Alas Kedaton

Forest Temple and Monkey sanctuary

The Alas Kedaton Monkey forest, also known as Obyek Wisata Alam Alas Kedaton by locals, is a nutmeg forest and temple that is home to grey long-tailed macaques. The forest is one of numerous monkey forests in Bali that you can visit as a substitute for the more well-known Ubud Monkey Forest, particularly on travels to the island's western section.

Unfortunately, Kedaton is a little off the beaten path because it is located far from the island's main tourist attractions. This simply means that there will be fewer people on your visit. The forest is located in the town of Kutuh in the Tabanan regency's Marga district, about a 25-kilometer drive northeast of Denpasar, Bali's provincial capital.

Try Bedugul - Tanah Lot Tour for reaching this site on your full day leaisure.

The mystical Monkey Forest of Alas Kedaton

The name of the monkey forest comes from the words alas (forest) and kedaton (monkey kingdom). Pura Dalem Kahyangan Kedaton Temple is the focal point, with pathways encircling the mossy temple walls that make for a nice stroll. When there isn't a ritual going on, the temple's gates are normally closed, but you can see into the temple grounds by peering over the shoulder-high walls.

Every Anggara Kasih Tuesday, as commemorated on the Balinese Pawukon calendar - around 20 days after Bali's big Galungan celebrations — the temple celebrates its piodalan temple anniversary. The peak of the activities lasts a full day and ends before sunset.

The entire forest, like the temple, is regarded sacred, as are its inhabitants, which include swarms of long-tailed macaques and flying foxes that may sometimes be seen zipping through the misty forest canopy.

Locals, shopkeepers, guides, and visitors are barred from injuring the monkeys, no matter how mischievous they may be.

Things you should know while visiting Alas Kedaton
The monkey forest is frequently included on temple-sightseeing tours to Bali's west, which also include Taman Ayun Temple near Mengwi and Tanah Lot, Bali's most famous sea temple.

We don't recommend buying the peanuts and bananas sold here to feed the animals. These monkeys are wild animals, and relying on handouts causes them to lose track of their natural food cycle. When dealing with wild animals, a good rule of thumb is to "don't feed the animals" and "see but don't touch."

If you want to take a selfie with a monkey, stand still and allow the animals approach you first, and be calm.

You can meander by designated gift shops, pause for a drink, or choose one of the cafés outside the gate for a meal in addition to the animal interactions. Look to see whether there are any menu pricing or price tags on the items. Otherwise, prepare to sharpen your negotiating abilities!