Bali: Telaga Waja River Rafting & Zipline with Buffet Lunch

White water rafting thrills, zipline start, rice fields and waterfalls in Bali

You’ll zipline down to Bali’s Telaga Waja River, raft 16 km through coconut groves and rice fields with a local guide, and pause by waterfalls for photos. Expect a real rush at Bajing Dam, then end with a buffet lunch overlooking green hills — it’s a day that leaves you grinning, shoes soggy but spirits high.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Rafting and Flying Fox Adventure

• 8:00 Pick up at hotel
• 9:30 Arrive at rafting location
• 9:30 Get life jacket, paddle, helmet
• 9:40 Zipline to start point and briefing
• 9:50 Start white water rafting
• 10:30 View coconut trees, rainforest, hills
• 11:00 Stop at waterfall for photos and rest
• 11:15 Continue rafting trip
• 12:30 Jump at 4 meters bajing dam
• 12:50 Finish 16 km rafting trip
• 13:00 Walk to restaurant and shower
• 13:15 Buffet lunch with hill and rice field views
• 14:00 Drive back to hotel
• 15:30 Arrive at hotel

The Experience

The first thing I noticed was the sound — not just the river, but laughter echoing from somewhere below as we clipped into our harnesses. I’d never started an adventure by flying over treetops before, but that’s how this Telaga Waja river rafting day trip from Ubud began: a quick whoosh on the zipline (I might’ve closed my eyes for half of it) and then we were at the riverbank, helmets crooked and paddles in hand. Our guide, Putu, grinned and told us to “just paddle when I say,” which sounded simple enough until the first splash hit my face.

The water was colder than I expected — sharp and clean-smelling, almost like rain after a dry spell. We drifted past coconut trees and bright green rice fields where kids waved from the banks. There was this one moment when we stopped by a waterfall; Putu handed me his phone for a photo but ended up taking about ten because I kept blinking at the spray. The whole stretch is about 16 km (I checked my watch halfway through), but it didn’t feel long at all — maybe because every bend had something new: another hill, or someone shouting “hello!” from a bamboo hut.

I think my heart actually jumped when we reached Bajing Dam — there’s this four-meter drop that looks way bigger when you’re sitting in a raft. Everyone screamed (me loudest), but after we landed safely, I couldn’t stop laughing. By the end, my arms were jelly and my shoes full of river pebbles. The best part? Hardly any stairs to climb at the finish; just a short walk to showers and towels waiting for us. Lunch was buffet style — rice, chicken, veggies — nothing fancy but exactly what you want after paddling for two hours. I still think about that view from the restaurant, green hills rolling away under the clouds. I didn’t expect to feel so tired and happy at the same time.

Top questions

How long is the Telaga Waja river rafting trip?

The rafting covers about 16 km and lasts 2 to 2.5 hours on the river.

Is hotel pickup included for this Bali rafting tour?

Yes, hotel transfer pickup and drop off are included in your booking.

Do I need prior rafting experience for Telaga Waja?

No, it’s suitable for beginners and families; a professional guide is with each raft.

What should I bring for the rafting adventure?

Bring a change of clothes, swimwear, and secure footwear; towels and waterproof bags are provided.

Is lunch provided after rafting?

Yes, a buffet lunch is included at the restaurant near the finish point.

Are there many stairs on this Bali rafting tour?

No, this route has fewer stairs compared to other rivers in Bali.

Can pregnant travelers join this activity?

No, it’s not recommended for pregnant travelers or those with spinal or cardiovascular issues.

What kind of safety equipment is used?

You’ll get a life jacket, helmet, paddle, and all zipline gear — all safety-approved.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup and drop-off, all safety-approved rafting and zipline equipment (with helmet, paddle, life jacket), a waterproof bag per boat, towels and showers at the finish point, coffee or tea on arrival, plus a buffet lunch overlooking Bali’s rice fields before heading back to your hotel.