White-Water Rafting on the Ayung River

The Ayung is Bali's longest river, rising in the central highlands and cutting a deep, green gorge west of Ubud before it reaches the sea near Sanur. Its middle stretch has become the island's favourite rafting run, and for good reason: the rapids are lively enough to be exciting but rated class II to III, so they are manageable for complete beginners, while the scenery is the real reward. From the raft you look up at near-vertical jungle walls, small waterfalls tumbling in from side streams, villagers bathing at the river's edge, rice terraces glimpsed above the treeline and, along some stretches, panels of stone carving cut into the rock by local artists. The luxury villas of Sayan and Kedewatan peer down from the rim, and you will pass beneath some of the island's most famous resorts. A typical trip, including the one sold through Tiqets, runs as a guided half day: early pickup from your hotel lobby (around seven in the morning from the south), a drive of about an hour from Sanur or Kuta to the operator's base, a safety briefing, then a short descent to the river and a couple of hours on the water with a guide steering each raft. Afterwards there are showers and changing rooms, and lunch at the base, usually a buffet of Indonesian dishes. The guides are skilled and good-humoured, and expect plenty of splashing, singing and water fights between rafts. The experience is described as family-friendly, though operators set minimum ages, typically for children of around seven and up, so check before booking with young ones. It is one of the best active half days in Bali, especially if you are based in Ubud.

What to bring and wear: quick-dry clothes or swimwear with a t-shirt over it, sandals with a back strap or old trainers that can get wet, sunscreen, and a change of clothes for afterwards. Leave valuables at your hotel; operators usually provide lockers and waterproof bags, but phones are best left behind unless you have a waterproof case. Helmets, life jackets and paddles are provided. There is a walk down to the river at the start and a climb up at the end, often on long flights of steps, which is the most strenuous part of the day.

Weather and safety: in the wet season, from November to March, the river runs higher and faster, which makes for bigger rapids and is part of the fun, but after heavy rain operators may delay or cancel trips for safety, and they are right to do so. Choose an established operator with a clear safety briefing, wear the helmet and life jacket throughout, and listen to the guide. In the dry season the water is lower and the ride gentler.

Fitting it in: from Ubud the pickup is shorter and the day finishes by early afternoon, leaving time for the Campuhan ridge walk or a massage. From Seminyak, Kuta or Sanur, expect about an hour each way. The Tiqets product includes round-trip transfer, lunch and an English-speaking guide, which is the simplest way to book. Combine it with a visit to Tegallalang or the Monkey Forest on the way back if you still have energy.