Reviewed · JIMBARAN TOURS

Cretya Ubud and Monkey Forest Sanctuary Tours

★ 5.0 · 3 reviews From $71 Operated by Bali Travel Planners · Bookable on Viator
Book on Viator →

The clever part of this Bali day tour is the mix: you get wild macaques, rice terrace views, and a waterfall without having to arrange several separate rides. Celuk adds a short look at Bali’s silver and gold craft tradition, while the private vehicle keeps the day more flexible than a large coach tour.

I like the private format and the inclusion of an English-speaking driver, transport, and entrance fees. I also like the generous three-hour stop at Cretya Ubud, since it gives you time to enjoy the rice views rather than rushing through for a quick photograph. The main consideration is cost: at $71.03 per person, you still pay separately for lunch and anything you order at the day club.

Key points to know

  • Private 10-hour outing: Only your group takes part, with an air-conditioned vehicle and an English-speaking driver guide.
  • Four very different stops: See metalwork in Celuk, macaques in Ubud, rice terraces at Cretya, and a waterfall near Tegenungan.
  • Three hours at Cretya Ubud: This is the longest stop, so the tour gives real weight to the day club experience.
  • All entrance tickets included: You do not need to budget separately for the listed attractions.
  • Putu is a guide name to request: A previous booking specifically praised the trip organization and recommended the driver Putu.
  • Pool rules matter: Children under 18 are not allowed in the Cretya pool, and Cretya food, drinks, and special events cost extra.

A full day built around four Bali highlights

Cretya Ubud and Monkey Forest Sanctuary Tours - A full day built around four Bali highlights

This tour covers about 10 hours, with pickup offered from Jimbaran. You ride in a private, air-conditioned vehicle, and only your own group joins the activity. That setup matters in Bali, where road time can take a large share of the day. You are not being moved with a large crowd, and your driver guide can help keep the schedule moving.

The four stops do not all offer the same kind of experience. Celuk is a short cultural visit. Monkey Forest is about animals and a wooded sanctuary. Cretya is a long restaurant and day club stop, with rice terrace views as the main attraction. Tegenungan adds a quick nature stop at the end.

I see this as a good choice if you want a broad taste of the Ubud area in one day. It is less suitable if you want a slow, detailed visit to each place. The scheduled time at Celuk and Tegenungan is only 30 minutes each, while Cretya receives three hours.

Celuk Village and Bali’s silver craft

Cretya Ubud and Monkey Forest Sanctuary Tours - Celuk Village and Bali’s silver craft

The first stop is Celuk Village, known for silver and gold making. You can learn how artisans create contemporary pieces inspired by nature, with a guide explaining the process. The visit includes admission and lasts about 30 minutes.

That is enough time for an introduction, not a full workshop. I would treat Celuk as a useful cultural opening rather than the central event of the day. You get a glimpse of a skilled local trade before moving on to Ubud’s better-known attractions.

If you are interested in jewelry or decorative art, pay attention to the making process and ask questions while you have the chance. The supplied details do not promise that you will make an item yourself, so you should not book this expecting a hands-on class.

The short duration is both a benefit and a limitation. It keeps the tour from becoming too focused on shopping or craft demonstrations, but it also means you will not have much time for a lengthy explanation. If you prefer nature and food to galleries or workshops, the brief stop should suit you.

Meeting the macaques at Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary

Cretya Ubud and Monkey Forest Sanctuary Tours - Meeting the macaques at Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary

The tour then visits Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary in Ubud for about one hour. The forest is home to grey long-tailed macaques, and the setting combines trees, paths, and a well-known wildlife attraction.

An hour gives you a chance to see the sanctuary without letting it take over the whole day. I like this balance. Monkey Forest is one of Ubud’s most popular stops, yet this tour leaves plenty of time for Cretya and the waterfall.

You should remember that these are wild macaques, not trained performers. Keep your belongings secure and follow the sanctuary’s instructions. The provided information does not specify particular animal rules, feeding arrangements, or walking conditions, so your driver can help with current guidance when you arrive.

This stop may be exciting for children and animal fans, but the tour’s pool restriction matters later: children under 18 cannot use the pool at Cretya. That does not prevent children from taking part in the wider tour, but families should understand that one of the day’s main facilities is adults-only for pool use.

