Bali
sightseeing
The Ayung is the longest river in Bali. It runs 68.5 km from the highlands near Kintamani all the way to the coast. Most tourists in Bali never actually see this river. That is because it flows through a deep gorge near Ubud that you simply cannot spot from the main road.
The gorge section near Sayan and Kedewatan village is where all the action is. This is where Ayung River rafting in Bali happens every single day. The route is around 10 to 12 km long. It takes about two hours on the water. You sit in a rubber raft with a guide and go. No experience needed at all. Open to ages 7 to 65. If you didn't add this place to your Bali tour packages, you will miss one of the greatest adventures.
The Ayung River is not just a tourist spot. Local farmers across five districts in Bali use the water for irrigation. That has been going on for a long time. But there is something else along the gorge walls near the rafting stretch. Old stone carvings. Local artists carved scenes from the Ramayana, a Hindu epic, directly into the rock face. You can spot them from the raft as you float past.
Commercial rafting here started in 1989. An Australian named Nigel Mason launched the first family rafting operation from his land in Sayan village near Ubud. He built staircases into the cliff so families with kids could safely reach the water. That one idea changed Ubud's tourism completely. Today, dozens of operators run trips on the same stretch of river every day.
April to October is the best time to visit. These are the dry months. The water stays calm, and the rapids remain manageable. Morning sessions are cooler and less crowded. Avoid November to March. The monsoon raises water levels, and currents can get difficult.
The rafting base is in Kedewatan, about 15 to 20 minutes from Ubud centre. From Kuta or Seminyak, the drive is 1.5 to 2 hours. Most operators pick you up from your hotel. You can also book a Gojek or Grab on your own.
Entry Fee: No entry fee for the River. Rafting packages start from ₹1,200-₹5,000 per person. This usually includes gear, a guide, a shower, and lunch. Prices differ by operator.
Timings:
Note: Prices vary across operators. Confirm the current rate directly when you book.
Day Wise Timings
Maps & Location
East Denpasar, Denpasar City, Bali, Indonesia
Essential Information
Point of Interest for Ayung River
Ramayana Carvings
Stone reliefs carved into the gorge walls showing scenes from the Hindu epic.
Jungle Waterfalls
Natural cascades along the route where your raft stops for a short break.
Tegenungan Waterfall
A popular waterfall about 20 minutes from the rafting base, worth a visit.
Yes, Ayung River rafting is safe for beginners. The rapids are Class II and III, which are moderate and easy to handle. Every raft has a trained guide on board. Safety gear is provided. No swimming ability is needed. Kids from age 7 and adults up to 65 can join.
April to October is the best time for Ayung River rafting. The dry season keeps water levels stable and rapids calm. Morning slots starting around 8 AM are cooler and less crowded. The rainy season from November to March brings stronger and less predictable currents.
The rafting itself takes around two hours on the water. Most packages include a safety briefing before you start, and a shower and lunch after. Total time from arrival to leaving is usually three to four hours, depending on your operator.
Yes. Most operators allow children from the age of 7 on the Ayung River. The rapids are family-friendly. But the entry and exit points have long and steep staircases. So check your child's fitness level before you book the trip.
Yes, Ayung River rafting is worth it for most visitors to Ubud. The two-hour route shows you a side of Bali that you simply cannot see from the road. The stone carvings on the gorge walls and the jungle waterfalls make it more than just a water activity.
No experience is needed at all. Ayung River's Class II-III rapids are easy enough for complete beginners. Your guide handles everything technical. You get a short safety briefing before you board. Non-swimmers can also join as long as they wear the life jacket provided.
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Tanvi Mehta
Reviewed: Dec 20, 2025Mohit Arora
Reviewed: Nov 19, 2025
