Monkey Forest

Ubud is one of the most sought-after destinations in Bali and is believed to be the hub of culture, art and nature at its best. It is also very quiet and pristine, unlike Kuta which is a bustling centre. However, there is no dearth of restaurants or shops or tourist attractions here. Photographers throng to this place to take pictures of the rustic side of Ubud with its rich rice paddy fields. Besides the palace in Ubud, one of the most popular attractions is the Monkey Forest with a temple inside.

With over 115 species of trees, Monkey Forest is a sacred grove that is officially called the Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary. Deep inside is the Temple of Death. While I was fascinated by the sculptures and carvings in the temple, several other tourists were interested in photographing monkeys that were over 300 in number. They are quite boisterous and will jump on your back or grab your sunglasses, so it is better to be a bit careful while walking around the forest.