Bali has two main rivers for rafting that are both category III: the Ayung, just outside Ubud and the Telaga Waja in the foothills of Mount Agung, which is only a category III due to its distance from help. And while these are not going to challenge the most intrepid of rafters, the scenery, backdrop, and occasional adrenalin rush, especially in the rainy season, justifies their position as the number-one organized adventure tour on the island. Remarkably, something like 10% of all visitors to the island go white-water rafting -- that makes some 250,000 of you.
There are only some five or so fully licensed, properly registered and insured rafting companies. Three of them are Bali Adventure Tours (tel. 0361/721480; www.baliadventuretours.com), Bali View Rafting (tel. 0361/795-5879; www.baliviewrafting.com), and the original and still the most popular Sobek (tel. 0361/287059; www.balisobek.com). Increasingly more companies are getting licensed as the authorities start to enforce and police slightly better, so there will be others that become legitimate.
Each raft journey takes about 2 hours and is suitable for ages 6 and up. Some outfitters have their own lunch place at the end with warm showers and fresh towels. Be prepared for a long walk down many, many steps (I stopped counting at 450) and up thankfully not quite as many (though I was no longer counting by then).
Prices do range between the rafting companies; generally you will pay between US$50 and US$72 for adults and US$30 and US$52 for children. Family packages will range from US$150 to US$200 depending on what promotions they are running at the time. Sometimes, it is better to book through an agent. Bali Discovery Tours (tel. 0361/286283; www.balidiscovery.com) often runs Internet promotions where you can make large savings off the published price.
Note: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip.
