Monkey Forest

Day 87 – Ubud, Indonesia

So, one of the things to do in Ubud is take a walk in the Monkey Forest. There are important guidelines, of course, such as don’t feed the monkeys, don’t look at them in the eyes, don’t smile (it is seen as aggressive), and don’t try to get anything back that they have stolen. Oh, and be careful of shiny, dangling things that they could snatch. And they will find the food stored in your backpack, especially that piece of bread that seemed covered but in fact wasn’t monkey-proof.

Just walkin’ you know, nothing to see

Me, it was my water bottle, because monkeys have learned that water bottles may contain sodas, and apparently they like that.

Bottle thief

So, after the fight with two different member of staff, I got my bottle back. (Try to find a green bottle in a lush jungle…?) The cap is all gnawed on, but it was so tightly screwed on that the monkey couldn’t get it to open. A shame, because according to the first keeper, a taste of water without sugar, and they would have lost interest. Would have lost the cap also in all likelihood, so maybe it’s as well.

The keepers are armed with two kinds of weapons: slingshots on one side to chase monkeys away, treats on the other side to lure them closer, according to their needs. They wear a uniform of a green sarong, green vest, and green turban.

Staff feeding the monkeys

The forest itself has wide trails and walks, a few wooden walkways, bridges, and so on. There is a temple, many statues line the roads, statues that often don’t make sense -but it is part of the fun.

Monkey Forest – Statue

I was lucky to see a couple of newlyweds in traditional wedding costume that were being photographed on the grounds. The poor couple will figure in more than one tourists’ holiday picture album. I am guilty of the same, I’m afraid.

Newlyweds

I saw two monkey fights, numerous babies gripping their mother’s fur, youngs of all sizes, and some obvious patriarchs.

The monkeys don’t really pay attention to you if they are running by you, by which I mean I got a whipping by a passing tail.

At one place, you could have someone coax a monkey to stand on your shoulders (using treats), so you could have pictures taken. Of course, getting the monkey to leave its new perch often included the threat of the coaxer’s shoe. Worked every time.

My pictures of the day are in the gallery of Ubud.

Monkeys!