Tag: COMO Uma Ubud

Ubud Monkey Forest Bali -Kingdom of the Swingers!

Remember King Louie and his kingdom in Jungle Book? Though you won’t meet the ‘King of Swingers’, you will meet many of his subjects at the amazing Ubud Monkey Forest in Bali. So, quit ‘monkeyin’ around’ and read this!

Mutante, Bali Indonesia Ubud Monkey Forest 01, CC BY-SA 3.0
Image Credit – Mutante, Bali Indonesia Ubud Monkey Forest 01, CC BY-SA 3.0

Where Monkeys Rule

Flickr user: D.Meutia //www.flickr.com/photos/dewimeutia/, Ubud Monkeys, CC BY 2.0
Image Credit – Flickr user: D.Meutia, Ubud Monkeys, CC BY 2.0

Also known as the Sacred Monkey Forest of Padangtegal, the Ubud Monkey Forest is one of the most popular attractions in Bali. This natural forest sanctuary is home to over 700 grey long-tailed macaques that have taken over the entire area as their kingdom. The locals believe that the forest is an important economic, educational, and spiritual conservation centre for the village.

How To Get There

Mutante, Bali Indonesia Ubud Monkey Forest welcome sign, CC BY-SA 3.0
Image Credit – Mutante, Bali Indonesia Ubud Monkey Forest welcome sign, CC BY-SA 3.0

The forest is located about 10 minutes away from Ubud City and an hour away from Denpasar, the capital city of Bali. There are plenty of options for accommodation – rooms and villas can be found within easy reach of the forest as well as high-end resorts like COMO Uma Ubud. If you’re driving there by yourself take the Ubud main road and go south towards Jalan Hanoman. This will lead you to a right turn towards the forest.

Monkeys Galore

William Cho, Bali – The Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary (2688748308), CC BY-SA 2.0
Image Credit – William Cho, Bali – The Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary (2688748308), CC BY-SA 2.0

Since monkeys are the main attraction here, there are many conservation efforts underway that include many studies and research dedicated to observe the monkeys’ diet, health, and breeding habits. The monkeys come very near tourists and this makes it tempting to touch and feed them, but you are advised against it. Why? Because they are wild animals and no matter how cute they look you always need to exercise caution. You are also advised to not wear any loose apparel or jewellery that the creatures will snatch from you.

Much More Awaits

Image Credit - っ, Pura Dalem Agung Padantegal 200507, CC BY-SA 3.0
Image Credit – っ, Pura Dalem Agung Padantegal 200507, CC BY-SA 3.0

There are three Hindu temples located within the Ubud Monkey Forest that are said to be built around 1350. They are the Pura Dalem Agung Padangtegal or the Padangtegal Great Temple of Death, the Pura Beji Temple and the Pura Prajapati Temple. All of these temples have amazing statues and relics.

Fritzjames Stephen is a travel writer, who writes content based on the myriad of experiences and indulgences that the world has to offer travellers across all walks of life.

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Puri Saren Royal Palace; A cultural fortalice.

The Puri Saren Royal Palace, also known as the Ubud Palace is a historical building complex located in Ubud. Famously known as the focal attraction of Ubud, this is the official residents of the royal family of Ubud. Built by the late lordship of Ida Tjokorda Putu Kandel, this is a charming complex of unique architecture and tasteful garden design.

At the northern end the palace is the Monkey Forest road. The Ubud Palace is considered a convenient stopover, as it is strategically surrounded by the Ubud Art Market, various local and international restaurants just a few steps away along the main Jalan Raya Ubud especially if you are lodging in rooms and villas in Ubud, to catch all the city’s got to offer provided by the many hotels rooted in the area such as COMO Uma Ubud.
The forward-facing area of the palace is accessible for viewing to the public. Photographs of the complimentary times are displayed on the sides, which can be viewed via walkthroughs. A local guide will be available to educate you on the major historical milestones of the palace and answer your queries.
It is comprised of a performance stage with a backdrop of angkul-angkul traditional gate and guardian statues. The premises are famous for the wonderful Balinese arts and striking evening dance performances with gamelan orchestras. The tickets for these performance shows will usually be sold in the evening, so be sure to catch a show on your visit there.
While serving as a cultural repository of Balinease art, dance and literature, the palace also hosts various international events such as the opening ceremonies of the annual Ubud Writers & Readers Festival in its meeting halls and stage.
Do keep in mind when visiting; to not touch the historical artefacts as they are fragile and delicate.

Intrigued by history, art and food, Lavinia Woolf is a writer who is passionate about the extraordinary and writes of the exhilarating and enchanting. Google+