Ayung River White Water Rafting: My Review Of Sobek Bali

Ayung River white water rafting with Sobek was a beautiful experience. I went with a group of friends, and we spent just over two hours paddling, laughing and enjoying the spectacular views of Ubud from the river. We even spotted a deer heading to the river to drink!

How I Booked It, Prices And What’s Included

We booked roughly a week in advance. If you are planning around a particular day, I would do this ahead rather than rely on last-minute availability.

I live in Ubud, so I took a Grab scooter to the meeting point. My friends came from Sanur and paid extra for a driver to collect them and take them home afterwards. This can be done directly on Klook when reserving the experience.

Hotel transfers and the short transfer to the rafting starting point are different things. The latter was included in our experience. My friends paid separately for their transport from Sanur, so check what your chosen booking option covers. (If you’re planning to stay in Ubud, my guide to the best places to stay in Ubud will help you choose an area and accommodation).

Prices And What Was Included

I paid around $20 and that was with my KITAS discount (as I live here) and no pickup. However, the price can vary depending on time of the year and what you select on the page 🙂

Our experience included:

• The transfer from reception to the starting point (for my friends only as I live in Ubud)
• A guide throughout the route: ours explained the commands, steered the raft and kept us laughing, he also carried a dry bag for our valuables.
• A life jacket, helmet and paddle: we collected our kit at the starting point, so we did not need to bring rafting equipment.
• Storage for our larger bags and a dry bag.
• Showers, towels and shower gel afterwards: we could freshen up and change into dry clothes before lunch.
• A buffet lunch: we could eat at the finish point rather than head straight out to find a restaurant.

Drinks, optional photos and tips were extra. I personally didn’t have any extras, except for a small tip to the guide, so all in all it’s been really affordable.

➡️Choose your Sobek rafting package and check exactly what’s included for your date, including whether you want to add hotel transport.

First Impressions

From the beginning, I felt comfortable with how the day was organised. I could tell straight away that the team at Sobek was on top of everything. There were no delays or misunderstandings (typical in Bali-style). That was pretty impressive!

We checked in, took the transfer to the starting point and collected our equipment before heading down to the river. I have to say the drive is short as the starting point is only 10km away.

Our guide was knowledgeable and funny. He explained what we needed to do in a way that was easy to follow, and his jokes made the experience feel relaxed. Like, he told us there were crocodiles in the river (it’s not true, obviously).

There were six of us in the raft, plus the guide at the back, and we all had enough space to sit comfortably. He told everyone where to sit in order to balance the weight evenly before we set off.

But before going into the details of how it went step by step, I want to give you a few spoilers!

What I Loved

• We didn’t have to paddle all the time so whenever we had some calm stretches we really enjoyed the views and chats.
• A knowledgeable, funny guide who made me feel safe.
• A sociable experience with friends and a riverside refreshment break (there were actually 2 but we only did one as we loved paddling!).
• Showers and lunch at the finish point.

What To Consider

• My experience was in low water conditions, so yours may feel different depending on when you visit.
• There were approximately 500 steps down to the river and 250 back up. Going up was easy but going down… oh man, you feel every single step (especially the day after!)
• Drinks and professional photos cost extra.
• Buffet options were limited for me because of my soy allergy.

Want an adventure without anything feeling too extreme? ➡️ See the current Sobek Ayung rafting options and book the same guided experience that made me feel comfortable and looked after.

Step By Step: What Happened

Arrival and Check-In

We first arrived at the reception area and gave our names. The staff had a list of the day’s bookings, so checking in was straightforward.

This reception area was also where we would return after rafting for showers and lunch. A driver then took us to a separate starting point further upriver.

Collecting Our Kit And Leaving Our Bags

At the starting point, the staff gave us a life jacket, helmet and paddle. This was also where we handed over the belongings we did not want to take rafting. For example, I left my backpack with my change of clothes, water bottle and wallet.

Although the information we received beforehand mentioned lockers, the arrangement I saw was different from having an individual locker with your own key. Larger bags were collected for storage by the staff.

Our valuables, including phones and wallets, went into a dry bag that the guide kept with him. We got our belongings back after the activity.

This is where I understood they didn’t provide waterproof phone cases; luckily, my friend gave me hers, so I was able to document the trip!

