Ubud Monkey Forest Sanctuary Tours and Cretya

REVIEW · UBUD DAY TRIPS FROM SEMINYAK

Ubud Monkey Forest Sanctuary Tours and Cretya

5.0 · 3 reviews From $73 Operated by Smart Bali Tour · Bookable on Viator
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Your day in Ubud gets a photo-first plan.

This private tour strings together Ubud Monkey Forest and the Cretya Ubud infinity pool, with classic stops like Tegenungan Waterfall and Celuk’s silver area. I like the practical flow: you’re moving by vehicle, getting hotel pickup, and using onboard Wi‑Fi to share as you go instead of hunting for signals.

Two things I’d call out right away: you get hassle-free 2-way transfers from hotels in Ubud and most of south Bali, and the tour includes the big ticket entry fees (including Cretya) so you’re not juggling extras all day. The one thing to watch is that Cretya has a max age limit of 18, and kids under 18 aren’t covered, plus the day mentions a restaurant minimum spend at Cretya.

If weather is rough, the experience can be canceled due to conditions, and you’ll need a backup date. Still, if you want a well-paced highlights circuit in one day, this hits the sweet spot.

Key Points to Know Before You Go

Ubud Monkey Forest Sanctuary Tours and Cretya - Key Points to Know Before You Go

  • 8 hours, but focused: a tight set of highlights that’s built for getting photos and landmarks without a full-day marathon
  • Hotel pickup and drop-off: direct transfers from Ubud and most of south Bali cut down on logistics stress
  • Onboard Wi‑Fi: helps you post and message without worrying about roaming data
  • Entrance fees are included: you’ll cover Monkey Forest, Tegenungan, and Cretya without surprise ticket stops
  • Cretya is a pool day with rules: it’s a big infinity pool with rice terraces background, but access is capped at age 18
  • Guides keep it moving: the format is described as well run, with conversation and practical tips like bargaining pointers

Why This 8-Hour Ubud Photo Route Works for Tight Schedules

This day tour is designed around one main idea: see the best-known Ubud-region sights without letting transit eat your time. You’re on a vehicle the whole way, with air-conditioned comfort, and you’re not left to “figure it out” between locations.

What makes it work for real life is the balance of variety and time. You get a natural show (Tegenungan Waterfall), a cultural craft stop (Celuk silver area), a famous animal-and-forest experience (Monkey Forest), and then a modern swim-and-photo payoff (Cretya). Even better, the tour is private, so it’s just your group.

You’ll also like the day rhythm because it’s built around a few set stops with clear timing blocks—roughly an hour at Tegenungan, about 30 minutes in Celuk, about an hour at Monkey Forest, and then a longer 3-hour Cretya segment. That longer block matters. It means you’re not just changing your clothes and leaving. You get time to actually enjoy the pool and views.

The practical downside is the day is full enough that you should arrive ready to go with minimal fuss. If you’re hoping for long, slow wandering, you might feel rushed. This is a highlights day—good for impact, less good for dawdling.

Tegenungan Waterfall: 15 Meters, Clean Water, and Built-In Photo Stops

Ubud Monkey Forest Sanctuary Tours and Cretya - Tegenungan Waterfall: 15 Meters, Clean Water, and Built-In Photo Stops
Tegenungan Waterfall is your first big “wow” moment. The waterfall is about 15 meters tall, but the water discharge is described as heavy. The water is said to be clean and clear, which is a big part of why the pictures come out well.

On the way down, you’ll pass typical Bali photo spots. There’s also a nod to a local family-friendly area style called Baby Tegenu, which suggests you won’t have to walk into something totally remote to get a few classic shots. It’s a good start because it sets the tone for the day: you get natural scenery early, before the later temples/forest/pool logistics.

A small consideration: because this is a waterfall stop, your experience can depend on weather. The tour notes that it needs good weather, and cancellations due to poor conditions are possible. If you’re traveling with a fixed schedule, build in flexibility—or be okay with the idea of rescheduling.

