THE phrase “cheeky monkey” has taken on a quite literal meaning, owing to the on-camera antics of one ape.

Judy Hicks, from Queensland, Australia, and her family were on a recent holiday in Bali when they encountered the curious monkey at the popular Ubud Monkey Forest.

Together with her husband, Simon, and children Elijah, Jimmy and Kayleigh, she asked a local guide to capture a photo of them all at the sight of the sacred forest.

The Hicks all cozied up and smiled for the camera — then the monkey struck.

It was only when later looking through the photos that Judy truly spotted all the detail — and burst out laughing.

Judy said, “We were only in Bali for a week and thought it would be fun to go on a day tour around Bali. As part of the tour, we went to the monkey forest. I thought it would be a fun experience.

“While we were there, a guide offered to take our photo. But as he did, a monkey suddenly came in front of the camera.

“The guide had peanuts in his hand and then began feeding him. It was really funny.

“As I was flicking through the photos afterwards, I noticed that in one of them the monkey was actually giving us the finger.

“I showed my husband and we both started laughing. We thought it was hilarious.

“The monkey definitely had a cheeky persona going on.

“We had such a great time there and these funny photos made it even better.”

(SD-Agencies)