Sangeh Monkey Forest: One person dead as heavy rainfall causes severe damage to temple near Ubud

Heavy rainfall has left one person dead and ancient structures destroyed at a top Bali tourist attraction, marking the worst damage in more than a decade.

As the rainy season takes hold over the island, extreme weather battered the Sangeh Monkey Forest on December 3, causing several trees to fall within the main temple complex area.

51-year-old IB Nyoman Suamba, a member of staff, was killed when a falling tree crushed the pavilion at Pucak Sari Temple. Another member of staff was also injured in the temple collapse, suffering a broken arm.

The Head of Abiansemal District, IB Putu Mas Arimbawa, confirmed the events of the disaster to local media, according to The Bali Sun.

“Due to the extreme weather, several trees measuring 50 meters high and 1.5 meters in diameter fell, throwing down almost 80 percent of the temple area,” Mr Arimbawa said.

Mr Arimbawa explained that Mr Suamba and his colleague were on a usual work shift when the bad weather hit.

“They were both usually on duty watching the monkeys here, and suddenly there was a tornado,” he said.

Tragically, Mr Suamba was killed after turning back to collect his phone charger after the site had been evacuated, which is when the tree fell on top of the temple building.

In terms of wider damage, several buildings in the main mandala of Pucak Sari Temple were completely flattened, and more than a dozen nutmeg trees were uprooted.

Bali police have issued an initial estimate for the damage at $90,000.

The Sangeh Monkey Forest will stay open to visitors in the coming days as the clean-up begins. However, the temple area remains closed, and tourists may notice extra ceremonies being held there following Mr Suamba’s death.

Following the devastating floods across the island in December, Bali is experiencing one of the worst rainy seasons in decades.

Aussies travelling to the island during the Christmas holidays are being urged to take safety precautions seriously.