Sacred Monkeys
Today we visited the Sangeh Monkey Forest near Ubud, Bali.
The forest of nutmeg trees surrounds a 400 year-old temple complex. The forest, and therefore the resident primates, are thought to be sacred.
The scenery was amazing to behold, but I was on edge the entire time. The monkeys are said to be “friendly” as long as you don’t touch them.
To me, the fact that they get hostile when touched means that they aren’t quite worthy of the “friendly” classification. Shortly after this photo, where my unease is obvious, another monkey crawled up my back, snatched my sunglasses and ran away.
My sunglasses were rescued by one of the two “monkey whisperers” who followed us around (and saved Deedsy from being bitten several times).
The monkey whisperers (both men) were wearing sarongs and the traditional Balinese udeng/head dress.
There is thought to be over 600 monkeys in this forest.
All of the trees are nutmeg trees. No wood is allowed to be cut in this forest.
We loved seeing the baby monkeys with their Mamas! Here, Jojo and a baby monkey are having a moment of eye contact as the little one nurses.
Neither mama monkey nor baby were modest, and Jojo pointed out that it was a boy baby. He was right.
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17 April 2009, 6:22 pm
wow, i can’t believe you can actually hang out with the monkeys. that’s so great. interaction with animals and kids is one of the sweetest things.
Photo Friday - Behind the Scenes
17 April 2009, 6:43 pm
How cool that there’s a place like that. Must have been awesome to see them all! Glad y’all didn’t get bitten!
Nancy M.s last blog post..Friendship Bread
17 April 2009, 7:05 pm
that first monkey looks pretty, uh, ballsy…
17 April 2009, 9:18 pm
This made my day - these photos are SO GREAT!!!
17 April 2009, 9:38 pm
I’m jealous! I want monkeys to sit in my lap too!
It looks like you had fun. I LOVE that next-to-last photo (the boys running toward the trees), it’s perfect. xoxo
17 April 2009, 11:34 pm
Looks like you are having TONS of fun! A barrel of monkeys type fun!
18 April 2009, 4:14 am
We’ve had similar encounters with sacred monkeys in Thailand and Japan (both interesting and a little unnerving especially with kids in tow). Fun to see all of your photos.
18 April 2009, 8:05 am
Not a fan of monkeys, here. I admire your bravery!
18 April 2009, 1:34 pm
I’d love to be there! Even though I’m a bit freaked out by monkeys. I’m probably the only person who doesn’t find them cute, either real or stuffed.
I guess the “beemis” doll works! LOL
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18 April 2009, 2:55 pm
You are creating the best memories and experiences for you children. I am rather jealous, and shall be content through pictures.
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18 April 2009, 6:48 pm
How amazing for the children. They must have just loved it. We went to see little lambs yesterday and I’ve never known my two to be so excited. I think they would have thought they’d gone to Heaven if they’d played with monkeys!
18 April 2009, 6:49 pm
How amazing for the children. They must have just loved it. We went to see little lambs yesterday and I’ve never known my two to be so excited. I think they would have thought they’d gone to Heaven if they’d played with monkeys!
Maternal Taless last blog post..Childbirth and Sheep Farms
19 April 2009, 4:31 pm
I got a real chuckle out of the first photo. You looked less than thrilled, but the monkey looks like he’s shrugging and saying “I don’t know what she’s on about!”
Kids looked like they loved it, though!
20 April 2009, 9:24 pm
oooh! we love this place!! those monkeys are nuts. but make sure to watch your water bottles! they do love to steal. haha. it looks like you’re having a great time!
24 April 2009, 7:08 am
[...] he didn’t have my permission, that’s for sure. Maybe it was those dirty monkeys. I am not an herbalist (sorry, I didn’t have time for herb school), but I am extremely [...]
03 April 2010, 4:19 pm
Wow, I am surprised that the monkeys were willing to sit on your lap. When I was there in1975, the monkeys were mean and nasty.
Brookshield had the same problem, she was harrasshed by the monkeys.