Breathtaking views on Monkey Hill - Phuket, Thailand (2020)

I love monkeys, who does not! They are cheeky and pretty cute or so I thought! Before I visit any place I always check various websites, to see what the score is in terms of what I need to bring with me and what issues I could encounter so I am properly prepared! Well, most of the reviews said do not go unless you are happy to be encountered by vicious wild dogs and aggressive monkeys, this really made want to go and check it out. I love animals, especially ones you get to encounter in their own habitat - wilderness! I was a little apprehensive to say the least because I know how aggressive these monkeys can be, I was once smacked on the head by one of them, to the amusement of many! It actually hurt me, but more than anything I was stunned that I was actually smacked by monkey - quite comical.

As you are well aware, Thailand is a very hot country, and Monkey Hill is quite a long and gradual climb – I felt like I lost 10kgs in sweat! I thought at least there would be some shops on route (the hill) to purchase water, well there were two places but closed – I was there at 1200hrs. Luckily enough, I had one bottle of warm water, that I clung to dear life.

As you begin at the bottom of the hill, there is a sign that says ‘Do not feed the Monkeys’ and then another that says ‘Feed Monkeys at your own risk’ go figures…So walking the gradual hill, I recommend comfortable shoes and airy clothes, it is so so so so so hot and sweaty! It took me 30 minutes to walk up the hill – I took my time.

Initial climb, okay, no issues until I get to the first bend, a house on the right corner and yes, wild dogs and well, I could not believe how vicious they were towards me, barking at me and eventually chased me up the hill for about 100 metres, what the heck was that all about! It made me a little scared to come back down the hill later! Who knew dogs could be so scary! I was on my own, and no one else around me, thoughts in brain of being attacked and eaten by the dogs, no one would ever know!

Anyway carrying on up the never ending hill, I saw a vehicle coming down, the driver stopped and lots of long tail monkeys came running down to it, jumping on the man and eating the bananas he was giving them as well as jumping inside his driver seat and passenger seat grabbing the steering wheel as if ready to drive off…pretty surreal scenes going on here!

So, carrying on up the hill, holding on to my bag and phone – was told to do this as the monkeys have a habit of grabbing (snatching) your kit, bargaining for food! You see these Monkeys are used to tourists feeding them, and seem to know all the tricks in the book to haggle a better deal – I am sure I was walking towards the market of bargaining and instead of humans it would be with the Monkeys.

So, one Monkey grabbed my foot for dear life, and would not let it go, so I kind of had to make a large screeching noise to scare it (I was also advised to do this should the Monkeys become aggressive), it eventually let go, not before it really gave me a heart attack!

Then, it was like walking through Monkey world, various Monkeys grooming themselves, grooming others, eh making love…(sight I would like to forget please) and some right vicious fights from the males – father bashing its' kids whilst the mother courageously protecting her baby, seriously kid you not! I could not believe how close I was walking past these gorgeous animals. I stopped, took photos, they left me alone but inside I was anxious a little bit…

I got to the top of the hill, and the view of Phuket City was just breath taking – I mean there is more to Phuket than the beaches and the parties! It is a gorgeous city, full of history (another blog for that later). I just stood there for a while taking it all in, even when a Monkey jumped on my back and sat on my shoulder playing with my hair – grooming me (baby Monkey), it was an amazing experience to say the least. There is a small kiosk on the top of the hill and the lady was there serving ice-cream, coffee and water – totally amazing to have an Ice cream in that heat!

I was worried about walking down the hill because of the wild dogs, however there was a group of local people walking down the hill and I kind of stalked them on the way down – larger group of people keep the wild dogs at bay.

It was a very good experience; I loved it and I would not hesitate to go again to see these wonderful animals and the views on the top of the hill. Yes, you can go on your own, it is safe but just take your time and take in the exercise, the views and the wild life. Enjoy!

Tourist information:

· I did not pay to go up Monkey Hill.

· There are 2 officials at the start of the hill – to take temperature and for you to sanitise your hands. You have to wear a mask at all times (COVID safety) at that specific time, social distance adhered to.

· Take plenty of water and cash with you to purchase necessities.

· Take a good camera and maybe a small bag with a towel – make sure you hold your bag tightly! (Backpack would be better)

· Walk to the left side of the road when you see first house to avoid the wild dogs but please be aware there are cars/trucks on the road, please be safe.

· Walk in the middle of the road when you begin to start walking through the Monkeys, cars/trucks cannot drive fast on this road, as monkeys are everywhere. (for that specific part of the road)

· I personally would not feed the Monkeys – but it is your call. (images of monkeys snatching my hand comes to mind!)

Take your time walking up the hill, take in the wilderness, the views and the wild dogs!