Monkey Feeding Attraction Boosts Tourist Numbers at Sangeh Monkey Forest

A number of long-tailed macaques (Macaca fascicularis) chased Hamdani, eyeing the bag of edamame and bananas carried by the man from Probolinggo. Hamdani tried not to panic as the monkey climbed onto his shoulder. “I was actually a bit afraid of being bitten or scratched, but so far it’s been safe because they are being fed,” the 21-year-old told detikBali on Tuesday (28/7/2026). Hamdani was visiting the Alas Pala Sangeh tourist destination for the first time. He took the time to buy food for the monkeys, consisting of bananas and edamame, for Rp 20,000 from the site’s management. His anxiety about being injured by the monkeys was eased by the presence of Sangeh Monkey Forest staff who regularly patrol and monitor tourists. Some staff carry catapults to ward off monkeys that pose a danger to visitors. “As long as you follow their instructions, you don’t have to be afraid of being bitten or scratched by the monkeys,” he said.

Chairman of the Alas Pala Sangeh DTW management, Ida Bagus Gede Pujawan, explained that tourists have been allowed to feed the monkeys since January 2024. Foreign adult visitors pay an entrance fee of Rp 75,000 and children Rp 50,000, which includes a bottle of mineral water and monkey food. Meanwhile, domestic tourist tickets are priced at Rp 15,000 without monkey food. Pujawan claimed that the monkey feeding activity prevents the primates from snatching visitors’ belongings. “With monkey feeding, the monkeys are more focused on the food,” he explained. He added that the feeding attraction has become a unique selling point for the Sangeh Monkey Forest compared to other monkey forests. The attraction has also proven effective in boosting tourist numbers. According to data from the Alas Pala Sangeh DTW, total visits reached 144,733 in 2024, rising to 206,458 in 2025, with foreign tourists dominating the figures. Pujawan noted that the feeding programme has also reduced the monthly cost of feeding the monkeys. Previously, the management spent around Rp 30 million per month on monkey food, but this has now decreased to approximately Rp 18 million per month. The management typically feeds the 700 monkeys twice daily, at 6 a.m. and 11 a.m. local time. “We place the food in specific locations,” Pujawan said. Tourists were observed feeding the monkeys, with the food also serving to attract the primates to perch on visitors’ heads, shoulders, or hands. These moments are captured by photographers, and tourists can purchase the photos as souvenirs from the Sangeh Monkey Forest.