Pura Alas Kedaton: Another Monkey Forest in Bali

Bali has no shortage of temples and monkeys. Today I rode over to Pura Alas Kedaton, just up the road from Tabanan, to get another taste of the place. As Monkey Forests go, the best is the Ubud Monkey Forest, followed by the one at Sangeh. Pura Alas Kedaton has a temple, that is rather drab, a huge ‘art market’ outside the temple area, plus a selection of tall tress containing many macaque monkeys. Pura Alas Kedaton is situated between Mengwi and Tabanan, in the village of Marga. The best way to get the from Kuta Kuta is to go through Kerobokan towards Canggu / Tanah Lot, turning right towards Tabanan and continuing through the main east-west road, and heading north. From Kuta the drive should take about 40 minutes.

The 5 most important temples in west Bali are probably Tanah Lot, Taman Ayun, Pura Luhur Batukaru, Pura Rambut Siwi and Pura Agung Pulaki. Still Pura Alas Kedaton attracts visitors, mainly for the monkeys. When I arrived the parking area was mostly empty, with ‘guides’ lounging under a bale structure, and rows of shops selling souvenir t-shirts, sarong and handicrafts. If you think hurting for customers, this place is really hurting.

Buying an adult ticket for 10,000rp, I passed under the huge sign saying “Welcome, this is a tourist object.” People seemed friendly, inviting me to browse their shops, but I knew already I wasn’t buying. One lady in uniform said she was my guide, but I said no thanks, I would prefer to guide myself.

Strolling through to the large garden area, I stopped and said hello to an older Balinese man and his friends. He offered to show me round and tagged along for a while. I really wasn’t so interested in the monkeys, as I’ve seen plenty before.

Among the signs posted was one mentioning the ‘7 enchantments’, which were Security, Orderliness, Cleanliness, Coolness, Beauty, Hospitality and Rememberence. I wouldn’t score very high on Coolness or Beauty, but I hope Hospitality is one that might get me some points.

Another sign posted outside the temple had the following list of instructions:
The temple is closed to:
•1. The women who are in menstruation, newly giving birth and abortion.
•2.Visitors in the mood of condolence or having dead relatives within the last 3 days.
•3. Visitors disrespect our local customs and regulations about entering the temple.
•4.Visitors having vices which is negative to the holiness of the temple.
•5.Visitors who disrespect the holy environment and the temple therefore we appreciate if you dress up and behave properly. Make use of the toilet, keep the cleanliness of the building as well as the temple wall.
Thank you for your deep attention.

Lucky for me I have no vices, or have ever had a naughty thought, I was good to go. There is a pathway that passes by the side of the temple, leading through part of the forest. It circles round and you will arrive back at the art shops. Don’t forget to check out a certain tree, which is loaded with bats.

The temple area had the usual perimeter fence and looking over I observe the rather plain looking

Pura Alas Kedaton

•What is it?
A temple and Monkey Forest.

•When is it open?
Everyday

•Opening hours?
Not entirely sure, but these places usually close around 6pm.

•Admission:
Adults 10,000rp, Indonesian adults 7,500rp, Kids 5,000rp

•Facilities:
Souvenir / art shop galore, toilets, drink sellers.

•Who would Pura Alas Kedaton be good for?
People who are passing through and want something to break up the afternoon for an hour.

•Who would Pura Alas Kedaton not be good for?
People looking for an elaborate temple, or a tourist free Balinese experience.