Ayung River Rafting - Bali's Scenic Waterway

Where the Jungle Falls Into the River

The Ayung River is Bali’s longest waterway, stretching 68.5 km's from the lush northern highlands down to the southern coast at Sanur. It snakes its way through deep gorges, remote jungles, rice terraces and traditional villages, making it one of the island’s most scenic natural features. Despite its size, the Ayung maintains a gentle flow for much of its length, making it ideal for outdoor activities like rafting and river trekking.

One of the river’s most captivating attractions lies hidden in its forested banks near Ubud, stone carvings etched into the rock face that depict scenes from the Ramayana, a revered 9th-century Hindu epic. These detailed reliefs are spaced out roughly every kilometre and showcase key moments from the tale, including the trials of Prince Rama, the abduction of his wife Sita and the legendary battle against the demon king Ravana. The carvings are a testament to Bali’s deep spiritual history and the enduring influence of Hindu mythology on the island.

The Ramayana is a powerful story of duty, loyalty, love and the eternal struggle between light and darkness. Along the Ayung River, modern reliefs carved in the early 2000s bring this ancient epic to life, serving as both artistic monuments and sacred storytelling devices. Created by local artisans to honour Bali’s spiritual roots, these intricate scenes unfold like a stone storyboard along the jungle walls. Viewing them from a raft, surrounded by the sounds of the river and rainforest, transforms the experience into something unique. Part spiritual pilgrimage, part jungle adventure, where myth and nature blend into a living legend.

For travellers based in or near Ubud, Ayung River rafting has become one of the most popular eco-tourism experiences available. Numerous local operators offer half-day tours that usually last around three hours. The route typically includes beginner-friendly rapids, lush green rainforest views and opportunities to stop and admire the Ramayana reliefs or take a dip in one of the many waterfalls along the way.

The rafting experience is designed to be immersive yet accessible, requiring no previous experience. Participants are guided by trained professionals and outfitted with safety gear, ensuring a smooth journey through the jungle-lined river. The tour not only offers the thrill of navigating gentle rapids but also allows for moments of quiet reflection as the raft drifts past thick canopies, ancient trees and hidden shrines that feel frozen in time.

Beyond the adventure and culture, the Ayung River experience also highlights Bali’s growing focus on sustainable tourism. Many rafting companies emphasise eco-friendly practices, like minimising plastic use, respecting sacred sites and hiring local guides. In this way, a rafting trip down the Ayung becomes more than just a recreational activity, it’s a window into the island’s natural, spiritual and cultural heart.

🗺️ Location

Jalan Raya Kedewatan, Kedewatan, Ubud, Gianyar, Bali, Indonesia

🚆 How to get there

From Ubud Central, the Ayung River rafting site is roughly 20 minutes drive, while from popular areas like Kuta or Seminyak, it can take up to 2 hours depending on traffic. Many operators offer hotel pickup with tour bookings for convenience or you can take a Grab or Gojek ride directly. The well marked starting point has facilities for registration and it’s best to arrive 30 minutes early to complete formalities.

⭐ Attraction Info

For thrill seekers, the river rapids are at their most powerful during the wet season, between November and March. Between April and October, the waters are much calmer. At either time, it is a safe activity for any age group or experience level. Most packages will included pick-up & drop-off to your hotel, all safety gear and lunch for between 500,000 - 1000000 IDR, depending on your negotiating skills. You will have a better chance keeping the price down if you book this directly from a local operator in Ubud. I must add, while walking down to the river is relatively easy, walking back up is another story. There is a long, steep set of stairs at the end, which may prove difficult for people with mobility issues. If that is an issue, you can take a rafting trip on the Telaga Waja River, which is much easier on the legs. You can read about below.

Getting to the river from the drop-off point is an easy walk through pretty, rural countryside

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