Ayung River is famous as one of the most popular rafting destinations in Bali. Also known as Tukad Ayung in Balinese, this river is the longest on the island of Bali with a channel length of 68.5 km. Ayung River flows through several regencies, including Bangli, Badung, Gianyar, and Denpasar City, before flowing directly into the Badung Strait at Padang Sanur Beach.
The downstream of the Ayung River is in Kintamani, taking its source from mountain springs. The river’s water flow is greatly influenced by the presence of protected forests in the Kintamani area, Bangli Regency, which are well-developed. The river flows from north to south.
Small river channels or sub-watersheds that flow into the Ayung River play an important role in maintaining high water levels. Waterfalls created by these water channels add to the beauty of the scenery, along with water jumps on several beautiful cliffs along the river channel.
The downstream side of the Ayung River is divided into three fairly large tributaries, namely Tukad Bangkung, Tukad Menggani, and Tukad Siap. Tukad Bangkung has its downstream in Pelaga, Tukad Menggani originates from the Catur area, and Tukad Siap takes its source from Kintamani. These 3 tributaries meet in the Payangan area.
And, in general, the Ayung River Channel Area can be divided into three areas:
Downstream Area: Around the Penikit area in Petang District which is on the north side to the Kintamani area which is limited by the Kintamani-Singaraja road and Plaga Petang District which is limited by the Pucuk Mangu jungle hills. The downstream area of the Ayung Watershed has a sloping to very steep topography.
Middle area: Around the Penikit area in Petang District which is on the south side to Abiansemal. The middle area has a flat to undulating topography.
Upstream Area: Around from Abiansemal to the south of Peguyangan, Tonja, Kesiman to the mouth of the Ayung River at Padanggalak Beach, East Denpasar District, which almost all have flat topography.
Along several hundred meters of cliffs on the Ayung River in Ubud territory, there are amazing art sculptures that visualize the Ramayana epic. This artistic creation makes several cliffs in several channels of the Ayung River look more beautiful and unique. The beauty of Balinese carvings along about 200 meters, made by several Ubud artists, is often a charming backdrop for taking photos that can be enjoyed while rafting in Ubud. In addition, the view of rice fields that blend with green valleys presents a charming panorama.
Based on the International River Difficulty Ratio, the Ayung River has six levels of difficulty for rafting activities, where levels I and II can be enjoyed in the dry season with quite strong and rocky water currents, but are still safe for beginners. However, during the rainy season, the water current will increase, requiring better skills for some rafters.
The Ayung River rafting lane in Ubud is + 12 km long which can be reached in a shortcut time of around 1.5-2 hours of rafting. The advantages of the Ayung River as a place for Rafting recreation are:
Close to Ubud; The location of the Ayung River which is adjacent to the city makes it easy for some tourists to find a variety of recreation options when visiting there. Many travel service companies will help provide facilities for all your recreational travel processes to enjoy rafting activities. The river location is 10 km from the Ubud recreation center (Ubud Castle or Ubud Market).
Beautiful Panorama; The beautiful and green panorama through the cliff valley with stone carving ornaments around the edge of the river cliff will amaze visitors, another is the attraction of the beauty of the terraced rice fields, clear river water, forests and green gardens of residents. All components of the panorama around the river are wrapped in cool air. Although rafting requires energy, the beauty of the surrounding nature will make tourists feel enjoy.
For All Ages; The current of the Ayung River is not so strong, it is very suitable for children, adults or parents. However, each rafting service provider has different age restrictions.
Fun Tour; Don’t worry if this is your first experience of rafting on the Ayung River, Ubud Bali. The tour company will ensure safety and comfort throughout the Rafting tour. When starting rafting, tourists will be given safety equipment, basic maneuver training, and an expert guide who will accompany you throughout the Ayung River rafting.