Making Friends at Monkey Forest in Ubud

Posted on the 27 March 2014 by Elena @elenatravelgram

While staying in Ubud, Bali for 3 days, I’ve decided to skip the visit to all that famous fortuneteller Ketut from Eat, Pray, Love book (he’s just became too overrated and insincere) and spend half day in the sacred Monkey Forest with these awesome dudes instead.

Currently, there are around 600 hundred macaques freely strolling around the territory, making fun of visitors and protecting the Balinese temples from evil spirits.

Small punk

Papa punk

Though it’s not allowed to feed the monkeys in the park, unless you've bought bananas from an authorized stall at the entrance, you can easily sneak some treats in your bag like peanuts, chips or even coke. (Yes, some monkeys love it!). Watch out park guards and in case you got busted, just pretend to be that dumb tourist who doesn't understand any languages at all.  A few tips on behaving: - Don’t take out all your food at once. In case the monkeys see you have a whole pack of peanuts or anything else you have. These guys won’t leave you alone till you give it all out. -  Don’t wear any accessory or glasses. There’s a chance you’ll leave the forest without them. - Do not keep anything in your pockets. You’ll get thoroughly inspected by the monkey you’re trying to make friends with. - Same goes for bags and backpacks. Hide all zippers and keep the pockets shut. - Some male’s can be pretty demanding and a bit of aggressive when they see that you’re trying to hide some food from him. Just throw away everything you have and step back.He’s the boss here.  Yet, most of the fellows here are really friendly and aren’t afraid of people at all. Except for the smallest ones who stay attached to their mommies all the time. 

I had awesome time here for a ridiculously low price of 20.000 Rp which’s around 2$! Okay, so now the most important things:  How to make monkey friends? - Find a spot with few people and one or two monkeys around. - Take out a few peanuts and stretch your hand up. -  Feel how’s it like to be a tree for a short while. - Voilà! A new monkey friend (or two) is now sitting on your shoulder and giving you free hugsJ

BFF forever

But you may feel a bit exhausted by your new friend till the end of the day...
Monkey Forest Address:Jalan Wenara Wana, Ubud, Bali 80571. 
Please, don’t forget to follow me onTwitterand check outPinterestandInstagramfor more awesome pics!