REVIEW · SEMINYAK
Ubud Monkey Forest Sanctuary Tours and Cretya
Book on Viator →Operated by Smart Bali Tour · Bookable on Viator
A full Ubud photo day, without the stress. This private tour strings together the big hits—Tegenungan Waterfall, Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary, and Cretya Ubud—then adds Celuk’s silver craft stops so your day feels like more than just scenery. You’ll ride in an air-conditioned vehicle with hotel pickup and you’ll even have onboard Wi‑Fi to share as you go.
Two things I really like: first, the stops are paced so you get time to actually enjoy each place (not just quick look-and-run). Second, entrance fees are included, so you’re not constantly stopping for tickets.
One thing to consider: Cretya Ubud has a strict age limit—no one under 18—and the tour is set up to match that. If you’re traveling with kids, this one may not fit your group.
In This Review
- Key highlights worth planning for
- How this private Ubud day tour actually feels
- Tegenungan Waterfall: 15 meters of serious water flow
- Celuk silver village: craft culture in a quick 30 minutes
- Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary: close encounters in a small forest
- Cretya Ubud infinity pool: swimming, rice terraces, and age limits
- Value check: why $73 per person can work for the right traveler
- Logistics that matter: pickup area, vehicle comfort, and your schedule
- Who this tour suits best (and who should skip it)
- Quick notes to help you enjoy every stop
- Should you book this Ubud Monkey Forest + Cretya day tour?
- FAQ
- How long is the Ubud Monkey Forest, Tegenungan, and Cretya tour?
- Where are the pickup and drop-off points?
- What are the main stops during the day?
- Are entrance fees included?
- Is Wi‑Fi available during the tour?
- Is this tour private or shared?
- Are kids allowed?
- Do I need to spend money at Cretya even though it’s included?
Key highlights worth planning for

- Tegenungan Waterfall (15 meters, heavy flow): clean, clear water and classic photo stops on the way down
- Celuk silver village visit: a short stop centered on Bali’s silver craft culture
- Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary time (1 hour): a true walk-through where monkeys show up on paths and among trees
- Cretya Ubud infinity pool: big views with a rice-terrace backdrop and a long 3-hour block
- Onboard Wi‑Fi + private hotel pickup: make the day smoother and easier to share in real time
How this private Ubud day tour actually feels

This is the kind of Bali day that works when you want variety, not chaos. You start in the pickup phase (from your hotel in Ubud or most south Bali hotels), then you’re off in a car that stays with you for the day. That matters because Bali traffic and parking can eat up time fast. Here, you’re buying back your energy so you can spend it on the sights.
The tour is private, meaning only your group participates. That usually helps with timing: your driver-guide can adjust the pace a bit, and you’re not stuck waiting for a large tour group to shuffle through every step.
You’ll also get an onboard Wi‑Fi setup. That’s a small detail until you hit a waterfall or an infinity pool moment and suddenly you don’t want to hunt for a signal before posting. It’s also handy for keeping directions and maps open while you’re moving between places.
Now the real question: does a day with four major stops feel rushed? At 8 hours total (approx.), it can, in theory. But the itinerary is built with time blocks that make sense: one hour at Tegenungan, 30 minutes at Celuk, one hour at the Monkey Forest, and three hours at Cretya Ubud—the longest stop, which is where people usually want the most time for photos and swimming.
If you're still narrowing it down, here are other tours in Seminyak we've reviewed.
Tegenungan Waterfall: 15 meters of serious water flow

