In Reply to: Rabid Monkies posted by IggyHugo on Thursday, 6. April 2006 at 19:12 Bali Time:
Wild monkeys are no problem, as they tend to be shy and keep away from humans. By 'wild monkey' I mean the macaques you will meet in the Bali Barat National Park, in the forests around Mt Catur or Batukaru, and in other wild, remote areas of Bali. The other monkeys that tourists meet in places such as the Monkey Forest in Sangeh, or in Ubud, in Uluwatu, or Alas Kedaton, are also wild, but they have gotten used to the presence of human, especially the fact that these interlopers mean 'food' to them. But be careful, because these 'cute' monkeys are still wild animal, and behave according to their ancestral instincts.
One must always the monkeys with respect as these forests are their home and you are a trespasser in it. In the Monkey Forests of Ubud and Sangeh, always try to stay on the paved paths in these forests. Otherwise, the monkeys may become aggressive if you invade their private areas. DO NOT, under any circumstances, tease or provoke the monkeys for any reason. If you want to feed the macaques please do it carefully and if they take food from you, do not try to retrieve it. Please be extremely careful when the monkeys are around you. All ages and both males and females will bite if provoked. Take a good look at the adult males' canine teeth and it should bring you back to reality.
There is no rabies in Bali, but the monkeys in the genus Macaca can carry the Herpes B virus, among others. The virus is transmitted through contact with the bodily fluids of the animal, through a scratch or a bite. A monkey bite is a puncture, and most of the time, it is deep. A major concern in all bite wounds is subsequent infection, which can be caused by nearly any group of pathogens (bacteria, viruses, rickettsia, spirochetes, fungi). A bite needs IMMEDIATE attention. Don't wait until you get back to your hotel, in the evening.
Monkeys are cute and funny but can be dangerous. Parents, please keep a close watch on small children.