Three hours at Cretya Ubud

Cretya Ubud and Monkey Forest Sanctuary Tours - Three hours at Cretya Ubud

Cretya Ubud is the centerpiece of the schedule. You have about three hours at the restaurant and day club, with views over green rice terraces. The setting is designed for relaxation, so this is where the tour shifts from sightseeing to taking it easy.

I like that the schedule allows more than a quick stop. You can sit down, take in the rice views, and set aside some time after the faster visits to Celuk and Monkey Forest. For many people, this will be the most enjoyable part of the day.

The important financial detail is that the tour includes entrance to the listed attractions, but Cretya food, drinks, and other day club costs are not included. Lunch is also separate. At $71.03 per person, the package price covers the private vehicle, driver guide service, and entrance tickets, but you need extra money for the part of the day spent inside the club.

Special events at Cretya can also carry an additional charge. Ask about those costs before joining any event or ordering anything beyond your plan. The tour description does not give a meal allowance, credit, or spending minimum, so you should assume your purchases are paid directly.

The pool has a specific age rule. Children under 18 cannot use it, even though the tour itself is open to most participants. If your group includes children, Cretya may work better as a viewpoint and restaurant stop than as a pool day.

The three-hour stay also affects the tour’s character. You are not simply passing through Ubud’s sights. A sizable part of the day is devoted to a commercial leisure venue. That is a good fit if you want comfort and rice terrace scenery. If you would rather spend those hours walking through Ubud or visiting another cultural site, this tour may feel too centered on Cretya.

Tegenungan Waterfall in a short final stop

Cretya Ubud and Monkey Forest Sanctuary Tours - Tegenungan Waterfall in a short final stop

The final listed stop is Tegenungan Waterfall, set among greenery near Ubud. The scheduled visit lasts about 30 minutes. You can enjoy the waterfall from the top, and the description also mentions swimming or bathing under the natural springs.

That short time is enough for a view and a few photographs, but it may feel tight if you want to swim. Changing clothes, walking to a lower viewpoint, and returning to the vehicle can use much of the allotted half-hour. If swimming is important to you, ask the driver how the timing will work on your day.

The waterfall is also a practical stop for people who cannot walk far. You can still see the view from above. The tour does not promise a specific accessible route or mobility equipment, so you should discuss your needs before booking if walking ability is a concern.

Tegenungan works well as a closing nature stop because it gives the day a different final note after the club. Still, do not think of it as a long waterfall excursion. It is a compact visit within a much wider day.

What the private vehicle adds

The private format is one of the strongest reasons to consider this experience. Your group has its own air-conditioned vehicle and driver guide, and no other booking group joins you. That can make a long day feel more manageable, especially when the route includes several unrelated stops.

The English-speaking driver guide is included. The information does not describe the driver’s formal guiding qualifications, so you should think of this as transport with local assistance rather than a specialist-led cultural tour. You can request Putu if he is available. One customer specifically praised Putu and described the trip as fun and well organized.

That name is useful because a good driver can make a major difference on a day with four stops. The driver can help you keep track of the schedule, point out the next stop, and explain practical details. Availability is not guaranteed, so make the request at booking rather than assuming Putu will be assigned.

Pickup is offered, but the supplied details identify the tour location as Jimbaran and do not list a full pickup map or every eligible area. Confirm your pickup point and start time after booking. Since this is a private activity, your exact group size and hotel location can affect how smoothly the day begins.

Is $71.03 per person a fair price?

Cretya Ubud and Monkey Forest Sanctuary Tours - Is $71.03 per person a fair price?

The price is $71.03 per person. The value depends mainly on how many people are in your private group and how much you value convenience.

The package includes private transportation, an air-conditioned vehicle, an English-speaking driver guide, and all entrance tickets. Those inclusions make the price easier to justify than a simple transfer, since you are paying for a full day of transport and four scheduled visits.

You still need to pay for lunch and all costs at Cretya. Special events there can add another charge. For a careful budget, set aside money for food, drinks, and any day club activity before you go. The price should not be read as an all-inclusive day club package.

I think the value is strongest for couples, families, or small groups that want a dedicated vehicle and a ready-made route. It is weaker for someone who only wants to visit Monkey Forest and Tegenungan, since the three-hour Cretya stop and private transport make this a larger purchase than a short transfer.

