Bali Ayung River Rafting and Bali Swing Packages

The strongest part of this Ubud day is the contrast: a lively Ayung River rafting run in the morning, followed by high swings above the forest near Bongkasa. You get two very different Bali experiences without arranging separate drivers or transfers.

I like the included Indonesian buffet lunch and the private, air-conditioned transport. I also like that the swing package covers two single swings, a romantic swing, a bed swing, a sky bed, and two nest photo spots, so you are not paying for one quick ride and leaving.

The main caution is physical effort. The rafting involves many stairs, and you need a moderate fitness level. The swing site also charges extra for rented dresses and professional photography, so the advertised price is not the final cost if you want those add-ons.

Key points at a glance

• Two major Ubud-area activities: Raft the Ayung River for about two hours, then visit Bali Swing near Bongkasa.
• A private day out: Your group travels in private air-conditioned transport rather than joining a shared vehicle.
• A waterfall stop: The rafting route includes time at a small waterfall, with the chance to swim in the river.
• Six swing and nest experiences: The pioneer package includes two single swings, one romantic swing, one bed swing, one sky bed, a chicken nest, and a bird nest.
• Lunch and changing facilities included: You receive an Indonesian buffet lunch, plus use of a locker, shower, and towel.
• Allow for stairs and extras: Rafting requires plenty of steps, while swing dresses and photography cost $25 per person each.

Why this pairing works so well in Ubud

Many Bali day tours stack temples, markets, rice terraces, and viewpoints into one long run. This one takes a simpler approach. You spend the first half doing something active on the Ayung River, then switch to a photo-focused attraction with broad views of the river and forest.

That change of pace matters. Rafting gives you movement, water, teamwork, and a little adrenaline. The swing stop is slower and more posed. You can enjoy the views, try several setups, and take pictures without rushing from one unrelated sight to another.

The total outing lasts about six to seven hours, with an 8:00 am start. That makes it a useful choice if you want a full morning and afternoon activity while keeping the evening free. Since transport is private, you can spend the day with your own group instead of adjusting to strangers.

The setting also ties the two stops together. The Ayung River runs through the Ubud area, and the swing attraction offers views toward the river and surrounding forest. You are not seeing the same scene twice, but the route has a clear sense of place.

Rafting the Ayung River for about two hours

The rafting portion is the more active half of the experience. You head north of Ubud village to the Ayung River, where the route includes white-water rapids and natural scenery. The activity is presented as suitable for beginners, including people trying rafting for the first time.

That beginner-friendly focus is useful. You do not need to arrive as an experienced rafter, and a professional rafting guide leads the run. The guide’s role is important here, since the experience depends on following instructions, working with the boat, and handling the river as a group.

Expect roughly two hours on the water, within a rafting stop lasting about three hours in total. The exact rhythm will depend on preparation, river conditions, and the time needed to reach and leave the river. The route includes a stop at a small waterfall, where you can swim in the river if you wish.

That waterfall break gives the rafting a little more variety than a straight run through rapids. You can pause, cool off, and enjoy the setting before continuing. If you prefer to stay dry outside the raft, swimming is described as an option rather than a requirement.

The scenery is one of the main reasons to choose the Ayung route. You see natural surroundings from water level, with the river and forest forming the backdrop. This feels quite different from looking at Bali from a road or a standard viewpoint.

Still, do not mistake beginner-friendly for effortless. One direct practical warning is the number of stairs. Getting down to the river and back up again can be tiring, especially after time on the water. Wear clothing and footwear suited to activity, and think carefully about your fitness before booking.

The tour asks for a moderate physical fitness level. Children aged seven and younger cannot take part in the activities. The supplied information does not set out detailed medical restrictions, so anyone with a health concern should check suitability before paying.

Lunch after the river

After rafting, lunch is an Indonesian buffet. This is a useful inclusion because the day combines transport, water activity, and a second attraction. You do not need to arrange a separate meal between the river and the swing.

A buffet also makes the meal practical for a private group with different tastes. The information provided does not list the dishes, so you should not book this expecting a specific menu or a special dietary spread. It is best understood as a straightforward Indonesian lunch included in the day.

The tour also includes a locker, shower, and towel. Those details are easy to overlook, but they make a real difference after rafting. You can rinse off before getting back into the vehicle and continue to the swing attraction feeling more comfortable.

Six swing experiences near Bongkasa

The second stop is Bali Swing in the village of Bongkasa, close to Ubud. The attraction looks out toward the Ayung River and forest, and the included pioneer package gives you several ways to pose and swing.

You receive:

• Two single swings
• One romantic swing
• One bed swing
• One sky bed
• One chicken nest photo spot
• One bird nest photo spot

This is more flexible than a package built around one swing. You can try a traditional solo ride, use the romantic swing with a partner, and then move to the bed and nest setups for different pictures.

The single swings are the obvious choice if you want the classic Bali Swing look. The romantic swing gives couples a shared setup, while the bed swing and sky bed create more relaxed, staged poses. The chicken nest and bird nest are stationary photo spots rather than rides, but they add variety to the session.

The attraction is designed around views and photographs. You should choose it because you want that kind of experience, not because you expect a cultural site or a long guided visit. It is a modern tourist attraction, but the forest and river setting give the activity a strong Bali backdrop.

One useful benefit is that the swing visit is described as being away from the busy rice terrace swing attractions. That can matter if you want photos without the feel of a crowded, highly compressed photo stop. I would still avoid assuming the site will be empty, since no visitor capacity or crowd schedule is provided.

