Take a trip to this mountaintop forest to feed playful monkeys from your hand and see stunning tropical forests, local villages and views of the North Lombok Sea.
Pusuk Pass, or Money Forest, is situated on Gunung Rinjani National Park’s western edge in Lombok. Find Pusuk Pass on the winding and forested inland route to Tanjung and the Gili Islands. Catch views of the Lombok Sea through the trees and stop by the mountain roadside to watch monkeys swinging through the dense forest. Bring some fruit or nuts to offer and watch as the monkeys grab it from your hands.
Begin your trip heading north from Mataram and find Gunung Sari, a village famous for its locally-crafted furniture. Check out the stalls selling bamboo furniture and home items. Stop by Gunung Agung Temple, a fascinating temple with three towering spires that look similar to pine trees. After the temple, the road climbs up the hill to a village called Sidemen. Here, you can see villagers processing palm sugar.
When you begin to see monkeys swinging through the vines and trees in the forest beside the road, you’ll know you’re approaching Pusuk Pass. This lush and dense forest is 1,000 metres (3,300 feet) above sea level and breaks in the forest offer magnificent mountain views.
Pull over at the roadside rest stops or “warungs”, small local establishments, and meet the monkeys face to face. The monkeys are comfortable around humans but it’s important to remember that they are still wild animals and should never be patted or held. To feed them, simply offer your hand of nuts and fruits and allow them to accept it. Withdrawing the food to provoke the monkeys may make them aggressive. The monkeys may snatch at loose items like sunglasses and car keys, so keep these items safe and secure!
After visiting the monkeys and enjoying the beautiful views at Pusuk Pass, follow the road downhill to the coast. Find the Gili Islands and Tanjung to the north or take a scenic coastal route south towards Mataram. Senggigi Beach and its stunning surrounds and resorts can be found along this route.
Pusuk Pass is a 30-mininute drive from Mataram, but can easily be reached from Tanjung and Senggigi. Explore this area in a daytrip or stretch it out over several days to enjoy the different villages and beaches. Many tour operators include the exciting Monkey Forest in their sightseeing itineraries.
