Ubud Monkey Forest – Sacred Jungle Photography in Bali

7 August 2022 – Categorie: Travel Photography – Sebastien Desnoulez

An immersion into the sacred forest of Ubud, where macaques move freely between tenderness, play and spiritual stillness. A wildlife photography journey in the Balinese jungle.

Ubud Monkey Forest: in the heart of Bali’s jungle

Located in central Ubud, on the island of Bali, the Monkey Forest is much more than a tourist attraction. This sacred sanctuary, also known as Mandala Suci Wenara Wana, is home to over 600 long-tailed macaques (Macaca fascicularis), living freely within a lush jungle dotted with Hindu temples.

Observing the interactions between these primates in their natural environment offers a unique experience – somewhere between wildlife photography and quiet contemplation. Playful moments, tenderness, alertness or displays of dominance appear through glances, postures, and gestures – scenes I aimed to capture with respect and discretion.

Away from the clichés of mischievous monkeys, this portrait series reveals the complexity of their social behavior. A youngster nestled against its mother, an adult in a meditative pose, or two macaques grooming each other: each image is an invitation to rediscover Bali’s wildlife through the attentive and poetic lens of the photographer.

If you enjoy natural and contemplative atmospheres, you might also explore my photo series in the rice fields around Ubud or at the Sanur Kite Festival.

The Monkey Forest reserve also plays a vital role in preserving Balinese tradition, protecting the Dalem Agung, Prajapati, and Holy Spring temples hidden beneath the forest canopy. A must-visit site for nature lovers, spiritual travelers, and photography enthusiasts.

Explore my limited edition wildlife art prints in the Une image pour rêver fine art photography gallery.

About the author: Sebastien Desnoulez is a travel and nature photographer. He captures fleeting moments with empathy and light, always seeking emotion and authenticity. Learn more.

Click on the photos below to view them fullscreen.