River choice
Ayung or Telaga Waja: which Bali rafting river should you book?
Updated · By the Bali Activity Tours desk in Ubud
Short answer
Book the Ayung for a beginner-friendly Class II–III run near Ubud with a short transfer. Book the Telaga Waja in east Bali for a longer run of about 16 km with Class III–IV rapids and a dam drop of roughly 4–5 m, about two hours each way from Kuta or Seminyak. We sell the Ayung only.
Ayung vs Telaga Waja rafting: rapid class, run length, drive time, ages, and who each river suits. We sell the Ayung from Rp 450.000 with lunch.
Bali's two rafting rivers
Almost all commercial rafting in Bali runs on two rivers. The Ayung flows through the jungle canyon west of Ubud in central Bali. The Telaga Waja runs down the slopes of Mount Agung near Muncan in Karangasem, east Bali.
We sell rafting on the Ayung only. The comparison below is here so you pick the right river, even if that river is not ours.
| Ayung | Telaga Waja | |
|---|---|---|
| Where | Ubud, central Bali | Muncan, Karangasem, east Bali |
| Rapid class | II–III | III–IV |
| Run length | About 12 km | About 16 km |
| Time on the water | About 2 hours | About 2–2.5 hours |
| Highlight | Jungle canyon, waterfalls, carved stone panels | A dam drop of about 4–5 m, rice terraces |
| Drive from Kuta or Seminyak | About 1–1.5 hours | About 2 hours |
| Best for | First-timers, families with children about 7+ | Adults who want bigger water |
| Sold here | Yes, Rp 450.000 with lunch | No |
Why most visitors pick the Ayung
It is close: about 30 minutes from central Ubud and about an hour or a little more from the south coast. The rapids are splashy but forgiving, which suits first-timers and children about 7 and older. Departures are usually 08:30, 11:00, and the last booking at 12:00.
It also pairs with the Sedang ATV on the same day: the arena is only about 15 minutes from the Ayung base. The ATV and rafting combo takes 10% off both tickets and charges pickup once.
When the Telaga Waja is the better river
Choose the Telaga Waja if everyone in the group is a fit adult who wants Class III–IV water and the dam drop, or if you are staying in east Bali, around Sidemen, Candidasa, or Amed, where it is the closer river.
It is a longer day from the south coast, and the bigger rapids make it a poor choice for young children or anyone nervous in water.
Rainy season on both rivers
From about November to March, rain raises both rivers and the rapids get bigger and browner. Operators may delay a run or move the start after heavy rain. In the dry months the water is lower and clearer; the Ayung stays a Class II–III paddle.
Ready when you are
Raft the Ayung near Ubud
Class II–III with a crew guide, lunch, and insurance for Rp 450.000 per person from two guests. See your rupiah total before you reserve.
From Rp 450.000 per guest
- Shuttle from Rp 400.000 once, or self-meet free
- No card online: you pay in rupiah after we confirm the seat
- Change the date up to 24 hours before pickup, if the seat is free
