Bali Has lots of different spot for river rafting, the best of the two options is ayung River and Telaga waja. Since you aren’t locals, it surely is hard to define which is the best and what are each pros and cons.
No need to worry, we’ll help you to understand each available choice. However, the choice will still be yours to make.
Pros and Cons of Ayung and Telaga Waja River Rafting
Of course the choice itself is very subjective, since two river spots for rafting are surely wonderful and worth exploring.
1. Ayung River Pros and Cons
Ayung river is a rafting spot located in Ubud, if you are in Kuta then it will take approx 1.5 hours to arrive there. As for rafting length, it lasts about 10-12 km, depending on the streams it will take at least 2 hours to explore the river.
To put things simply, water in Ayung river is rather more stable, it is still possible to raft during summer or rainy season.
Pros of Ayung River Rafting
- The Ayung river location is closer, if you stay in Ubud it will take 15-30 minutes to arrive at the rafting location, quite convenient isn’t it?
- The medium rapids level classes are mostly class 3 and some of 2, normally it will be safe for 7 to 50 years old (depending on their health)
- Offer wonderful panorama, along paddling the raft you’ll witness big cliff, waterfall, rice field, forest, and more
Cons Ayung River Rafting
As for its cons It takes approx 1000 steps down the stairs to arrive at the destination. After finishing, you’ll need to take 700 steps up stairs to get back to home base.
Looking for more information about ubud ayung river rafting? Take our detailed explanation about it in a different article. As for now, let’s continue.
2. Telaga Waja Rafting
Telaga waja is alternative option if you already visiting ayung river many times. It is located in the Karangasem region, in the easternmost part of the island of gods. You need to take on 2 hours drive from Kuta. Most of people don’t know about this yet,
Telaga Waja offers longer rafting tracks than Ayung river and Melangit. It lasts about 14-17 hours, approx. You need to chase down the streams for 2.5 – 3 hours straight.
Another way to explain things simply, this river has different water conditions during summer and rainy seasons. When it rains, the river flows to its peak and becomes one of the best rafting times. In summer, water can be very shallow in certain regions, it is rather unsuitable for rafting.
Pros of Telaga Waja Rafting
- Undoubtedly its offer longest rafting experience, approx 14-17 km (2.5 – 3 hours completion)
- The destination itself is easier to access, no need for long walk
- Has clearest white water compared to other river
- Stream is faster and feels more adventurous, there is one place with grade as you passes through 4 masters drop dam
- Enjoyable for anyone from beginner, middle rafting enjoyer, even those who do rafting a lots
Cons of Telaga Waja Rafting
Now let’s wonder what are possible cons if you choose this destination for rafting. As we explained earlier, Telaga Waja has shallow water during summer. It would be a bad idea to visit this place when that time occurs. Secondly,
Think about the journey you need to go through. It will at least cost 2 hours to drive from Kuta to the Karangasem region, quite far isn’t it? If you plan to stay not very long on the island of gods, better think this again.
Wrap Things Up, Which is Best Again?
Purely subjective, there is no absolute comparison over one and others. Let’s try to choose a reference based on condition.
Let’s say, if you are staying not very long in Bali and resorts or hotels are located in Ubud, we recommend you choose Ayung river, especially if you have never visited the place before.
Regardless of its length and tricky stepping, Ayung river rafting undoubtedly closer. The experience itself is wonderful and enjoyable.
But, if you are visiting Bali for a long period of time, getting bored with Ayung rafting route because visiting it too often then Telaga Waja, Karangasem is worth a try.
As tour operator, we will offer best experience for rafting beginner or experts. If you interested to try this tour activity, contact us we’ll prepare things for you in complete package!
