REVIEW · SEMINYAK
Ubud Monkey Forest Sanctuary Tours and Cretya
Book on Viator →Operated by Smart Bali Tour · Bookable on Viator
Four Bali highlights in one smooth day. This private Ubud route strings together Tegenungan Waterfall, the Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary, Celuk’s silver scene, and a long Cretya swim with rice-terrace views, all wrapped in easy two-way hotel transfers. I like that you get onboard Wi‑Fi so you can post as you go without burning through roaming data.
Two things I’d call out right away: the pacing hits big visual stops without feeling rushed, and the driver-guide service is genuinely helpful. In one case, the driver-guide Jamur stood out for friendly conversation and practical tips, including bargaining guidance when you’re out in craft areas like Celuk. The main drawback to plan around is Cretya’s rules: it’s not for kids under 18, and there’s a minimum spend at the Cretya restaurant plus possible extra costs for special events linked to the pool area.
In This Review
- Key things to know before you go
- A private Ubud day built around four photo stops
- Tegenungan Waterfall: 15 meters of clear, heavy water
- Celuk silversmith village: a quick hit of Bali craft
- Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary: monkeys on the road, in the trees
- Cretya Ubud infinity pool with rice terraces: the main swim moment
- Price and value: what your $73 per person is covering
- How the day flows (and how to make it feel easy)
- Who this tour suits best
- Should you book this Ubud Monkey Forest and Cretya tour?
- FAQ
- What’s the duration of the tour?
- Where does the tour pick up?
- Is this a private tour or shared?
- Are Wi‑Fi and mobile tickets included?
- What stops are included in the day?
- Are entrance fees included?
- Can kids join, and is Cretya age-restricted?
- What additional costs might come up at Cretya?
- What happens if the weather is bad?
- What’s the cancellation window?
Key things to know before you go

- Private, door-to-door transfers from Ubud and most of south Bali, using an air-conditioned vehicle
- Onboard Wi‑Fi for sharing photos while you’re out (and avoiding roaming headaches)
- Four landmark stops: Tegenungan Waterfall, Celuk silver village, Ubud Monkey Forest, and Cretya Ubud
- Cretya timing is the big block: about 3 hours, centered on swimming and photos with rice terraces
- Age and spending considerations for Cretya, including no kids under 18 and a restaurant minimum spend
- All entrance tickets included except the Cretya restaurant costs and any special-event add-ons
A private Ubud day built around four photo stops
This is an around-8-hours private tour that starts with pickup in Ubud and most of south Bali (including Seminyak), so you’re not spending your day figuring out transport. You also travel by vehicle the whole time, which matters in Bali traffic, heat, and the general chaos of finding parking.
I like the way the tour is built for photographers and couples without turning it into a slow art project. The stops are recognizable Bali “I can’t believe I’m here” moments: waterfall, a craft village, a monkey forest you actually walk through, and an infinity pool setting designed for pictures.
One practical perk: onboard Wi‑Fi. It sounds small until you realize you’ll be snapping photos back to back at each stop. You’ll save yourself the usual scramble to find a connection or ration mobile data.
You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in Seminyak.
Tegenungan Waterfall: 15 meters of clear, heavy water

Tegenungan Waterfall is the first big visual hit, and you’ll get about an hour there. It’s listed as 15 meters tall, but the real impression is the heavy water discharge. The water is also described as clean and clear, which is why photos come out better than you might expect for a spot that gets lots of visitors.
You’ll pass a few typical Bali photo spots on the way down, so think of this hour as two parts: getting to the viewpoint and then doing your photo round. If you’re going for that “romantic waterfall” look, this is the moment the tour sets you up for.
A small consideration: with a waterfall, the comfort of your visit depends on conditions like wet ground and how quickly you want to move. Since the tour is built as a day of multiple stops, I’d plan to keep your footwear practical and your schedule simple—don’t treat this like a long hike day.
Celuk silversmith village: a quick hit of Bali craft

Next comes Celuk, known for silver production. You get about 30 minutes here, and the admission is free. This is the stop where the day shifts from nature photography to something more hands-on and human-scale.
Celuk works best as a short, focused visit. In a half hour, you can walk, see what’s for sale, and get a feel for how local craft translates into wearable pieces. The tour format keeps it efficient: no long lectures, just enough time to look and ask questions.
This is also where a good driver-guide can help you shop smarter. In at least one experience, the guide provided bargaining tips, which is useful in markets and craft villages where pricing can be flexible. Even if you don’t buy, you’ll leave with a better sense of what you’re looking at.
One note: 30 minutes is not meant for deep customization or long workshop time. If you’re hoping to do serious purchasing or watch a full production process, you might want to pair this tour with extra time in Ubud on a separate day.
Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary: monkeys on the road, in the trees

The Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary is next, and you’ll spend about an hour there. It’s described as a small forest where you’ll see monkeys on the road, in the trees, and throughout the forest. That description matters because it tells you what kind of experience you’re getting: it’s not just “monkeys in the background,” it’s a place where monkeys are part of your walking path.
Plan for this as a photo-friendly, slow-to-moderately paced walk. You’ll want a bit of patience because the forest is active, and you’ll naturally pause when you spot something good through the branches.
A practical consideration: because you’re in a wildlife environment, you’ll enjoy it more if you treat it like you’re visiting their space too. Keep your actions calm and your focus on observation and pictures, not chasing or crowding.
If you’re short on time in Ubud, this stop is a strong value. You get a full experience without sacrificing the rest of the day’s big highlights.
Cretya Ubud infinity pool with rice terraces: the main swim moment

Cretya Ubud is the big centerpiece, with about 3 hours set aside. This is an infinity pool with rice terraces as the background, and the tour includes the Cretya entrance ticket so you can plan around that block of time.
This is where the day becomes more than sightseeing. The experience includes the chance to swim, and it’s built for photos: the pool design plus rice-terrace views naturally give you that layered, Bali-still-looking-like-a-poster look.
There are two key rules to know before you fall in love with the idea:
- Kids under 18 years old are not included
- There’s a minimum spend at the Cretya restaurant, and special events can carry extra costs into the pool area
So even though the entrance ticket is included, you should expect extra spending once you’re on-site. If you’re trying to keep your day strictly budgeted, this is the line item that can surprise you.
For best results, treat the 3 hours like a real block, not a quick stop. Give yourself time to get in the water, re-shoot photos when lighting changes, and then take a break. A private tour is doing you a favor here by letting you settle in rather than being whisked away after five minutes.
Price and value: what your $73 per person is covering

At $73 per person, the value comes from what’s bundled. You’re paying for a private transportation setup in an air-conditioned vehicle, an English-speaking driver-guide, and all entrance fees listed for the stops, including Cretya entrance tickets.
In real terms, this means you’re not juggling separate ticket lines for Tegenungan Waterfall, Monkey Forest, and Cretya. You’re also not spending your energy arranging transport across Ubud and south Bali. When you add in door-to-door pickup, that’s the main reason the price can make sense versus DIY.
Where the math gets personal is Cretya’s on-site costs. Because there’s a restaurant minimum spend and possible extra charges for special events, your total trip cost is not just the tour price. If you plan to eat there anyway, it won’t feel like a penalty. If you’re trying to snack your way through Bali, it’s worth thinking about first.
Also, this tour is booked about 26 days in advance on average. That’s a hint that it fits a common itinerary: visitors want a tight “Ubud highlights” day, but they don’t want to lose half the day to logistics.
How the day flows (and how to make it feel easy)

The tour is designed so you’re always moving from one “big moment” to the next. You start with the waterfall, then switch to Celuk craft, then head into the monkey forest, and finish with the long Cretya swim. That order makes sense: you do nature photos first, then walking through forests, and you save the pool time for last when you’re ready to change gears.
The private format is the hidden advantage here. Even when stops are scheduled, you’re not stuck with a slow-moving group that holds up the whole day. Your driver-guide can adjust the rhythm so you spend your time where you care most—waterfall photos, monkey forest walking, or the Cretya swim.
If you want the day to feel smooth, pack for comfort:
- Sunscreen and a hat for outdoor stops
- Something quick-dry or easy to change into for Cretya
- A plan for water and snacks between stops, since the tour has set time blocks
Who this tour suits best

This one is a strong match if you want a private Ubud highlights day without building your own route. It’s especially good for:
- Couples chasing that mix of scenery and photo-friendly spots
- People staying in Seminyak or south Bali who want direct pickup and less stress
- Travelers who like variety: waterfall, craft village, monkey forest, then a swim
It may not be ideal if:
- You’re traveling with kids under 18 and specifically want Cretya
- You want a slow, deep exploration day rather than structured highlights
- You dislike adding minimum-spend requirements into your plans
Should you book this Ubud Monkey Forest and Cretya tour?
I’d book it if you want a well-paced, private day that hits multiple iconic Ubud scenes and includes the tickets that usually slow people down. The combination of hotel pickup, onboard Wi‑Fi, and a big Cretya block makes it feel efficient without turning into a checklist.
I’d skip or reconsider if Cretya costs are a concern for you, since the minimum spend and possible special-event extra charges can affect your budget. Also, if you’re traveling with anyone under 18, Cretya isn’t part of the included experience.
FAQ
What’s the duration of the tour?
The tour runs about 8 hours.
Where does the tour pick up?
Pickup is offered in Ubud and most of south Bali.
Is this a private tour or shared?
This is a private tour, so only your group participates.
Are Wi‑Fi and mobile tickets included?
Yes. Onboard Wi‑Fi is provided, and the tour uses a mobile ticket.
What stops are included in the day?
You’ll visit Tegenungan Waterfall, Celuk (silver village), Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary, and Cretya Ubud.
Are entrance fees included?
Yes. Entrance fees are included for the listed stops, and Cretya entrance tickets are included.
Can kids join, and is Cretya age-restricted?
Kids under 18 years old are not included, so Cretya is effectively limited to 18+.
What additional costs might come up at Cretya?
You should plan for a minimum spend at the Cretya restaurant. Special events with extra cost into the Cretya pool area are also noted.
What happens if the weather is bad?
This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.
What’s the cancellation window?
Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

























