Bali Ayung River: White water rafting with lunch & guide

Summary

White water rafting in Ubud—carvings, laughter, and riverside lunch

You’ll start your day rafting Bali’s Ayung River with a local guide, passing ancient stone carvings and lush jungle views before sharing an Indonesian buffet lunch overlooking the valley. With included pickup, equipment, showers, and real laughter along the way—it’s an adventure you’ll remember long after you dry off.

What’s the experience like?

We started out in this open-air lobby surrounded by rice fields—Abang mountain just kind of looming in the haze behind it. The air smelled like wet grass and sunscreen (I always overdo it). Our guide, Wayan, grinned as he handed out helmets and made sure we understood the safety stuff. He switched between English and a bit of Mandarin for another couple—honestly impressive. I was still tying my shoes when he cracked a joke about “Bali time”—I guess things move at their own pace here.

The first splash of the Ayung River hit colder than I expected. The raft spun a little as we pushed off, and suddenly there were these stone carvings along the banks—faces peeking through vines, some so old they looked half-swallowed by moss. Wayan pointed out birds I’d never seen before (one was bright blue—I missed its name). The rapids weren’t wild at first but picked up quick; there was one stretch where we all yelled at once and I nearly lost my paddle. Water everywhere, sun flickering through trees overhead. My arms are still sore thinking about it.

After about two hours on the river (felt both longer and shorter), we climbed up to this restaurant overlooking the valley. My shirt stuck to my back but honestly, I didn’t care—I was starving. The buffet had that smoky fried rice smell drifting out before we even sat down. We ate with our hands sometimes—no one seemed to mind—and watched clouds drift over the green hills. There was WiFi but nobody really touched their phones much except to show each other photos from the river. I keep thinking about that view—how quiet it felt after all that noise on the water.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Ayung River Rafting Adventure

• Briefing at Balinese wantilan lobby
• Rafting on Ayung River
• Buffet lunch with Ayung Valley views

Top questions

How long does the Ayung River rafting trip take?

The rafting itself lasts about two hours on the river.

Is lunch included in this Bali white water rafting tour?

Yes, an Indonesian buffet lunch is included at a restaurant overlooking the valley.

Are guides provided during the Ayung River rafting?

Yes, professional local guides lead each raft and give safety briefings in several languages.

What level are the rapids on this Bali rafting experience?

The Ayung River is usually class II but can rise to class IV during rainy season.

Are showers or changing rooms available after rafting?

Yes, there are shower facilities with fresh towels plus changing rooms at the restaurant.

Is hotel pickup included for this Ubud river rafting tour?

No hotel pickup is mentioned; however, air-conditioned transport is provided to and from the starting point.

Can people with health issues join this white water rafting tour?

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

What’s included

Your day includes air-conditioned transport to Ubud’s Ayung River, all safety equipment for white water rafting with a local guide, insurance coverage throughout your adventure, shower facilities with fresh towels afterward, access to changing rooms and restrooms, plus an Indonesian buffet lunch overlooking the valley before heading back relaxed—and probably still damp—in your seat.