Cretya Ubud and Monkey Forest Sanctuary Tours

Reviewed · UBUD & RICE TERRACE DAY TRIPS

Cretya Ubud and Monkey Forest Sanctuary Tours

★ 5.0 · 3 reviews From $71 Operated by Bali Travel Planners · Bookable on Viator
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A day packed with art, monkeys, and water sounds like a lot, until you see it laid out. I like that this tour groups four classic Ubud hits into one smooth flow, plus it comes with private transportation and entrance tickets so you’re not hunting schedules all day. One thing to keep in mind: the day includes time at attractions with walking and stairs, so you’ll want to pace yourself.

What I’d especially watch for is how the stops break down: short, guided hits at Celuk Village and the Monkey Forest, then a longer, flexible block at Cretya Ubud for views and day-club vibes. The way it’s planned also helps families and couples stay together, since it’s a private group. If you’re planning around pool time at Cretya, note the policy that kids under 18 can’t go into the pool area.

With a duration of about 10 hours, you get a full-countryday feel without the stress of coordinating rides or tickets. You’ll ride in an air-conditioned vehicle with an English-speaking driver guide, and you’ll get a mobile ticket for entry. It’s a strong pick if you want a complete Bali day that still feels like real life, not a rushed checklist.

Key things that make this tour worth your time

Cretya Ubud and Monkey Forest Sanctuary Tours - Key things that make this tour worth your time

  • Celuk Village craft time (30 min) focused on silver and gold work you can see up close
  • Sacred Monkey Forest (1 hr) with grey long-tailed macaques in a true sanctuary setting
  • Cretya Ubud (3 hrs) to actually sit with the rice-terrace scenery and decide your pace
  • Tegenungan Waterfall (30 min) plus the option to view from the top if you can’t walk far
  • Private only your group setup with an English-speaking driver guide doing the heavy lifting

How the day flows from Jimbaran to Ubud without feeling chaotic

Cretya Ubud and Monkey Forest Sanctuary Tours - How the day flows from Jimbaran to Ubud without feeling chaotic
This tour runs for about 10 hours, so think of it as one big “Ubud sampler” day. You’ll start with a pickup offered from the Jimbaran area and then head into Ubud for a set of planned stops. The best part is the pacing: you get short guided segments at two culture sites, a structured hour at Monkey Forest, and then a longer block where you can slow down.

Because transport is included and it’s private, you avoid the common Bali headache of waiting around for shared rides. Your driver guide keeps the day moving, and the entrance tickets are included for all stops. That combo matters when you want a smooth day but still want time to look, take photos, and not feel like you’re being herded.

The day is designed around variety. You’ll go from hands-on craft work to wildlife viewing, then to a restaurant/day club with rice-terrace views, and finally to a waterfall with optional swimming. That mix is exactly why this kind of package is popular.

More Ubud and Tegalalang rice-terrace day trips

Private transportation and an English-speaking driver guide

Cretya Ubud and Monkey Forest Sanctuary Tours - Private transportation and an English-speaking driver guide
You get private transportation in an air-conditioned vehicle, plus an English-speaking driver guide service. For many people, that single detail changes everything: you can ask questions in plain language, and you’re not left figuring out what to do at each stop.

In a tour like this, the guide’s job isn’t just driving. They’re also there to help you navigate the flow of each location—what to prioritize, what to watch for, and how to keep moving at a comfortable speed. One review specifically called out the guide Putu for making the trip fun and well organized. That matches the overall goal of this tour: keep it easy, keep it on track.

If you’re sensitive to schedule stress—like getting stuck in traffic at the wrong time—private transport is a big advantage. You’re not sharing the van with strangers or losing time because someone else is slow with tickets or photos.

Celuk Village: silver and gold craft in a short, guided stop

Celuk Village is known for art made with silver and gold. In about 30 minutes, you’ll visit the village and learn how contemporary pieces are inspired by nature. This is one of those stops that works best when you go with a simple mindset: don’t expect a long workshop, but do expect a clear view of the craft process and the local creative approach.

