BADUNG – Sangeh Monkey Forest began to be crowded with tourists in the afternoon, Thursday (26 November 2020). One of the natural tourist attractions located in the Abiansemal, Badung Regency is a favorite of domestic tourists, eventhough they must comply with health protocols.
“We can’t open this object if the health protocols can’t be applied strictly. In the middle of this pandemic, we also concern about the health of all monkeys,” said Sangeh Monkey Forest Manager, I Made Mohon.
The area of the Sangeh Monkey Forest itself reaches 14 hectares. More than 600 monkeys in the area adorn almost every corner of the place. With such large number of monkeys, the manager prohibits visitors from holding the monkeys.
“We always prohibited visitors from holding the monkeys for fear of being clawed. However, since are opened during the pandemic, we have tightened the rule for the sake of the health of all monkeys,” Made said.
For operational cost, the monkey forest management have spend at least Rp 30 million per month. It is include the cost for cleaning up the area and feeding more than 600 monkeys. “Because the monkey does not need special treatments. We only feed them twice a day. However, its cost a lot of money (to feed monkeys), but our income still decreased,” he explained.
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During pandemic, there are around 50-90 people visits Sangeh everyday. This figure is still far lower compared to an average 500 people per day before the pandemic. “However, it is much better than no income at all,” he said. (Kanalbali/ACH)
