Ubud Rafting (without Transport & Include Lunch)

If you’re considering a river adventure near Ubud, the Ubud Rafting tour with Bali White Water Rafting offers a fantastic way to combine excitement, scenery, and cultural touches—all at an accessible price. This tour spans roughly 2 hours on the river, covering 12 kilometers of rapids classified as Class 2-3, making it perfect even for those new to rafting, non-swimmers, and families with children. Starting from the peaceful village of Br. Begawan, the journey promises an engaging mix of scenic beauty and gentle thrills without the need for prior experience.

One aspect we particularly like is how this tour balances adventure and safety—with professional guides, top-notch equipment, and clear safety measures. The inclusion of lunch is another bonus, offering a chance to relax after the splashy fun. However, because it does not include transport, you’ll need to arrange your own ride to the starting point, which could be a consideration depending on your plans. This tour suits travelers looking for an affordable, family-friendly activity that packs in local scenery, cultural carvings, and fun.

Key Points

• Accessible for Beginners: Safe, manageable rapids and a friendly guide make it ideal for first-timers.
• Spectacular Views: You’ll float past resorts with stunning river vistas and intricate stone carvings depicting the Mahabharata and Ramayana.
• All-Inclusive Experience: Equipment, guide, towel, changing facilities, and lunch are included, making it a hassle-free adventure.
• Flexible and Convenient: No need to wait for shuttles—this tour starts at a designated meeting point.
• Limited Age Range: Suitable for ages 7 to 60, with insurance provided for this range.
• Self-Transport Required: You’ll need to organize your own transport to the starting location.

Starting Point and Location

The adventure kicks off at Br. Begawan, Desa Melinggih Kelod, Payangan, about 49km north of Ubud’s center. It’s roughly a 90-minute drive from Ngurah Rai International Airport, so planning for an early start makes sense if you’re coming directly from the airport or your Ubud accommodation.

The River Journey

Once you arrive, the experience begins with a quick safety briefing and fitting of your helmet, life jacket, and paddles. You’ll be paddling along the Ayung River, known for its scenic beauty and cultural carvings. The 12 km route takes nearly 2 hours, with Class 2-3 rapids providing enough excitement to keep your adrenaline pumping without feeling overwhelming.

Highlights Along the Way

• Natural carvings: As you float past rock formations, you’ll see detailed carvings depicting stories from the Mahabharata and Ramayana, adding a cultural layer to your watery adventure.
• Resort views: Several luxury resorts dot the riverbanks, offering a stunning contrast between nature and comfort.
• Challenging obstacles: While the rapids are manageable, there are a few natural obstacles that add to the fun, especially when maneuvering through the swirling waters.
• The dam slide: Before completing your journey, you’ll enjoy a fun slide at the dam, a memorable end to the ride.

Safety and Guides

The guides are described as knowledgeable and attentive, providing clear instructions and support throughout the trip. A reviewer noted that “the guides made sure everyone was safe and comfortable, even those who’d never rafted before,” which speaks highly of the professionalism involved.

What’s Included and What’s Not

Included

• All rafting equipment: Helmet, life jacket, paddle, waterproof bag.
• Experienced rafting guide: Ensuring safety and sharing local insights.
• Buffet lunch: A generous meal to refuel after your adventure.
• Facilities: Towels, changing rooms, and shower facilities.
• Insurance: Covering participants aged 7 to 60, adding peace of mind.

Not Included

• Round-trip transportation: You’ll need to organize your own car or ride.
• Drinks during lunch or at the river rest area: These are extra.
• Photographs (CD): You can buy these separately if you want a keepsake of your trip.

Meeting Point and Logistics

The tour starts at Red Paddle Bali Adventures, located at Jl. Raya Kedewatan No.31, Ubud. After the activity, you’ll return to the same spot. As the tour does not include transport, arriving on your own or arranging a local ride is necessary.

Additional Considerations

• Confirmation: You receive confirmation at booking, making planning straightforward.
• Group Size: Up to 50 travelers can join, so expect a lively but manageable group.
• Age Range: Suitable for children aged 7 and up, and adults up to 60, thanks to insurance coverage.
• Timing: Most travelers find the 2-hour activity ideal, fitting well into a day of sightseeing or relaxation.

Why This Tour Works

The combination of scenic beauty, cultural carvings, and gentle rapids makes this experience a standout for many travelers. We loved how the tour is designed to be accessible to all, with clear safety measures and knowledgeable guides providing reassurance. The scenic route, passing resorts and carved stone formations, elevates the experience beyond mere adventure to a cultural exploration.

Most reviewers mention the stunning views and the friendly guidance as high points, with many noting that the lunch was a good, filling meal that rounded out the day. The lack of transport might be a minor inconvenience, but it also means you can choose your own way to the start point, potentially saving on costs or planning flexibility.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

This rafting trip is perfect for families, beginners, and travelers seeking an affordable yet exciting way to experience Bali’s natural beauty. If you’re looking for a fun activity that combines mild adventure with cultural sights, this tour ticks all the boxes. It’s also a fantastic option if you want a no-fuss experience, provided you can manage your own transport to the meeting point.

For those who prioritize professional guides and want a safe introduction to river rafting, this activity offers both reassurance and enjoyment. It’s less suited for thrill-seekers craving extreme rapids or solo adventurers wanting a fully guided, all-inclusive package with transport included.

The Ubud Rafting tour offers great value for money, especially considering the quality of equipment, guiding, and included lunch. The route’s scenic carvings and resort views make it a visually stimulating experience, while the manageable rapids ensure it’s fun and safe for most ages and skill levels.

This adventure is ideal for those wanting a relaxed yet active day in Bali, blending cultural sights with outdoor fun. It’s also suited for families with children or groups looking for a low-stress introduction to whitewater rafting. While the lack of transportation could be a hurdle for some, it also presents an opportunity to explore Bali’s surrounding areas or arrange a customized day.

Overall, it’s a well-rounded, authentic experience that captures the essence of Bali’s natural beauty and cultural richness without overwhelming the traveler. The professional guides, stunning scenery, and inclusive setup make this a worthwhile choice for a memorable river adventure.

Do I need prior rafting experience?
No, the rapids are classified as Class 2-3, which are manageable for beginners. The guides will give clear instructions, and safety equipment is provided.

Is the tour suitable for children?
Yes, children aged 7 and above can participate, provided they meet the age limit for insurance coverage.

What should I wear or bring?
Bring your swimwear, a towel, and a change of clothes. The tour provides waterproof bags for valuables, and you’ll be given a helmet and life jacket.

Does the tour include transport from Ubud?
No, the tour does not include round-trip transportation. You need to make your own way to the starting point at Red Paddle Bali Adventures.

How long is the rafting experience?
The actual river ride lasts around 2 hours, covering 12 km of the river, with a few stops and fun surprises along the way.

Can I buy photos of my experience?
Yes, photos are available for purchase on a CD, but this is not included in the package.

To sum it up, if you’re after an affordable, scenic, and family-friendly rafting experience near Ubud, this trip offers a great mix of cultural sights, gentle adventure, and local hospitality. Just plan your transport, bring your sense of adventure, and prepare to enjoy a memorable Bali day on the water.