Secret Alas Kedaton Monkey Forest Is Bali’s Crowd-Free Wildlife Adventure
While the monkeys at Uluwatu Temple have been described as running a ‘criminal enterprise’ and the monkeys at the Sacred Monkey Forest in Ubud receive the most attention, there is a troop of macaques at Bali’s secret monkey forest attraction for whom tourists can observe without...
While the monkeys at Uluwatu Temple have been described as running a ‘criminal enterprise’ and the monkeys at the Sacred Monkey Forest in Ubud receive the most attention, there is a troop of macaques at Bali’s secret monkey forest attraction for whom tourists can observe without the crowds.
What Has Opened
In fact, so few people even know about Alas Kedaton Monkey Forest, on average, the attraction welcomes just 40-50 people per day, and a busy day sees still only around 100 visitors.
Alas Kedaton Monkey Forest is one of Bali’s lesser-known nature attractions. The forest spans over 12 hectares and is a heavily protected forest that has been stewarded by the local community for centuries.
The forest is home to around 2,000 Balinese long-tailed macaques, some of whom never come out of the forest, while others are more than happy to enter the tourist area of the park.
As Alas Kedaton Monkey Forest explains, “The local community considers the forest a sacred sanctuary that must be preserved at all costs, and it’s an integral spiritual, educational, economic and conservation centre for Kukuh Village.”
Alas Kedaton Monkey Forest is open every day from 9 am until 5 pm and is rarely crowded. The forest sanctuary is home to more than just the monkeys, who, of course, steal the show.
Rooms, Wellness & Architectural Highlights
The Alas Kedaton Forest is home to flying foxes, too. These huge fruit bats are a marvel to behold and are particularly active at dusk. This forest is a sanctuary for this species too, which has been losing habitat over the last 100 years across the island and all its natural home ranges.
Inside the forest complex, tourists will also find a stunning Bliense Temple. As explained by the Alas Kedaton team, “The Pura Dalem Kahyangan is believed to serve spiritual power, as a means of avoiding all sorts of dangers, which is indicated by the image of Ganeca sitting on a lotus with the two dragons and the image of the eight-hand Durga Mahesasurawardani, which is believed to provide protection and conquest.”
While visitors are welcome to enjoy the space at their own pace, a local guide or ranger will always be close by to ensure that observations remain safe for all beings.
The local guides and rangers work at Alas Kedaton as part of a community-based tourism initiative, and each guide has their own personal stories of the village and the forest to share with guests.
The daily schedule at Alas Kedaton helps connect tourists to the landscape in a meaningful way, and to Balinese culture too.
Location, Setting & Neighborhood Access
On Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays at 11 am and 1 pm, there is a Barong Bangkung performance from local artists.
New ticket prices for Alas Kedaton are set to be rolled out in early 2026. Speaking to reporters in August 2025, the Head of Kukuh Village, I Gusti Ngurah Arta Wijaya, told reporters that his team has decided to increase the entry fee for tourists to be in alignment with other Monkey Forest attractions around the island.
He explained, “Don’t compare the prices in Ubud, which already cost hundreds of thousands. For example, in Sangeh Monkey Forest, the price is already IDR 75,000. The increase is also driven by tour guides. If the price is too low, it will be difficult to find funding for monkey food.”
Ticket prices are expected to increase for international adult tickets, increase from IDR 30,000 to IDR 70,000, while children will be charged at IDR 60,000, up from IDR 20,000. It is advisable to bring cash to Alas Kedaton and many other smaller and emerging tourism attractions like it.
Rates, Reservations & What It Adds to Bali
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Curated Stays & Sanctuaries in Ubud
Curated luxury accommodations featuring private pool sanctuaries, authentic architectural heritage, and seamless concierge support.
Padma Resort Ubud
Padma Resort Ubud is a 5-star resort situated in Bali, Bali (Ultra-Luxury), holding a verified guest score of 9.4/10 across 2,824 reviews. Located 42.2 km (2–3 hours drive) with inland valley / highland retreat.
Komaneka at Bisma Ubud
Komaneka at Bisma Ubud is a 5-star resort situated in Bali, Bali (Ultra-Luxury), holding a verified guest score of 9.4/10 across 2,773 reviews. Located 28 km (60–80 mins drive) with inland valley / highland retreat.
JAPA Suites and Villas
JAPA Suites and Villas is a 5-star resort situated in Ubud, Bali (Ultra-Luxury), holding a verified guest score of 9.4/10 across 1,812 reviews. Located 27.6 km (60–80 mins drive) with inland valley / highland retreat.
Iconic Landmarks & Sacred Sanctuaries in Ubud
Protected cultural heritage, historical architecture, and iconic natural viewpoints with official entrance tariffs and etiquette rules.
cultural village
$1.68
Sangeh Monkey Forest & Nutmeg Grove
Towering 14-hectare grove of giant ancient Pala nutmeg trees sheltering peaceful monkey colonies and 17th-century Pura Bukit Sari.
temple
$2.79
Goa Gajah (Elephant Cave)
Archaeological hermitage featuring a menacing demonic face carved into solid rock, leading into a T-shaped meditation chamber.
temple
$2.79
Gunung Kawi Tampaksiring
11th-century royal funerary shrines carved 7 meters high directly into vertical river cliff walls flanking the Pakerisan River.
Guided Tours & Field Experiences in Ubud
Handcrafted tours, masterclasses, and coastal expeditions led by licensed local guides with verified booking options.
culture
📍 Ubud
$26.80
Ubud Permaculture Farm Harvest & Traditional Megibung Feast
Discover the sustainable roots of Balinese farming at an organic permaculture farm near Ubud, walking among chemical-free garden beds to pick heirloom vegetables and herbs. Afterward, gather in an open-air bamboo pavilion to share an authentic megibung feast—a ceremonial dining tradition where dishes are served on large banana leaves to celebrate community and unity. It offers a heartwarming cultural and culinary encounter honoring the island's rich agrarian traditions.
adventure
📍 Ubud
$44.67
Ayung River White Water Rafting & Ubud Jungle Swing Landscape Combo
Exhilarating 12km white water rafting adventure down the sacred Ayung River gorge, viewing Ramayana stone wall carvings, paired with high-altitude panoramic jungle swings.
adventure
📍 Ubud
$41.88
Mount Batur Sunrise 4WD Off-Road Jeep Safari & Black Lava Fields
Thrilling 4WD open-top off-road safari across Mount Batur's volcanic caldera, witnessing golden sunrise above the clouds and exploring the 1963 Black Lava fields.
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