Your day begins with Tegenungan Waterfall, about as iconic as this area gets. Even though it’s listed as 15 meters tall, the standout isn’t height—it’s the water discharge. You get heavy flow, and the tour notes the water as clean and clear. That combo is what makes Tegenungan feel visually impressive without requiring a hike that turns the day into a workout.
What I like about arriving early or during a reasonable time window is how the waterfall photos come together faster. On the way down, you’ll pass typical Bali photo spots. These are the kinds of places where you’ll usually want a quick shot, even if you don’t fall for every photo prop. The key is to treat them like mini stops: grab your picture, keep moving, and save your energy for the main view.
A practical note: waterfalls in Bali mean mist, damp stairs, and slippery patches. Bring footwear you trust on wet ground, and plan for the fact that your clothes and camera strap may take a little abuse.
This stop includes admission, and the time block is about 1 hour. If you’re a slow photographer, you may spend more time lingering near viewpoints—but you probably won’t regret it because the rest of the day has built-in time for relaxing photo moments too.
Celuk silver village: craft culture in a quick 30 minutes
Next up is Celuk, described as a silver-producing village and a famous silver-related tourist attraction in Bali. The stop is short—30 minutes—and that’s exactly the point. You’re not trying to turn this into a half-day workshop. You’re getting a snapshot of Bali craft culture in a time slot that doesn’t hijack your itinerary.
This is where your driver-guide can be more valuable than you might expect. In a lot of Bali craft areas, prices and “tour shop” dynamics can be confusing if you don’t know what you’re seeing. One review specifically mentioned guides sharing helpful bargaining tips (a name that came up was Jamur). Even if you’re not planning to bargain hard, those kinds of tips help you understand what’s fair.
Admission is listed as free here, which helps keep your day predictable.
The watch-out: with short stops, your experience can depend on how you move. If you want to buy something, decide before you get overwhelmed. If you don’t want to buy, still allow yourself a look, because the craft details are the reason Celuk is worth even a brief visit.
Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary: close encounters in a small forest

Then it’s Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary in Ubud. This stop is about 1 hour, and the description is refreshingly straightforward: it’s a small forest where monkeys show up on the road, in trees, and throughout the forest.
This is one of those places where expectations matter. If you think you’ll have a quiet nature walk with zero surprises, you’ll be surprised—because the whole point is wildlife near your path. The upside is that it can feel more authentic and alive than a zoo-style enclosure. The monkey activity tends to make photos easier, too, because you’re seeing them do monkey things in their actual environment.
A practical heads-up: the more you react, the more attention you draw. Keep bags close, avoid sudden movements toward monkeys, and don’t treat them like party guests. You’ll have a better time if you focus on watching from a safe distance.
Entrance is included, so you’re not scrambling for tickets. It’s also a good stop for pairing with a rest of the day, since you can get your walking in without turning it into a long trek.
If your group likes animals, this is usually the moment that makes the day feel less like a checklist and more like a memory.
Cretya Ubud infinity pool: swimming, rice terraces, and age limits

The big finale is Cretya Ubud, with 3 hours on the schedule. This is where the tour’s “romantic shots” angle starts to make sense—because the main attraction is an infinity pool framed by a rice-terrace background.
The itinerary notes you can swim, and that the pool area is set up for a relaxed long block. Three hours is a gift on a day like this. It means you can:
- swim first (when the pool looks its best to you),
- then take photos without feeling like you have 20 minutes before you’re rushed out,
- and still have time to reset before you head back to your hotel.
But there are two considerations you should not ignore.
First, the tour states maximum age 18 for Cretya and lists that kids under 18 are not included. So this is effectively an adult-focused experience. If you’re bringing teens, you’ll want to confirm how the age rule is enforced for your group.
Second, the tour includes Cretya entrance tickets, but it also notes a minimum spend at the Cretya restaurant, and there may be extra cost for special events involving the Cretya pool. That means the real “all-in” cost may depend on what you order once you’re there.
If you go in expecting a simple swim-only stop, you might feel annoyed later. If you plan for a meal or drinks at the venue, it feels much more normal.
This is also the stop where the tour’s private format helps. You’re not fighting a crowd schedule. You can take your time deciding where to sit, what angle to shoot, and how long to stay in the water.
Value check: why $73 per person can work for the right traveler

