OnBali

Rafting in Ubud

By Putri
3 min read
Dec 04, 2023
Date of Last Update: Oct 11, 2024

Are you planning a trip to Bali? Taking a dip in the ocean isn’t the only way to experience tropical waters. Many people are finding thrill and excitement in white water rafting. If you haven’t tried it before, you’re missing out on so much.

Having a challenging adventure is largely the reason that people try out rafting. But apart from chasing that adrenaline rush, it also allows you to enjoy the serene natural surroundings, such as a mighty waterfall, a lush rainforest, or a peaceful valley, watch the wildlife at its finest, and immerse yourself in the local culture.

So, with a trusted rafting guide leading the way, I recommend you try rafting in these fun locations.

List of the Best Rafting Spots in Ubud

Eight people is rafting in Ubud on yellow inflatable boat
  • 1. Ayung River Rafting

    River rafting in the Ayung River is highly sought-after because it’s the longest river on the island, stretching for 75 kilometres.

    In Indonesia, there are only dry and wet seasons. During the dry season, there may be better ideas than a raft on the rapids of the Ayung River because the rocks, water, and drops can be a little rougher than usual. So, reserve the adventure until you become a more experienced rafter, at least until the river calms down. At the very least, you should know how to paddle and ensure you have all the safety equipment. But if there’s someone in your family or the group who can guide you, you can enjoy this rafting adventure.

    The group of people are rafting along Ayung River

    If you’re looking to enjoy the peace and quiet of the streams, wait until the water is calm. It would make rafting much easier as well. In fact, it’s so safe that people of all ages, even a child as young as nine, can join in! But if there are children in the group, you should take safety even more seriously.

    Are you ready to take a different path to relaxation? Make sure to ask the specific rafting company that you’re going with if they have different safety guidelines and age restrictions for children and seniors. Seek all the relevant information, including pick-up and drop-off locations, places where you can have lunch, shower facilities, where the course starts and ends, as well as the itinerary.

    Detailed info about Ayung River Rafting

  • 2. Telaga Waja River

    You might be curious about the good things about rafting in Bali Telaga Waja. People who are rafting experts usually like the rafting activities on the Telaga Waja River more than other rivers in Bali because it is more challenging and more exciting. At the same time, the scenery is more natural because it is in the countryside. Despite the lower prices, rafting in Telaga Waja maintains a high level of quality.

    Telaga Waja River - one of the best spots for rafting in Ubud

    The view you get when rafting on Bali’s Telaga Waja River is unlike other rivers, usually surrounded by forests or villas. There are small villages nearby with old-style houses and places where people farm. You can easily see the details of the tropical landscape here. Also, there are many waterfalls where you can take pictures with your friends and the water in the river is exceptionally limpid. When the water flow is not too strong, you can even see what is at the bottom of the river. This beautiful countryside is surrounded by jungle that you cannot experience on foot or by car.

    The Telaga Waja River has different levels of difficulty, ranging from level II to level IV. Even though the guide/operator will give you quality safety gear, there are also people to assist you in any situation. Don’t worry, the guides who lead the rafting trips are very skilled and have a lot of experience; besides, all of them can speak English. Don’t forget to ask them about everything that’s vital: pickup and drop-off destinations, food, photo stops and other services, such as, for example, the towels supply. Remember, this is not a hotel vacation, and the staff can’t give you everything hotels offer. Good luck, and enjoy the incredible Balinese nature!

    Detailed info about Telaga Waja River

  • 3. Melangit River

    Bali’s Melangit River might be your best choice if you want beautiful landscapes for your rafting adventure. It’s a popular destination amongst tourists who are looking for the best of both worlds: peaceful and risky. If you’re coming from Kuta, it takes 1.5 hours to get to this location. However, this 8 km route is worth it for every daredevil.

    If you decide to go white water rafting on the Melangit River, be prepared for a lot of challenges in your journey. You’ll be taking sharp turns, going through fast-moving water, and hitting river walls. But that’s what makes it fun.

    Men are rafting along Melangit River in Ubud

    If the walk to the riverbank is something you consider when choosing rafting companies, this one only requires a five-minute walk from the parking area. Then, your guide will start the orientation where you can ask questions before you start rafting. They will also make sure that you get all the safety equipment you need beforehand.

    Are you already dreaming of becoming a pro-rafter? That’s the spirit! Take the risky float and enjoy the extreme swim!

    Detailed info about Melangit River

Expert Opinion

I have been living in Bali for a while and I can share here with all of you that Ubud is one of my favourite areas to visit. Ubud is not just about healing and yoga as the town has beautiful natural scenery, tourist attractions, a shopping centre, and culinary and adventure spots!

One of the reasons why I visit Ubud is the rafting activity. So my best selection of rafting spots in Ubud is definitely the Ayung River.

The reason why I chose the Ayung River is because of the natural scenery and the river flow. Overall, it is just beautiful and the water is so clean and fresh. I am not one of the expert rafters, but Ayung River is beginner-friendly, so I feel safe and more comfortable with it! The tickets are easy to purchase online without any hidden prices and the Ayung River is perfect for any travellers who wish to bring their kids too.

Don’t wonder too much! If you’ve booked your ticket to Bali and having a memorable adventure on a river hidden in a tropical forest is one of your holiday agendas, then rafting in Ubud is worth trying! Enjoy Ubud Bali!

portrait of local guide and blog author on Bali
Putri
Guide and the author of the project ONBALI
104 articles

The author of our website is from Jakarta, Indonesia. Being brave enough to go with the flow, the author settled in Bali more than ten years ago. With hobbies that include arts and culture, the author gained a deep understanding of Balinese traditions. Excellent writing skills help the author transfer all these impressions onto our website. An ever-lasting desire to share knowledge and experience with others makes the author the perfect guide to Bali.

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