Ahhhhhhh! Oh my god! Gasp! *Faint* Eeeeeee! Oh my god look! So cute!
This about sums up my time at the monkey forest in Ubud. Guys, I cannot explain to you how adorable these monkeys were. So instead, I will overload you with pictures. And add a few words. But only a couple, as to not distract you from the preciousness.
From the moment you enter the monkey forest, you are surrounded by these little creatures all looking for a treat.
You can get real up close and personal to all of the animals, though it is against the rules to interact with the monkeys unless you have purchased bananas {which they sell at the entrance and in various locations in the forest}.
Although sometimes, even if you don’t have bananas, the monkeys will choose to interact with you. This little guy was perplexed with Eric as we were walking along one of the pathways. He came right up to us and curiously checked if we had food. Once realizing we were a lost cause, he sat on Eric’s foot and urinated. Seeing as I didn’t get peed on, I thought he was darling.
The forest is also filled with babies! {monkeys that is} The mothers are very protective, as they would be in the wild. But you should not have any trouble snapping a few close ups as they are not shy and enjoy the attention. I sat for long periods of time {probably too long for Eric’s taste in the 110% humidity} just watching the baby monkeys interact with their mothers, other siblings, and the big world around them.
^ sassy.
^ ouchhhh! the worst kind of breastfeeding!
You do need to be cautious as the monkeys are used to the banana game and are fully aware if you are storing food somewhere. Unlike wild monkeys elsewhere in Bali, these monkeys will not typically lunge for your sunglasses or other belongings. They are used to being fed by the tourists.
This means if you have food, dish it out! Otherwise they will do almost anything to find it…
That being said, if you wait to buy bananas close to the actual temple in the forest, you will be in for a treat! The women will normally help tourists feed the monkey so that you are doing so in the safest way possible. Technically, you are on your own. But they try to find monkeys suitable to your frame and size.
Then you lure them over with your banana and up they climb!
They are more than happy to sit on your head and make themselves at home. This was such a fun experience and I highly, highly recommend everyone visit the monkey forest.
You may even make a new friend for life! #bffs
But they are monkeys that are kept in one place and not in the wild…like the elephants you were concerned about… ???
They are free to roam where they please and are not trapped within walls of any kind.
well that’s better then, but…be aware you are still promoting the animal tourism industry. something for those who are trying to be worldly to consider all sides of.