Cheeky monkeys of Ubud”s Monkey Forest, Sangeh Monkey Forest, Alas Kedaton forest, Uluwatu Temple, or Pulaki Temple; the holy snakes of Tanah Lot Temple; thousands of bats of Goa Lawah (Bat Cave) Temple, and other animals that are found in and around the temple’s precincts all over the paradise island of Bali are considered sacred animal by Balinese. They are known by Balinese as “duwe” or “belonging” of the deities who reside in the temples or the forests.

These sacred animals are respected and in some cases, venerated by Balinese. No Balinese in his right mind dare to harm, capture, or hunt these animals. Balinese believe that disturbing or harming these
animals may incite the wrath of the deities that results on various misfortunes or sicknesses. Many myths and superstitions grow around these animals; some of these animals are believed to possess supernatural powers which are granted by the deity to protect them from dangers, and many other stories of amazing and magical feats of these animals circulated in Bali.

The belief on sacredness of these animals helps the conservation of these animals. They are free to roam around the temples or in the forest without any disturbance at least from Balinese.

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