If gazes could talk, you’d
instantly hear the surrounding eyes mouthing off intentions of mayhem. A bedlam
not equating to violence, rather through mischievous actions of the
more than 700 long-tailed macaques who calls this place as home.
A primate habitat known as
the Mandala Wisata Wanara Wana or otherwise referred to as the Ubud Monkey
Forest, is another popular tourist destination in Bali. Home to more than 700
long-tailed Macaques, it is tucked deep in the forest covering approximately 10
hectares with a labyrinth composed of zigzagging water streams, hilly slopes,
sheltering towering trees – of around 115 different species, and three sacred
Hindu Temples.
Banana Crazy Welcoming Party
As soon I walked inside
the complex, I heard a Caucasian woman let out a scream – as a macaque climbed
over her head. Her male companion was telling her “It will be alright just move
slowly and rise you hand”. To which she obeyed by lifting her hand holding a
banana. The monkey proceeded to snatch the fruit and leaped back to the ground
as the other primates followed suit and they all disappeared into the forest.
As I surveyed the place
and took photographs of the first temple, I saw others chilling. Some are
casually seated over statues and plant boxes, rubbing their bellies and
armpits, while the others went around playfully with the other tourists.
After watching the long-tailed
creature make fun of the horde of visitors, I turned my attention to the sacred
temples housed inside the Ubud Monkey Forest.
14th
Century Hindu Temples
According to the Pura Purana,
a holy book made from the leaves of palm trees, the three temples inside the
Ubud Monkey Forest were built during the 14th century at the height of the
Pejeng Dynasty.
Found on the southwestern
part of the complex is the Pura Dalem Agung Padangtegal Temple or the Great
Temple of Death. In this temple is where the Hindus worship the God HyangWidhi
or Acintya – the Supreme God of Indonesian Hinduism, who they believe is
characterizing Shiva the Recycler.
In the northwestern part
of the Monkey Forest, the Pura Beji Holy Spring Temple is where the God Hyang Widhi
is personifying the Goddess Gangga. Hindu faithfuls come here to conduct the
ritual of purification and spiritual cleansing.
Completing the troika of
Hindu Temples, is the Prajapati Temple which situates on the northeastern part
of the park. This is used to worship the God Hyang Widhi as Prajapati – a
creator God. A cemetery is located almost beside this temple, which at that
time was unbeknownst to myself. If only I knew of its significance, I would definitely
have checked it out.
The cemetery is where the bodies
of the departed Hindus are taken for temporary burial before they are sent to a
proper mass cremation ceremony – something that is held once in five years.
Lost in the playful
presence of the monkeys, are the significant role of the temples plays in the
continuous refinement of the local community’s spiritual life. I later learned
that setting aside the attraction of the long-tailed macaques – the religious,
art and cultural impact of the Ubud Monkey Forest is a more enthralling topic
one must learn when visiting this place.
As I inched my way towards
the exit, I passed by four Macaques huddled together in one corner. I noticed
what appeared to be the mother nursing the baby while the father coolly
embraces them. Despite of their goofiness and bouncy attitude, these creatures
also make sure to spend some quality family time with each other. I found the
scene a very heartwarming one - and just like that, I sort of felt rejuvenated
as I exited the Ubud Monkey Forest.
*****************
This article appeared on the lifestyle pages of the August 12, 2018 issue of BusinessMirror
Cebu Pacific Air flies you to Bali / Jakarta from Manila for as Low as P499 Base Fare. Other
promos available! Hurry book your tickets while you can!
This Bali, Indonesia trip is part of my Traveloka
solo-backpacking series that took me to places around the Philippines and
Southeast Asia.
