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Ubud Monkey Forest
2005-11-14
[Ubud Tourism]
 Bali Monkey
It is captivating, mystifying, and appealing ambiance of a lush ecological reserved haven where you can freely get along with those friendly monkeys.Once in a life you will scarce to leave your remembrance on Bali monkeys. Come over everywhere throughout Bali, you will find nothing impressed, but here, words of aesthetic adorn hundreds of visitors every day. Bali monkeys are not all about wild and ordinary God’s creatures, and no more words can depict its eternal equilibrium amongst God, human races, animals and environments where they live in. So come there, and let your mind conceive all around at Monkey forest, Ubud.
Is it a site for research and conservation program?
The sacred monkey forest serves not only as an important component in the spiritual and daily life of the villagers, but also is the site of research and conservation programs. In 1990 and 1991, a monkey behavior research project was carried out at the sacred monkey forest by the University of Alabama, USA; and University Udayana, Bali, Indonesia. And in 1998, a five-year project are looking into the daily lives and ecology of the monkeys, the interactions between humans and monkeys, and the conservation and management of spectacular places like this sacred monkey forest, you may see researchers from many countries who come here specifically for the opportunity to work with the people and monkeys of this sacred place.
|  How do visitors get along with monkeys?
It is important to always treat the monkeys with respect as this forest is their home and you are a guest in it. Please stay on the paved paths. The monkeys may become aggressive if you invade their private areas (Wanara Wana Staff and researchers may occasionally be seen in these areas; please do not follow them). Absolutely do not tease or provoke the monkeys for any reason. If you wish to feed the macaques please do so carefully and if they take food from you do not attempt to retrieve it.
It is important that you treat the trees, plants, other animals andstructures in the forest with great respect. This is a holy area and an important ecological reserve. Please strive to enjoy the beauty and magic of this place while at the same time conserving and respecting what lives here. If you have any questions or need assistance, please ask Wanara Wana personnel (identified by their green uniforms), or a member of the research project (if present).
How do their life go?
The monkeys that live here are called Balinese Macaques, also known as long-tailed macaques. Their scientific name is Macaca facicularis and aside from humans, macaques are the most widespread and successful of theprimates.
About 139 macaques currently reside in the forest. There are approximately10 adult mates, 55 adult females and 74 young. These macaques live primarily in three clusters of females and males. Each of these groups tends to use different areas of the forest at different times. However, nearly all the macaques use most of the forest. Conflicts sometimes arise when two groups are in the same area.
|  Adult males may weigh up to 8 – 10 kilograms and have large canine teeth, broad shoulders and facial hair that resembles a moustache. The adult females are smaller than the males (4 – 8 kilograms) and have long facial hair resembling beards.
Balinese macaques society is centered around groups of related females called “matrilines.” Male macaques usually migrate in from other areas‘ and attempt to associate themselves with the female matrilines. Both males and females have sets of dominance relationships, but they are not always clear or consistent.
Mating can take place year around but most infants are born during the months of May – August. Macaques mother range from very protective to very permissive with their infants. Many females who are not the mother spend time holding and caring for infants. Sometimes you will even see an adult male “mothering” as well.
Please use extreme caution when the monkeys are near. All ages and both males and females will bite if provoked. One look at the size of the adult males’ canine teeth should warren you of their danger. Monkeys are cute and funny but can be Dangerous. Parents, please keep a close watch on small children.
|  There are three Holy temples in the Sacred Monkey Forest:
The, Pura. Dalem Agung is located in the southwestern portion of the main forest area. This temple is the main temple’ for the village of Padangtegal, and is the most prominent temple in the sacred Monkey Forest.
To the northwest, down a long flight of steps and next to the stream, you will find the Holy Bathing Temple with a structure of the “Three mandala Concept.” The Utama Mandala, in the most northern portion, is the area of the Gods. The Madia Mandala, for disciples of the deities, located at the centre and contains the, holy pool. The Nista Mandala, at the southern side of the bridge, is the special bathing place human being.
The third temple, the Pura Prajapati (funerary of cremation temple) is located on the eastern edge of the main forest alongside a graveyard and statues array reflecting the sacred monkeys.
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