Bali: Ayung River rafting trip with guide & lunch

Summary

Rafting Bali’s Ayung River with locals, laughter, and a riverside meal

You’ll paddle Bali’s Ayung River with a local guide, passing jungle cliffs and hidden waterfalls before stopping for a swim or two along quiet stretches. After rafting, hot showers await before you sit down to a buffet lunch with views over green hills — moments you’ll remember long after your shoes dry out.

What’s the experience like?

We clattered down those stone steps toward the Ayung River, helmets sliding around on our heads, paddles bumping against our knees. The air was thick — you could smell wet leaves and something sweet I couldn’t place. Our guide, Wayan, grinned at us like he’d seen this nervous shuffle a hundred times. He handed me my life jacket (a bit snug) and said something about “just follow my voice if you get spun around.” I laughed but also held onto that advice.

The first splash was colder than I expected — not freezing, just enough to wake me up. We drifted past rice paddies where women in bright sarongs waved from the banks. The sound of the water changed every few minutes: sometimes it was all rush and spray, sometimes just a hush with birds overhead. Wayan pointed out a waterfall hidden behind vines; we stopped for a minute so he could show us how to cup our hands and drink from the spray. I tried it — tasted like rain and stone.

There were stretches where we floated quietly, sun flickering through the trees, and then sudden bursts where everyone shouted at once (mostly me). At one bend we saw kids playing on the rocks — they yelled “hello!” in perfect English. My arms got tired but honestly, I didn’t care much by then. After two hours we stumbled out of the raft soaked and laughing, shoes squelching.

The showers felt almost as good as the river itself. Lunch was this buffet overlooking green hills — fried noodles, chicken satay, watermelon that tasted like candy. Someone’s towel fell off the railing and nobody bothered to pick it up for ages; everyone just sat there eating quietly or talking about which rapid made them scream most. I still think about that view from the restaurant sometimes — mist rising off the jungle while you’re drying out in borrowed flip-flops.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — White Water Rafting Adventure

• Welcome drink and safety briefing
• Rafting past jungle and waterfalls
• Swim in quiet river stretches
• Change clothes and buffet lunch

Top questions

How long does the Bali white water rafting trip last?

The rafting part takes about two hours on the Ayung River.

Is lunch included after rafting?

Yes, a buffet lunch is included after your rafting trip.

Are safety equipment and guides provided?

All safety gear like life jackets and helmets are provided along with an experienced local guide.

Can beginners join this Ayung River rafting tour?

Yes, it’s suitable for all physical fitness levels except those with certain health conditions.

Is hotel pickup included in this tour?

No mention of hotel pickup; public transportation options are available nearby.

What should I bring for white water rafting in Bali?

You should bring dry clothes to change into after rafting; showers are available on site.

Are there any health restrictions for this activity?

This tour isn’t recommended for pregnant travelers or those with spinal or cardiovascular issues.

What’s included

Your day includes all safety equipment like life jackets and helmets, bottled water during your adventure, guidance from an experienced local guide on Bali’s Ayung River, insurance coverage throughout the activity, plus showers and a buffet lunch at a local restaurant before heading home.