A viral TikTok video has recently captured the attention of social media users, showing rows of motorcycle seats damaged by monkeys near the Ubud Monkey Forest in Bali. The video, uploaded by TikTok user @lelolay1313, quickly spread across platforms, sparking a mix of amusement and concern from netizens.
The video, captioned “POV: You work near Monkey Forest,” showcases several motorbike seats with visible bite marks and holes. Foam from the damaged seats is scattered on the ground, suggesting that some of it may have been chewed or eaten by the monkeys. The recorder captured the chaotic aftermath, shedding light on the challenges of working or parking near areas populated by the island’s notorious long-tailed monkeys.
@lelolay1313 hari apes ga ada di kalender🙂 #pov #monkey #xybca #fyp ♬ UBUR UBUR IKAN LELE SLOWED BY RZK – 𝙍𝙕𝙆
The video prompted a flood of comments, with many sharing similar experiences or offering explanations for the behaviour.
One commenter noted, “The Monkey Forest is a popular area in Bali, especially around Uluwatu. It looks like the motorbike seats were clawed and bitten by the monkeys.”
Another speculated, “It seems like the monkeys can sense when people store food under the seats, so they try to get to it.”
This isn’t the first instance of monkeys damaging property in Bali. A similar incident in March 2024 showed monkeys at Uluwatu Temple eating a motorcycle seat until it was nearly destroyed.
The Mischievous Nature of Bali’s Long-Tailed Monkeys
Bali’s long-tailed monkeys (Macaca fascicularis) are known for their intelligence and adaptability, especially when interacting with humans. While they are a beloved part of Bali’s wildlife, their mischievous behaviour often causes trouble for locals and tourists alike.
Key Characteristics of Bali’s Monkeys:
- Highly Intelligent: These monkeys are quick learners, especially when it comes to finding food.
- Comfortable Around Humans: Monkeys in areas like Ubud and Sangeh frequently interact with people, often climbing on shoulders, sitting on laps, and posing for photos.
- Keen Eye for Valuables: They can distinguish valuable items, such as sunglasses, jewellery, or phones, and are known to steal them in exchange for snacks.
- Persistent Thieves: Shiny or easily accessible items, like motorbike seat foam, often attract their attention.
Why Do They Behave This Way?
According to primatologist Fany Brotcorne and her team from the Université de Liège in Belgium, this unique behaviour appears to be learned rather than instinctual.
Brotcorne explains, “The behaviour is unique. Uluwatu Temple is the only place where it consistently occurs in Bali.”
The monkeys’ actions may stem from observing and mimicking each other, a fascinating example of how animals adapt and innovate in response to human activity.
While these long-tailed monkeys are an iconic part of Bali’s natural and cultural landscape, their antics often pose challenges for locals and visitors.
If you’re planning to visit monkey-populated areas like the Ubud Monkey Forest or Uluwatu Temple, be prepared to safeguard your belongings—and maybe park your motorbike a little further away!
cover: Photo by Almadema Lucich
