Ubud Monkey Forest Review 2026: Palace, Tickets & Selfies
An honest review of visiting Ubud Monkey Forest in 2026. Discover tips for getting a monkey selfie, exploring Ubud Palace, and finding the best temple views.
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An honest review of visiting Ubud Monkey Forest in 2026. Discover tips for getting a monkey selfie, exploring Ubud Palace, and finding the best temple views.
My travel diary in reverse ~
Day 2
Ubud... chaotic and exhausting, yet it constantly lingers in my mind... 😥
Ubud Monkey Forest in Bali (Monkey Selfies)
Ubud Palace and Temple (Entrance Fees), and even the iconic Ubud Starbucks
Here is my packed, action-filled review!
I also visited Ubud Market and got a massage,
but this post would get way too long, so I'm splitting it
into two parts.
After breakfast and checkout,
we set off to meet the local monkeys~!!
Google Maps made the walk look super far, but in reality,
it was incredibly close.
Since there are two entrances, I think Google was just directing us to the other one.
Just like a kid in a candy store,
as someone who is absolutely obsessed with animals,
there was no way I could skip the monkey paradise that is Monkey Forest.
This place is a nature reserve located right in the heart of Ubud,
as well as a forest sanctuary housing sacred Hindu temples.
It's home to hundreds of long-tailed macaque monkeys and is one of Bali's most famous attractions.
Let's goooo 🌳
Before even reaching the entrance, we saw some giant fish swimming around.
🐠🐟🐠🐟
Up close, these fish were absolutely massive lol
You see so many of these stone statues in Bali.
They seem deeply rooted in Hindu culture,
but they can also look a little spooky ;;;
The great thing about Monkey Forest is that you can usually
just buy your tickets on-site without booking in advance.
However, during peak seasons (especially year-end or summer) when it gets super crowded,
booking through a travel agency or tour package in advance is a smart move.
I actually saw other travelers and couples
on guided tours, which made me realize how convenient those packages are.
I even saw guides who help you snap the perfect monkey selfie!
(By the way, visiting in the morning is highly recommended for several reasons,
so try not to head out too late.)
On Klook, which is super popular,
they have private day tours combining Lombok waterfalls and the Monkey Forest,
as well as packages bundled with Tegallalang Rice Terraces, which actually look like a great deal!
Depending on the option, they accommodate groups of 2 to over 6 people,
so definitely compare and choose the best fit for your group!
🔽 🔽 🔽
Book Your Monkey Forest Tickets Here
The Monkey Forest entrance fee is 80,000 IDR for adults
and 60,000 IDR for children (check out the photo below)!
Opening hours are from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM,
and the sign says last entry is at 5:00 PM.
Buying tickets was super easy,
and the price felt pretty reasonable for such a popular spot.
Haha 😊
We took a quick glance at the guidelines before heading in.
Things like don't feed them, don't run, etc.
There's a list of things you definitely shouldn't do,
especially carrying plastic bags! Coming here right after shopping is a huge NO-NO ❌❌.
Just the sound of a plastic bag or a shopping bag...
...is enough to make the monkeys run over, thinking it's food!
If you're looking to donate all your belongings to the monkeys, go ahead and bring a bag. 🐒🐵
Entering with our tickets for two~!
Snapping a quick photo before we head in,
and stepping straight into the monkey kingdom...
I was excited but also a little terrified lol. I wondered if it was okay to wear sunglasses,
🕶️ but thankfully, they didn't go for the sunglasses.
The very first monkey we met right at the entrance! 🙊🐒
I captured so many hilarious photos and videos of these guys,
so sit back, relax, and enjoy the monkey show from the comfort of your screen! ~~ \^o^/
And then, we crossed paths with...
this little thief enjoying snacks stolen from a tourist.
(I was filming so intensely, capturing the moment it ate with its hands and even ripped the bag open)
It looks so incredibly delicious... I mean, look at that concentration.
For a second, I thought it was 'Kancho' (a Korean chocolate snack)!
(The packaging looks so similar, doesn't it?~)
The staff members were busy peeling fruit,
and as you'll see later, they actually feed them raw sweet potatoes as snacks~
And corn too! 🍠🌽🍠
I also witnessed a fierce battle over a cob of corn,
and it was absolutely brutal. T_T Truly a world where only the strongest survive.
