Bali’s White Water Rafting Adventures Are A Bucket List Must For First Time Bali Holidaymakers 

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Bali’s list of adventure activities is extensive. From surfing to hiking, from parasailing to ATV driving, if you want an action-packed vacation, Bali can offer that up in spades. 

For tourists looking for a ready-made adventure, white-water rafting may just be the answer.

With options for total beginners and those with experience of white water rafting, Bali may be famous for its serenity and tranquility, but its water flows can pack a punch. 

By far the most popular rafting activities take place on the Ayung River just outside of Ubud. These are the most popular river rafting tours available in Bali, and the Ayung River is of deep cultural importance to the Balinese people.

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The river rafting tour is not only fun but also gives tourists the chance to connect to Balinese culture and natural heritage in an exciting way. The rapids range from Class II-III, making them an accessible choice for those trying out rafting for the first time, as well as those bringing children along, and those who want to enjoy the scenery, not necessarily see their life flash before their eyes! 

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During rafting tours on the Ayung River, adventurous tourists will get to soak in ancient stone carvings and jungle river ravines, and there is a decent chance of seeing wild monkeys, too. Most river rafting tours on the Ayung River are 1.5-2 hours long, depending on the season, and the course covers an impressive 10-12km stretch of river.

Many of the river rafting tours in the Ubud area can also be doubled up with ATV riding adventures. Generally, the ATV driving comes first, followed by a more leisurely 90-minute float down the river. 

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For those seeking something a little more technically challenging and exhilarating, rafting on the Telaga Waja River in Karangasem is the place to go. This stretch of river is considered to be one of the best rafting spots in all of Indonesia, and the area regularly hosts formal rafting competitions. The river flow is home to Class III-IV rapids, meaning it’s better for those who have some prior experience of white water rafting. 

Around 16km of the Telaga Waja River in Karangasem Regency is used as part of the white water rafting course. It features small waterfalls and a stomach-lurching 4m dam drop towards the end of the course. The surrounding scenery is more open than that along the Ayung River, offering views of rice terraces and the stunning sacred Mount Agung.

Tourists looking for a totally off-the-beaten-path rafting adventure should check out tours on the Melangit River.

This little-known option is ideal for those traveling in Klungkung Regency and want to avoid the crowds. The river is as gentle as the Ayung River, offering Class II-III rapids. 

Tourists planning on taking river rafting tours in Bali have much to look forward to, but before booking a tour, it is essential to ensure that everything is above board and everyone in the group is prepared.

It is essential to have fully comprehensive travel insurance prior to traveling to Bali; however, adventure activities like white water rafting are not always included in travel insurance policies as standard.

It is very often the case that activities like rafting, ATV riding, hiking, surfing, and parasailing are not included, and tourists must purchase an add-on adventure activity insurance package in order to be covered. 

It is also essential to pick the right time of year to go white water rafting in Bali. During the monsoon season, rivers are higher and can be more dangerous, increasing the risk of flash flooding and landslides.

Tourists are advised to book trips with reputable providers who can demonstrate adherence to standard operating procedures and are willing to postpone tours should weather or river conditions be unsafe.