Alas Kedaton: A Protected Forest that Holds Uniqueness and Beauty

Alas Kedaton is located in Kukuh Village, Marga District, Tabanan Regency, Bali. This forest covers an area of about 12 hectares and is one of the natural conservation areas in Bali. Besides being a habitat for wildlife, Alas Kedaton also has high historical, cultural, and religious values. In the middle of the forest, there is a temple called Pura Alas Kedaton, which is one of the oldest temples in Bali.

Location, Operational Hours, and Entrance Ticket Prices
Alas Kedaton tourist attraction is located on Jalan Raya Alas Kedaton, Kukuh, Marga District, Tabanan Regency, Bali. If departing from Ngurah Rai International Airport, the travel time to Alas Kedaton is about 1 hour 17 minutes by using a motorized vehicle. The route that can be taken is as follows:

From Jalan Airport Ngurah Rai continue to Jalan By Pass Ngurah Rai-Jalan Sunset Road-Jalan Imam Bonjol, until Jalan Mahendradatta.
Then, the journey still has to be continued to Jalan Cargo Permai, then Jalan Raya Denpasar–Gilimanuk–Jalan A.Yani VII in Abian Tuwung.
After that, you will arrive at the location of Kukuh Village, where Alas Kedaton is located.
Alas Kedaton tourist attraction is open every day from 09.00 to 17.00 WITA. The entrance ticket prices charged are as follows:

Adults (Indonesian citizens): Rp 20,000
Children: Rp 15,000
Foreign tourists: Rp 30,000
In addition, visitors must also pay vehicle parking fees, namely:

Motorcycle: Rp 2,000
Car: Rp 5,000
Bus: Rp 10,000

Monkey Statue  (Source: Author's Collection)

Alas Kedaton has many attractions that can be enjoyed by visitors. Some of them are: Monkeys and bats. Alas Kedaton is home to about 2,000 monkeys that live wild in the forest. These monkeys are tame and accustomed to the presence of humans, so visitors can interact and feed them. However, visitors must still be careful and watch their belongings, because these monkeys also like to steal and damage things. Besides monkeys, Alas Kedaton is also a place to live for the largest bat species in the world, namely Huge Fruit Bats or Giant Flying Foxes. These bats are usually seen hanging from tall trees and flying in the sky at dusk. Visitors can see and capture the uniqueness and beauty of these two types of animals with a camera.

Pura Alas Kedaton  (Source: Author's Collection)

In the middle of the forest, there is a temple called Pura Alas Kedaton. This temple is one of the oldest temples in Bali that was built in the 14th century by a priest named Mpu Kuturan. This temple has a traditional Balinese architecture that consists of three parts, namely nista (outer), madya (middle), and utama (main courtyard). This temple is intended for worshiping Shiva, Vishnu, and Brahma. On certain days, Hindus will perform prayers at this temple. Visitors can admire the beauty and sacredness of this temple, but must respect the rules and customs that apply, such as wearing decent clothes and not entering prohibited areas.
Protected forest. Alas Kedaton is a protected forest that still maintains its preservation. This forest has various types of trees, such as banyan trees, pule trees, kepuh trees, and other trees. The air in this forest is very cool and fresh, giving a calming and healthy impression for visitors. Visitors can walk around the forest, enjoy the natural atmosphere, and listen to the sounds of birds and other animals. This forest also has a high educational value, because visitors can learn about the flora and fauna that exist there.
Facilities
Alas Kedaton provides some facilities that can facilitate and pamper visitors, such as:

Vehicle parking area. A spacious and safe vehicle parking area is available in front of the forest entrance. Visitors can park their vehicles there by paying the parking fee that has been determined.
Public toilet. A clean and comfortable public toilet is available around the forest area. Visitors can use this toilet for free or by giving a voluntary donation.
Shop. Shops that sell various kinds of goods, such as food, drinks, souvenirs, clothing, and others, are available around the forest area. Visitors can shop there at affordable prices.
Children’s playground. A children’s playground that is equipped with various kinds of games, such as swings, seesaws, and others, is available around the forest area. Visitors who bring small children can let them play there safely and happily.

Outbond Area  (Source: Author's Collection)

Outbond area. An outbond area that offers various exciting activities, such as flying fox, paintball, and others, is available around the forest area. Visitors who want to feel the adventure and challenge can try these activities by paying a certain fee.
Conclusion
Alas Kedaton, Bali, is a protected forest that holds extraordinary uniqueness and beauty. This forest is inhabited by thousands of monkeys and bats that are the main attraction for visitors. In addition, this forest also has a historical temple and a strong culture. This forest also provides various facilities that can facilitate and pamper visitors. This tourist attraction is very suitable to be visited by anyone who wants to enjoy the beauty of nature, learn about flora and fauna, and get to know Bali culture more closely.