Looking for a good dose of adrenalin? Here are the 3 best rafting sports in Bali to discover the Island of the Gods in a different way!
Looking for new things to do in Bali? Rafting is an original and fun way to explore the Indonesian island’s landscapes, and meet its wildlife. There are three main rafting spots in Bali: the Agung, Telaga Waja and Melangit rivers. In the heart of a lush natural environment, enjoy an extraordinary experience aboard an inflatable boat, under professional supervision! We present these three must-see rafting spots in Bali to help you find the adventure that’s right for you.
The rafting courses are divided into 6 levels, as follows:
- 1: very easy (calm, steady course, small currents and eddies, slight slopes)
- 2: easy (slightly irregular course, gentle rapids and simple obstacles)
- 3: intermediate (irregular course with waves and eddies, marked currents and a few visible obstacles)
- 4: difficult (technical rapids, powerful waves and rollers, steep gradients and hidden obstacles)
- 5: very difficult (highly technical rapids, strong waves, dangerous obstacles, whirlpools and steep gradients)
- 6: virtually impassable
1. Ayung River
Photo Credit: Shutterstock / Solarisys
Level: 2-3
Length of descent: 2h
Distance: 12km
Ayung is quite simply Bali’s widest and longest river. Located in the Ubud region, it stretches for almost 70 kilometers. It rises in the mountains in the north of the island, winds its way through the Bangli, Badung and Gianyar regions, before emptying into the Badung Strait at Sanur.
With its many rapids, this river is the perfect playground for rafters in Bali.
The route
Ayung offers a white-water rafting trip of around 12 kilometers, or between 1h30 and 2h30 of descent. Along the way, you’ll be able to appreciate the diversity of Bali’s landscapes: the valley, lush forests, bright green rice paddies and majestic waterfalls such as Tegenungan.
The average power of the Ayung Falls is estimated at 2-3. The river has only a few boulders, rough sections and small drops. On the whole, this rafting spot is a family affair, and the route is accessible to as many people as possible. Is this your first time? The Ayung River is an ideal spot for a first rafting experience in Bali.
Note, however, that in the rainy season, when the water level rises and medium waves are formed, it can increase to force 4. In these conditions, a first experience of rafting or any other paddling activity is strongly recommended.
Practical information
The Ayung River is ideally located, being only a 20-minute drive from Ubud or 1h30 from Kuta. So you’ll find plenty of agencies in town offering half-day or full-day rafting trips. Most include pick-up and drop-off at your accommodation, as well as lunch.
The price of a rafting trip on the Ayung River in Bali ranges from €5 to €65 per person, depending on the offer. But as with most things in Bali, it’s always possible to negotiate the price directly with the agency.
Please note: you’ll have to climb up and down hundreds of steps to reach the river.
2. Telaga Waja River
Photo credit: Shutterstock / Pashaco
Level: 1-2 (with a class 3 passage)
Length of descent: 3h
Distance: 17km
The clear waters of Telaga Waja flow through the Sidemen region, on the eastern side of the island of Bali, Indonesia. The river rises on Mount Abang, flows through the Rendang region and finally empties into the Bali Sea.
With its currents and numerous waterfalls, the wild Telaga Waja river is ideal for rafting in Bali.
The route
With almost 17km of runway, the Telaga Waja River offers the longest white-water rafting course in Bali. It takes around 3 hours to complete the descent. Rafting in Bali gives you the chance to observe the panorama of green rice paddies, mountains, rocky cliffs, jungle and waterfalls from an unparalleled perspective. A true immersion in the wilderness, away from the hustle and bustle of the city – that’s what awaits you on Telaga Waja!
The rapids at Telaga Waja are classified as force 1-2, with one class 3 passage. So this rafting spot is suitable for everyone, even beginners and/or children.
With the help of your paddle and your team spirit, you’ll overcome the torrents, tight bends, twists and turns of this exceptional course. Last but not least, you’ll finish your race with a major challenge: launching yourself from a five-metre-high water dam! Thrills guaranteed!
Practical information
This Bali rafting spot is located in Karangasem, north of Sidemen, about 2 hours’ drive from Kuta. You’ll find the excursion of your dreams at any agency on the island. If you’re not on the island, departures are available from most of Bali’s tourist towns.
If you’d like to go rafting in Bali on Telaga Waja, you’ll need to pay between €20 and €65 per person, depending on the service. However, it’s up to you to negotiate the best price! Pick-up and drop-off at your hotel, lunch and the presence of a guide are generally included in the price.
Good to know: access to the start and finish is a short walk.
3. Melangit Klungkung River
Photo credit: Shutterstock / Lano Lan
Level: 2-3
Length of descent: 1h30
Distance: 8km
The Melangit Klungkung river is located in the village of Bakas, Banjarangkan district, in Bali’s Klungkung regency. Melangit flows through an unspoilt rainforest. It is considered one of Bali’s most beautiful rivers for rafting.
The route
At 8km long, the Melangit River rafting trail is shorter than those of the Ayung and Telaga Waja rivers. With its many twists, falls and boulders, it nevertheless requires some maneuvering, which makes it very exciting! By opting for this rafting spot in Bali, be prepared to be amazed all the way through this tropical rainforest. What’s more, be sure to look up during the lulls to catch a glimpse of the wild animals that lurk here!
This intermediate-level course is more suited to adventure enthusiasts and/or those with rafting experience. There are over thirty rapids, from 1 to 4 metres in height, a sharp bend and fast currents. So expect to get drenched!
Practical information
The Melangit Klungkung rafting spot is a 45-minute drive from Ubud and 1 hour from Denpasar. On-site parking is just a 5-minute walk from the starting point. At the finish point, you can reach the parking lot from the riverbank in less than 10 minutes’ walk. As with other rafting spots in Bali, you can choose to go directly to the starting point or be picked up by the agency selected for your trip. Pick-up times depend on where you are staying in Bali.
The average price of the tour, including transport, guide and lunch, is €25 per person. However, this price may vary depending on the agency, the content of the excursion and your bargaining power!
So, what are you waiting for to book your rafting session in Bali?