The monkeys (macaques, actually) are well known for being aggressive and ornery at times. They will jump on visitors especially if the visitors aren't quick enough in giving up the bananas that are sold at the entrance. Alexa had a friend from school who was nipped by one of the monkeys. Fear of getting bitten by a monkey with an unknown disease had kept us away this long. Alexa was a nervous wreck. Charlotte absorbed some of Alexa's nervousness but was more game to take a look around.
We found the monkeys in a relatively mellow, easygoing frame of mind on this Sunday afternoon. Dewa told us they are often more aggressive toward visitors in the morning when they are hungry. Some of them even turned away offers of food. Many wandered by us showing no interest in our doings. Occasionally we heard the screeches of a band of males as they horsed around, much like adolescent males of other species.
The Monkey Forest itself is strikingly beautiful. It has an enormous banyan tree, several temples, and many unusual statues. In the middle of the park, you cross a bridge over a deep gorge that passes through the dangling roots of the banyan tree.
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| giant lizard statues |
Life in Ubud would be incomplete without a visit to the Monkey Forest, so we're glad we finally made it. Alexa is glad we made it out.
Date: Sep 30th
Posted by Lynn; photos by Lynn & Nat.
The banyan tree is as remarkable-looking as the monkeys!
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