The booking pattern also gives you a practical clue: this experience is booked about seven days in advance on average. You do not need to reserve months ahead based on the information provided, but planning roughly a week ahead is sensible if you want a particular date or wish to request Putu.

Who should book this Bali day tour?

I would recommend it to you if you want a comfortable sampler of the Ubud area and prefer not to organize separate drivers, tickets, and stops. It works especially well for people who like mixing scenery, wildlife, craft, and a polished restaurant setting in one long day.

It also suits you if a private vehicle matters. You can travel only with your own group, avoid a large bus, and have an English-speaking driver available throughout the outing.

You may want a different tour if your priority is a long cultural visit, serious hiking, or a full swimming session at the waterfall. The schedule gives Celuk and Tegenungan only 30 minutes each, and three hours at Cretya means the day club is not a side note.

Families should read the Cretya pool rule carefully. Kids can take part in the tour, but anyone under 18 cannot use the pool. Couples and adult groups may get more from the day club portion.

The experience has a 5.0 rating from three submitted reviews, and the most specific praise focused on organization and the driver Putu. That is encouraging, though the small number of ratings means you should judge the tour mainly by its structure and inclusions rather than by the score alone.

Booking, cancellation, and practical details

Confirmation is provided at booking. Most people can participate, and the activity is private for your group.

You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the local start time. Cancellations or changes made less than 24 hours ahead are not accepted for a refund. The experience also requires a minimum number of participants. If the operator cancels because that minimum is not met, you will be offered another date or experience, or a full refund.

Bring a way to pay for lunch and Cretya purchases. Since no lunch is included, do not assume the restaurant cost is covered by the tour price. Also clarify any special event fee before accepting it.

FAQ

How long does the tour last?

The tour lasts about 10 hours.

Where is the tour based?

The tour location is listed as Jimbaran, Indonesia, and pickup is offered.

Is transportation included?

Yes. Private transportation and an air-conditioned vehicle are included.

Is the driver a guide?

An English-speaking driver guide service is included.

Which attractions are visited?

The tour visits Celuk Village, Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary, Cretya Ubud, and Tegenungan Waterfall.

Are entrance tickets included?

Yes. All entrance tickets are included.

Is lunch included?

No. Lunch is not included.

Are Cretya Ubud costs included?

No. Food, drinks, other costs at the Cretya day club, and special events with extra charges are not included.

Can children use the Cretya pool?

No. Children under 18 are not allowed to use the pool.

Should you book it?

Book this tour if you want a private, full-day route with four different kinds of stops and a substantial break at Cretya Ubud. The best value comes from sharing the private vehicle with your own group and making use of the included transport and tickets.

Skip it if your ideal Bali day means slow cultural sightseeing or a long waterfall visit. The real appeal here is the combination of convenience, rice terrace views, and variety. Request Putu if available, confirm pickup details, and budget separately for lunch and Cretya spending.

More like this

Jimbaran Tours, compared.

The full Jimbaran Tours list →
Uluwatu Temple Entry and Kecak Fire Dance Ticket
★★★★★★★★★★5.0· 479 reviews· from $29

Uluwatu Temple Entry and Kecak Fire Dance Ticket

Read our review →
Kecak and Fire Dance Ticket at Uluwatu Temple
★★★★★★★★★★4.0· 222 reviews· from $11

Kecak and Fire Dance Ticket at Uluwatu Temple

Read our review →
Private Tour: Bali in a Day
★★★★★★★★★★5.0· 95 reviews· from $50

Private Tour: Bali in a Day

Read our review →
Best Of Ubud Tours
★★★★★★★★★★5.0· 75 reviews· from $50

Best Of Ubud Tours

Read our review →
All Inclusive Sekumpul Waterfall Trekking , Handara Gate & Temple
★★★★★★★★★★5.0· 64 reviews· from $68

All Inclusive Sekumpul Waterfall Trekking , Handara Gate & Temple

Read our review →
Bali’s Best Sunset: Uluwatu Kecak Dance & Dinner Jimbaran Beach
★★★★★★★★★★5.0· 49 reviews· from $50

Bali’s Best Sunset: Uluwatu Kecak Dance & Dinner Jimbaran Beach

Read our review →

Browse the lists this tour appears in

Scroll to Top

Where to go next

Pick an island. The rest sorts itself out.