
moderate
4–6 hours (including transfers and briefing; 2 hours on the river)
Suitable for most travelers in reasonable health; you should be comfortable sitting and bracing in a raft and able to swim in calm water.
Plunge into Bali’s oldest commercial whitewater run: two hours of family-friendly rapids on the Ayung River, framed by rice terraces, jungle and hidden waterfalls. This all-inclusive half-day tour includes hotel transfers, safety gear, and a buffet lunch — ideal for first-time rafters who want a balanced blend of thrill and scenery.
The morning air along the Ayung is humid and alive: the river slides past boulders and blackwater pools, palms dip their fronds close enough to brush your shoulder, and the guides stitch instructions into the quiet between birdsong and the slap of oars. You meet at a small base camp near Ubud, clipped into helmets and lifejackets, and within an hour a rubber raft is bouncing on the current — the jungle closes in, the river narrows, and the next two hours are equal parts adrenaline and scenery.

Drink water before pickup and travel with minimal loose items — guides provide waterproof bags and lockers at the finish.
Morning departures typically have calmer winds and better light for photos; midday can be warmer and busier.
Wear water shoes or strapped sandals with good grip — flip-flops can be lost in a scramble.
Declare any medical issues, pregnancy, or dietary restrictions when booking so the operator can adapt pickups and lunch.
Ayung was the site of Bali’s earliest commercial rafting operations and runs through villages that developed sophisticated subak irrigation systems centuries ago.
Operators are increasingly adopting waste-free lunches, using biodegradable sunscreen recommendations, and limiting riverbank access to protect temple sites and riparian vegetation.
Secure, quick-draining footwear prevents slips and stays on during wet exits.
Light layers that dry fast are more comfortable than cotton once you get wet.
Tropical sun is strong even under canopy; choose environmentally friendly SPF.
Capture action shots without risking your phone — operators often allow photos from the raft.