Incredible New Wild River Adventure Opens For Tourists In West Bali

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Adventure activities are among the most popular day trips in Bali.

Whether it’s hiking to the summit of Mount Batur, surfing in Canggu, or swinging high over the rice paddies of Ubud, if there is one thing we at The Bali Sun know about our readers, it’s that you love to get that adrenaline pumping while visiting the island. 

Adventure-loving tourists seeking an adrenaline-filled, off-the-beaten-path experience are in luck. Gelar River Adventure in West Bali is set to become the destination of choice for local and domestic tourists seeking something a little out of the ordinary.

While international tourists dominate Bali’s tourism market, it has to be acknowledged that local residents and domestic tourists are the trendsetters. The new attraction only opened to the pubic on 6th February but has already caught the attention of local leaders. 

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Gelar River Adventure has even got the seal of approval from the Regent of Jembrana himself, Made Kembang, who has just tried out the river rafting adventure with friends. Complete with full safety equipment and a professional team of white water rafting guides, it was clear that the local policeman had the time of his life. 

Following his white water ride, Regent Kembang told reporters, “The Gelar River has extraordinary potential to become one of Jembrana’s river adventure destinations. Besides being challenging and adrenaline-pumping, the scenery along the river is a feast for the eyes and is perfect for relaxation.”

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Jembrana Regency is one of Bali’s least-visited regions for international tourists. As one of the gateways to West Bali National Park and home to Gilimanuk Harbour, which connects tourists directly to the wonders of East Java, tourists traveling to Bali will soon see more promotion of all the gems that Jembrana Regency has to offer.

For tourists and travelers seeking crowd-free, culturally rich, and seriously affordable travel experiences in Bali, Jembrana Regency ticks all the right boxes. 

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Now, Jembrana Regency can add outstanding adventure activities to its list of attractions, too. With Gelar River Adventure generating rave reviews even in its opening week, it’s safe to say that this is a destination to watch.

Speaking to reporters, the Manager of Gelar River Adventure, Ida Bagus Dewangkasa, said that new rafting activities have been created in collaboration with the Village-Owned Enterprise, the Gelar Tourism Group, and the Batuagung Traditional Village.

He noted, “What we emphasise is the adventure. So the route varies, sometimes getting stuck on rocks, sometimes going backwards. That’s the adventure we offer, not just regular rafting.”

There is a range of experiences on offer to suit guests’ itineraries. There are short sessions lasting just one hour, medium-rated journeys that take up to two hours, and, for those who really want a wild adventure in West Bali, long river-rafting packages that keep guests on the water for 4-6 hours, exploring more than 10km of the river. 

Medium packages start at IDR 850,000 per person, and long trips cost IDR 1,550,000 per person. This includes boat hire, all safety equipment, a professional instructor and guide, and a packed lunch. 

River rafting is one of the most in-demand adventure activities in Bali. While West Bali and the Gelar River Adventure are emerging as a new destination in a more off-the-beaten-path area of the island, there are plenty of river rafting options that can be found on the well-trodden tourist route.

The most popular river rafting tours are hosted along the Ayung River just outside of Ubud, and for a day of serious adventure, we at The Bali Sun recommend booking a double-whammy tour that includes ATV riding in the jungles of Ubud, followed by a wild white water rafting ride.