Sangeh village

Sangeh Nature Park: A Hidden Gem in Bali's Natural Landscape

Sangeh Monkey Forest is one of Bali’s hidden gems, perfect for nature lovers and travelers seeking a unique experience. Nestled in a protected forest dominated by towering nutmeg trees, this serene spot is home to hundreds of friendly monkeys. Located in the village of Sangeh, Abiansemal District, Badung Regency, it’s an easy day trip from several popular areas in Bali. If you’re planning a visit to Bali and love exploring the natural environment, Sangeh should definitely be on your list!

How to Get to Sangeh & Travel Time

Understanding travel times between Bali’s top tourist spots is essential for smooth trip planning. From Seminyak, Sangeh is about a 1 hour and 15-minute drive. If you're coming from Ubud, it’s much closer—just 18 kilometers, which takes around 40 minutes by car. Travelers coming from Uluwatu Temple will need to drive about 1 hour and 50 minutes (a distance of 53 kilometers). And if you’re visiting from Bali Safari and Marine Park, expect the journey to take roughly 1 hour, covering 34 kilometers.

Best Time to Visit & Opening Hours

The Sangeh Monkey Forest is open every day from 08:00 to 17:00. If you prefer a quieter visit and cooler temperatures, aim to arrive early—around 08:30—before the crowds gather. From 11:00 onwards, the forest gets busier as travelers often arrive after visiting other attractions like Ulun Danu Beratan Temple. On average, visitors spend about an hour here, exploring the forest and watching the monkeys in their natural habitat.

Getting Around: The Best Transportation Options

When traveling around Bali, having the right transportation can make a big difference. Sangeh is best accessed by private transport, and you have two main options: renting a motorbike or a car.

• Renting a Motorbike

If you’re traveling solo or with a partner and want to keep things budget-friendly, renting a motorbike is a fantastic option. Motorbike rentals are widely available across Bali, especially in southern tourist areas. Expect to pay around IDR 100,000 for 24 hours, excluding fuel. This is perfect for a more flexible, adventurous ride.

• Car Rentals for Families

If you’re visiting Sangeh with family or friends and want more comfort, renting a car is your best bet. Bali has numerous car rental options, including self-drive or with a driver. If you’d rather relax and enjoy the scenery without the hassle of driving, hire a car with a driver. For example, renting a Toyota Avanza with a driver costs about IDR 400,000 for 12 hours, while a Toyota Innova Reborn is around IDR 600,000 for 12 hours, both excluding fuel. For larger groups, minibuses like the Toyota Hiace or Isuzu ELF are available, making the journey more comfortable.

What to See: The Unique Lanang Wadon Trees & Sacred Temples

Sangeh is not just about monkeys—it’s also rich in natural beauty and spiritual significance. One of the park's highlights is the towering nutmeg trees, including the famous Lanang Wadon trees. These trees have trunks shaped like male and female genitalia, symbolizing fertility, and are a favorite photo spot for visitors.

In the heart of the forest, you’ll discover two sacred temples: the smaller Pura Melanting and the larger Pura Bukit Sari. Both temples are highly revered by the locals, and the monkeys are believed to be guardians of the temples, connected to the gods of Pura Bukit Sari. It’s a peaceful, mystical atmosphere that adds a deeper dimension to your visit.

Tips for Visiting Sangeh

To make the most of your visit, there are a few things to keep in mind. Avoid wearing jewelry like necklaces or earrings, and it’s best to leave your sunglasses in your bag—the curious monkeys might snatch them! Be respectful of the animals and avoid disturbing them. If you want to feed the monkeys, you can buy bananas or cassava from local vendors near the park entrance.

Hiring a local guide is also a good idea. Dressed in traditional Balinese attire, guides are available to assist you, providing insights into the park’s history, the monkeys, and the sacred temples.

Why Visit Sangeh Monkey Forest?

Sangeh is perfect for a family-friendly day out, especially if you're traveling with kids. It’s a great way to introduce them to the concept of forest conservation while letting them have fun interacting with the playful monkeys. Taking photos with the monkeys and feeding them is a favorite activity for visitors—why not give it a try and capture a memory to take home with you?

Whether you’re looking for a peaceful retreat in nature, curious about Balinese temples, or just want to hang out with some monkeys, Sangeh Monkey Forest offers a bit of everything. So, add it to your Bali itinerary and get ready for an unforgettable experience!