ALAS KEDATON

The Alas Kedaton Monkey Forest is located amid the rice fields of the Tabanan regency, which is located in the western part of Bali. The entire complex spans 12 hectares and has the Alas Kedaton Temple as its main focal point. The forest is also well known for being inhabited by around 2000 monkeys as well as a giant bat and a gentle big and long snake.

Nestled amidst the rice fields of the Tabanan regency in the western part of Bali is the verdant Alas Kedaton. The entire complex has forests spread across 12 hectares and has an ancient temple at its focal point. Also named “Alas Kedaton,” or the “forest of the monkey,” the place is the home to a booming community of more than 2000 macaques which are long-tail monkeys.

The ancient temple Pura Dalem Kahyangan Kedaton Temple was erected within the forest when in ancient times. A revered Hindu sage, during his spiritual journey, discovered the Alas Kedaton and considered it sacred to build a temple. The temple is dedicated to Balinese Hindu gods and has beautiful sculptures of them. Some of the structures you will be able to witness on your Bali trip are the Lingga Yoni's statue of Lord Shiva, Lord Ganesha and Devi Durga Mahisasura Mardhani. 

The monkeys are like guardians of the temple and roam around freely in the complex. You will find the playful animals climbing up the temple walls and surrounding trees. Watch them sitting on temple structures and having a bath in the moat. You can take pictures with them and feed them with bananas and nuts etc. Apart from monkeys, the complex also has a giant bat and a big and long gentle snake which you will be able to see.

Highlights

• Visit Alas Kedaton in Bali, a sprawling forest well known for monkeys and its temple.
• Explore the ancient Hindu Temple which has spectacular sculptures of Goddess Durga, Lord Shiva and Lord Ganesha.
• Enjoy an encounter with the playful long-tail monkeys living in the forest and jumping up and down the walls of the temple.
• Watch the bat show, where you will get to meet a giant bat and also take a picture with it.
• Take photos with a very big and long snake, which is a gentle creature, unlike other snakes.

How To Reach

1. By Car: You can hire a cab or a taxi to reach Alas Kedaton from the heart of Hali in just 30 minutes, travelling 18.3 km via Jl. Raya Marga-Apuan and Jl. Wisnu Marga. If you are travelling by hired car, you can park it in the car park of the attraction.

2. By Scooter/Motorcycle: You can hire a Scooter Taxi or rent a motorcycle in Bali to travel from the city centre to Alas Kedaton. 

Best Time To Visit

Alas Kedaton is located in the popular holiday destination, Bali, which is a year-round travel destination. Hence, the attraction can be visited throughout the year.

Best day in the week: It is best to visit the attraction during weekdays. If you visit during weekends, you will find the place to be more crowded. This is due to the influx of tourists and locals coming to visit the attraction.

The best time of the day: The best time of the day to visit Alas Kedaton is in the afternoon between 2 pm to 4 pm. During this time, the place is less crowded, and you will be able to explore the attraction at your own pace.

Other Essential Information

• To visit this attraction as a part of a sightseeing tour, you will need to opt for the tour to Bali’s west, which also covers other attractions such as Tanah Lot and Taman Ayun Temple in Mengwi. 
• You can purchase bananas and peanuts sold in front of the attraction if you wish to feed the monkeys.
• If you want to take a selfie with money, stand still and wait for the animal to come nearby.
• There are a few souvenir shops nearby where you can purchase unique Balinese crafts and keepsakes.
• If you feel hungry and want to grab a bite, there are several eateries outside the gates.