Celuk Silver Village: A Short, Ticket-Free Craft Detour

Ubud Monkey Forest Sanctuary Tours and Cretya - Celuk Silver Village: A Short, Ticket-Free Craft Detour
Next comes Celuk, a village known for silver production. This stop is set for about 30 minutes, and the admission ticket is listed as free. That short window is important because it keeps the day moving, but still gives you exposure to how Bali crafts are marketed and made.

Celuk is also one of those stops where it’s easy to get value if you’re curious. Even if you only have a half hour, you can watch how the silver-making culture is presented and what kinds of souvenirs people buy. And if you like practical guidance, the tour’s guide format includes conversation and bargaining tips—so you’re not left guessing.

One thing to keep in mind: Celuk is a craft area. If you’re not into shopping or watching artisans, you might want to treat it as a quick cultural pause rather than a “must linger” stop. It’s short by design.

Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary: A Small Forest Feel With Real Monkey Encounters

Ubud Monkey Forest Sanctuary Tours and Cretya - Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary: A Small Forest Feel With Real Monkey Encounters
Then it’s time for Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary, with about an hour scheduled. This is described as a small forest where monkeys appear on roads, in trees, and throughout the greenery. That combination—forest paths plus frequent animal visibility—is exactly what people come for.

The admission ticket is included, so you won’t need to handle separate entry payments. And because it’s a fixed time block, you can pace yourself. You’re not stuck there for half the day, but you do have enough time to walk and take pictures without feeling like you’re rushing.

A practical note: a monkey forest can be visually fun, but it can also be mentally distracting if you want to focus on photography, movement, or not stopping every few seconds. Plan on going in with the right mindset: this is as much about being there and watching as it is about getting the shot.

Cretya Ubud: Infinity Pool Views, Swimming Time, and the Age Limit

Ubud Monkey Forest Sanctuary Tours and Cretya - Cretya Ubud: Infinity Pool Views, Swimming Time, and the Age Limit
Cretya Ubud is the later payoff stop, with a 3-hour block. This is the part of the day built for that “send it to your group chat” photo. Cretya is described as a big infinity pool with a rice terraces background, and you’ll have the chance to swim during your visit.

The big rule you need to know is right in the tour details: Cretya has a maximum age limit of 18, and kids under 18 are listed as not included. So this tour is best for adults and older teens. If you’re planning a family day with younger kids, you’ll need a different option.

There are also extra money considerations at Cretya. The tour notes a minimum spend at the Cretya restaurant, and it mentions special events that can add extra cost when included in the pool area. Translation: bring a little extra budget for food or expected pool-related add-ons, even though your main entrance tickets are included.

If you want the best value from Cretya, treat that 3-hour window like a real pool session:

  • plan to arrive ready to use the facilities
  • set expectations that you’ll likely spend time photographing the infinity edge and terraces from different angles
  • budget for the restaurant minimum spend so it doesn’t catch you off guard

Private Transportation, English Guidance, and Onboard Wi‑Fi

Ubud Monkey Forest Sanctuary Tours and Cretya - Private Transportation, English Guidance, and Onboard Wi‑Fi
The logistics are part of the value here. You get a private transportation setup in an air-conditioned vehicle, and an English-speaking driver guide service. That matters because it turns “route planning” into “destination enjoying.” You’re not standing around asking where to go next, and you’re not trying to translate ticket rules on the fly.

The onboard Wi‑Fi is a standout practical feature. It’s there so you can share as you go and avoid roaming charges. That’s not just for social media. It also helps with quick map checks, messaging your driver, and keeping your trip info organized.

Guides also play a big role in how smooth the day feels. Feedback highlights that the tour is well run and that guides are friendly and conversational. One guide name that shows up in the mix is Jamur, associated with offering bargaining tips and good plans for the day. Another note: some guides can speak a few words of French, which can be a nice morale boost if you’re traveling with someone who speaks it.

A few more Bali trips to compare

Price and Value: What You’re Really Paying For at $73

Ubud Monkey Forest Sanctuary Tours and Cretya - Price and Value: What You’re Really Paying For at $73
At $73 per person for an approximately 8-hour private tour, the price makes sense if you value three things: time, convenience, and included fees.

