Bali has three well-known monkey forests: Ubud in Gianyar Regency, Sangeh in Badung Regency, and Alas Kedaton in Tabanan Regency. You can also find monkeys at many other temples in Bali, since most Balinese, the majority of whom are Hindu, consider the monkey a holy animal, and Hindus seek to maintain good relations with nature, through the concept of Tri Hita Karana.


The presence of temples within the forests where the monkeys live indicates that these venues also have a religious function. Many legends describe the harmonious relations between communities and their forests. Communities living near forests always respect and protect the forests. Each village has awig-awig (traditional regulations) full of prohibitions relating to the forest, the monkeys, and the temples, with strict punishments for violators.  


The majesty of an ancient Hindu civilization

Right in the middle of the forest, facing west, is the temple, Pura Alas Kedaton (also called Pura Dalem Kahyangan Kedaton), which has four pemedal (entry/exit gates). The interior of the temple is a holy area, situated at a lower level, unlike the more common temple design in Bali in which the central holy area is at a higher level.

Pura Dalem Kahyangan Kedaton, located in Alas Kedaton (Kedaton Forest), is full of unique relics of ancient history. As well as megaliths, the temple area contains Durga Mahisasuramardhini and Siwa Linggam statues. As well as being sacred media of worship, these relics are also evidence of a much earlier Hindu civilization. 


A unique religious ritual

Another unique feature of Alas Kedaton is the piodalan (temple ceremony) conducted every 210 days, on Anggara Kliwon Medangsia in the Balinese calendar, 21 days after the major holiday of Galungan. Both for the piodalan and for daily rituals, at this temple it is forbidden to use incense, penjor (woven bamboo decorations), tabuh rah (cock fighting), or other modern innovations.


Synergy of tourism, nature conservation, history and culture

Visiting this tourist object, we see a natural attraction, the monkeys living in a protected forest area. From the antique temple at Alas Kedaton, we can learn about architecture and see ancient historical relics. And with a bit of planning and luck, you can catch unique rituals here on piodalan days. 

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