Checking out a monkey relaxing up in the trees,
This guy is a crazy good tree climber lolllll
Full video proof ;; He is literally the god of tree climbing.
Diving off a branch using the momentum
from his friend shaking the tree! 💦
I had no idea they could fly that far.
So cool!
Monkeys are just sitting around all over the ground,
but they didn't really lunge at us like I had feared.
Still, I couldn't help but flinch every now and then...
They say the Ubud monkeys are actually on the gentler side.
Taking close-ups of their faces was so much fun.
The one on the right looks like a character straight out of a movie like The Lion King! 😂😂
And here's a sweet monkey family spending time together.
The baby monkey's expression is hilarious,
but then we suddenly made eye contact, and I got so scared I shut the camera off T_T *shiver*
What a shot! 👍🏻
Such a happy animal family!!!
It wasn't just about watching the animals;
it felt so good to just soak in the lush nature inside the forest.
Can anyone tell me what this one is doing?
Is he doing laundry? Hahaha
You see so many bizarre behaviors here—they are truly free spirits.
There used to be an official 'Monkey Selfie' experience here at Monkey Forest,
but I heard it was discontinued when I visited in October.
It seems like a mix of understaffing to manage the selfies
and safety reasons.
If you still want to get one, here are some of the safest ways to take a selfie:
1. Hold the camera yourself and try taking a selfie from a safe distance.
2. If you're on a guided tour, ask your guide for help! ★
This is probably how you'll get the best shot ^^
(I actually saw guides working super hard to capture shots while enticing them with food.)
3. Take turns taking photos of each other with your friends, but...
(The photo above is one my husband took in selfie-mode while I posed!)
Actually trying to feed them yourself seems incredibly risky. While feeding them,
you might end up getting your hair pulled out entirely;;
As we walked past, we spotted a monkey turning the water tap with his hands
to get a drink!
They are seriously so dexterous.
It's absolutely fascinating~~
After a while, rather than wanting to squeeze into a photo with them,
you get too busy capturing these adorable creatures in action. It's so much fun!
My camera roll is now completely packed with monkeys! 🐒📸
A place where even the lush, towering trees were absolutely stunning.
It didn't take too long to look around,
and since Ubud Palace and Starbucks are close by,
it was great to take our time and explore at a relaxed pace.
However, the sidewalks were incredibly narrow and felt a bit dangerous, which was a little stressful;;;
When traveling from Monkey Forest to the Ubud Starbucks,
you'll face the classic debate: Walking vs. Grab. Most people recommend walking
because the traffic for Grabs can get absolutely crazy.
We learned this the hard way after getting into a car, but
we had already done so much walking at the Monkey Forest
and the sidewalks were so uncomfortable to navigate that we ended up catching a taxi halfway through.
Even with the traffic, having an air-conditioned ride was a lifesaver for us.
Since this is a matter of personal preference,
I wanted to share our experience so you can decide for yourself! haha
On our way to Starbucks~ ☕️
As you can see, the sidewalk is incredibly narrow.
Snapped a quick photo at the entrance
and treated myself to an iced Americano.
Honestly, this Starbucks
isn't exceptionally unique inside, but
it's super close to Ubud Palace and the temple,
making it the perfect spot to cool down with a refreshing drink on a hot day.
Plus, since it's Starbucks, you don't have to worry about "Bali Belly" from the ice! haha
When I ordered an iced Americano here,
they asked if I wanted to try their Bali single-origin beans.
I said yes, and this is what I got!
Maybe my voice was running on empty,
but when I told them my name was Hailey, they must have heard "Heli."
Guess I'll be Heli for the day! ~~~~👌🏻
This is a historic landmark featuring traditional Balinese architecture,
once serving as the official residence of the Ubud royal family.
Ubud Palace · Jl. Raya Ubud No.8, Ubud, Kecamatan Ubud, Kabupaten Gianyar, Bali 80571, Indonesia
It's known as an essential cultural destination
where you can truly feel the spirit of Balinese art and heritage,
beautifully showcasing the elegance of ancient Balinese design. 🇮🇩
Literally a 5-minute walk from Starbucks, haha!
It felt like we came just to see this one main gate,
and it looked exactly like what I had expected from the photos.
Admission to Ubud Palace is generally free.
There might be an entrance fee for special events or evening traditional dance performances,
which is usually when a ticket is required.
The entrance was super crowded, so we decided to explore the inner courtyard first.
