Bali Ayung River Rafting & Tanah Lot Temple Day Tour

Summary

White Water Rafting and Ubud Monkey Forest Experience

If you want real adventure in Bali—rafting down Ayung River, meeting cheeky monkeys in Ubud’s forest, then catching sunset at Tanah Lot Temple—this trip covers it all without any fuss.

What’s the experience like?

The air felt cooler down by the Ayung River, even though the sun was already up when we arrived. Our guide, Wayan, handed us helmets and life jackets—he joked about his “lucky” paddle and pointed out a kingfisher darting past the reeds. The river’s current was quick but not wild; you could hear the rush before you saw it. We paddled through narrow gorges with mossy walls and passed carvings in the rock that locals say are hundreds of years old. I remember the splash of cold water every time we hit a rapid—my shoes were soaked in minutes, but honestly, I didn’t care. At one bend, a group of kids waved from the bank, shouting “hello!” as we floated by.

Lunch came just after we dried off—simple fried rice and satay at a small open-air spot overlooking the river. You could still hear the water below. Afterward, our driver took us to Ubud’s Monkey Forest. The monkeys here aren’t shy; one tried to grab my water bottle while another sat munching fruit right on the path. It smelled earthy under all those banyan trees, and you’d catch glimpses of old stone statues covered in moss if you looked up from your feet.

The last stop was Tanah Lot Temple. We reached just as the tide started to come in—the sea air mixed with incense from a nearby offering stand. Locals gathered along the shore for photos or just to watch waves crash against the rocks beneath the temple. Our guide explained how ceremonies here follow the moon cycle; I noticed small baskets of flowers tucked into crevices everywhere you looked.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Rafting, Monkey Forest, and Temple

• White water rafting on Ayung River
• Visit Monkey Forest habitat
• Explore Tanah Lot water temple

Top questions

Is this rafting tour suitable for beginners?

Yes, it’s beginner-friendly! Guides give clear instructions and safety gear is included. You don’t need previous rafting experience.

What should I bring for this Bali day tour?

Bring a change of clothes (you’ll get wet), sunscreen, sandals or water shoes, and some cash for snacks or souvenirs.

Are meals and transport included?

Yes! Lunch after rafting is included, plus hotel pickup/drop-off in an air-conditioned minivan.

Can I join if I have health concerns?

This tour isn’t recommended for pregnant travelers or those with heart conditions. If unsure, best to check with your doctor first.

What’s included

Your day covers river rafting fees (with all safety gear), lunch at the finish point, bottled water, lockers and showers at rafting base, entrance tickets for each site visited, plus private transport with pickup and drop-off from your hotel or port—and a friendly local guide throughout.