This place is called the Dead Temple. But it has been marketed as the monkey forest. Here cost us 20,000rp each (just over £1). It was worth every penny.
Before we start, I had done some reading on this place on a particular Facebook group (i won’t give them any exposure because I thought the page was poorly managed and freedom of speech was not allowed). They had mentioned being bitten by the monkeys and having them climb all over them. I was feeling quite anxious about heading up here.
So our experience.
Well, we left all water, food, and bags in the car for this one. Jewellery was hidden and sunglasses in our pockets. We were going prepared!
Leave all bags, drinks, food and jewellery in the car!
Then what did Tina spot? But somewhere you could pay 20,000rp and feed these delightful little creatures some bananas. I was like, you can forget it. I had read the stories, and I had taken measure to avoid all of this (even though we had had our rabies jabs). So having had my arm bent. Bawa took the camera, and we started having these animals climb over us to get fed. You can see from this picture below. It was an experience that was well worth it. We would, however, proceed with caution. We don’t want anything to happen to you if you do the same. You will be a long way from western hospital standards that’s for sure.
So after a long walk, yes it was humid, and yes we were melting. But a nice cold flannel and a Starbucks was awaiting me at the next destination.
So if you are heading up to Ubud for the day, you should visit. It is not, however, a place to visit if that’s your only purpose. Also, try and get in and out of Ubud before midday. The roads get incredibly busy and with it effectively being a single car width. Long waits can be expected.
