Ubud: Ayung River White Water Rafting & Hotel Pickup

Summary

Ayung River rafting thrills near Ubud with lush jungle views and a riverside lunch

You’ll paddle Bali’s Ayung River with a local guide leading your group through gentle rapids and jungle scenery near Ubud. Expect splashes, laughter under waterfalls, stories carved into stone cliffs, plus hotel pickup and a buffet lunch with valley views—a day that lingers long after you’ve dried off.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing I remember is the sound—water rushing somewhere below us while we squeezed into life jackets that still smelled faintly of river and sunblock. Our guide, Wayan, grinned and asked if anyone had done this before. No one had. He laughed and said, “Perfect!” Then we were off, paddles clacking awkwardly as we tried to sync up. The Ayung River in Ubud isn’t wild like you see in movies—more playful than scary—but there’s just enough splash to make your heart jump every time the raft bumps a rock.

I kept getting distracted by the green everywhere. Ferns hanging over the banks, little birds darting between vines, and those huge stone carvings along the cliffs—Wayan pointed out one that told an old Balinese story (I forgot most of it, but his enthusiasm was contagious). At one point we drifted under a waterfall so cold it made us all shriek; my shirt stuck to my back for ages after that. The air smelled like wet leaves and something sweet I couldn’t place. Maybe frangipani? Not sure, but it’s stuck in my head.

After two hours—felt both longer and shorter somehow—we stumbled out of the raft laughing at how ridiculous our hair looked. There were showers (thank god), then a buffet lunch overlooking this deep green valley where you could still hear the river below. Someone at our table tried to teach me how to say thank you in Bahasa Indonesia; I probably butchered it but got a smile anyway. Looking back, I didn’t expect to feel so relaxed after all that adrenaline. If you’re thinking about white water rafting in Bali, especially around Ubud, just go for it—even if you’re not exactly an action hero type.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Ayung River Rafting and Lunch

• Arrive at Ubud rafting location
• Raft on Ayung River for two hours
• Enjoy tropical rainforest and waterfalls views
• Follow professional instructor guidance
• Take a refreshing shower after rafting
• Have buffet lunch overlooking scenic valley

Top questions

How long does the Ayung River rafting tour last?

The rafting experience lasts around 2 hours on the river itself.

Is hotel transfer included for this Bali rafting tour?

Yes, private air-conditioned hotel pickup and drop-off are included.

Is lunch provided during the Ubud white water rafting trip?

Yes, an Indonesian buffet lunch is included after rafting.

What is the minimum age for Ayung River rafting?

The minimum age is 7 years old for this activity.

Are guides provided on the Ayung River rafting tour?

Yes, professional river guides lead each group down the river.

Is this Bali white water rafting suitable for beginners?

Yes, the rapids are gentle to moderate and suitable for beginners and families.

What’s included

Your day includes private hotel pickup in an air-conditioned vehicle, all safety-approved rafting equipment with professional river guides leading your group down the Ayung River near Ubud, access to lockers and changing rooms for comfort afterwards, insurance coverage throughout your adventure, plus an Indonesian buffet lunch overlooking lush valley scenery before heading back to your hotel.