Alas Kedaton is a peaceful monkey forest and sacred temple located in Tabanan Regency, Bali. Surrounded by lush tropical trees, the sanctuary is home to hundreds of long-tailed macaques and large fruit bats, locally known as flying foxes. At the heart of the forest stands the ancient **Pura Alas Kedaton, an important Hindu temple that creates a unique blend of nature, wildlife, and spirituality.
Visitors can enjoy a relaxing walk through the forest while observing the monkeys in their natural habitat. With its serene atmosphere and cultural significance, Alas Kedaton is one of Bali's hidden gems for nature and culture lovers.
History
The history of Alas Kedaton dates back to the 12th century, during the reign of Mpu Kuturan, a respected Hindu priest who played a significant role in shaping Balinese Hinduism. According to local tradition, Mpu Kuturan established **Pura Alas Kedaton as a place of worship and meditation.
The name "Alas Kedaton" combines the words alas, meaning forest, and kedaton, meaning kingdom or palace, which can be interpreted as "The Royal Forest." Over the centuries, the forest has been carefully preserved by the local community as a sacred area where humans, wildlife, and nature coexist in harmony.
Today, Alas Kedaton remains an active religious site and a popular eco-tourism destination, attracting visitors with its rich cultural heritage, friendly monkeys, and peaceful natural surroundings.
