Sangeh Monkey Forest
A Superior TOA in Bali

Of 33 Tourist Objects and Attractions (TOAs) in Badung, the Sangeh monkey forest is one of the tourist objects proposed to become a superior TOA in Bali. Why? Aside from posing a unique ecotourism, it is also managed very professionally. In addition, its supporting facilities are complete such as toilets and parking lot. These conditions are expected to increase the number of tourist visits that ultimately would have a positive impact on the improvement of economy of the surrounding community.

Sangeh is situated at Sangeh Village, Abiansemal, Badung, 21 km north of Denpasar. Professional management of the conserved forest began 6 years ago. Prior to that time it was reliant purely on the loveliness of the forest and cuteness of the local monkeys which were wild and savage. However, since then 90% of them have now become docile as a consequence.
The management system of Sangeh tourist object constitutes a collaboration of the operating board, customary village and regional government of Badung. The operating board has total authority to manage the asset, but it persistently coordinates with the customary village and is inseparable from the regulation issued by the Badung government.
The territory of this tourist object is thoroughly clean, while the attendants originating in the local village utterly understand the importance of tourism and Sangeh territory. They are assigned to serve visitors in the best possible manner and to look after such object with care. Control by the community is continually undertaken so the monkey forest becomes a convenient destination to visit.
Made Sumohon, Operating Manager of the Sangeh TOA said, though the object has successfully attracted many visitors, his party manages the ecotourism object regularly. For that purpose, his party constantly involves both government and private institutions like NGOs, hotel industry and assistance from the World Bank to maintain the existing garden. In the meantime, Bali Tropic Resort & Spa Hotel’s participation as foster father is very beneficial. This hotel has not only planted some trees, but also has donated a number of garden lamps and dustbins. “The most important endeavor making us proud is the intensive promotion undertaken by the hotel’s management through disseminating brochures and setting up a website and e-mail for Sangeh,” he said.
There is also an NGO taking a US volunteer to extend the English language training to the object attendants. “In the near future, we will be provided with training by Faculty of Animal Husbandry, Udayana University (Ubud) to examine the health of the monkeys,” Sumohon added.
By the modern management of Sangeh and collaboration, the profit-sharing is based on percentage of the income, namely 25% of the ticket purchase is submitted to Regional Government of Badung, while the other 75% of this income is allocated as much as 2/3 to customary village and the remaining 1/3 to the operating board employing 20 attendants and a manager. (BTN/015)