Ubud, Bali — A bizarre and mystical incident has stirred the usually tranquil atmosphere of Ubud’s Sacred Monkey Forest. A construction worker, reportedly from outside Bali, is said to have become possessed after throwing a stone at one of the forest’s sacred monkeys. The episode escalated to the point where the man had to be taken to Pura Dalem Agung Padangtegal — the temple at the heart of the forest — to make a traditional spiritual apology.
It Started with a Throw
Witnesses say the man was working on a project near the forest when he threw a small stone at a monkey who had approached the site. Moments later, things took a turn. The worker began acting erratically — screaming, rolling on the ground, and speaking in strange, unintelligible tongues.
“At first we thought he was joking or maybe just exhausted, but then he started acting possessed. His body went stiff, his eyes bulged, and his voice completely changed,” said a fellow worker who asked to remain anonymous.
Taken to Temple for Spiritual Apology
After attempts to calm him down failed, locals advised taking the man to Pura Dalem Agung Padangtegal, a temple dedicated to Shiva and considered the spiritual heart of the Monkey Forest. A ritual apology was performed by local priests and spiritual leaders, involving offerings and traditional cleansing ceremonies.
According to village elders, the act served both as a request for forgiveness and a rebalancing of spiritual harmony between humans and nature.
“The Monkey Forest isn’t just a tourist site — it’s a sacred space filled with unseen spirits. The monkeys are not just animals; they’re part of a larger spiritual ecosystem,” a local priest explained.
Recovered After the Ceremony
Remarkably, after the ceremony was completed and offerings were made, the worker’s condition began to improve. He regained consciousness but claimed to have no memory of the event.
The man has since been sent back to his hometown to rest and recover. Meanwhile, local authorities have reminded visitors and workers alike to respect the monkeys and sacred spaces within the Monkey Forest.
Editor’s Note:
The Monkey Forest Ubud is home not just to hundreds of long-tailed macaques but also to deeply sacred temples and spiritual energies revered by Balinese Hindus. Stories like this are reminders that in Bali, the connection between humans, nature, and the spirit world is not just cultural — it’s real.
