Monkeying Around in Bali
My first trip to Bali wasn’t really about Bali at all.
I flew over for a conference — five days, packed schedule, conference rooms, air conditioning, name tags. The kind of trip where you technically travel, but don’t really experience where you are.
And yet, somewhere between sessions and schedules, I escaped.
That escape led me to Ubud — and more specifically, to the Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary. I had no idea at the time that this place would quietly become one of the most memorable parts of my entire Bali experience.
Stepping Into Another World
The moment you walk through the entrance of the Monkey Forest, something shifts.
The noise of traffic fades. The air feels cooler, heavier, alive. Towering trees stretch overhead, vines hang low, and ancient stone statues emerge from the moss and shadow.
Then you notice movement.
Monkeys. Everywhere.
More Than Just Monkeys
What surprised me most was learning that the Monkey Forest isn’t just about the monkeys at all.
It’s a sacred site, managed by the local community and deeply connected to Balinese Hindu beliefs. Hidden throughout the forest are ancient temples — some believed to date back to around the 14th century — still used today for ceremonies and spiritual life.
Chaos, Humour, and Letting Go
The monkeys themselves were pure chaos.
They were bold, clever, curious, and completely uninterested in whatever plans I thought I had.
In that chaos, something unexpected happened — I slowed down.
What to Know Before You Go
The monkeys are wild and in charge — secure your belongings.
Respect the forest as a sacred place.
Stay calm and avoid direct challenges.
Slow down and take it all in.
The Moment Bali Became More Than a Destination
I went to the Monkey Forest expecting a quick side trip between conference sessions.
I left with a completely different perspective on Bali.
