Mándala Suci Wenara Wana is a sanctuary and habitat of the Balinese long tailed macaque. We chose the hotel Gayatri as it is between the monkey forest and Ubud temple as well as best great shops and art.
The area of about 25 acres is separated into different groups of macaques that live in specific areas. It is owned by the village for conservation of the area in the Hindu principle Tri Hata Karana which means three ways to reach spiritual and physical well being. The focus is on these relationships: human-human, humans-nature, humans-supreme god.
The temples here are important for the villagers and only those can enter and pray. Adjacent to one of the three temples is a cemetery fire temporary burial before there is a mass cremation every 5 years or on the auspicious day of the Balinese calendar. We actually heard a lot of noise and music and followed to the third temple where a funeral ritual was taking place. The difference here is that you sense joy and celebration for their life and moving to the next realm. There are no tears as you are to show respect not sadness as it is thought the next world is better than what they left.
I was able to video part of the ceremony: https://youtu.be/puGAld39W5s
Pictures from the other two temples:
The monkeys have lost fear of humans and will eat out of your hand if you are provided food to give them. Otherwise, holding bags, hiding food from them can bring aggression. The people caring for the monkeys are on the lookout for aggression and also interaction between the different groups of macaques especially going to the water in the dry season. The park also focuses on research of the various groups.
I made a small video of a couple of babies: https://youtu.be/l0W-1R289JA
