Ubud Monkey Forest Bali - The Sacred Monkey Forest in Ubud (Gianyar, Bali)

Ubud Monkey Forest Sanctuary or Mandala Wisata Wenara Wana Ubud is a monkey sanctuary for the long-tailed macaques (Macaca fascicuiaris) and there is also temple that is highly respected especially by local residents, Pura Dalem Padangtegal.

The orest (sanctuary) is located in the Desa Pekraman Padangtegal, southern of Ubud Village, in the district of Ubud, Gianyar Regency, Bali. This forest was originally named Alas Pemaosan, then in 1991 changed to Wenara Wana. The name is taken from the Sanskrit, a sacred language, and reflects the sacredness of Hanuman, the Monkey God.

Padangtegal (Ubud) is a tropical area, tend to be cooler than the surroundings due to the higher altitudes and hilly contours. Local residents mostly work as farmers and artist. The existence of Wenara Wana, in addition to have an impact on the conservation of monkeys, have also contributed and strenghten the Desa Pekraman Padangtegal, creating jobs, and increase the income of the local residents.

Monkey plays an important role in civilization of Hindu Asia, particularly in arts and literatures. The Hindu monkey god (Hanuman), more than a thousand years old, tells the story of ancient mutual relationship of monkeys and human.

This then becomes the spirit in conservation efforts, in accordance with the concept of harmony in Balinese Hindu, the Tri Hita Karana (the harmonious relationship to the God, people, and environment).

Although the area is not too extensive, the monkey forest at Ubud is rich in terms of biodiversity. Ubud sacred monkey forest is home to many different species of plants, birds, reptiles, insects, and of course monkeys. There are four long-tailed macaque troops (populations) that live in this forest. There is also a temple, Pura Dalem Padangtegal, which have been built in the 14th century AD.

Several things can be consideration when visiting the monkey forest, not just in Ubud, but also in other places in Bali. Even the monkey was plain and looks cute, but they are still wild creatures and can be aggressive. There are a record number of monkey bites occurring daily.

It would be better to empty your pockets from any food (they will smell everything from chocolate, snacks, chewing gum, etc) and do not bring any bottles into the forest. Just walk around on the path with calm and peaceful, do not get too close to the monkeys, and you will have a great experience in the monkey forest in Bali.

Reference

1. google.co.id
2. monkeyforestubud.com
3. wikitravel.org _ Ubud _ on March 20, 2017
   http://wikitravel.org/en/Ubud
4. wikipedia.org _ Ubud Monkey Forest _ on March 20, 2017
   https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ubud_Monkey_Forest
5. Image : Original Collection

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