What I like about doing Celuk early in the day is mental reset. It’s a culture stop that isn’t physically demanding, and it gives you something tangible right away. You can look at the materials, the finished work, and the design ideas without needing deep art knowledge.

A possible drawback: since the time is short, it’s not the place for heavy shopping marathons. If you’re the type who wants to spend an hour comparing styles and pricing, you may want to plan extra time later on your own.

Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary: macaques, paths, and basic respect

The Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary is one of Ubud’s best-known sights for a reason. You’ll spend about 1 hour here, and you’ll be in a natural forest sanctuary environment where grey long-tailed macaques live. The tour includes admission, so you’re not adding another step to your day.

Here’s what matters practically: you’ll be walking through forest paths, and you’ll be close to monkeys in a habitat built for them. That means you should keep your expectations clear. Don’t treat it like a zoo show. Treat it like wildlife you’re visiting, with rules of behavior that keep you and the animals safer.

Even within an hour, you can get a satisfying experience if you pace yourself: look up for the macaques in trees, spend time at the key areas, and don’t rush every photo. This is also a place where you’ll see how quickly the environment changes—shade to sun, quiet areas to more active zones—so tight timing can make you feel like you missed things.

Also, remember this is a sanctuary setting. If you’re traveling with kids or anyone uncomfortable around animals, manage expectations early. Most people will find the experience fascinating, but it’s still animals in the wild.

Cretya Ubud: rice-terrace views and 3 hours to set your own pace

Cretya Ubud is where the tour shifts from structured sights to a more relaxed, self-directed block. You’ll have around 3 hours here, and it’s described as a restaurant and day club with a focus on the view. The big draw is the backdrop: green rice terraces. You can use that time to eat, rest, and enjoy the scenery, and it’s long enough that you’re not forced to stay only for a quick photo.

This stop is also where your personal preference kicks in. If you want calmer downtime, you can treat it as a scenic break and meal stop. If you like the day-club energy, this is the window where you’d lean into it. The tour includes admission ticket coverage for this stop, but spending inside the venue is not included.

Two things to keep in mind for planning:

  • Lunch is not included on the tour, so your meal at Cretya is on you.
  • If you’re thinking about pool time, there’s a safety rule: kids under 18 aren’t allowed to go to the pool area.

That pool restriction doesn’t affect everyone, but if your group includes teens or kids, it’s worth aligning expectations before you arrive.

For most people, the value of this stop is the time. Three hours gives you room to actually enjoy the view rather than treating it like a 20-minute stop.

Tegenungan Waterfall: short visit, strong scenery, and swimming options

Tegenungan Waterfall is the final nature highlight, and you’ll have about 30 minutes here. The setting is lush and green, with a scenic viewpoint that you’ll want to see from at least one angle before you decide if you want to swim. The tour includes admission ticket coverage for this stop.

What I like about how this is handled is the flexibility. You can go for swimming or bathe under the natural springs, but if walking is an issue, you can still see the waterfall view from the top. That means mobility doesn’t have to shut down your experience.

In a short time frame, you’ll need to make a quick call: do you prioritize photos and the top view, or do you also plan time in the water? If you’re doing both, keep an eye on how long you spend at the safest, most comfortable spots. Waterfall time can be a mix of cool pleasure and slippery surfaces.

Another small practical note: if you’re sensitive to wet ground, wear shoes or sandals that handle slippery areas. The tour doesn’t mention gear, so you’re best off coming prepared on your own.

Price and value: what you’re paying for (and what you’re not)

Cretya Ubud and Monkey Forest Sanctuary Tours - Price and value: what you’re paying for (and what you’re not)
The price is $71.03 per person, and for many people, the value comes from what’s included. You get private transportation, an air-conditioned vehicle, an English-speaking driver guide, and entrance tickets for all stops. That reduces your on-the-ground friction, especially in Bali where adding separate tickets can turn a simple day into a scavenger hunt.

