Pusuk Monkey Forest
Pusuk Pass is the mountain road that cuts through the forested ridge between Mataram and Lombok's north-west coast, and it is a genuine attraction rather than just a route. The road climbs through dense jungle in a series of tight hairpins, with a viewpoint near the top looking back down over the western plain to the sea.
What everyone comes for are the long-tailed macaques. Several hundred live along the roadside, and they gather at the lay-bys because passing drivers feed them. Vendors sell bags of peanuts and bananas specifically for this.
That feeding is worth thinking about. These are wild animals conditioned to associate vehicles and people with food, and the result is entirely predictable: they are bold, fast, and will take things. Monkeys have opened unattended bags, grabbed phones held out for photos, and climbed into cars through open windows. Nobody is in serious danger, but a snatched phone is a real possibility and a bite means a rabies conversation.
The sensible approach is to stop, enjoy the spectacle, keep food and loose items out of sight, close the car windows, and not hand-feed. The forest itself is beautiful and the drive is one of the more enjoyable roads on the island — a natural link if you are running between Mataram or Senggigi and the northern waterfalls.
Travel tips for Pusuk Monkey Forest
- Close car windows at the lay-bys. Macaques will climb in for a bag left on a seat.
- Do not hand-feed. It is what makes them bold, and a bite means a rabies vaccination course.
- Keep phones and sunglasses put away while you are out of the car — snatching is common and they are quick.
- The road is tight and steep. It is fine in a car with a local driver, more demanding on an unfamiliar scooter, and slippery when wet.
- The viewpoint near the summit looks west over the plain to the sea and is worth the stop even if the monkeys are elsewhere.
- It works as a link, not a destination — combine it with a Senggigi or northern waterfall day.
Popular tours here
- Lombok Private Tour with Local Guide & Driver
- Lombok Day Tour: Waterfalls, Sasak Villages & Beaches
Frequently asked questions
Where is Pusuk Monkey Forest?
On the mountain pass road between Mataram and Lombok's north-west coast, roughly 30 to 40 minutes from either side.
Is it safe to stop at Pusuk Pass?
Yes, with care — keep car windows closed, keep food and phones out of sight, and do not hand-feed, since the macaques are bold and quick to snatch.
Should you feed the monkeys at Pusuk?
Better not to. Vendors sell peanuts, but feeding is what conditions the animals to approach vehicles and is the main cause of grabbing incidents.
Is there an entrance fee for Pusuk Monkey Forest?
No — it is a public road with roadside lay-bys, though vendors sell food and a small parking fee is sometimes collected.
Is Pusuk worth a special trip?
Not on its own, but it is an enjoyable stop on the drive between Mataram or Senggigi and the north of the island.