Monkey Forrest

THE monkeys have become well acquainted with human company. But beware, sometimes in their attempts to get food, they will snatch some object in order to trade for food. Be aware that the monkeys are easily attracted by shiny objects, such as cameras, jewelry, wristwatches or glasses. Best to leave these things behind or keep them hidden. There are other interesting places which have monkey at the area, such as:

Sangeh
The Sangeh Monkey Forest near the village of Sangeh, in south western Bali, is 6 hectares of renowned forested land of giant nutmeg trees that can grow up to 40 m high, doubling as homes to hordes of sacred monkeys in the forest. The monkeys here inhabit both the trees and the Pura Bukit Sari, a temple deep within the fragrant greens.

Alas Kedaton
Alas Kedaton or "Holy Forrest" is a small forest measuring about 12 ha. Located north of Kediri in Kukuh Village is a temple surrounded by a lovely, state-owned sacred forest with cool, peaceful walking paths. In and around the temple cavort more than 700 friendly monkeys, while 'kalong' hang from the treetops. This monkey forest is smaller than Sangeh's, and the monkeys seem better behaved.

In this forest is an old temple is small field called the Monkey Cemetery but so far the truth of the story has never been confirmed. There are hundreds of monkeys in this forest and high up on the big trees many bats are hanging and singing with their loud voice.

Ubud
This forest is smaller than the one at Sangeh, but the monkeys are just as wild. The forest is an amazing place to be and an extremely rewarding experience. Watch friendly and mischievous monkeys doing their thing in their own habitat, and watch them watching you doing your thing in their habitat! It definitely is sheer fun to see these intelligent creatures observing us trying to figure out their hierarchy.

The main tourist hangout is about a hundred metres from the entrance. Most visitors rarely venture much farther out than this, as this area is the place to be, with lots of monkeys, people and their resulting antics to enjoy. The monkeys will know that visitors have a treat or two for them, but it is the big males which usually prevail for the bananas; and it is not wise to try to pet the monkeys as they are natural and wild.

Take for instance the interesting path beside a great banyan tree to the right of the entrance, meandering down to a charming bathing temple surrounded by lush remnants of the dipterocarp forest. Just off the main square is a lovely arched stone bridge leading to the forest's most alluring feature - the Hindu elephant-headed Lord Ganesh sitting comfortably overlooking a small, square, moss-covered pool.

Uluwatu
Located on the south coast of Bali, Uluwatu Temple, one of the 'sad-kahyangan' group of the holiest temples of Bali, is the least overwhelmed by tourism and commercialism because of its remote location on the southwestern tip of Bukit.

From the center of the northwest wall is a beautiful view of the sheer cliffs and ocean below. Descend down into the outermost courtyard-from there you can see the tip of East Java. As white breakers crash against the rocks below, watch sea turtles swim in a hundred shades of churning blue-green seawater; wide-winged white frigate birds soar against the sky, moving to and from nests in the cliffs.

Beware of mischievous resident monkeys who snatch unguarded items. Don't wear a hat, scarf, sunglasses, shoulder purse, dangling earrings, carry food or anything else that can be yanked from you. Positive reinforcement (food) is used to encourage the monkeys to keep on stealing.

The best eco-tourist's places in Bali are:

• Bird Park
• Camel Safari
• Reptile Park
• Botanical Garden
• Elephant Safari
• Monkey Forrest
• Butterfly Park
• National Park
• Waterfalls and Hotspring