Ubud & Ayung River: White Water Rafting, Monkey Forest, Art Market

Summary

Ayung river rafting thrills plus ubud’s wild monkeys and colorful markets

You’ll paddle through Bali’s Ayung River rapids with a local guide, share lunch overlooking rice fields, wander Ubud’s sacred Monkey Forest with its cheeky residents, shop at the art market, and pause by Tegenungan Waterfall—all with pickup and entry fees sorted for you. Expect to laugh (and maybe shriek) more than once.

What’s the experience like?

“Don’t worry, just lean in—river will do the rest,” our rafting guide Wayan grinned as we fumbled with helmets near the muddy edge of the Ayung River. He’d clearly done this a thousand times. I could smell wet earth and something sweet from the jungle as we slid into the raft—honestly, my heart was pounding louder than the water. The first splash hit colder than I expected. My friend shrieked (I might’ve too), but after that first wild drop, it was just laughter echoing off mossy cliffs and Wayan shouting out which way to paddle. There were carvings along the rocks—he pointed them out between rapids, said they were hundreds of years old. I barely caught half his stories over the roar but that’s part of it.

Lunch after rafting tasted way better than it probably should’ve—rice, spicy chicken, vegetables, all warm and steamy while we dried off in the sun. Then we headed into Ubud itself. The Monkey Forest was next; honestly, I thought it’d be touristy but it’s kind of magical under those giant fig trees. Monkeys everywhere—one tried to grab my water bottle (no shame at all). Our local guide Komang knew every shortcut and temple; he stopped to show us how locals leave little offerings tucked into roots or on stone steps. There was incense in the air and these tiny yellow flowers everywhere—I still think about that mix of smells.

The Ubud Art Market was chaos in a good way: colors everywhere, women haggling over batik scarves, someone playing gamelan somewhere nearby. I tried bargaining for a carved mask—Komang gave me this look like “good luck” (I did not get a deal). We ended at Ubud Palace where kids were practicing dance moves in front of their parents—it felt like stumbling into someone’s family moment instead of a “site.” Tegenungan Waterfall was last; by then my legs were tired but standing above that green pool with mist on my face felt worth it. So yeah, if you want an actual day trip from Ubud that’s more than just ticking boxes…this is it.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Rafting and Ubud sightseeing

• White water rafting on Ayung River
• Visit Ubud Monkey Forest
• Explore Ubud Art Market
• See Ubud Palace from outside
• Visit Tegenungan Waterfall

Top questions

Is hotel pickup included for this Ayung River rafting & Ubud tour?

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

How long does the day trip from Ubud to Ayung River take?

The full tour lasts most of the day including rafting and stops at several sites around Ubud.

Is lunch provided during the white water rafting tour?

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

Are entrance fees covered for Monkey Forest and other attractions?

All entrance fees are included in your tour price.

What is the minimum age for Ayung River white water rafting?

The minimum age is 7 years old for participants.

Do I need previous rafting experience for this?

No prior experience is needed; professional guides provide instruction and safety equipment.

Can travelers with health issues join this tour?

This tour isn’t recommended for pregnant travelers or those with heart or spinal conditions.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup and drop-off in Ubud or nearby areas, all entry fees for attractions like Monkey Forest and Tegenungan Waterfall, bottled water in the car to keep you cool between stops, all safety gear plus a professional rafting guide on the river, locker access for your things while you paddle, time to shower and change after rafting—and a buffet lunch before heading into town together.