At $73 per person for an 8-hour private day with hotel pickup, Wi‑Fi, a driver-guide, and multiple entrance fees included, the value depends on what you’d otherwise pay and how you’d otherwise manage the day.
Here’s the practical logic: you’re paying for transportation and time management more than the sights themselves. In Bali, the hard part isn’t seeing things—it’s connecting them smoothly. This tour removes the need to hire multiple transfers or coordinate between drivers. That’s especially useful if you’re staying outside the busiest areas or you don’t want to deal with parking and navigation.
Also, entrance fees are included for the major sights on the list, and Cretya admission is included too. That reduces the “surprise costs” feeling that can happen with attraction-heavy itineraries.
The price is a consideration if you’re a tight budget traveler who doesn’t care about comfort. If you want AC, a private vehicle, and someone to handle the day’s flow, this can feel like a fair trade for convenience.
Booking timing shows an average of being reserved about 26 days in advance, which often signals that it’s a popular planning choice. If you’re traveling in high season, I’d treat that as a hint to lock it in early.
Logistics that matter: pickup area, vehicle comfort, and your schedule

This tour is designed around 2-way transfers direct from hotels in Ubud and most south Bali. That’s important because it affects start and end time, and it shapes whether you spend a chunk of your day commuting on your own.
An air-conditioned vehicle is included, which is a real quality-of-life upgrade in Bali heat and humidity. Even if you plan to be outdoors for photos, you’ll appreciate AC between stops.
You’ll also have an English-speaking driver-guide. That matters most when you want quick answers: where to stand for photos, how to move through a site, and what to expect at a craft stop.
The tour uses a mobile ticket. For travelers, that usually means fewer printouts and less paper mess in your bag.
Who this tour suits best (and who should skip it)

This is a great fit if you want:
- one private day that covers multiple “name-brand” Ubud stops,
- a mix of nature (waterfall), culture (Celuk silver), wildlife (Monkey Forest), and a dedicated photo/swim pool finale (Cretya),
- hotel pickup and a driver-guide who can keep things moving.
It may not be ideal if:
- you’re traveling with children under 18 (Cretya age limits apply, and kids under 18 are not included),
- you want a highly unstructured day with lots of spontaneous stops (this is scheduled, by design),
- you dislike paying restaurant minimums or venue add-ons (there’s a minimum spend noted at Cretya).
If you’re the kind of traveler who likes planning but hates feeling trapped in a rigid pace, this itinerary is a good compromise.
Quick notes to help you enjoy every stop
- Bring swim-ready basics for Cretya (you’ll have time to actually use the pool).
- Plan on wet-weather realities at a waterfall: slippery steps and mist happen.
- For Monkey Forest, keep your focus on observing and photographing calmly, not provoking.
- At Celuk, decide what you want before the bargaining chatter starts—short time slots reward decisiveness.
Should you book this Ubud Monkey Forest + Cretya day tour?
If you’re aiming for a smooth, high-impact Ubud day that hits Tegenungan Waterfall, Celuk silver village, Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary, and Cretya Ubud with a private vehicle and entrance fees handled, this is a strong option. The standout is how the schedule protects your time: long enough at Cretya to enjoy swimming and photos, and not so long at the other stops that you feel trapped.
I’d book it if your group matches the age rules for Cretya and you’re comfortable with the idea of a Cretya restaurant minimum spend. If that’s not your style, look for an alternative Ubud itinerary that doesn’t revolve around Cretya.
One last practical thought: the experience is tied to good weather. If weather is poor, you may be offered a different date or a full refund, so it’s worth watching forecasts close to departure.
FAQ
How long is the Ubud Monkey Forest, Tegenungan, and Cretya tour?
It’s listed at about 8 hours in total.
Where are the pickup and drop-off points?
Pickup is offered from hotels in Ubud and most south Bali hotels, with 2-way transfers.
What are the main stops during the day?
You’ll visit Tegenungan Waterfall, Celuk, Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary, and Cretya Ubud.
Are entrance fees included?
Yes. Entrance fees are included for the stops, and Cretya entrance tickets are included too.
Is Wi‑Fi available during the tour?
Yes, there’s onboard Wi‑Fi so you can share as you go.
Is this tour private or shared?
It’s private. Only your group participates.
Are kids allowed?
Kids under 18 are not included, and Cretya Ubud has a maximum age limit of 18 years old.
Do I need to spend money at Cretya even though it’s included?
The tour notes a minimum spend at the Cretya restaurant, and special events with extra costs into the Cretya pool may apply.