What the $110 price really covers

At $110 per person, this is not the cheapest way to spend a day in Ubud. The value comes from what is bundled into the private arrangement.

The price includes private air-conditioned transportation, petrol, parking, rafting, the full pioneer swing package, Indonesian buffet lunch, locker use, a shower, a towel, and insurance coverage. It also includes transport between the two activities, which removes the need to arrange separate rides.

For a private tour, the package can make sense for couples, families with older children, and small groups that value convenience. You are paying for a complete half-day plan rather than only admission to the river and swing site.

Group discounts are offered, though the supplied details do not state the discount amount. Ask for the exact price before booking if you are traveling with several people. Because the tour is private, a larger group may get better value per person than one or two people, depending on the discount.

Two costs are not included. A rented dress at Bali Swing costs $25 per person, and a photographer costs another $25 per person. You can use your own clothing and take your own pictures, so these are optional rather than unavoidable charges.

That distinction is important. If you want a polished photo session with a flowing dress and a dedicated photographer, budget up to $50 extra per person. If you are content with the included attractions and your own phone or camera, the base price remains the relevant figure.

Private transport and guide service

The 8:00 am start gives the day a clear structure. Your private driver collects your group and handles the road journey, parking, and transfers. The vehicle has air conditioning, a welcome feature in Bali’s heat.

A private vehicle also gives you space to manage your own belongings and regroup after rafting. You are not trying to return to a shared bus at a fixed moment with wet clothes and activity gear.

Two guide names connected with the service are Oka and Artha. Oka is described as a particularly informative driver and guide, while Artha is credited with helping make a wider six-night, seven-day Bali trip run well. Those details suggest that the driving side of the experience can be a real strength, but your assigned driver may differ.

The rafting itself is led by a professional river guide. That is separate from the driver, and the river guide handles the on-water portion. The package includes insurance coverage, but the supplied details do not explain its limits, exclusions, or claim process. If that matters to you, ask the operator for the policy wording.

The drawbacks you should weigh first

The stairs are the clearest physical issue. Rafting on the river is not just sitting in a boat. You need to reach the water and climb back out, and the full activity calls for moderate fitness.

The schedule also packs two active attractions into one day. You may enjoy that energy, but it is not ideal if you want a slow Ubud outing. The rafting and swing stop each take about three hours in the itinerary, so the day is structured rather than open-ended.

The swing attraction may feel commercial compared with a temple, village walk, or local craft visit. Its purpose is fun and photography. That is not a flaw if you want dramatic pictures, but it is worth knowing before you compare it with more traditional Bali experiences.

Finally, the cost can rise if you add the dress and photographer. The included package already supplies many photo settings, so I would first decide whether you really need those extras. For many people, a phone and a friend are enough.

Who should book this Ubud combination

I would recommend this experience to you if you want an easy-to-arrange activity day with a clear mix of adventure and photographs. It suits first-time rafters because the Ayung route is presented as appropriate for beginners and includes a professional rafting guide.

It also fits couples who want the romantic swing, friends who want a range of pictures, and families with children older than seven who can handle the physical demands. A private vehicle makes the outing especially useful for a group that wants to stay together.

I would be more cautious if you have limited mobility, dislike stairs, or want a quiet cultural day. The tour is active, and the swing stop is a purpose-built attraction rather than a historic or village-based experience.

The strongest praise attached to this service concerns the drivers and the overall fun of the two activities. Oka is described as informative, and Artha as an excellent driver who helped make a longer Bali visit memorable. The rafting guide is also described as fun, which matters when you are trying a new activity.

Booking details worth knowing

Confirmation is provided when you book, and mobile tickets are available. Pickup is offered, but the supplied details do not list every pickup area, so confirm that your accommodation is covered before finalizing the reservation.

This is a private tour, meaning only your group participates. That is a meaningful advantage if you want a more personal day, though the operator still controls the activity schedule and the river and swing facilities set the pace at each stop.

Free cancellation applies when you cancel at least 24 hours before the experience start time. A cancellation within 24 hours is not refunded, and changes within that period are not accepted. The cut-off follows local Bali time.

Should you book it?

Book this tour if you want two popular Bali activities handled in one private package and you are comfortable with stairs, rafting, and a photo-focused attraction. The included lunch, shower, towel, transport, insurance, and six swing setups give the $110 price solid practical value, especially for a small group.

Skip it if your main goal is quiet culture, gentle sightseeing, or a low-cost day. Before paying, confirm pickup coverage, ask about the group discount, and decide if the $25 dress and $25 photographer fees fit your budget. For an active half-day near Ubud with plenty of photo options, this is a well-targeted choice.

FAQ

Where does the rafting take place?

The rafting takes place on the Ayung River near Ubud, in northern Ubud village.

How long does the whole experience last?

The combined tour lasts approximately six to seven hours, beginning at 8:00 am.

How long is the rafting portion?

The rafting stop lasts about three hours, with approximately two hours spent on the Ayung River.

Is the rafting suitable for beginners?

Yes. The Ayung River route is described as suitable for people who have never tried rafting before, and a professional rafting guide leads the activity.

Can I swim during the rafting trip?

Yes. The route includes a stop at a small waterfall where you are allowed to swim in the river.

What is included in the Bali Swing package?

The package includes two single swings, one romantic swing, one bed swing, one sky bed, one chicken nest, and one bird nest.

Are children allowed to join?

Children aged seven and younger cannot take part in the activities. Participants should have a moderate level of physical fitness.

What happens if I need to cancel?

You receive a full refund if you cancel at least 24 hours before the start time. Cancellations or changes made within 24 hours are not accepted and are not refunded.