Summary
Bali is famous for the Ubud Monkey Forest, but there are numerous other monkey sanctuaries scattered across the island.
One notable sanctuary is the Alas Kedaton monkey forest in Tabanan, which is home to hundreds of monkeys and some impressive flying foxes.
This travel guide will detail how to get there and provide crucial information for your visit!
Where To Stay
Alas Kedaton Monkey Forest
The Alas Kedaton monkey forest is a 12-hectare (30-acre) jungle habitat surrounding an ancient Hindu temple in Tabanan, Bali.
If you enjoyed the Ubud Monkey Sanctuary, you might like this one as well. However, if you haven’t visited Ubud yet, consider going there first for a better overall experience.
Moreover, the monkeys at Alas Kedaton tend to be more peaceful and less aggressive compared to those at Ubud or Uluwatu. The relaxed environment contributes to this behavior, as the sanctuary is generally less crowded with visitors.
If capturing great photographs of monkeys is your aim, Alas Kedaton might be a better choice than other sanctuaries in Bali. The monkeys are quite relaxed and easier to photograph here.
However, it’s worth noting that the facilities and management are not optimal. The park can appear unkempt and there are often stray dogs wandering around in poor condition.
In contrast, the Ubud monkey sanctuary maintains better facilities and provides a more enjoyable overall experience.
Alas Kedaton Flying Foxes
The main attraction at Alas Kedaton is the large number of fruit bats, also known as flying foxes. Some of these bats are tame, while others are wild, hanging high in the trees.
These fruit bats are particularly friendly and enjoy interacting with visitors as well as climbing on people. They are native to Bali and typically reside in the treetops at the monkey sanctuary.
Importantly, none of the animals are confined in cages, and they seem to be well-cared for by the guides. This sanctuary offers a more natural habitat for these bats.
You can take pictures with the bats for a small fee, and they appear to appreciate the interaction.
While these bats may appear intimidating, they are harmless as their diet consists solely of fruit. Yet, it is advisable to bring hand sanitizer for hygiene after interacting with them!
Describing the behavior of these bats can be quite difficult, but they resemble dogs or foxes in their mannerisms, which makes the name fitting.
Interestingly, the bats are not shy; they love to interact with people and climb onto their arms. Many visitors report seeing them lick fingers, which might not be appealing!
One fascinating aspect of these bats is their large, transparent wings. When they spread them out in the sunlight, it’s a spectacular sight.
Hours & Fees
- Hours: 9 AM – 5 PM
- Entrance Fee: 35k IDR (~$2)
Upon entering the sanctuary, a guide will accompany you and carry a stick in case any monkeys show aggressive behavior.
After the tour, a visit to a souvenir shop is common. The items there tend to be overpriced, so you can politely decline any purchasing suggestion, although tips for guides are appreciated.
How To Get To Alas Kedaton
The Alas Kedaton monkey forest is located in Tabanan, Bali, Indonesia. It is a short 45-minute drive from the Ubud area, or approximately 1.5 hours from popular tourist destinations like Kuta.
The most convenient way to reach there is to rent a scooter or hire a private car with a driver. Both options can be arranged online for your convenience.
Bali Private Driver & Motorbike Rental
If you prefer exploring Bali comfortably and safely in a private car with an English-speaking driver, it is highly recommended to get a private driver.
Their rates start at 700k Rupiah (~$48 USD) for a full day of driving and sightseeing in Bali (up to 10 hours) accommodating 1-5 passengers with a total price covering the car, driver, and petrol! It’s an excellent deal with the added benefit of affordable hotel transfers from the airport.
Alternatively, if motorbike travel is more appealing, they also offer rental services. Their scooter rentals start at 140k Rupiah (~$9) and come with a helmet, raincoat, and free delivery within the southern Bali area.
Having used this service for numerous activities around the globe, they come highly recommended!
