If you land in Tabanan or nearby, checking out the Alas Kedaton Monkey Forest Sanctuary is almost mandatory. From my vantage point as a seasoned trip advisor, I’d say it’s one of the most authentic places to witness Balinese monkeys in their natural habitat—without the frantic energy of busier forests. This monkey forest isn’t just about cheeky macaques; it’s also about centuries-old temples, natural springs, and that undeniable spiritual aura.
During my first visit, I wandered under a canopy of hundred year old banyan trees. The light filtered through knotted roots, creating these dappled shadows on stone shrines. Monkeys scampered around everywhere—some grooming each other, others eyeing my water bottle with curious intent. The ambiance? So chill yet alive. That mix of peaceful serenity and cheeky wildlife gives you a real feel for Bali’s natural and cultural harmony.
And the place isn’t overly crowded like other popular monkey forests—so you can actually chat with local guides, ask questions, and hear stories about the temple perched in the middle. One guide shared that monkeys here are considered the guardians of the forest temple. That stuck with me: whenever I saw a macaque gently knocking on temple railings it’s like they were performing a sacred ritual. It feels rooted, real.
Getting There & What to Expect – Advice from Real Visits
Location, Entry & Timing Tips
Alas Kedaton lays out in Tabanan regency, about 30 minutes west of central Ubud. From Ubud center, I’d grab a scooter or ask a driver to head west—scenic ride through rice terraces is a bonus. You’ll spot a sign along Jl Raya Kedaton and follow it to a small parking lot beneath big trees. Entry fee? Affordable—something like IDR 40,000 depending on the year. Kids pay lower. They’ll hand you a wristband and basic monkey etiquette instructions.
I learned quickly to go early—around 8:30–9:00 AM. Cooler, fewer people, more relaxed monkey behaviour. I once went at 11:00 AM and it felt sticky hot, noisy, and monkeys were more agitated. On one early morning, I lingered watching a tiny macaque quietly clean a mosquito bite on its companion. Pure magic—and something I almost missed by going midday.
Alas Kedaton on the map:
What Entrances & Layout You’ll See
There are two gates: the main entrance with temple and food ring around it, and a second exit near springs and a forested trail. You’ll pay once and wander through both zones. Most folks stay near the temple, but take the longer trail that loops through dense forest, big palms, and hidden pools. I took a wrong turn once, found a shady bench beside a mossy wall—just me and a couple of monkeys grooming each other. That calm area isn’t on most maps, but a guide pointed it out. Just ask locals for that route if you’re curious.
Monkey Behavior and Safety Tips – Real World Lessons
Spending over an hour inside this forest taught me a bunch of things the hard way:
- Don’t bring plastic bags: Monkeys love tearing them open and raiding contents. One savvy macaque grabbed my sunglasses case, popped it open in seconds. I nearly had to chase it—risky. Secure everything.
- Hands-off food: Don’t hold snacks in your palm—even peanut butter sandwiches attract monkeys FAST. I once offered a friend a banana slice, monkey swooped in and grabbed from her own plate. It’s comically fast.
- Respect boundaries: If a monkey hisses or bares teeth, step back slowly. I tried a selfie once with tail wagging macaque behind me; its hiss made me jump. Lesson learned: I’m not in charge.
- Leave valuables zipped: Pockets should zip, bags fastened. I’d seen monkeys dart across shoulders grabbing sunglasses or water bottles before people realized. Learn from others.
Despite these flubs, I never felt unsafe. The forest staff monitor interactions from shaded huts. If monkeys get too close, they gently shoo them away; no harm intended. They usually carry sticks but use them softly, more like gentle direction. Treat monkeys with respect and observe—they usually reciprocate that calm energy.
Sacred Temple & Balinese Spiritual Side – Insider Knowledge
The temple in the heart of Alas Kedaton is called Pura Dalem Kahyangan Kedaton. I sat on temple steps one morning, across from locals making offerings: flowers, incense, rice cakes. I chatted with a local guide who explained monkeys are considered temple guardians—connected to Bali’s spiritual concept of tri kaya parisudha (cleanliness of thought, word, deed). They’re not just wild animals here but part of Balinese Hindu cosmology.
That means don’t just treat it as tourist “monkey park.” Observe silent rituals if locals are there, show courtesy when they pay homage. Once I respectfully stepped aside while a group of women in kebaya offered canang sari near a shrine. I felt honored to witness that moment quietly alongside curious macaques. There’s layers to this place—you see the behavior, but then you notice the sacred structure, the temple carvings, and the constant presence of offerings. Mix of nature and devotion.
Best Time of Year & Weather Effects – From My Seasonal Visits
I’ve been to Alas Kedaton during dry season (April–September) and early rainy season (October–December). Both have their charms:
- In dry season, trails are easier, forest floor dustier but dry. Monkeys are more visible during morning hours. Only downside is midday heat can be scorching and monkeys less active under canopy shade.