Walking Down To The River

After collecting our equipment, we walked down to the river. There were approximately 500 steps on the way down, according to the information I was given.

I found the staircase straightforward to follow, but that is still a lot of steps. Water shoes worked really well for me, both here and later when getting in and out of the raft.

Some people wore flip-flops, but I would choose water shoes again. Mine were flexible, comfortable for walking and stayed on my feet throughout the activity.

You do not climb back up the same staircase. The route finishes at a different point, with approximately 250 steps up. Knowing that beforehand was reassuring!

Getting Into The Raft And The Briefing

Our route was around 10 kilometres, and the rafting experience took just over two hours, including our refreshment stop.

Before setting off, the guide explained the basic commands. We learnt how to paddle forwards and backwards, and what to do if the raft became stuck around the rocks.

He also explained that he might ask us to shift our weight in different directions. We did not need all those commands during our ride, but it was helpful to hear them first.

Paddling Along The Ayung River

The route alternated between smoother stretches and rocky sections where the raft bumped around more. Those bumpy parts were exciting, and some jolts were stronger than others.

At certain points, our guide told us to stop paddling, lift our paddles clear of the water and hold the safety rope along the side of the raft. Having clear instructions helped me feel comfortable.

The water was low during my visit, and we could feel the rocks beneath the raft quite often. Nobody in our group fell out, and I did not find the ride particularly scary.

The calmer stretches were a chance to look around. We saw beautiful birds, a duck and even a deer coming down to drink at the river. I was not quick enough to photograph the deer, but it was such a lovely moment.

There was plenty of laughter too. When we passed other rafts, people splashed each other with water. Our guide kept joking with us, sometimes slapping his paddle on the water to make a surprisingly loud sound.

➡️ Check the current price for Sobek Ayung rafting and compare the available packages before choosing the best option for your trip.

Breaks Along The Way

Along the route, there was an opportunity to stop by a waterfall for pictures. Our group did not stop there as we were too excited and full of energy to stop that soon.

We did stop at a riverside refreshment area roughly halfway through. There was music, a lively atmosphere and drinks available to buy, including coconuts.

After that break, we still had around an hour of rafting left. It was a nice pause before getting back on the river.

Bring some small cash if you want a drink at the stop. We were told it was possible to settle the payment afterwards, but I found it easier to pay there.

The Final Part Of The Route

Near the end, we went down a small drop that felt like a natural slide. It was one of the most fun moments of the trip, with everyone screaming as we went over it!

At the final calm section, our guide offered us the chance to get out and swim before we finished. That was really nice, we were all swimming together happy that we made it and never fell off the boat!

At the end of the river route, we climbed the shorter staircase and walked for around five minutes, including crossing the road, to reach the reception and restaurant area.

The staff collected our helmets and other equipment, and we got our belongings back. We could then shower, change into dry clothes and have lunch.

Showering And Getting Changed

There were bathrooms, showers and benches where we could get dressed. The facilities were really clean and well looked after. There was no queue either, we just went straight to the showers thinking about lunch!

Towels and shower gel were provided. I brought my own shower gel because of my allergies, but you do not need to bring a towel based on what was provided during my visit.

One thing I wish I had packed was a small plastic bag for my wet clothes. After showering, I had a pile of drenched clothing to take home, and a separate bag would have made that much easier.

Lunch And My Food Allergies

Lunch was a simple buffet with dishes such as chicken satay, fried noodles, fried rice and vegetables, as well as plain rice and fruit. My friends were able to have a substantial meal after rafting.

My options were more limited because I have food allergies, including a soy allergy. The cooked dishes contained soy sauce, so I only ate plain rice and papaya.

I had eaten a big breakfast before going because I knew I might not be able to eat much at lunch. I appreciated having something I could eat, but I would not rely on the buffet meeting particular dietary needs without discussing them beforehand.

Drinks at lunch were charged separately. There was a fridge with drinks to buy, but bringing your own water is useful if you want to avoid an extra purchase afterwards.

➡️ Get the full rafting experience without having to organise everything separately. Our trip included the guide, equipment, showers and a buffet lunch afterwards.

Watch My Sobek Rafting Experience

I filmed our day on the Ayung River, so you can see the scenery, the bumpy sections and what it was like rafting with Sobek.

Who Is The Experience For?

