Could a troop of monkeys be running the world’s most bizarre and organized crime ring at a temple in Bali?
At a Glance
- Long-tailed macaques at Bali’s Uluwatu Temple steal high-value items from tourists.
- The monkeys barter stolen goods for food, demonstrating economic decision-making.
- Temple management has intervened to manage monkey behavior and protect tourists.
- Incidents have been ongoing for years, leading to international media attention.
Monkeys Running a Sophisticated Scam
At the Uluwatu Temple in Bali, Indonesia, an unusual scene is unfolding. Long-tailed macaques, not content with being mere spectators, have taken up a new vocation: theft and barter. Yes, you read that right. These primates have elevated their antics to an art form, stealing high-value items such as smartphones, wallets, and glasses from unsuspecting tourists. Once they have their loot, they engage in a rather human-like behavior—bartering these stolen goods with temple staff or visitors for food. This isn’t mere monkey business; it’s a sophisticated scam that has left tourists frustrated and temple staff scrambling to manage the chaos.
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For decades, this behavior has been observed and documented, with scientific studies noting that these monkeys are not just randomly snatching items. They are making deliberate choices, targeting higher-value objects. This indicates a level of economic decision-making rarely seen in non-human animals. It’s a phenomenon that has drawn the attention of researchers and media alike, with recent management interventions in May 2025 aiming to relocate monkeys within temple grounds to minimize disruptions during religious ceremonies.
The Economic Decision-Makers
What makes this story even more intriguing is the revelation that the monkeys’ behavior is not innate but learned and socially transmitted across generations. These macaques have developed a knack for distinguishing between a smartphone and a hat, clearly preferring the former. This selectivity points to an advanced form of cultural transmission and economic behavior, a rare sight outside the human world. The temple, a major Hindu sea temple and tourist attraction, provides a unique setting where these interactions have become part of the experience.
Temple management and local authorities, like Made Sumerta, the Head of Pecatu Village, have a challenging task. They must balance the temple’s natural appeal with the safety of tourists and the preservation of religious observance. The monkeys, with their antics, have become central to the temple’s lore, but they also pose risks and challenges that demand attention.
Managing the Monkey Menace
In a bid to restore some semblance of order, temple management relocated monkeys in May 2025 within the temple grounds to reduce conflicts during ceremonies. Yet, the threat of theft remains ever-present. Advisories continue to urge tourists to secure their valuables and avoid direct interactions with these cunning primates. Despite these efforts, the monkeys’ antics persist, with reports of thefts and evolving tactics continuing to surface.
The temple staff find themselves in a perpetual dance, playing both protectors and negotiators. They must manage the monkeys’ behavior while ensuring that visitors have a safe and enjoyable experience. It’s a delicate balance, and the monkeys are proving to be formidable adversaries in this ongoing saga.
Implications and Broader Impact
In the short term, tourists face the risk of theft and potential injury, while temple staff must devote resources to managing the monkeys and assisting visitors. Long-term, the behavior of these macaques could become more entrenched and sophisticated, posing greater challenges if not effectively managed. For the local community, the economic benefits from tourism are significant, but so are the disruptions caused by these monkey-related antics.
Economically, tourism remains robust, but negative experiences could deter some visitors. The costs of managing the monkey populations and compensating for lost items are real and growing concerns. Socially, while the monkeys provide amusement and fascination, they also bring frustration and risk. The macaques’ behavior, now part of the temple’s narrative, highlights the complexities of human-wildlife interactions in tourism settings.
Sources:
Maeil Business Newspaper (2025)
