REVIEW · JIMBARAN
Cretya Ubud and Monkey Forest Sanctuary Tours
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Bali can feel like a speedrun—this trip slows things down. You’ll get a smooth, private day from Jimbaran into Ubud, mixing hands-on culture (Celuk), a classic natural attraction (Sacred Monkey Forest), a long sit-down break with rice-terrace views (Cretya Ubud), and a short hit of jungle scenery at Tegenungan Waterfall. It’s built to keep your day moving without cramming you into constant walking.
Two things I especially like: the private air-conditioned transportation means you’re not stuck in open van chaos, and all the major entry tickets are included. One thing to think about: Cretya is more “day club + views” than a simple lunch stop, and extra spending there can add up fast.
In This Review
- Quick hits
- A well-paced Ubud day: art, monkeys, rice views, waterfall
- Celuk Village: silver and gold craft in a tight 30 minutes
- Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary: see macaques up close (and stay smart)
- Cretya Ubud: long break with rice views, day-club energy, and pool rules
- Tegenungan Waterfall: 30 minutes of jungle beauty, plus an easier viewing option
- Private transportation from Jimbaran: the real value is comfort and timing
- What $71.03 buys: value breakdown and where extra costs show up
- Timing and how the day will feel (about 10 hours total)
- Guide service quality: the Putu effect
- Who this tour fits best
- Should you book this Cretya Ubud and Monkey Forest tour?
- FAQ
- Is pickup included for this tour?
- How long is the tour?
- Is this tour private?
- What stops are included in the itinerary?
- Are entrance tickets included?
- Is lunch included?
- Can kids go to the pool at Cretya Ubud?
- What if I can’t walk much at the waterfall?
- What is the cancellation policy?
Quick hits

- Private, air-conditioned pickup from Jimbaran with an English-speaking driver guide
- Celuk Village (30 minutes) for silver and gold craft and modern art inspired by nature
- Sacred Monkey Forest (1 hour) in a natural sanctuary for grey long-tailed macaques
- Cretya Ubud (3 hours) with rice-terrace scenery and a day-club vibe; pool rules apply
- Tegenungan Waterfall (30 minutes) with options to see it from the top if walking is tough
A well-paced Ubud day: art, monkeys, rice views, waterfall

This is a 10-hour day that threads together four distinct “mood shifts.” You start in a craft village, move into a monkey sanctuary, then settle into a longer break where the main attraction is the view, and finally end with a waterfall stop that’s short but scenic.
What makes it work is the rhythm. Celuk is brief, Monkey Forest is focused, Cretya gives you real downtime, and Tegenungan is quick enough that you still feel fresh afterward. Even if Bali traffic takes a detour, the itinerary itself doesn’t load you with endless stops.
Because it’s private, you also get flexibility in how you handle each location—snacks, photos, and pacing are easier when it’s just your group. And if you’re coming from Jimbaran, having pickup built in is a big deal.
You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in Jimbaran.
Celuk Village: silver and gold craft in a tight 30 minutes

Celuk Village is famous for metalwork—silver and gold making—and this stop is designed as a quick taste rather than a long workshop. You’ll get to see contemporary art pieces inspired by nature, guided by your driver guide, and you’ll have enough time to get oriented and ask basic questions without feeling rushed.
Why I like this stop for a one-day schedule: it gives you something different from the typical “temple + photo spot” Bali route. It also helps break up the day before you hit the more playful energy of the monkey sanctuary.
Possible drawback: since the timing is only 30 minutes, don’t expect a deep hands-on class or a full buying spree. If you want to browse in detail and compare prices, you’ll likely need to slow down on your own time after your guided window.
Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary: see macaques up close (and stay smart)

The Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary is a classic Ubud stop, and the core draw is that it’s a natural forest sanctuary filled with grey long-tailed macaques. In practical terms, you’re walking through a real environment where animals are part of the scenery—not a zoo setup.
You’ll have about an hour here, with admission included. That’s enough time to get good views, wander at a comfortable pace, and still leave with energy left for Cretya and Tegenungan.
A consideration: monkeys can be unpredictable. You’ll want to keep your attention on your belongings and your personal space. Think of it as a photo opportunity that also requires basic common sense—no reaching out, no sudden movements, and keep snacks sealed.
If you’re traveling with kids, pay extra attention here. While the tour notes pool rules for minors at Cretya, it doesn’t list special age restrictions for the Monkey Forest stop. Still, kids tend to move fast, and that can be tough in an animal-heavy environment.
Cretya Ubud: long break with rice views, day-club energy, and pool rules
Cretya Ubud is where the tour changes gear. Instead of “one attraction” you get a longer stay—about 3 hours—at a restaurant and day club setting with green rice views in the background.
This is an intentional pause. After walking among macaques and handling outdoor conditions, the Cretya stop lets you sit, recharge, and choose your pace. It’s also a nice change if you’re tired of moving from viewpoint to viewpoint.
Two practical notes for your planning:
- Lunch isn’t included, and the tour also says not all costs at Cretya are included. So while your visit time and entry ticket are part of the package, you’ll likely spend on drinks and food if you want a full meal or pool-side comforts.
- Kids: the tour notes that kids are not allowed to go to the pool under 18 years old. If your group includes teens, you’ll want to factor that rule into your plan for who can actually enjoy the pool area.
If you’re the type who loves scenery but doesn’t want to spend the whole day taking pictures, this is the stop. You can order something, sit in the view, and treat the day like a proper vacation instead of a checklist.
Tegenungan Waterfall: 30 minutes of jungle beauty, plus an easier viewing option
Tegenungan Waterfall is the final scenery hit, and the schedule keeps it simple: about 30 minutes on site with admission included. You’ll be dropped into a lush, green area and you can enjoy the waterfall view.
The tour also notes two ways to experience it:
- You can go for swimming or bathe under natural springs.
- If you can’t walk, you can still see the waterfall from the top.
That second point matters more than it sounds. Waterfall viewing often depends on walking paths, stairs, or uneven ground. Here, the plan explicitly gives you a backup viewing option, which helps if you’re traveling with mobility limitations or you simply don’t want to do a longer hike.
Practical expectation: since the stop is short, you’ll want to arrive with your plan ready. Pick whether you want photos first, a calmer top view, or time for water play. You won’t want to lose 15 minutes figuring it out once you’re on site.
Private transportation from Jimbaran: the real value is comfort and timing

