Ubud, Bali Indonesia has so much to offer. As one of the more traditional places to be while on the island, the husband and I didn’t really anticipate doing many touristy things while in the jungle. What we found among the ancient trees and gushing rivers was far beyond what we imagined.
Our most rewarding moments on the island were moments spent with animals native to the green and lush forest floors. It wasn’t necessarily the exotic draw that hooked us, more so the fact that looking around, you noticed that you were sharing the exact same human experiences and reactions with everyone around you, despite such material differences.
Language barriers set aside, we were all having this same unique experience with strangers who’s lives and countries were worlds apart from our own, yet there we were. Connected by another living soul. Connected by an animal.
It was one of the purest moments of connection, much like my experience in Japan, which you can read here. From Battle-creek Michigan, to Chicago, all the way to Indonesia. Our in route experience is comical, so worth the read. People one hundred percent assumed we might be famous, in airport lines we got the most attention, people wondering why the hell we were all the way over on this side of the world. It was funny, but lets not monkey around.
Known to natives as Mandala Suci Wenara Wana, and located in Padangtegal Ubud, Bali. Ubuds monkey forest serves as a natural habitat, now sanctuary to the Balinese Long tailed monkey. Owned by the sorrounding village, Padangtegal, the forest is managed by the Mandala Suci Wenara Wana Management group. And it is stunning.
The Mandala Suci Wenara Wana Management are in charge of keeping the forest sacred and protected. This includes protecting the over 1,000 native monkeys who dwell among the three sacred temples, and protection of the over 180 species of plants and trees that are also found in the forest.
The sorroundings are rich, natural, and raw. Not like a park or a zoo. Here the jungle is still king, and not only are the amounts of wild monkeys jarring, but as you walk through, you recognize the village people among you. They purposefully move past, carrying water, building supplies, and lumber balanced upon their heads. Some spend time gathering materials for their art, or simply just paying their respects to the temples with flowers and gifts. It is a place still very much living in its natural form. It is above all, a humbling experience, as is nearly everything you encounter on the island if you steer clear of the instagram famous areas and western tourist traps (all though this could very easily be considered one).
We entered the forest and followed the paths, taking in the incredible sculptures, and pausing for pictures at temples. The monkeys reigned supreme. Signs everywhere warned of their mischevious nature. Posted were very important things to remember, like; DONT MAKE EYE CONTACT. Sourrounded by hundreds of monekys, avoiding eye contact can be hard!
Among the crowds, every now and again you could catch the cry or scream of a young child, or an adult, someone who had either gotten too close, or someone who wasnt holding on to their belongings well enough and got swindeled by the hopping, swinging, trouble makers.
It wasn’t what I would call relaxing but it was non the less, magical. If anything you were a bit on edge, significantly outnumbered, and unable to keep tabs on the hundreds of animals coming from every direction possible. But, you were sharing those feelings so plainly with everyone else there as well, you might not be able to carry on a conversation with the other worldly travelers next to you, but you could both share a smile and a chuckle, or a look of surprise when furry friend popped out on you. It was beyond enriching.
The monkeys werent very interested in the people, unless of course you had food, or something shiny that peaked their interest. Glasses, and sunglasses were also very intriguing. Don’t put it past them, they’d hop right on your head to snag them if they saw a chance. I watched one monkey catch sight of a bright red wrapper in a passing woman’s purse, he quickly dropped what he had and sprinted toward her, jumping on her purse from behind, almost silently, and then successfully pulling the wrapper from it while she shrieked with what seemed like both terror and surprise! I turned to my husband, shocked, eyes wide, these guys were no joke!
I got to hold one of the small monkeys, that basically meant I got to be its human jungle gym as he sat on my shoulder and bounced between my arms. I made the mistake of putting my left arm out and that was it, that monkey immediately spotted my shiny wedding band and soon he was hanging down my arms just trying to get it off of my hand, with one of the park attendants urging me to put my arms down. Okay monkey, nice to meet you… BYEEEE.
The expirience was nothing short of amazing. We spotted baby monkeys being nursed and still clinging to their mothers, large monkeys that were clearly the kings of the clan, and therefore got first dibs on all food. We watched them interact among eachother, noting their demands when it came to territory and personal space. Each monkey having a different set of rules to live by, all based on a monkey class system. The amazement in everyones eyes was contagious, as was the silliness of some of the monkeys, we were all giggling and giddy. It is one hundred percent something we will never forget, but also something that we knew right away would be strictly unique to where we were.
Hanging out among thousands of Balinese monkeys, shadowed by ancient temples, partaking in the Hindu principle of Tri Hata Karana was an unrivaled piece of our stay in Ubud, Bali.
Tri Hata Karana is a principle of three parts, a hindu belief that strives to create harmony in ones time living on this earth. To gain the upmost physical and mental well being one must honor this three part belief; humans living harmoniously among humans, humans living harmoniously among the natural enviorment, and humans living harmniously among their supreme god. This hindu principle is the misson adopted by the group that continues to maintain the Monkey Forest, it is abaove all, the most eveident principle of the entire forest.
