 12 and 14 hours because you will avoid certain groups. However, there are those who picnic on site.

How to get to the Black Forest?

To visit the Black Forest, you first have to go to Ubud. This is a place where almost all travellers stay and you will not make a return just to access the forest.

Access to Ubud can be done in multiple ways and from multiple locations. It is therefore difficult to draw up an exhaustive list. Among the different options:

• car rental with a driver or not. Know that in Bali, prices are very attractive: so the "luxury" of the vehicle with driver is 50-60 € for the day. Which remains correct.
• Taxi
• The renting of scooter: it is two or three times cheaper than renting a car.
• Transport provided by an all inclusive package
• Only certainty, forget the buses and public transport if you are not part of a group, it does not exist.

From the beaches Kuta or Seminyak, count 1h30 by car or scooter . If you drive, know that the road is quite simple to find because it is pretty well indicated.

Remember: We drive left in Indonesia!

Where to stay near the Black Forest?

The town of Ubud is a true haven of peace, the temple of local Zen. It is therefore an excellent drop point for a few days to recharge, eat well, do a little yoga and visit the rice fields.

There are all types of accommodation, from the hostel to the luxury hotel. So there is one for every budget. So you are sure to find your happiness! If you want to make yourself happy we recommend a hotel. You can also jaunt prices on a hotel comparison to benefit from the best offer. If you succumb to the typical Balinese charm, a Airbnb Make your joy.

Good stay in Bali!