I would recommend this experience to friends, couples and families who want to spend a few hours outdoors and enjoy the river scenery. Based on my visit, you do not need to be someone who normally seeks out adventurous activities to have a good time. (If you’re looking for other activities to try during your stay, you can find more ideas in my guide to things to do in Ubud).

I found the rafting exciting without being overwhelming. There were calmer stretches and a refreshment break, so it did not feel like nonstop action.

Our group paddled quite actively and was tired afterwards, but I noticed other rafts where guests paddled much less and the guide did more of the work. If you are concerned about the effort involved, speak to the operator before booking about what you will need to do.

I’ve seen elderly people on the boat literally cruising without even paddling once!

The walking matters too: our route involved around 500 steps down and 250 back up. Check with Sobek if you have mobility concerns or are unsure whether the activity suits you.

➡️ Try Sobek rafting if you want something more memorable than another sightseeing stop. You’ll get exciting bumpy sections, calmer stretches of river and plenty of fun with your group.

What To Bring For Ayung River White Water Rafting

These are the things I would pack if I went again:

• Water shoes: comfortable for the stairs and useful when getting in and out of the raft.
• Clothes you can get wet: expect splashes from the rapids and other boats.
• A full change of clothes: for after your shower, including dry underwear.
• Sunscreen: I recommend applying it before starting because the sun really hits you on the river.
• A waterproof phone pouch: if you want to take your own photos and videos. You can then secure it on the side of the life jacket and keep the phone in your life jacket by your chest (once you have the life jacket on, you will understand!)
• A plastic bag for wet clothes: the item I forgot and would definitely bring next time.
• Water and any snacks you need: especially if the buffet may not suit your dietary requirements.
• Small cash: for a coconut or another drink at the refreshment stop, and an optional tip.
• ID, KITAS or KITAP: these were on the checklist we received before our visit.
• Your own shower products if needed: shower gel was available, but I used my own.

Think about where you will keep any drinks during the activity. There were people selling water on the way down, but a loose bottle would be awkward to hold while paddling. Ask the staff about storage rather than expecting to carry everything in the raft. I recommend drinking before going down the steps and that’s it!

➡️ See the Sobek Ayung rafting packages and choose the option that works best for your Bali plans, especially if you need transport from outside Ubud.

Extra Costs To Know Before Booking

I touched on the extra expenses earlier but it’s worth giving you a proper heads-up.

Professional Photos And Videos

There were professional photos available to buy afterwards, along with video options. I thought the package was expensive and remember it being more than US$50, although I do not have the exact price to share.

I chose not to buy it. Between the pictures our guide took and bringing your own phone pouch, there are other ways to come home with memories of the day.

Also, while you raft, there will be a few photographers but each one works for a different company. The guide will tell you which one works for Sobek. I’ve seen maybe 3 photography stations in 2 hours so it’s not overwhelming or pushy at all.

Tipping Your Guide

I gave our guide IDR 50,000 because that’s all I had, but I really wanted to tip because I was happy with the experience. I saw other people give IDR 50,000 or IDR 100,000.

Our guide did encourage tipping, but it was a personal choice. Those amounts are simply what I observed during our visit, rather than a required charge.

A Waterproof Phone Pouch

A waterproof phone pouch was not provided. A woman at the starting area sold them for IDR 100,000 when I visited, which I thought was expensive. Bring your own or buy one before arriving if you want your phone accessible for pictures.

➡️ Planning your Ubud itinerary? Reserve your Sobek rafting date in advance so you can fit this approximately two hour river experience into your plans.

FAQs On Rafting With Sobek

Would I Do It Again?

Yes, I would happily do Sobek Ayung rafting again, especially because the raft would be different depending on when you do it! I loved the scenery, the laughter with friends and having a knowledgeable, funny guide who made me feel well looked after.

For me, it was a lovely mix of activity and time to enjoy nature. The bumpy sections were fun, the calmer stretches were beautiful, and the riverside break gave us time to pause along the way.

If you are planning your activities in Ubud, I would make room for this one. Bring water shoes, a waterproof phone pouch and a bag for your wet clothes, and choose the transport option that works for your day.

➡️ Ready to try it for yourself? Book the Sobek Ayung rafting trip for fun rapids, plenty of laughs and the final river drop I’d happily do again.

Ciao for now,

Silvia x

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