Here’s the value math in plain terms:

  • You’re paying for private transport in an air-conditioned vehicle with pickup and drop-off from your hotel area. That saves time versus trying to coordinate multiple rides or hire separate drivers.
  • Entrance fees are included for key stops like Tegenungan Waterfall, Monkey Forest Sanctuary, and Cretya. Those tickets can add up fast when you’re doing it yourself.
  • Cretya entrance tickets are included, which is a meaningful portion of the cost since it’s the main activity with a longer time block and pool access.

Compared with DIY, the biggest difference is friction. DIY can work if you’re confident with routes and budgeting. But if you want a full day that feels organized—especially on a first trip—paying for this setup often buys you a calmer experience.

One caution: “private” doesn’t automatically mean “no extra spending.” Cretya includes tickets, but there’s still a minimum spend at the Cretya restaurant and potential extra costs tied to special pool events. So you should plan for that budget piece.

Also, this tour is booked about 26 days in advance on average, which is a hint that it fills up. If you want a specific day, earlier booking can save you stress.

Who This Tour Is Best For (and Who Should Skip It)

Ubud Monkey Forest Sanctuary Tours and Cretya - Who This Tour Is Best For (and Who Should Skip It)
This tour is a strong fit if you:

  • want a one-day overview of Ubud-area highlights (waterfall, forest, crafts, infinity pool)
  • like photo-heavy itineraries with clear time blocks
  • prefer a guide-led plan over DIY logistics
  • want hotel pickup and an English-speaking driver guide
  • are adults (or at least within the Cretya age limit)

It may be less ideal if you:

  • are traveling with children under 18 (Cretya age cap and tour’s kid coverage restriction are key)
  • want slow travel or lots of free time
  • hate structured stops where each location has a set time

Practical Tips to Make the Day Smooth

A few things will help you get more out of the 8 hours:

Bring your swim expectations to Cretya. Since swimming is part of the Cretya block, wear something you can comfortably change into and consider how you’ll handle wet clothes afterward.

Budget for Cretya’s restaurant minimum spend. It’s listed as a tour consideration, and it’s the kind of cost that can feel awkward if you assume everything is already fully covered.

Keep a phone ready for your mobile ticket. The tour uses a mobile ticket system, and onboard Wi‑Fi can help you with sharing or quick coordination.

If weather looks questionable, take it seriously. The experience requires good weather, and cancellation due to poor conditions is possible. If you can be flexible with dates, you’ll have an easier time.

Should You Book This Ubud Monkey Forest and Cretya Day Tour?

I’d book this if you want a highlights-style day that doesn’t leave you juggling tickets, transit, or timing. The included entrance fees, hotel pickup, air-conditioned private transport, and onboard Wi‑Fi are the practical reasons it’s good value. The itinerary also makes sense: you start with Tegenungan’s waterfall energy, add a quick craft stop in Celuk, get the monkey forest walk-and-photo experience, and end with a real swim-and-view payoff at Cretya.

Skip it (or look for an alternative) if Cretya’s age restriction affects your group or if you’re traveling with younger kids. And go in knowing you’ll likely spend a bit more at Cretya because of the restaurant minimum and possible special-event extras.

If you want one organized day that delivers classic Ubud photos and a pool finish, this tour is a solid pick.

FAQ

How long is the Ubud Monkey Forest and Cretya day tour?

It’s approximately 8 hours.

What’s the price per person?

The price is $73.00 per person.

Does the tour include hotel pickup and drop-off?

Yes. Pickup and transfers are offered from hotels in Ubud and most of south Bali.

Are entrance fees included?

Yes. Entrance fees are included, including for Cretya Ubud.

Is Wi‑Fi included on the tour?

Yes. Onboard Wi‑Fi is included.

Can children under 18 join?

Kids under 18 years old are listed as not included. Cretya also has a maximum age limit of 18.

What is the cancellation policy?

You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the experience starts. The tour also requires good weather, and poor weather can lead to a different date or a full refund.