"monkey wants to eat my foot!"

we took a small day trip to Ubud last week and of course we went to the monkey forest to feed some monkeys. Bobs had promised Bibs and she was excited about the project... and yes one of the monkeys tried to eat Bibs' foot - well not really he was trying to get hold of the banana she didn't want to let go. the thing is they can be a little bit persistent, those small creatures.

Entrance to the site

the monkey forest of Padangtegal is a sacred Balinese Hindu site. you can read about the temples and the forest on the official website, but this I feel is a charming summary...

"A Balinese temple is more than just a collection of pagodas and pavilions. The area enclosed by temple walls and the forest area surrounding it is sacred. These temples and the forest are essential for renewing contact with the spiritual world. The activities associated with these areas are essential in maintaining harmony between humans, nature and the cosmos. Not only are ancestral spirits and gods given offerings and prayers, but also the spirits of trees and statues in the Monkey Forest are given offerings and prayers by the Pemangku and local villagers". (http://www.monkeyforestubud.com/forest.html) 

the forest is beautiful and very nice to walk around in. there are 115 different species of trees and something like 300 small monkeys running around everywhere looking for some yummy bananas.

entrance fee to the site is 20'000IDR and then you buy the bananas extra to feed the small macaques. you can also buy bananas outside and bring them.

and they love those bananas... they even find them if you are hiding them in your bag! so don't be surprised if a monkey comes running and suddenly jumps on you. be careful though some of them can be a little too excited about the prospect of yet another banana. they are very happy to climb on you and sit one your shoulders or head if you hold a banana in the air.

at the bottom of some stairs, there is a small temple, a little pond and soothing atmosphere.

way down to the pond and the temple...

  

there is also another temple, that unfortunately we did not get to see. the visit of this sanctuary is a must do while in Ubud. i don't know if there is a good/bad time to go, we were around 11am and it was not particularly busy. i think it is entertaining for all... you have animals, nature, culture - all together in one place. 

wonder what he is thinking!