This cool and dense swathe of jungle, officially called Mandala Wisata Wanara Wana, houses three holy temples. The sanctuary is inhabited by a band of grey-haired and greedy long-tailed Balinese macaques who are nothing like the innocent-looking doe-eyed monkeys on the brochures. Nestled in the forest, the interesting Pura Dalem Agung has a real Indiana Jones feel to it; the entrance to the inner temple features Rangda figures devouring children.
You can enter the monkey forest through one of three gates: the main one at the southern end of Monkey Forest Rd; from 100m further east, near the car park; or from the southern side, on the lane from Nyuhkuning. Useful brochures about the forest, macaques and temples are available. Note that the monkeys keep a keen eye on passing tourists in hope of handouts (or an opportunity to help themselves). Don’t feed these creatures; avoid eye contact and showing your teeth, including smiling, which is deemed a sign of aggression.
