Ayung River rafting turns Bali into a moving postcard. This Ayung River trip is built around a safety-first briefing, proper gear, and a route that’s known for Grade II–III white water. The day also scores big with a buffet lunch afterward in a local restaurant with views, and your guide stays with the group the whole way. One thing to keep in mind: the run involves steep stairs down and back up, so your shoes matter.
You’ll start at Infinity Bali Adventure in Ubud, with a welcome drink and a clear plan for when you’ll hit the water thanks to multiple departure times. The small comfort stuff adds up too, like bottled water and the chance to shower and change after. If you’re hoping for a super-tight schedule with zero waiting, plan for a bit of tempo variation.
In This Review
- Key highlights worth knowing
- Ayung River rafting in Ubud: what Grade II–III really means
- Infinity Bali Adventure start: welcome drink and gear that sets the tone
- Getting down to the river: why footwear is non-negotiable
- On the water: jungle bends, waterfalls, and wildlife moments
- Swimming and calmer stretches: fun built into the rhythm
- Lunch after the rapids: shower, change, then a buffet with views
- Price and value: what $47 buys you (and why it’s fair)
- Timing, departure times, and group size up to 99
- Guides who set the tone: Monte Carlo, Aru, Dana
- Who should book this Ayung River rafting trip
- Practical prep checklist for a smoother day
- Should you book Bali White Water Rafting – Infinity?
- FAQ
- What river do you raft on this Bali white water rafting trip?
- How long does the rafting experience take?
- What’s included in the ticket price?
- Is lunch included or do I need to find food later?
- Are photos included?
- Where do I meet for the tour?
- What happens if weather is poor?
Key highlights worth knowing

- Safety training first: helmet, life jacket, and real instruction before you paddle off
- Ayung River route: Bali’s longest rafting stretch with waterfalls, wildlife, and river beaches
- Guides who keep it fun and organized: Monte Carlo, Aru, and Dana have been praised for energy and help
- Swim and quiet-water moments: calm stretches where you may get the chance to cool off
- Buffet lunch with views: shower/change time then a filling meal at a local spot
- Value package: guide, lunch, bottled water, and insurance are included in the $47 price
Ayung River rafting in Ubud: what Grade II–III really means

The Ayung River is the main character here, and you feel that within the first few minutes of paddling. The route is designed for people who want real rafting thrills without going full extreme. With Grade II–III sections, you can expect waves, some moving water that makes you work as a group, and a few moments where you’ll feel your confidence rise as the guide steers everyone through.
This matters because Bali rafting can fall into two camps: “pretty but tame” or “wild and stressful.” This one aims for in-between. You still get that classic white-water whoosh when the raft hits faster water, but it’s balanced with calmer stretches where the jungle and river scenery comes back into focus. You can even get quiet-water time that’s described as swim-friendly on certain parts of the trip.
You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in Ubud.
Infinity Bali Adventure start: welcome drink and gear that sets the tone

Your day begins at Jl. Raya Kedewatan No.44 in Kedewatan, Ubud. I like that the meeting point is straightforward and the activity ends back at the same place, so you’re not stuck guessing transport after you’re wet and hungry.
Expect a quick rhythm right after arrival:
- a welcome drink
- a safety briefing from your guide
- equipment fitting (helmet, life jacket, paddle)
That briefing isn’t theater. It’s where the guide explains how to handle the raft, how to follow commands, and what to do when the water gets bumpy. The trip also includes insurance, which is part of why you’re paying for a real operator setup instead of just hiring a boat and hoping.
One more practical detail: the tour includes bottled water and a guide who stays with you during the glide past the route highlights—waterfalls, jungle scenery, and wildlife sightings along the way.
Getting down to the river: why footwear is non-negotiable
Before you even reach the water, you’ll deal with the “Bali practical” part of rafting: stairs. Multiple guides and operators in this category emphasize the steps down and back up, and it’s clear enough that you should plan around it.
Here’s what to do:
- wear secure footwear you can trust on uneven ground
- avoid slick sandals that shift when you walk
- if you have them, use water shoes or sandals with a strap that grips
If your feet are already tired from Ubud walking days, this is a reason to take the stair part seriously. It’s not just a nuisance. It’s the difference between arriving at the raft feeling calm versus arriving stressed.
On the water: jungle bends, waterfalls, and wildlife moments
Once you’re on the river, the experience is exactly what you came for: moving through Bali’s green countryside from the perspective of the Ayung River. The paddle route is described as passing through jungle scenery, along river beaches, and past waterfalls.
This is one reason I think the Ayung River is such a good match for Ubud. Even if you’ve done temples, cafés, and rice-terrace walks, rafting gives you a different kind of nature time. The river corridor is active. You’ll notice changes in sound and speed as the raft moves through sections that feel more open, then tighter and wilder.
And yes, there are moments that feel like a break from paddling:
- hidden waterfalls along the route
- quiet stretches where the water slows down
- chances to swim in the calmer parts
You won’t control how often wildlife shows up, but the route is set up for viewing. Your guide’s job is to keep the raft moving safely while pointing out what’s around you when conditions allow.
Swimming and calmer stretches: fun built into the rhythm
A lot of people sign up for white water and then forget there’s usually a rhythm to rafting days. Here, you’re not just thrown into constant action. The trip includes calmer segments where you can rest your arms, reset your breathing, and enjoy the view.
On quiet stretches, there’s the added bonus of a potential swim opportunity. That’s a big deal for first-timers, because it turns a wet adventure into a full experience instead of just splashes and adrenaline. Even if you skip swimming, the calmer water helps you enjoy the scenery and the guide’s handling of the raft.
If you’re going with family or someone who gets tired easily, this pacing is a plus. You’re not only thinking about paddling; you’re also getting natural breaks.
Lunch after the rapids: shower, change, then a buffet with views
The “what happens after” part is where many rafting trips either shine or fall flat. This one includes time to shower and change before lunch, which makes a huge difference in how you feel after being on the water.
Then comes the meal: a buffet lunch at a local restaurant with spectacular views. The buffet detail matters because it gives you options when you’re hungry in a post-raft mood. You also get bottled water included, so you’re not scrambling to stay hydrated right after.
I also like that lunch isn’t treated like a quick snack. It’s part of the plan, and it helps you end the day feeling satisfied instead of still searching for food while wet.
Price and value: what $47 buys you (and why it’s fair)