What’s not included is also clear, and it matters for budgeting:

  • Lunch
  • Any costs at Cretya day club
  • Special event extras in Cretya that come with additional cost

So the financial reality is: your base price covers the main logistics and entries, and you cover your own food and any optional add-ons. If you plan to order meals and drinks at Cretya, consider that the biggest variable expense of the day.

For travelers who hate planning, this price feels like convenience. For travelers who want only the sights and no venue spending, it still works—just keep Cretya spending optional.

Timing, duration, and why 10 hours can be perfect

Cretya Ubud and Monkey Forest Sanctuary Tours - Timing, duration, and why 10 hours can be perfect
About 10 hours is a lot on paper, but it’s a practical length for combining Celuk, Monkey Forest, Cretya, and Tegenungan in one go. Each stop is sized so you’re not stuck for half a day at one place.

The trade-off is energy. You’re going to be in a full-day rhythm: ride time, walking, waiting for the right moments in each spot, and then switching environments quickly. If you like variety and don’t mind a packed day, this fits well. If you’re the type who prefers slow travel with long meals and no hustle, you may find it busy.

A smart way to handle it is to treat Cretya as your reset. Use those 3 hours to eat and rest so the final waterfall stop doesn’t feel like you’re running on empty.

Who this tour is best for (and who should think twice)

This tour is a good match for couples, friends, and families who want a private, organized day with a clear itinerary and included tickets. It’s especially suitable if you want culture plus wildlife plus scenery, but you still want the convenience of an air-conditioned vehicle and an English-speaking guide.

It’s also a strong option if you want reliability. Reviews highlighted that the trip with guide Putu felt fun and well organized, which is exactly what you want when you’re scheduling a full day across several locations.

Think twice if:

  • Your group needs a very quiet pace all day with minimal walking.
  • You’re avoiding any pool-related limitations due to age rules at Cretya.
  • You plan to spend heavily at Cretya and would rather control costs another way.

Should you book this Cretya Ubud and Monkey Forest Sanctuary tour?

If you want an efficient Bali day that feels local—art craft in Celuk, real sanctuary wildlife in Monkey Forest, rice-terrace time at Cretya, and a waterfall with a real chance to swim—this is a solid booking. The included entrance tickets and private air-conditioned transport do real work for your time and sanity.

I’d book it if your priority is a smooth plan with good value and minimal effort. I’d hesitate only if your group wants a slower pace or you’re sensitive to the physical realities of forest paths and waterfall areas.

If you decide to go, pack for mixed conditions (hot sun and wet spots). And when you get to Cretya, use that 3-hour window to set your own rhythm—eat, rest, and take in the rice views at a pace that feels good.

FAQ

How long is the tour?

The tour lasts about 10 hours.

Where does the tour take place?

The tour is listed in Jimbaran, Indonesia, with visits around Ubud (Celuk Village, Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary, Cretya Ubud, and Tegenungan Waterfall).

What is the price per person?

The price is $71.03 per person.

Is pickup offered?

Yes, pickup is offered.

Is this a private tour?

Yes. It’s private, and only your group participates.

What’s included in the price?

Included features are private transportation, an air-conditioned vehicle, an English-speaking driver guide service, and entrance tickets for all listed stops.

What is not included?

Lunch is not included, and costs at Cretya day club are not included. Special events at Cretya that have extra costs are also not included.

Are tickets included for the attractions?

Yes. Entrance tickets for Celuk Village, Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary, Cretya Ubud, and Tegenungan Waterfall are included.

Can kids go to the pool at Cretya?

Kids under 18 are not allowed to go to the pool area.

If someone can’t walk, can they still see Tegenungan Waterfall?

Yes. If you can’t walk, you can still see the waterfall view from the top.

What is the cancellation policy?

You can cancel for a full refund if you cancel up to 24 hours before the experience starts. If you cancel less than 24 hours before, the amount paid is not refunded. The experience also requires a minimum number of travelers, and if it’s canceled for that reason you’ll be offered another date/experience or a full refund.