Monkeys in Phuket
Funny, cute, but not always friendly — and sometimes even dangerous. We’re talking about the monkeys that live in Phuket. The most common species you’ll encounter here are macaques. And not just in the jungle — you can often see them in popular tourist spots and even on beaches. Here’s where monkeys live on the island and what precautions you should take when encountering them.
Monkey species in Phuket
Phuket is home to mainly gibbons and macaques. Locals call gibbons “lar” — they have beige and black fur with a white “mask” around their faces. These monkeys move gracefully through the trees and make distinctive hooting calls, which can often be heard from the jungle in the morning. Gibbons feed on a variety of fruits, leaves, stems, as well as insects, bird eggs, and small vertebrates. Unfortunately, their population in the wild has drastically declined in Phuket. Due to illegal hunting and habitat loss, gibbons are now an endangered species.
Macaques, on the other hand, are found all over Phuket. They are small in size, with gray or gray-brown fur, and their diet includes bananas and nuts. In Krabi and Phang Nga, they also hunt for marine crabs, mussels, and various shellfish.
Where to see monkeys in Phuket
Gibbon Rehabilitation Center
Founded in 1992, this center aims to rehabilitate and protect gibbons that have suffered from illegal trade, poaching, and habitat loss. Located in Khao Phra Theaw National Park, it provides gibbons with a natural environment where they receive medical care, training, and socialization.
Monkey Hill
Located in Phuket Town, Monkey Hill is completely taken over by monkeys! It attracts more visitors than a zoo since it allows tourists to observe monkeys in their natural habitat.
Monkey Parking
A mangrove forest on the outskirts of Phuket Town where you can watch monkeys in their natural environment. It’s a lesser-known spot among tourists, though there are still plenty of monkeys here. These are mangrove monkeys, which are said to be less aggressive but still very cunning. You can buy treats for them from stalls nearby. Interestingly, they seem to prefer nuts over bananas.
Monkey Beach on Phi Phi
This beach gets its name for a reason — it’s home to long-tailed macaques. Nestled in a small bay surrounded by towering cliffs and lush tropical vegetation, this wild beach is ruled by monkeys, not people. There are indeed a lot of them on the island.
Sirinat National Park
Located in northern Phuket, this large park is home to various wildlife species, including monkeys.
Temple Areas
Wild monkeys are often found near temple complexes, especially around the Big Buddha and Wat Chalong.
How to Behave Around Monkeys
Interacting with wild monkeys can be a fascinating experience, but it’s not always safe. Monkey bites are not uncommon, and they can lead to serious consequences, requiring rabies shots. To avoid provoking aggression, it’s important to be cautious and respectful. Here are some key recommendations:
- Do not feed the monkeys. This disrupts their natural habits and makes them dependent on humans, reducing their ability to find food on their own.
- Do not get too close. Monkeys are wild animals, and even if they seem friendly, they can suddenly become aggressive and bite. A monkey bite requires a rabies vaccination.
- Avoid direct contact. Never try to pet or hold a monkey. Some may see this as a threat or an attempt to take over their territory, leading to an attack.
- Stay calm. If a monkey approaches you, do not scream or make sudden movements. Try to remain calm and avoid showing fear.
- Watch out for aggressive monkeys. Monkeys may become aggressive, especially when protecting their young or if there is food nearby. If a monkey bares its teeth or growls, slowly move away.
- Do not carry food. Monkeys might try to snatch it from you, and in some cases, they may even attack.
Phuket is home to many other exotic animals as well. Check out the Zoo Parks and Elephants sections to explore more options based on your interests.
