‘Beyond human control’: Ubud Monkey Forest in Bali closed after tree falls and kills two tourists

A popular tourist attraction in Bali has spoken out after a tree fell and killed two foreigners and hospitalised a third.

A popular tourist attraction in Bali will be closed for at least two days after a tree fell and killed two foreigners and hospitalised a third.

Confronting footage captured the moment strong winds and fallen branches sent tourists running at the Ubud Monkey Forest soon after midday on Tuesday, local time.

Local media reported a 32-year-old tourist from France and a 42-year-old tourist from South Korea died, while another South Korean tourist, 43, was taken to hospital with injuries.

The Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary, as it is formally known, announced it will be closed on December 11 and 12.

In a statement, it claimed the trees were checked regularly and the tree that fell was in a “healthy condition” but overcome by strong winds.

“We would like to emphasise that the fallen tree was in healthy condition,” the sanctuary said.

“We regularly conduct tree monitoring and pruning as part of our commitment to the safety of visitors, staff, and wildlife in the Monkey Forest Ubud.

“However, this incident was caused by strong winds and extreme weather conditions beyond human control. We are working closely with authorities to address the situation thoroughly.”

Heavy rains and strong winds caused a tree to fall in the Ubud Monkey Forest on Tuesday. Picture: Bali Livin

The terrifying moment was caught on video. Picture: Bali Livin

The forest is a favourite among Australian tourists as it offers the opportunity to interact with long-tailed macaques that call it home. The forest covers about 12.5 hectares and is considered a sacred place.

There have been 115 different species of trees identified in the forest with some considered holy, such as the Majegan (used for building of shrines) and the Berigin (leaves used in cremation ceremonies), according the sanctuary’s website.

The Pule Bandak tree “embodies the spirit of the forest” and is used to make special masks used only inside the temple.

Falling trees are one of the most commonly reported disasters during the rainy season in Bali and are particularly dangerous for drivers travelling through jungle areas, according to the Bali Sun. The season runs from about November to March.