- Early rainy season brings lush greenery, occasional rainshowers, and dirt paths become muddy but cool. On one afternoon, I got caught in a short drizzle—forest smelled of wet earth and leaves. Monkeys were playfully chasing water droplets falling from leaves. Honestly refreshing vibe, but wear waterproof shoes because paths get slippery fast.
Avoid peak monsoon (January–February) when access can be restricted due to flooding or slippery wooden boardwalks. Trip advisors I spoke with in Ubud told me many locals postpone trips during heavy rains.
Photography & Content Creation Tips – Real Lessons Learned
Capturing Monkeys in Motion
Flash is a no-no. Monkeys hate bright bursts—it scares them. I used a camera with continuous autofocus at settings about f/5.6, shutter speed ~1/250 s, ISO 400, and got crisp close-ups of macaques grooming each other. I even caught one picking fleas in choreographed slow-motion—love that shot.
Scenic Wide Shots of Nature & Temple
Wide angle lens helps capture banyan roots, temple entrance, and monkeys in context. I framed shots low to the ground for a more immersive perspective. One particular sunrise photo I got had golden streaks through trees, temple silhouette, and a monkey grooming in silhouette. That image got shared widely and prompted questions: “where is that forest?” So picture quality and story-go together.
Useful Tips for Video or Reels
Shoot short clips of monkeys hopping onto wooden railings or steam rising in river springs—for video content, those natural moments engage viewers. Record the guide’s voice explaining the monkeys’ spiritual role; later extend that into a voiceover. The ambient audio of wind rustling leaves, monkeys squeaking, and temple bells ringing adds authenticity.
Comparing Alas Kedaton with Other Bali Monkey Forests
People often compare this to Ubud’s Monkey Forest (Sangeh or Ubud Monkey Forest). But here’s what’s different, from my visits:
- Scale & Crowds: Ubud Monkey Forest draws thousands daily; Alas Kedaton feels more intimate—200 500 visitors per morning vs several thousand. That shift changes the vibe.
- Cultural Surroundings: In Ubud you’re in built up town zones; at Alas Kedaton you’re amidst rice terraces and rural villages. Hit the forest and it’s quiet, locals waving as you pass on the bike ride in.
- Animal Behavior: Monkeys at Ubud Forest can be more aggressive because of feeding habits, whereas at Alas Kedaton they’re calmer—less used to tourists feeding by hand.
- Temple Focus: Ubud’s forest has ruins but more tourism overlays; Alas Kedaton has functioning temple ceremonies and locals attending daily rituals alongside wildlife.
In short: Ubud Monkey Forest is more touristy, louder. If you want peace, deeper cultural connection, and respectful interaction, Alas Kedaton is the spot.
What Readers Often Ask: FAQs and Real-Life Clarifications
“Can I feed the monkeys?”
Technically no. They discourage outside feeding. Staff sell bananas at a designated spot but warn you not to hand them directly—monkeys scramble for them and it gets chaotic. I once offered a banana and a macaque wrestled it from me! Better to take pictures and let them find forest food naturally.
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“Is it safe for kids?”
Yep, with supervision. My nieces visited and we walked slowly, staying together. The forest pathways are mostly flat. If kids scream or run, monkeys may react—so remind ’em to move calmly. Staff presence helps moderate behavior. I didn’t witness injuries, just some stolen snacks.
“Are there toilets, parking, food stalls?”
Yes, simple toilets near entrance; parking space for cars and scooters. A few warungs (food stalls) by the entrance selling iced tea, snacks, nasi goreng. Food isn’t amazing but convenient. Better to eat in Ubud before or after—makes your trip smoother.
“Can I combine this with other Ubud trips?”
Absolutely. Many people do it as a half-day trip: morning at Alas Kedaton, lunch in Ubud, then visit Tegallalang rice terrace or a yoga studio. I once spent morning there, had lunch overlooking rice fields in Ubud, then went to a spa. Made for a perfect relaxed Bali day.
Additional Hidden Scenes and Personal Anecdotes
I’ll share a fun tangent: on one visit, I got invited by a local caretaker to help feed coconuts to the resident fruit bats nearby. That’s not typical, but it happened because I politely asked after I noticed flying foxes hanging high up at edge of the forest. Turns out locals sometimes feed them too. A caretaker handed me a coconut half and I lobbed it up—bats swooped down so elegantly, real slow-motion ballet. That moment—forest, monkeys, bats, temple bells—felt like nature’s full playlist.
Another time, I lingered after closing time accidentally (I misread the time). I was calmly walking to exit when monkeys started patrolling the paths—they’re used to humans leaving. A guide gently ushered me out; seeing the forest empty and silent with monkeys gliding between trees was eerie and amazing. Quietest place I’d ever seen at dusk.
Read also our post about: Bali Museum Denpasar
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