Canyoning, the sport of descending a river gorge by walking, sliding, jumping and rappelling, has become one of the highlights of north Bali, where steep forested valleys cut deep gorges full of waterfalls. This is a beginner-level trip into Egar Canyon, led by guides who provide all the equipment and instruction you need, and it is designed for people with no previous experience. The day starts early with round-trip transfers in an air-conditioned vehicle from accommodation around Bali, and the whole excursion takes about twelve hours, most of which is travel from the south, so be prepared for a long day. A light breakfast, snack, coffee or tea and lunch are included. Your group is limited to twelve travellers, which keeps the pace manageable and the safety supervision close. The guides supply a wetsuit, harness, helmet and canyoning boots, along with insurance, and capture the day with a GoPro, delivering the photos and video on USB storage. In the canyon itself, you walk and swim through a sequence of waterfalls, natural rock slides, rappels and pools, with a hot spring as a reward at one point. Expect a few slides, a simple rappel, water jumps that grow gradually higher and a longer rappel near the end, a graduated introduction to the sport rather than an extreme descent. Most travellers can take part, though the trip is not recommended for people with back or heart problems or serious medical conditions, nor for pregnant travellers, and it is not wheelchair accessible. Ask the operator about the largest jump and the difficulty when you book if you are unsure. Good swimming skills and a sense of adventure are all you need, and the guides explain each obstacle before you tackle it.
What to expect in the canyon
You will start with simple walking and wading to get used to the boots and wetsuit, then progress to natural slides where the current carries you down smooth rock. The rappels are controlled and supervised, and guides check your equipment at each stage. The jumps usually begin low and grow higher, and you can skip any jump you do not want to attempt. Cold water is part of the experience, so the wetsuit helps, and a hot spring at one stage provides a welcome warm-up.
Practical advice
Bring a swimsuit to wear under the wetsuit, a towel, dry clothes, sunscreen and a USB drive if you want to take your photos away immediately, or ask for them to be sent by link. Meals and gear are included, so there is no need to bring anything else. Tell the guides about health conditions, injuries and swimming ability when you book. Weather affects canyoning, and heavy rain can raise water levels, so the operator may reschedule or adjust the route, and free cancellation rules usually apply up to a day before.
Planning the day
Because the canyon is in north Bali, expect a long drive each way from the south, which is why the day lasts about twelve hours. Sleep on the way, and plan a relaxed evening afterwards. Many travellers combine the trip with a stop at a waterfall or a lake temple in the highlands, though the schedule is already full.
If you prefer a shorter outing, consider a rafting trip on the Ayung River or an ATV ride near Ubud. For a more challenging descent in the future, the north offers several canyons that progress from beginner to advanced.
What to expect
The experience
A small-group beginner canyoning descent of Egar Canyon with waterfalls, rock slides, rappels and natural pools, plus breakfast, lunch, gear and GoPro footage.
Best time
Dry mornings are best; heavy rain can change water levels and the route.
How long
About twelve hours including the long transfer from southern Bali.
Tips
Bring swimwear, a towel and dry clothes, tell the guides about health conditions and skip any jump you are not comfortable with.
Quick picks
- Best for
- Adventurous beginners who can swim and want a full day of waterfalls.
- Families
- Check age limits with the operator before booking children.
- Couples
- A thrilling shared adventure, with a hot spring as a reward.
- Pair with
- Ubud ATV or Ayung rafting on another day, rather than the same day.
- Time needed
- A full day.
Good questions
Is Egar Canyon suitable for beginners?+
Yes. The trip is a beginner canyoning descent, with guides explaining each obstacle and supplying all the equipment.
How long does the trip take?+
About twelve hours in total, most of it for the transfer from southern Bali.
What is included?+
Round-trip transfers, a light breakfast and lunch, a wetsuit, harness, helmet and boots, insurance and GoPro photos and video on USB.
How big are the groups?+
A maximum of twelve travellers per group.
Who should not do this trip?+
It is not recommended for people with back or heart problems, serious medical conditions or pregnancy, and it is not wheelchair accessible.
