One Dead and Temple Severely Damaged After Heavy Rainfall Hits Bali’s Sangeh Monkey Forest
Bali’s Sangeh Monkey Forest, a popular tourist destination near Ubud, has suffered its worst damage in over a decade due to intense rainfall on December 3, 2025. The severe weather caused multiple large trees to fall within the sacred Pucak Sari Temple area, resulting in one fatality and significant destruction to ancient structures.
The victim, 51-year-old IB Nyoman Suamba, who was a staff member at the site, tragically lost his life when a falling tree crushed the pavilion where he was working. Another staff member was injured during the incident, sustaining a broken arm. According to local authorities, both victims were on their usual duty, monitoring the monkeys in the forest, when a sudden tornado-like event struck the area.
IB Putu Mas Arimbawa, Head of Abiansemal District, confirmed the extent of the damage to local media. “Due to the extreme weather, several trees measuring up to 50 meters high and 1.5 meters in diameter fell, destroying nearly 80 percent of the temple complex,” he said. The incident occurred as staff had begun evacuating, but Mr. Suamba returned to retrieve a forgotten phone charger, at which point the devastating tree collapse happened.
The destructive storm uprooted more than a dozen nutmeg trees and completely flattened several buildings within the main mandala of Pucak Sari Temple. Bali police have estimated the cost of damage at approximately $90,000. Despite the destruction, the Sangeh Monkey Forest remains open to visitors for the time being as cleanup efforts commence. However, the temple area itself has been closed off for safety reasons. Additionally, the tragedy has prompted locals to hold extra ceremonial rites at the temple in honor of Mr. Suamba’s passing.
This incident comes amid one of the island’s worst rainy seasons in decades, following widespread flooding across Bali in early December. Authorities have urged tourists, including Australians planning visits during the upcoming Christmas holidays, to take weather warnings seriously and exercise caution while traveling.
The heavy rainfall and resulting damage at one of Bali’s iconic cultural sites serve as a reminder of the risks posed by extreme weather events during the monsoon season. Rescue and recovery teams continue to assess the situation and work toward restoring the temple grounds.
Visitors planning their trips to Bali in the near future should stay informed about weather forecasts and any potential disruptions to travel or access to key areas such as the Sangeh Monkey Forest.
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