World as Muse: Ubud's Sacred Monkey Forest

The sacred forest at the end of our street is home to a beautiful temple and hundreds of grey monkeys. These creatures are more than a little accustomed to people, and they definitely rule the area. Though it is safe to enter, you have to heed the advice of locals (and other tourists), and proceed cautiously. The monkeys will jump on people, steal all manner of items, and can get aggressive if they feel threatened.

M. and I visited the Monkey Forest when we visited Ubud11 years ago without incident. But after being ambushed by a band of monkeys in India a few years ago (they bared their teeth at us, and stole my food and souvenirs) I was a little more wary of monkeys, and a little anxious. What? Me? Anxious? Never.

These monkeys were pretty cheeky, but also really wonderful to see. There were lots of mamas and babies cuddling, and lots of grooming of nether regions to observe. Big J loved the experience, and he was quite brave about the whole thing too. And I think Little J was pretty captivated by the scampering and various territorial scraps we witnessed.

We were there just before sunset, when the light was fading, and the moss covered statues and ancient trees were most dramatic.