At $47 for about 3 hours (approx.), this feels like a solid value when you look at what’s included. You’re not just buying a seat on a raft.
Included in the package:
- guide
- safety equipment (helmet, life jacket, paddle)
- lunch (buffet)
- bottled water
- insurance
The “insurance included” piece is a quiet but important value driver. It’s one of those things you don’t think about until you do. And the fact you’re getting both lunch and the post-ride shower/change time is a practical upgrade over cheaper rafting options that treat meals like an add-on.
Two small notes to keep expectations realistic:
- Photos are not included as part of the standard package.
- Some guides may take photos or videos during the run, but you shouldn’t count on receiving them automatically as part of your ticket.
Timing, departure times, and group size up to 99

This is a group experience, with a maximum of 99 travelers. That number tells you something important: you’re not alone, and the operator needs to coordinate multiple rafts and schedules.
On the plus side, the trip offers a range of departure times, so you can usually choose a slot that works with your day in Ubud. On the “plan around it” side, there can be minor timing variation on the ground. In this kind of operation, the schedule depends on how long it takes to move groups to the river safely and get everyone geared up.
What I recommend:
- pick a time that leaves breathing room for travel from your hotel
- don’t schedule a critical appointment right before or right after
- if you’re sensitive to waiting, bring something small to occupy yourself while you’re waiting to start
Guides who set the tone: Monte Carlo, Aru, Dana
The guide often makes the difference between just surviving rapids and having a day that feels genuinely fun and well-run. In this setup, the guide handles safety instruction, stays with the raft, and keeps the group oriented as you move along the river.
You’ll hear praise for specific guides such as Monte Carlo for humor and accommodating energy, Aru for being helpful and supportive, and Dana for approachable, friendly guidance. Even if you don’t get the same guide, the pattern is consistent: clear communication, a focus on keeping people safe, and enough personality to turn a first-time rafting day into a highlight.
Who should book this Ayung River rafting trip
This experience fits best if you want:
- real white-water action at a level that most people can handle
- a structured safety setup with helmets and life jackets
- the full day wrap: shower/change, then lunch with views
- a guided trip where you can watch nature instead of worrying about navigation
It’s also a good pick for people who don’t want a long, complicated day. The experience is around three hours, and it’s built as a complete loop that returns you to the meeting point.
If you’re traveling as a couple, this can be a great active break from Ubud’s usual sightseeing. If you’re with friends, it’s one of those shared experiences that makes conversation easy on the drive back.
Practical prep checklist for a smoother day
You don’t need to overpack, but you should show up ready to handle water and stairs.
Bring or plan for:
- footwear with grip for steps down and up
- a bag you trust for wet items (you’ll be changing after)
- dry clothes for the shower/change period afterward
- a plan for your phone or valuables (the ride involves getting wet)
Also, listen closely during the safety briefing. The guide’s instructions are there for a reason, especially when you’re paddling as a team through moving water.
Should you book Bali White Water Rafting – Infinity?
If you want Ayung River rafting without extra hassles, this one is easy to recommend. The big wins are the safety-first setup, the guide-led route through waterfalls and wildlife areas, and the fact that the day ends with shower/change and a buffet lunch with views.
Book it if:
- you’re excited about Grade II–III thrills
- you want a guided, organized day in Ubud
- you like having meals and essentials handled
Maybe think twice if:
- stairs are a real issue for you
- you’re trying to squeeze the rafting into an ultra-tight schedule
- you expect zero waiting time on the day itself
FAQ
What river do you raft on this Bali white water rafting trip?
You raft the Ayung River in Ubud. The route is described as Bali’s longest rafting route.
How long does the rafting experience take?
The activity is listed at about 3 hours.
What’s included in the ticket price?
The experience includes all safety equipment, a rafting guide, lunch, bottled water, and insurance.
Is lunch included or do I need to find food later?
Lunch is included, served as a buffet at a local restaurant with views.
Are photos included?
Photos are listed as not included.
Where do I meet for the tour?
The start meeting point is Infinity Bali Adventure, Jl. Raya Kedewatan No.44, Kedewatan, Kecamatan Ubud, Kabupaten Gianyar, Bali 80571, Indonesia. The activity ends back at the meeting point.
What happens if weather is poor?
This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.
























