Bali Tourism Faces Setback as Sangeh Monkey Forest Shuts for Repairs After Severe Weather

Published on December 5, 2025

Sangeh Monkey Forest, one of Bali’s top tourist attractions, has suffered significant damage due to heavy rainfall, marking one of the worst weather-related incidents in more than a decade. On Wednesday, December 3, 2025, several large trees fell within the main temple complex of the forest, causing extensive damage to ancient structures. The destruction has led to temporary closures of certain areas as authorities work to assess the full extent of the damage and begin repairs.

Sangeh Monkey Forest, located in Sangeh Village, is a renowned site known for its natural beauty, its Hindu temple, and its population of long-tailed macaques. The forest is a popular destination for visitors seeking to explore Bali’s wildlife and culture, and it is considered a significant cultural landmark. The recent weather event has caused concern among both locals and tourists, with immediate efforts underway to repair the damage and ensure the safety of visitors.

Damage to Sangeh Monkey Forest: What Happened?

On December 3, 2025, heavy rainfall, a common occurrence during Bali’s rainy season, caused several mature trees to fall within the temple complex area of the Sangeh Monkey Forest. The fallen trees damaged ancient stone structures, including parts of the temple’s stone walls and sacred statues, which are central to the attraction’s cultural significance. The temple, known for its spiritual importance and historic features, sustained significant damage, and efforts to clear debris and assess structural safety have caused temporary closures of parts of the forest to ensure visitor safety.

The monkey forest is a key element of Bali’s tourism sector, attracting thousands of visitors each year to witness its famous population of macaques and to explore its historical temple structures. The natural beauty of the area, combined with the forest’s cultural significance, makes it one of Bali’s most important cultural attractions.

Impact on Bali’s Tourism Industry

The damage to Sangeh Monkey Forest is expected to impact Bali’s tourism industry, particularly during the high season when many tourists visit the island. As one of the more prominent cultural and nature-based attractions in Bali, Sangeh Monkey Forest draws visitors from around the world who come to experience the lush landscape, interact with the monkey population, and enjoy the ancient temples and sacred sites.

The temporary closure of sections of the forest could deter some travelers, as Sangeh is considered a must-see for tourists who are looking to experience Bali’s wildlife, temples, and natural beauty. However, local tourism officials are optimistic that with swift repairs, the attraction will be able to reopen quickly, minimizing the long-term effects on visitor numbers.

Efforts to Restore and Repair

Local authorities and tourism officials in Sangeh have already begun efforts to assess and restore the damage caused by the storm. The Bali Tourism Office, in collaboration with local experts, is working to clear debris, secure damaged structures, and ensure that the integrity of the temple complex is preserved. The restoration efforts are expected to take several weeks, as the damage to ancient and culturally significant sites requires careful and specialized attention.

In addition to structural repairs, Sangeh Monkey Forest is implementing enhanced safety measures for visitors to ensure that the attraction can safely reopen to the public. Officials are prioritizing the safety of both tourists and the monkey population, as the forest remains home to several hundred macaques that play a vital role in the attraction’s appeal.

Weather Patterns in Bali and Future Risks

Bali is currently experiencing one of its heaviest rainy seasons in recent years, and the weather conditions have led to significant impacts on both natural sites and human settlements. In addition to the damage at Sangeh Monkey Forest, Bali has seen an increase in flooding and landslides in some parts of the island, further highlighting the potential risks that extreme weather events pose to both tourism and local communities.

Given the frequency of rainfall during the wet season, which typically runs from November to March, travelers planning to visit Bali should be mindful of potential disruptions caused by storms. Travelers should check for weather updates, potential road closures, and any changes to their travel plans in advance, particularly if they plan to visit outdoor attractions like Sangeh Monkey Forest or Bali’s other natural landmarks.

Tourism Impact and Future Preparedness

Despite the challenges posed by the weather, Bali’s tourism industry remains resilient, and local authorities are focused on long-term strategies to mitigate the risks of future disruptions. This includes improving infrastructure, better drainage systems, and enhanced emergency response protocols to ensure that visitors can continue to enjoy the island’s natural and cultural treasures even during challenging weather conditions.

As Bali continues to recover from recent weather events, both the government and the tourism sector are working closely together to ensure that natural attractions like Sangeh Monkey Forest remain accessible and safe for future travelers. The current disruption serves as an important reminder of the vulnerability of natural landmarks to extreme weather and the importance of maintaining a balance between tourism and environmental preservation.

Conclusion: Moving Forward with Resilience and Safety

The damage to Sangeh Monkey Forest caused by heavy rainfall in December 2025 is a temporary setback for Bali’s tourism sector, but the island remains a popular and resilient destination. With quick restoration efforts and a focus on tourism safety, the forest is expected to reopen and continue to offer visitors a unique cultural and natural experience. As Bali prepares for the peak tourism season, travelers are encouraged to stay informed about local conditions, plan accordingly, and respect safety measures as the island continues to recover and welcome visitors from around the world.