Bali Cheapest Tours

Alas Kedaton Monkey Forest

Alas Kedaton Monkey Forest is located in the village of Kutuh in the district of Marga, Tabanan, Bali. Approximately 25km northeast of Denpasar, the island’s provincial capital city, and 4.5km from Tabanan. The small forest of 12ha is inhabited by hundreds of grey long-tailed macaques (Macaca fascicularis).

Alas Kedaton Monkey Forest is easily regarded as the island’s ‘other monkey forest’ after the most prominent and often visited Ubud Monkey Forest with its band of monkeys. Kedaton is rather off the beaten track as it is located quite far from the main tourist destinations of the island.

About Alas Kedaton Monkey Forest

Alas Kedaton Monkey Forest name comes from alas, meaning ‘forest’, and kedaton, or ‘kingdom’. The area of Alas Kedaton is historically located between the Mengwi, Tabanan and Badung rajadoms. Thus theoretically, it should be considered as part of Mengwi, yet in reality the Tabanan royal family has developed most influence over this temple.

Inside the forest is a namesake temple, usually referred to as Pura Dalem Kahyangan Kedaton. This expansive complex is nestled amidst the dense woodland. Pathways surrounding the moss-covered temple walls provide a nice ambling tour, while the many places to stop and look over the shoulder-high partitions provide an insightful view into the temple grounds.

The temple was built by the Hindu high priest, Mpu Kuturan, to unify the island's Hindu sects, merging them into the Balinese Hinduism we know today. The high priest’s concepts allowed anyone from any caste or sect to offer their prayers at the Alas Kedaton temple.

The Balinese long-tail macaques are considered sacred. So are the hoards of flying foxes that zoom through the misty forest lofts. Thus, the village locals, shopkeepers, guides and visitors are prohibited from harming them, no matter how impish and aggressive they may be. The wide open spaces, deep forest and attractive temple make Alas Kedaton a worthwhile visit, even without taking its wildlife into view.

The Pura Dalem Kahyangan holds its piodalan temple anniversary every Anggara Kasih Tuesday on the Balinese Pawukon calendar, or roughly 20 days after the Galungan celebrations. The heights of festivities take place during the day, and conclude before sundown. The temple’s innermost grounds are the holiest and are discernibly lower compared to the outer perimeters. Four temple gates are located at the north, east, south and west, with the west being the main gate.

Alas Kedaton Monkey Forest is usually an included itinerary on Bali tour package west, such as temple visits to the Taman Ayun Temple in Mengwi to admire the imposing architecture of the past, as well as the majestic sea temple of Tanah Lot. Tall local nutmeg trees are home to this band of monkeys, and the shady ambiance provides a refreshing intermediate tour stop.