Alas Kedaton Monkey Forest Bali: A Complete Guide to Visiting Tabanan’s Sacred Monkey Sanctuary

There are more monkeys than people in parts of Bali. That’s not just a punchline to get your attention. In some villages, it’s quite literally true, especially in places like Alas Kedaton Monkey Forest, where long-tailed macaques rule the ancient trees and temple grounds like furry little landlords.

Most travellers only hear about the famous Ubud Monkey Forest, and then they go, get mugged by a monkey for a bag of peanuts, and leave wondering if monkey tourism is all chaos and pickpocketing. It doesn’t have to be.

Enter Alas Kedaton: quieter, calmer, and surprisingly under-visited. Located in the heart of Tabanan, it’s one of Bali’s oldest monkey sanctuaries, complete with a mystical forest temple, significantly smaller crowds, and monkeys that don’t seem to be auditioning for Fast & Furious 11.

It’s not just about monkeys, either. This forest is a living, breathing example of Bali’s spiritual connection to nature. There’s deep cultural relevance here, wrapped up in the thick canopy and the temple’s crumbling stones. You’re not just walking through a monkey park. You’re stepping into a story.

In this guide, I’ll cover exactly how to visit without getting overwhelmed, what makes this place tick, what the monkeys are actually like (spoiler: surprisingly polite), and how to make the most of your time in this peaceful, slightly mischievous slice of Central Bali.

Key Takeaways

• Alas, Kedaton Monkey Forest is a quieter, less crowded alternative to Ubud’s monkey forest.

• Located in Tabanan, it’s easy to pair with Taman Ayun Temple or Tanah Lot for a full cultural day trip.

• Entry is affordable, and modest dress is required for the temple areas.

• Monkeys here are calmer but still curious, so secure your belongings and avoid bringing food.

• Visiting early morning or late afternoon offers the best experience with fewer crowds and cooler weather.

• A private driver or guided visit is the easiest way to reach the forest and navigate surrounding attractions.

• The onsite temple, Pura Dalem Kahyangan Kedaton, is spiritually significant and central to the site’s cultural value.

What Is Alas Kedaton Monkey Forest?

Alas, Kedaton isn’t just another monkey forest in Bali. It’s a sacred temple complex wrapped inside a dense nutmeg forest, quietly sitting in Tabanan Regency, away from Bali’s busy coastal sprawl. The long-tailed macaque monkeys here are full-time residents, but they’re not the aggressive chaos agents you’ll find in Ubud. They’ve got better manners. Maybe it’s the setting. Maybe it’s the vibe. Or maybe it’s the regular offerings locals bring to keep them happy.

At the heart of the forest is Pura Dalem Kahyangan Kedaton, an ancient Balinese temple. It’s modest in size but heavy in spiritual significance. Locals believe it’s guarded by the monkeys and large fruit bats that hang overhead like little forest spirits. Visitors can’t always enter the inner sanctum as it’s reserved for worshippers, but walking its moss-covered perimeter is a quiet, powerful experience in itself.

The forest isn’t enormous. You can explore it in about 45 minutes, or linger longer if you’re into photography, nature, or just watching monkey politics unfold. And while it’s a temple and a tourist stop, it never quite feels like a tourist trap. That’s part of the charm.

Where Is It and How to Get There

Alas Kedaton sits in Kukuh Village, Marga District, about 4 kilometres from Tabanan city and roughly 40 minutes northwest of Ubud. If you’re coming from Seminyak or Canggu, budget about an hour with traffic. It’s an easy day trip, and even easier if you pair it with Taman Ayun Temple or Tanah Lot, both close by.

Best way to get there? Hire a private driver who knows central Bali. It’ll cost you less than you’d spend replacing your phone if a monkey nicks it mid-scooter ride. You can drive yourself, but if it’s your first time navigating rural Balinese roads, prepare for tight turns, missing signs, and the occasional stray chicken crossing with zero urgency.

There’s a dedicated parking area and clear signage at the entrance. You’ll also find a few small stalls selling snacks, sarongs, and wood carvings. Low-key, nothing pushy.

Entrance Fee and Opening Hours

Entry is affordable. Expect to pay around 30,000 IDR per adult (about $2 USD), though prices can fluctuate slightly depending on local policy updates. Your ticket may include a sarong rental if you’re entering temple grounds, or you can bring your own. Either way, modest dress is expected. Shoulders and knees covered. This is still an active place of worship.

The forest is open daily from 8 AM to 5 PM. You don’t need to book ahead. Just show up, pay, and stroll in. Guided tours are available on-site, usually by local caretakers who’ll offer insight into the temple’s history, the monkey hierarchy, and which trees have bats in them (and whether they’re asleep or judging you).

What to Expect When Visiting

This place feels… slower. In a good way.

There’s no monkey mayhem, no backpackers shouting across temple courtyards, and no loudspeakers telling you what to do. Instead, you’ll find a peaceful forest trail, stone guardian statues covered in moss, and families of monkeys doing their thing – grooming, climbing, occasionally staring into space like tiny furry philosophers.

The macaques here are less confrontational than their Ubud cousins, but they’re still monkeys. They’re curious, they notice everything, and if you give them a chance to grab your snack bag, they’ll take it and then judge you for being so careless. So zip your bags, secure your sunglasses, and for the love of all things Balinese, don’t bring bananas unless you want to start a bidding war you can’t win.

