Exciting Things to Expect from Rafting in Ayung River
Rafting in Ayung River can be a very exciting experience that you can do while on vacation in Bali Island with a challenging and thrilling sensation!
Bali is famous as a tourist destination with beautiful beaches, rich culture, and various interesting activities that can be done, one of which is rafting. If you are looking for an adrenaline-pumping adventure experience while enjoying the natural beauty of Bali, then rafting in Ayung River is the perfect choice.
Ayung River, which is the longest river in Bali, offers an unforgettable rafting experience. With a length of about 68.5 km, the river flows through the Ubud area which is famous for its green and exotic landscape. In addition to facing challenging currents, rafting participants will also be treated to beautiful scenery along the rafting route.
Whether you are a beginner or an experienced rafter, Ayung River offers an exciting yet safe rafting experience. The rapids here have a difficulty level of Grade II – III, which is still suitable for beginners but still presents a sensation of adventure. Before starting your rafting in ayung river, there are a few things you need to know about this rafting experience.
Read More: Tips And Preparation Before Ayung Rafting: What To Know?
Briefing Session and Basic Training
Before starting the trip down the Ayung River, each rafting participant will get a briefing or briefing from a professional instructor who is in charge of ensuring safety and comfort during the activity.
What is covered in the briefing?
Basic paddling techniques: Participants will be taught how to paddle properly, both for forward, backward, and stop in the middle of the current.
Safety instructions: The guide will explain what to do if the boat capsizes, participants fall into the river, or if there are obstacles to avoid.
Signals and commands: While rafting, the guide will give various commands such as “forward!” (paddle forward), “backward!” (paddle backward), “down!” (lean in) which must be followed by all participants.
Equipment used: Life jackets and helmets must be worn for safety, while paddles are used to control the boat while going down the river.
After the briefing, participants will be directed to the starting point of the rafting. Most rafting operators on the Ayung River have access points that require walking down hundreds of steps to reach the river. The journey is quite tiring, but it provides an opportunity to enjoy the green scenery and natural atmosphere around the river before embarking on the water adventure.
Rafting in Ayung River is Start!
Once all participants are ready, the rafting adventure begins! The trip down the Ayung River usually lasts around 2 – 2.5 hours, depending on the current speed and weather conditions. The distance traveled can be up to 10 – 12 km, making it quite a long journey and full of exciting surprises.
What can you expect during the trip?
Going through challenging rapids: The Ayung River has around 33 rapids with varying degrees of difficulty. Some of them are quite swift and adrenaline-pumping, but still safe for beginners.
Clear and refreshing water: Ayung River has quite clean and fresh water, especially after rain. When passing through some points with calmer currents, participants can feel the coolness of the river water touching the skin.
Water play and fun with the team: Aside from conquering the rapids, water play is also part of the fun. Many participants deliberately jump into the river to swim for a while and enjoy the surroundings.
Interactive and humorous instructors: The Ayung River rafting instructors are known to be friendly and have a great sense of humor. They often spice things up with jokes and small challenges, such as paddling competitions or getting wet under small waterfalls.
At some points, you will also see natural caves formed along the river cliffs, adding to the exotic impression during the trip.
Exotic Scenery During Rafting
One of the main attractions of rafting in Ayung River is its natural and beautiful panorama. While going down the river, you will be treated to a variety of unique and eye-pleasing views.
Some of them are:
Green cliffs and tropical forests: The river path is surrounded by tall trees, shrubs, and towering rock cliffs. This atmosphere gives the sensation of adventure in the middle of a wild and natural forest.
Stone carvings along the river: One of the most unique attractions of Ayung River is the more than 1km long stone carvings on the cliff side. These carvings depict the story of Ramayana and were made by local artists to add to the beauty of the river.
Mini waterfall: At some points, participants will pass small waterfalls that flow directly into the river. Some rafting operators even deliberately stop near the waterfall for participants to rest or take photos.
Birds and wildlife: If you’re lucky, you may also see some rare birds, wild monkeys, or even monitor lizards roaming around the river cliffs.
All this beauty makes a rafting in Ayung River feel like more than just a water sport – but also an amazing exploration of nature.
Safety and First Aid
Although rafting in Ayung River is relatively safe, there are still some risks that need to be considered. Therefore, every participant is required to follow strict safety standards and listen to the directions of the guide.
Some important things for safety during rafting:
- Ensure that life jackets and helmets are properly fitted before starting the trip.
- If the boat capsizes or you fall into the water, don’t panic. Stay calm and let the current carry your body to a calmer area before trying to climb back into the boat.
- The best position when drifting is to float with your feet facing forward, to avoid colliding with rocks.
- Do not carry valuables unless they have been stored in a waterproof bag. Rafting operators usually provide lockers to store items before the trip begins.
- Always listen to the guide’s instructions and do not act carelessly when in the middle of the river.
All rafting operators on the Ayung River already have a trained rescue team ready to provide assistance in the event of an incident. Therefore, there is no need to worry as long as you follow the established safety procedures.
Conclusion: Why Rafting in Ayung River is a Must Try?
Rafting in Ayung River is not just an ordinary water sports activity, but also an extraordinary experience that combines adventure, natural beauty, and fun with a team. With a course of 10-12 km, participants will be invited to conquer challenging rapids, enjoy exotic views of tropical forests, typical rock carvings, and natural waterfalls, and feel the sensation of adrenaline adventure.
So, if you’re visiting Bali and want to try something different than just sunbathing on the beach or exploring temples, rafting in Ayung River is an option not to be missed! Prepare yourself for an exciting adventure, fun wetting, and unforgettable moments on one of Bali’s most iconic rivers.