Sangeh is a forest of tall nutmeg trees where grey long-tailed macaques have the run of the place. The trees rise straight and high, so the paths below stay shaded and cool even when the sun is strong outside. Inside the trees sits an old temple, and the monkeys climb its walls and gateways as if they own it. Sangeh is a natural forest, and entry costs Rp 6,000.
Sangeh: the basics
| Type | Parks & nature |
|---|---|
| Price | Rp 6,000 |
| Address | Sangeh |
| Map | Open the map |
People come for the mix of wildlife, old stone and quiet woodland. It is a short, easy outing, and it is also one of the stops that trip plans often add to a longer day. Sangeh Monkey Forest is put together with Jatiluwih's rice terraces, with Leke-Leke Waterfall and with Besakih Temple. If you want to see monkeys in a setting that feels like a real forest, it is a good choice.
Nutmeg trees and macaques
The main sight here is the canopy. The nutmeg trees grow tall and close together, and their crowns block much of the sky. Light comes down in patches, and the forest floor stays damp and green. It feels different from the open rice fields and beaches that fill most Bali itineraries.
The macaques live among these trees in large groups. You will see them on the paths, on stone walls and up in the branches. They are used to people and they are curious, so expect them to come close. Watch what you carry, and let them keep their own space.
The temple among the trees
A Hindu temple stands inside the forest, and it gives the visit a second theme. Moss-covered stone, carved gates and quiet courtyards sit between the trunks. The monkeys move through them freely, which makes for some of the best photos in the forest. Treat the temple area with respect, as you would any holy site on the island.
The setting is part of the appeal. The forest is not only a wildlife stop. For many local people it is a sacred place, and that is why the trees have stayed standing.
Walking the forest paths
You see Sangeh on foot. Paths wind between the trees and past the temple, and you can take them slowly. There is no need to rush, and no special gear is needed. The shade and the stillness under the canopy are the reason to linger.
Go slowly and stop often. Watch the monkeys groom each other, chase each other along the walls and drop from branch to branch. A quiet walk usually gives you more to see than a fast one.
Where Sangeh fits in a day out
Sangeh sits in its own village, so it works well as a stop on a longer drive rather than as the whole plan. Visitors often pair it with Jatiluwih. Others add it to a day that includes Leke-Leke Waterfall, Junglegold Chocolate Factory or Besakih Temple. These are all natural partners for a day spent outside the main tourist centres.
If you are staying around Ubud, the Ubud Monkey Forest is the other forest of its kind nearby. The Neka Art Museum and the Blanco Renaissance Museum are also in that area, so you can mix culture and nature. Taman Pujaan Bangsa Margarana is another nearby stop for a different, more historical visit.
Visiting the park
How much does it cost to enter Sangeh Monkey Forest?
Entry to Sangeh costs Rp 6,000. That gives you access to the forest paths and the temple area.
What is Sangeh Monkey Forest?
It is a natural forest of tall nutmeg trees in the village of Sangeh. Macaques live among the trees, and a temple stands inside the forest. Visitors walk the paths to see the monkeys and the old stonework.
What can I combine with a visit to Sangeh?
Sangeh is often added to a Jatiluwih day trip. It also pairs with Leke-Leke Waterfall, Junglegold Chocolate Factory and Besakih Temple. Near Ubud, you could add the Ubud Monkey Forest, the Neka Art Museum or the Blanco Renaissance Museum.
Near Sangeh
- Ubud Monkey Forest (7.02 km)
- Taman Pujaan Bangsa Margarana (5.09 km)
- Neka Art Museum (5.22 km)
- Blanco Renaissance Museum (5.87 km)
Nature tours
More things to do: things to do in Bali.