You’ll also see fruit bats, usually asleep and hanging high in the trees. If you’re lucky (or unlucky, depending on your feelings about flying mammals), you’ll catch them mid-flight. They’re part of the temple’s mythology and protected, just like the monkeys.

Facilities are basic but functional. Bathrooms near the entrance, some benches to sit on, and a few vendors outside selling drinks and snacks. Don’t expect high-end amenities. Do expect peace and trees and the occasional monkey side-eye.

Monkey Etiquette and Safety Tips

Here’s how to enjoy the monkeys without becoming a viral video.

Don’t bring food. Seriously. Even sealed snacks will draw attention. You might think your granola bar is hidden, but a monkey’s nose says otherwise.

Keep your valuables zipped away. That includes sunglasses, phones, lip balm, keys, and basically anything you wouldn’t want to see running off into the canopy.

Stay calm if a monkey climbs on you. Screaming, flailing, or sprinting usually just makes things worse. Stay still, let them do their curious thing, and they’ll likely move on.

If you want backup, walk with a local guide. They know how to read the monkey's body language and will step in if things get weird. Most guides are genuinely helpful and respectful, not pushy or salesy.

And one more thing. Don’t stare directly into a monkey’s eyes. In monkey language, that’s a challenge. You don’t want a challenge. You want a peaceful forest stroll. Keep it chill.

How It Compares to Other Monkey Forests in Bali

There are three main monkey forests in Bali: Ubud, Sangeh, and Alas Kedaton. Each has its own personality.

Ubud Monkey Forest is the most famous. It’s also the most chaotic. Monkeys are used to humans, maybe too used to them. It’s beautiful but busy, often packed with tour groups, and the macaques there are bold enough to unzip bags, open zippers, and grab phones with scary precision.

Sangeh is quieter, set in a tall nutmeg forest with dramatic tree canopies and towering roots. It feels more ancient and secluded. The monkeys there are a bit less used to tourists, which can be refreshing or unnerving depending on your vibe.

Alas, Kedaton strikes a nice balance. It has spiritual depth, easy access, smaller crowds, and monkeys that aren’t out to hustle you. It’s ideal for families, slower travellers, or anyone craving a calm experience without sacrificing cultural depth.

Best Time to Visit

Go early in the morning if you want the forest nearly to yourself. Around 8 AM to 10 AM, the air is cool, the light is soft, and the monkeys are just waking up and figuring out their priorities for the day.

Late afternoon (after 3 PM) is also great. Fewer crowds, golden light, and cooler weather make it perfect for photography and slow walks.

Try to avoid weekends, especially Sundays, when locals and domestic tourists visit in larger numbers. Also, steer clear of religious ceremony days unless you’re invited to participate. The area may be closed or restricted, and it’s respectful to give space.

The rainy season (November to March) can be a hit or miss. The forest becomes greener, denser, and more dramatic, but the trails may be muddy. Bring shoes with grip and prepare for sudden showers.

Nearby Attractions You Shouldn’t Miss

If you’re already in Tabanan, you’ve got options.

Taman Ayun Temple, just 20 minutes away, is a beautifully maintained royal water temple surrounded by lotus ponds and trimmed gardens. It’s quiet, elegant, and a fantastic follow-up to Alas Kedaton if you’re chasing peaceful vibes.

Tanah Lot Temple, Bali’s iconic sea temple, is 30 to 40 minutes away and best visited at sunset. It gets busy, but the view of the temple perched on a sea rock as waves crash around it is worth the effort.

Looking to stretch your legs? Head further north to the Jatiluwih Rice Terraces, a UNESCO-listed wonder that offers panoramic walks, traditional farming scenes, and zero monkey business.

Make a day of it. Tabanan’s a sleeper hit for cultural travel.

Local Legends and Spiritual Beliefs

This isn’t just a forest with monkeys. It’s a place woven into Balinese cosmology.

According to local legend, the monkeys of Alas Kedaton are guardians of the temple. They’re not pets. They’re not entertainment. They’re protectors. That’s why they’re fed, respected, and allowed to roam freely, even if they occasionally swipe someone’s chapstick.

The temple itself, Pura Dalem Kahyangan Kedaton, is believed to be spiritually protected not just by the monkeys but also by large flying foxes (yes, actual bats). Some stories suggest that misfortune falls on anyone who disrespects the site or tries to harm its animal residents.

You might not hear these legends unless you ask a local, but they’re felt in the quiet way people move through the space. No shouting, no pushing, just reverence. It’s a place that asks for presence.

Conclusion

So, is Alas Kedaton Monkey Forest worth adding to your Bali itinerary?

If you’re after something calmer, culturally rich, and slightly off the main tourist drag, then absolutely. This isn’t just a watered-down version of Ubud’s monkey chaos. It’s a different experience altogether. The vibe is slower. The forest feels sacred. And the monkeys, while still wild animals, behave like they’ve at least skimmed the rules.

You can pair it with a visit to Taman Ayun Temple, swing by Tanah Lot for sunset, and still be back in Ubud before dinner. Or better yet, stay longer in Tabanan, where Bali’s soul still breathes beneath the tourism engine.

Want to explore Bali beyond the usual tourist trail? Our Bali Travel E-Guide includes offbeat gems like Alas Kedaton, plus insider cultural notes, custom Google Maps, and ready-to-use itineraries to make your trip smoother and smarter.