Ubud: Ayung River White Water Rafting with Pickup & Lunch

Summary

Ayung River rapids, jungle sounds and riverside laughter in Ubud

You’ll feel your heart race as you paddle Bali’s Ayung River near Ubud with a local guide leading your crew past jungle cliffs and hidden carvings. Expect a little sweat on those steps down (and back up), plenty of laughs mid-rapids, and a riverside lunch that tastes even better after all that paddling.

What’s the experience like?

By the time we reached the top of those steps near Ubud, I was already sweating — not from nerves, just from the thick Bali air and maybe a bit of anticipation. Our guide Wayan grinned at us as we fumbled with helmets and life jackets. He kept saying “slowly, slowly” while we shuffled down about 70 uneven steps to the riverbank. The sound of water grew louder with every step until suddenly there it was: the Ayung River, brownish-green and churning but not as wild as I’d pictured. I could smell damp earth mixed with something sweet — maybe frangipani? Not sure. Anyway, it felt like we were miles from anywhere, though Ubud was just up the road.

We clambered into our raft (five of us plus Wayan) and he started barking out paddling instructions that I only half understood at first. The first few minutes were all giggles — someone splashed me right away and my paddle nearly slipped out of my hands. There were stretches where everything went quiet except for birds calling from the trees overhead and then suddenly we’d hit a rapid and everyone would shout at once. Wayan pointed out carvings on rocks along the riverbank — apparently some are hundreds of years old? I didn’t expect that part. At one spot he let us float for a bit so we could look at a tiny waterfall trickling over mossy stones. My arms got tired but honestly I barely noticed because there was always something new to look at or laugh about.

Lunch after rafting tasted better than it probably should have — simple rice, vegetables, chicken satay. Maybe it’s just that food hits differently when you’re damp and sun-warmed from three hours on the river. We swapped stories with another group who’d flipped their raft (nobody hurt, just soaked). The climb back up those steps was rougher than going down — my legs wobbled but nobody seemed to mind much; everyone was joking around by then anyway. Even now if I close my eyes I can hear that rush of water mixed with laughter echoing through the trees.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Ubud Ayung River White Water Rafting

• Drive 10 kilometers to rafting site
• Descend 70 steps to river start
• Receive safety guidance and equipment
• Enjoy white water rafting on Ayung River
• Observe rocks, waterfalls, rice fields, forest
• Raft 10 kilometers along the river
• Return up 70 steps from river
• Receive lunch and towel

Top questions

How many steps are there to reach the Ayung River?

There are about 70 steps down to reach the riverbank before starting your rafting trip.

Is hotel pickup included in this Ubud white water rafting tour?

Yes, hotel pickup and drop-off are included for your convenience.

How long is the rafting route on the Ayung River?

The rafting route covers approximately 10 kilometers along the river.

What is included for lunch after rafting?

A buffet lunch is provided after your white water rafting adventure.

Are safety equipment and guides provided?

Yes, professional guides plus helmets, life jackets, and paddles are included for all participants.

Is this tour suitable for young children or infants?

Infants must sit on an adult’s lap; specialized infant seats are available but check suitability before booking.

Are there shower or changing facilities available?

Yes, showers and changing rooms are available after your rafting trip.

How physically demanding is this white water rafting activity?

You should have at least moderate fitness; not recommended for pregnant travelers or those with spinal injuries.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup and drop-off in Ubud or nearby areas, all necessary safety equipment like helmet and life jacket, guidance from a local professional throughout your Ayung River white water rafting adventure, access to showers and changing rooms afterwards, plus a buffet lunch before heading back up those famous steps toward home.