This tour includes private transportation in an air-conditioned vehicle, plus an English-speaking driver guide service. Pickup is offered, and the tour is specifically set up so you’re not sharing the ride with strangers.
Why that matters: Bali day trips can eat time fast when you’re constantly waiting. Private transport helps you control the pace, and the air-conditioning is a welcome reset—especially on a day that includes hot outdoor stops.
Because it’s a private tour/activity, it’s only your group. That means less “group herding” and more room for your own rhythm—useful if someone in your party gets tired earlier or if you want extra time at one stop without asking.
What $71.03 buys: value breakdown and where extra costs show up
At $71.03 per person, you’re paying for a full day structure with meaningful inclusions. Here’s the practical value:
Included:
- Private transportation in an air-conditioned vehicle
- English-speaking driver guide service
- All entrance tickets
Not included:
- Lunch
- All costs at Cretya day club
- Any special event extra costs in Cretya
So the value is strongest if you want the big-ticket items handled: transport and entrance fees. You’re not trying to coordinate four separate tickets and directions on your own.
Where you should expect to spend extra:
- Food and drinks (especially at Cretya)
- Any upgrades or special events at Cretya if they’re offered that day
- Possibly snacks or water during travel gaps (not listed as included)
A quick budgeting tip: decide in advance how you want Cretya to feel. If you’re happy with a drink and a sit-down view, you can keep costs moderate. If you plan on full meals plus pool-side spending, set aside more.
Timing and how the day will feel (about 10 hours total)

The tour runs about 10 hours. The listed stop durations add up to roughly 5 hours of on-site time (30 minutes Celuk + 1 hour Monkey Forest + 3 hours Cretya + 30 minutes Tegenungan), so the rest is travel time and transitions.
That’s a good sign. It means the schedule isn’t just “moving,” it also gives you time where it counts:
- enough to see Celuk without dragging
- enough to enjoy Monkey Forest without rushing through
- plenty of breathing room at Cretya
- a quick, scenic waterfall finale
If you’re booking in advance, note that this is often booked about 7 days ahead on average. If your dates are firm, it’s smart to lock it sooner rather than later.
Guide service quality: the Putu effect
One detail worth paying attention to is the driver guide. The service is described as fun and well organized, and a driver named Putu is specifically recommended for his service.
I take that as a signal that the day isn’t just about driving between pins on a map. A good guide helps you move efficiently, understand what you’re looking at, and keep the schedule sane—especially on a day with both animal and outdoor elements.
If you end up with Putu, you’re likely to appreciate how the day flows.
Who this tour fits best
This day trip is a good match if:
- you want a private, comfortable Bali day without constant group logistics
- you like a mix of culture and nature (craft village + monkey sanctuary + waterfall)
- you want a real break built into the schedule at Cretya Ubud
- your group can enjoy outdoor attractions and a short walking experience
It’s especially good for couples and friend groups who want a “one-day best-of Ubud mix” while still having time to sit down and enjoy the views.
If you’re traveling with very young kids, the Monkey Forest and waterfall areas may be harder simply because you’re in natural spaces where you can’t control animals, crowds, or ground conditions. And for the pool specifically: kids under 18 aren’t allowed in the pool area at Cretya, so that affects family plans.
Should you book this Cretya Ubud and Monkey Forest tour?
I’d book it if you want an organized, private day that balances movement and downtime. The big win is that transport and entrance tickets are included, and Cretya gives you a satisfying 3-hour break with rice-terrace scenery.
Skip it (or adjust expectations) if you’re hoping for a low-spend day. Cretya is where the optional spending happens, and the tour explicitly doesn’t include lunch or the costs at the day club. If you’re strict about budget, plan your meals and drinks before you arrive.
FAQ
Is pickup included for this tour?
Yes. Pickup is offered, and the tour starts with travel from Jimbaran using private air-conditioned transportation.
How long is the tour?
It runs for about 10 hours total.
Is this tour private?
Yes. It’s a private tour/activity, so only your group participates.
What stops are included in the itinerary?
The tour includes Celuk Village, Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary, Cretya Ubud, and Tegenungan Waterfall.
Are entrance tickets included?
Yes. Entrance tickets for the included attractions are part of the package.
Is lunch included?
No. Lunch is not included.
Can kids go to the pool at Cretya Ubud?
No. The tour notes that kids are not allowed to go to the pool under 18 years old.
What if I can’t walk much at the waterfall?
You can still see the waterfall from the top if you can’t walk.
What is the cancellation policy?
Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. If you cancel less than 24 hours before the start time, the amount paid isn’t refunded.






















