Bali Monkeys Notorious for Stealing Tourists’ Valuables in Exchange for Food
BALI, Indonesia — Visitors to Bali’s renowned Uluwatu Temple are encountering an unusual challenge: long-tailed macaque monkeys reportedly stealing their valuables—including smartphones, sunglasses, and wallets—and holding them ransom until supplied with food rewards. This mischievous behavior by the temple’s resident primates has been ongoing for decades, frustrating tourists and prompting study by researchers.
Home to around 600 macaques, Uluwatu Temple sits dramatically on a cliff overlooking the Indian Ocean and is considered a sacred Hindu site dating back to the 10th or 11th century. Local traditions revere the monkeys as spiritual guardians of the temple. However, their crafty antics have become a major concern for visitors and temple staff alike.
Selective Theft and “Economic” Behavior
Researchers with the University of Lethbridge who analyzed hundreds of hours of footage say these macaques exhibit “unprecedented economic decision-making processes.” The monkeys do not simply grab random items; rather, they appear to selectively target objects that hold higher value for humans, such as smartphones, glasses, and wallets, while ignoring less prized items like hair clips and hats.
According to monkey handlers at the temple, known locally as “pawang,” the macaques commonly steal between five to ten smartphones daily. This has become part of a pattern wherein the monkeys essentially “trade” stolen items back to their human captives in exchange for fruit and other treats.
Tourists Express Frustration
Visitors to Uluwatu Temple often find themselves navigating this unusual scam. Jonathan Hammé, a tourist from London, expressed his disbelief: “The monkeys have taken over the temple. They’re running a scam.” Another visitor from Kentucky, Taylor Utley, shared her experience of having her phone snatched away suddenly by a macaque. “I was taken aback. It’s like a criminal enterprise of monkeys,” she remarked, recalling how a monkey handler had to repeatedly coax the primate with bags of fruit before the phone was eventually returned.
Attempts to Curb Theft
Temple management has tried to address the problem by adjusting feeding schedules and providing alternative food to the monkeys. However, these measures have largely failed to curb the thefts. Kadek Ari Astawa, who oversees the handlers, noted that the stealing started after tourists were prohibited from feeding the monkeys directly. While well-intentioned, restricting feeding inadvertently encouraged the primates to seek compensation by taking and holding tourist belongings hostage.
A Unique Tourist Challenge
The situation at Uluwatu Temple underscores the complex interaction between wildlife and tourism, especially in culturally sensitive locations. While the sacred monkeys are part of the temple’s charm and identity, their cunning tactics also present a cautionary tale for travelers: be prepared to protect your personal belongings and perhaps carry extra fruit for negotiating with these savvy simians.
The Bali macaques’ behavior has caught the attention of primatologists and tourists worldwide, highlighting the fascinating intelligence and adaptability of these animals in an increasingly human-dominated environment. Visitors planning trips to the temple are advised to stay vigilant and heed local guidance to ensure a safe and respectful experience.
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