The hype
Families love the VIP zoo access and spacious villas, but solo travelers often feel trapped by the location.
The Sanctoo Villas & Spa
$100-250/ night
Book this if You want to wake up to the sound of lions and have a private VIP backdoor into the Bali Zoo.
Why People Love It
- Unlimited free access to the Bali Zoo via a private guest entrance
- Breakfast with Orangutans packages that actually deliver on the 'Gram
- Secluded river valley setting that feels miles away from the Ubud traffic jams
Quick Take: It's basically a luxury dormitory for the Bali Zoo—magical for families, a bit isolated for everyone else.
Reviewed by @ChiragPatel7016601: I stayed at The Sanctoo in Bali and it was the perfect escape. My villa had this incredible private pool overlooking the jungle, and the bathroom was absolutely massive. It felt like living in a luxury temple. Highly recommend for a solo reset or romantic trip.
Guest Who Stayed Here Said
Reality check
The 'Gym' is virtually non-existent or extremely basic; do not book this if you need a serious workout.
- You are traveling with kids who are obsessed with animals
- You want a private pool villa for under $250/night
- You plan to spend at least one full day exploring the zoo without rushing
Cleanliness & Maintenance
8.5
- Housekeeping: Daily and thorough, but the jungle environment fights back quickly.
- Bathroom hygiene: Generally sparkling, though some guests report mold in grout due to constant humidity.
- Maintenance: Good, but wood decking and outdoor furniture show signs of tropical weathering.
- Linens & towels: Fresh and clean, though pool towels can sometimes feel a bit worn.
- Odors & scents: Lobby smells of lemongrass; rooms can smell slightly musty if AC isn't running.
Sleepability™
7.5SILENT
0-4LOUD
4-7.5MODERATE
7.5-10SILENT
- Lions roaring and gibbons calling (early morning)
- River rushing sounds (River View Villas)
- Kids playing in the main pool (if in Suites)
Before you book
Good to know
- Zoo access is unlimited for all guests, not just a one-time entry.
- The free shuttle to Ubud has a fixed schedule (usually drop off 9 AM, pick up 6 PM) which limits flexibility.
- Food options nearby are non-existent; you are captive to the hotel restaurant or the Zoo restaurant unless you taxi out.
What to pack
- Strong mosquito repellent (river valley = bugs)
- Earplugs (if lion roars at 6 AM aren't your vibe)
- Swimsuit (even suites have a great lagoon pool)
Room Genie
Best picks
- River Pool Villa: Best for privacy and scenic jungle views, though slightly damper.
- Sanctoo Suite (Upper Floor): Better views and less noise than the ground floor pool-access suites.
Rooms to avoid
- Pool Access Suites: Zero privacy, guests swim right past your glass door, and can be noisy.
- Villas near the lobby: More foot traffic and buggy noise.
Room Request Genie – copy & paste
“I would love to request a River Pool Villa that is set back from the main path for maximum privacy. If booking a Suite, please assign an upper-floor unit to avoid pool noise.”
FAQ & Hidden tips
Everything you actually want to know before you book.
Is the zoo access really free?
Yes, unlimited entry is included for all guests for the duration of the stay.
Can I walk to Ubud center?
Absolutely not. It is a 15-20 minute drive on a busy road with no sidewalks.
Is there a gym?
Barely. Expect a small room with a treadmill and maybe some dumbbells, but nothing comprehensive.
Are the private pools heated?
No, and they can get quite chilly in the shade of the jungle valley.
Is it suitable for couples?
Yes, the villas are very private, but the common areas are often filled with families and children.
How is the internet?
Decent (fiber optic), generally reliable enough for streaming but can spotty in the far corners of the villas.
Insider Tips
- ✨
Use the 'back door' to the zoo to beat the crowds at the ticket counter.
- ✨
The 'Wana Restaurant' inside the zoo (accessible for dinner) overlooks the lion enclosure—ask for a window table.
- ✨
Book the 'Mud Fun' elephant experience in advance; it sells out to day-trippers quickly.
5 things to know before you go
💡The humidity in the river valley means swimsuits take forever to dry.
💡You might spot wild monkeys (not just zoo ones) on your villa wall.
💡The 'Floating Breakfast' is fun for photos but the food gets cold instantly.
💡Ride-share apps (Grab/Gojek) are allowed to drop off but often banned from picking up by local taxi mafias in this village.
💡The cassowaries near the restaurant can be aggressive—don't get too close to the fence.
Local Playbook
Map
See where The Sanctoo Villas & Spa is located and what's nearby.