The Ayung is Bali’s longest river, and for part of its course it runs through a deep, jungle-covered gorge just west of Ubud — the same valley overlooked by many of the area’s famous hotels in Sayan and Kedewatan.
Its rapids are mostly class II with some class III sections: exciting enough to splash and shout, gentle enough for complete beginners. Trips usually last about two hours on the water and pass waterfalls, rice terraces high on the banks and long panels of modern carvings in the rock walls.
Rafting companies provide helmets, life jackets and a guide in each boat. Most trips include pickup from Ubud, showers and a buffet lunch at the end.
Top things to do at Ayung River Rafting
Raft the gorge
The standard run is about two hours and 10 km or so. Expect to get completely wet.
Look up at the walls
Carved rock panels, waterfalls and hotel terraces line parts of the gorge. Guides point them out.
Combine with an ATV ride
Combo tours add a quad-bike ride through rice fields and jungle on the same day.
How to get to Ayung River Rafting
- Starting points are in villages along the river, around 20–40 minutes from central Ubud.
- Most trips include return transport from Ubud hotels.
- Wear clothes you do not mind getting wet and sandals with straps.
- Leave valuables at the hotel; lockers are usually available.
- There are a lot of steps down to the river and back up at the end.
- Minimum ages vary by operator — check if you are travelling with children.
Best tours & tickets for Ayung River Rafting
These top-rated experiences are the easiest way to see Ayung River Rafting and make the most of the day:
Rafting from US$26 Bali: Guided Ayung River Rafting with Class 2 Rapids & Lunch
The classic Ayung River run: class II rapids through a steep green gorge close to Ubud, with guides in every raft and a Balinese lunch at the end. Gentle enough for first-timers.
- Class II rapids — fine for beginners
- Jungle gorge scenery
- Balinese lunch after the run
Adventure combo from US$17 Bali: Ubud Gorilla Face ATV and Ayung Rafting Trip with Meal
Two adventures in one day: a rafting trip on the Ayung River and an ATV quad-bike ride through rice paddies and the Gorilla Face Cave, with a meal included. Over 7,500 reviews at 4.8.
- 2.5 hours rafting on the Ayung
- 1.5-hour ATV ride through Gorilla Face Cave and rice paddies
- Meal included
ATV ride from US$22 Ubud: Guided ATV Quad Bike Jungle Adventure with Lunch
Get muddy on a guided quad-bike ride through jungle, rice fields, rivers and tunnels outside Ubud, with a safety briefing first and lunch afterwards. More than 7,000 reviews at 4.8.
- Jungle tracks, rice fields, rivers and tunnels
- Safety briefing and professional guide
- Lunch included
