Adventure · Ayung River, Ubud
Rafting
The Ayung River, a forest canyon.
About the experience
The Ayung River, a forest canyon.
The Ayung is Bali’s longest river and it runs through a deep canyon west of Ubud. Getting down to the water means about 300 steps; once you are at the bottom the forest closes on both sides and the world above disappears entirely.
The run is Grade II–III: exciting but not technical. Over twelve kilometres there are more than twenty small rapids, a few waterfall showers and stone reliefs carved into the canyon wall. Your guide calls each rapid before it arrives, and non-swimmers can join with a life jacket.
After two hours there is a hot lunch and a shower at a restaurant overlooking the river. Most guests put this in the middle of an Ubud day: coffee plantation in the morning, rafting at midday, Ubud town in the evening.
“A valley closed by forest on both sides, with no sky in sight.”
Highlights
Three things that set this river apart
The right level for a first raft: the boat doesn’t flip, but you get soaked and in a few places you genuinely pick up speed.
Halfway down the run, scenes from the Ramayana are carved by hand into the rock wall. They are not visible from anywhere but the river.
A hot buffet at an open restaurant above the canyon once you land. Showers, lockers and somewhere to change are all there.
Who it suits
Is this your kind of day
You’ll love it if
- First-time rafters
- Families with children aged 7 and up
- Non-swimmers — the life jacket is mandatory and enough
- Anyone happy to get wet
Think twice if
- Anyone who would struggle with 300 steps
- Anyone with a back or shoulder injury
- Anyone recovering from surgery
- Anyone afraid of water
Programme
How the day runs
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08:30
Hotel pickup
Private transfer to the put-in.
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09:45
Safety briefing
Life jacket, helmet and paddle drill.
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10:00
River descent
About 12 km, Grade II–III rapids.
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12:00
Take-out & shower
Valley exit and a hot shower.
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12:45
Lunch
Riverside restaurant after the run.
Transparent price
What’s in, what’s not
Included
- Hotel transfer
- Life jacket and helmet
- Certified river guide
- Lunch
Not included
- Waterproof camera
- Personal expenses
- Tips
Meet: Ayung River put-in · Pickup from Ubud and the south.
Prepare
Bring with you
Good to know
Small, important notes
You reach the river by stone staircase. Going down is easy; climbing the 300 steps back up is the hardest part of the day.
After rain the river runs faster and is more fun; in heavy rain the trip may be postponed for safety.
Don’t take your phone into the raft. Lockers are provided and a river photographer covers the run.
FAQ
Common questions
Shall we hold this day?
Once dates and group size are clear, we reply the same day.
Check availability on WhatsApp