It's not a massive complex, so you can easily see everything in no time.
We took a few quick photos at the main photo spot and made a quick exit.
It was so chaotic and busy! ~~~
On to the next spot!
This one actually has an admission fee.
Pura Taman Saraswati is a beautiful temple
dedicated to Saraswati, the Hindu goddess of
learning, wisdom, and the arts.
It's particularly famous for its gorgeous pond filled with blooming lotus flowers! 🪷🪷🪷
You must wear a traditional sash and sarong like this to enter.
I read some reviews complaining about a strong smell on the rental clothes, but thankfully, the one I got was completely fresh and clean. (Phew 😮💨)
The admission fee here is 50,000 IDR (which includes the traditional attire rental).
The lotus ponds were incredibly scenic,
and I bet they would look even more breathtaking under a perfectly clear, sunny sky.
Wait, other people said they loved this outfit
and that it looks so pretty when you wear it...
But on me, I just look like a total comedian T_T
First, they told me to take a solo shot, and since I had no idea how to pose...
I just sat like a king and gave a huge grin! 😎
hahaha
Another traveler kindly took a photo of us,
but us sitting side-by-side makes it even funnier lol
(Why do we look so lost and lonely? T_T)
We didn't stay too long and headed right out~
In my next post, I'll be sharing details about the nearby food spots, Tukies Coconut Ice Cream, the local markets, spas, and more!
Stay tuned for all the details (Ubud Trip Part 2!!!)
1. Buying tickets on-site at the Ubud Monkey Forest is totally fine.
However, during the peak season, it's best to book in advance, and booking through a tour agency is a great option too.
If you ask, your guide might even help you snap that perfect monkey selfie!
👇🏻👇🏻👇🏻
Book Monkey Forest Tickets Here
Book Monkey Forest Tickets Option 2
2. Walking around with shopping bags swinging in your hand is highly discouraged (way too risky with the monkeys!). + It's best to visit in the morning.
3. When moving from Monkey Forest to Ubud Palace,
if your legs are tired, calling a Grab right in front is a great idea.
(But traffic can be heavy!) So if you still have the energy, walking is a fine choice too.
4. Admission to Ubud Palace is free, and it doesn't take too long to explore.
5. The Ubud Starbucks isn't particularly unique, but it's a nice place to sit and rest, and there is a restroom inside.
5. Saraswati Temple (Pura Taman Saraswati) might actually be a better option. While there is an entrance fee, you get to wear traditional attire, and the lotus pond makes for amazing photos!
Our Ubud trip was so convenient because we could fit all of the above plus the markets, a massage, and more into just one day!
But walking around can be pretty tough on the feet, so please make sure to wear comfortable shoes!! 👟
And that's a wrap on my review of the Bali Ubud Monkey Forest (selfie tips), Ubud Palace, Saraswati Temple (admission info), & Starbucks! 💚💚
📍 Monkey Forest
F7J6+67R, Jl. Monkey Forest, Ubud, Kecamatan Ubud, Kabupaten Gianyar, Bali 80571, Indonesia
📍 Ubud Palace
Jl. Raya Ubud No.8, Ubud, Kecamatan Ubud, Kabupaten Gianyar, Bali 80571, Indonesia
📍 Starbucks
Gg. Beji, Ubud, Kecamatan Ubud, Kabupaten Gianyar, Bali 80571, Indonesia
📍 Taman Saraswati Temple
F7V6+JHX, Jl. Kajeng, Ubud, Kecamatan Ubud, Kabupaten Gianyar, Bali 80571, Indonesia
The entrance fee is 80,000 IDR for adults and 60,000 IDR for children. The operating hours are from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM, with the last entry at 5:00 PM.
It is highly discouraged. Monkeys might hear the rustling of the bags, mistake them for food, and lunge at you to snatch your belongings. It is best to keep your items to a minimum.
As of October this year, the official selfie experience has been discontinued due to safety and staffing issues. Instead, it is recommended to ask your tour guide to take a picture or take turns taking photos with your companions.
Ubud Palace is generally free to enter unless there is a special performance. Saraswati Temple, however, has an entrance fee of 50,000 IDR, which includes the mandatory rental of traditional clothing.
The pedestrian path along that route is very narrow and difficult to walk on, so if you are physically exhausted, taking a Grab is more convenient. However, since traffic in that area can be extremely heavy, we recommend choosing based on your physical condition and the current situation.
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