HEY, fellow adventurers! Ready for an exciting mission? This time, we’ll explore one of the most magical places in Bali: the Monkey Forest. Bali has several monkey forests, almost all of which are integrated with Hindu temples. Three of the most popular monkey forests are the Ubud, Alas Kedaton, and Sangeh Monkey Forest. You might choose one of these depending on your tour package or the location closest to your hotel.
A visit to this monkey forest isn’t just a stroll; it’ll be a true explorer and meet the cute and intelligent forest inhabitants firsthand. Ready? Let’s begin our mission!
Meet the Long-Tailed Macaque Friends
Upon arrival at the entrance, we’ll be immediately greeted by a troop of long-tailed macaques. These aren’t ordinary monkeys! They’re Balinese long-tailed macaques, known for their intelligence. They live here in large groups called clans. Each group has its own leader, much like a football team! This leader is usually the largest and strongest male monkey. His job is to protect all members of the clan from harm.
While walking in the forest, pay close attention. Some monkeys are busy picking fleas in their friends’ hair. This isn’t just grooming, but also a way for them to show affection and friendship. Sometimes, we can also see monkeys eating fruit or leaves.
They prefer natural foods, so never give them random food like candy or biscuits. Feeding them indiscriminately can make them sick, so we must be good and responsible friends.
Little Explorer’s Secret Mission!
To make our adventure even more exciting, there are several interesting things that can be challenges and points of observation during this visit:
* Observation 1: Look for Baby Monkeys, if any. Try to keep an eye out for female monkeys carrying their babies. Baby monkeys are so cute and like to cling tightly to their mothers’ bellies. They are the future leaders of the forest!
* Observation 2: Find Hidden Statues. Monkey Forest is not just a forest, but also a sacred place. Inside, there is a temple where Hindus pray. See if you can find the monkey statues or other ancient statues covered in moss? These statues make the forest feel like a fairy tale!
* Observation 3: Observing Sacred Trees. In the forest, there are usually several large trees of extraordinary height. These trees are hundreds of years old and considered sacred by the local community. Try to find the largest and tallest tree.
Safety Tips for Young Adventurers and Parents
To ensure your vacation remains enjoyable and safe, don’t forget to pay attention to the following important things:
- Don’t Bring Food in Plastic Bags. The monkeys here are very intelligent and can smell food. They might snatch your plastic bag. Store food in a closed bag, or better yet, don’t bring any food at all.
- Avoid Wearing Flashy Accessories. Hats, glasses or dangling jewelry can attract monkeys. Store these accessories in your bag to prevent them from being snatched.
- Keep a Safe Distance. When encountering monkeys, don’t approach too closely or try to touch them. Just enjoy their antics from a safe distance. Monkeys can also be startled if we get too close.
- Listen to the Guide. If there are officers or guides present, listen carefully to their instructions. They know the best way to interact with the monkeys there.
A trip to the Monkey Forest is not only exciting, but also teaches us a lot about nature and the creatures living there. So, get your adventurous spirit ready and have fun! (*)
