Bali: Telaga Waja River White Water Rafting & Lunch Pickup

Summary

Raft Bali’s Telaga Waja river with local guides and riverside lunch

You’ll paddle down Bali’s Telaga Waja River with a local guide, braving rapids beneath Mount Agung before sharing lunch by the water. Expect laughter (and maybe some splashes), easy hotel pickup, plus time to soak in rainforest sights you won’t forget soon.

What’s the experience like?

I’ll be honest — I almost bailed when I saw the first splash of muddy water. My sandal slipped on the wet stone at the edge (why do I always wear the wrong shoes?), but our rafting guide, Putu, just grinned and tossed me a helmet like it was no big deal. He said something in Balinese to his friend upstream — probably about my nervous face — and then we were off, paddles clacking together as we tried to get in sync. The Telaga Waja River looked fast but not terrifying, more like it was inviting us to mess up a little.

The first rapid hit harder than I expected. Cold spray right up my nose and someone behind me shrieked (might have been me). The air smelled green — like wet leaves and river stones — and every so often we’d round a bend and see Mount Agung just sitting there in the clouds, huge and quiet. Putu kept shouting “forward!” or “stop!” but sometimes he’d point out a bird or wave at someone fishing on the bank. We passed a family washing clothes; they waved back, smiling like this was just another Tuesday for them.

Lunch after two hours of paddling tasted better than it should’ve — maybe because my arms felt like noodles. The buffet wasn’t fancy but the chicken satay was smoky and sweet, and I ate way too much rice. Sitting by the river with wet hair, watching sunlight flicker through palm leaves… I still think about that view sometimes when I’m stuck at my desk back home. Oh, also: barely any stairs at the start or finish. My legs were grateful for that small mercy.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Full-day white water rafting adventure

• Pickup from Seminyak area
• Pickup from Legian area
• Pickup from Kuta area
• Pickup from Jimbaran area
• Pickup from ITDC Nusa Dua area
• Raft two hours on Telaga Waja river
• Enjoy views of Mount Agung
• Have buffet lunch by the riverside
• Drop off at hotel

Top questions

How long does the Bali white water rafting tour last?

The total trip is about 8 hours from pickup to drop-off, including 2 hours of rafting.

Is hotel pickup included for this Telaga Waja River rafting tour?

Yes, hotel pickup and drop-off are included for select areas if you choose the package with transfers.

What level are the rapids on Telaga Waja River?

The rapids are grade 3 and 4, suitable for adventurous beginners.

Are meals included during the day trip?

Yes, a buffet lunch by the riverside is included after rafting.

Is this white water rafting trip suitable for children?

The minimum age is 6 years old; infants must sit on an adult's lap.

Are there many stairs to reach the starting point?

No, there aren’t too many stairs at either end of the rafting route.

What should I bring for white water rafting in Bali?

You should bring swimwear; lockers, towels, showers, safety equipment are provided.

Which areas include free hotel transfers for this tour?

Transfers cover Seminyak, Legian, Kuta, Tuban, Jimbaran, Denpasar, Sanur, Tanjung Benoa, and Nusa Dua hotels.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup and drop-off (if selected), all safety gear with a friendly local river guide leading your group down Telaga Waja’s rapids for two hours, access to lockers and showers so you can change afterward without hassle, plus a hearty buffet lunch served right by the river before heading back to your hotel.