Bali Swing & Ayung River Rafting 2025: An Honest Ubud Review

So, you are looking at all the amazing things to do in Ubud, and it’s almost a little overwhelming, right? That’s basically how we felt before our last trip. You see these photos everywhere of people flying over the jungle on giant swings and, you know, battling rapids on a river, and you kind of wonder if it’s as good as it looks. Well, we decided to book one of those combination tours that bundles the Ayung River rafting with a visit to a famous swing spot, just to see what it’s all about. I was honestly a bit skeptical at first, thinking it might be one of those things that’s just made for pictures. In this review, we are going to walk you through the entire day, from the splash of the river to the sweep of the swing, and give you our really straightforward take on the whole experience.

The Morning Rush: Ayung River White Water Rafting

Our day actually started with a very friendly driver picking us up from our stay in Ubud. The trip to the river’s starting point was in a way an adventure in itself, sort of weaving through tiny villages and past some incredibly green rice fields that looked just like postcards. Upon arrival, it’s a little bit of organized chaos, you know, with groups getting their gear and listening to safety talks. They gave us a helmet, a life vest, and a paddle, and I have to say, that’s when it sort of started to feel real. You could actually hear the river from the top of the path, a steady rushing sound that was pretty exciting.

We then had a fairly long walk down a bunch of steep steps to get to the riverbank itself. I mean, it was definitely a bit of a workout before we even got in the boat. Our guide, a local fellow with a huge grin, was seriously funny and clearly knew the river like the back of his hand. He pretty much put everyone at ease right away, cracking jokes while he gave us the final instructions on how to paddle as a group. That kind of friendly vibe, to be honest, made all the difference in the world before we pushed off into the current.

Paddling Through Paradise (and a Few Rapids)

Now, getting on the water is where the real fun actually begins. The Ayung River isn’t some kind of raging, expert-level waterway; it’s more or less a gentle float with some very fun, splashy bits mixed in. We paddled through a really stunning canyon, with stone walls that were just covered in thick jungle vines and plants. You know, you feel so small next to all that nature. One of the most amazing parts is that there are these huge, intricate stone carvings right on the rock walls, showing scenes from ancient stories. It’s almost like you are floating through an open-air art gallery.

The rapids themselves were, you know, just exciting enough to get your heart rate up a little. You will definitely get soaked, so just expect that. Our guide was great at telling us when to paddle hard and when to brace ourselves for a bump, so we all felt very secure the whole time. About halfway through, we pulled over at this amazing waterfall that was just tumbling down the rocks. We all jumped out of the raft for a quick swim in the cool water, which was honestly a perfect break. It was more than just a rafting trip; it was a really good way to see a side of Bali you just can’t see from the road.

From River Canyons to Treetop Views: The Bali Swing

After finishing up the rafting and climbing another set of stairs (seriously, so many stairs), a shuttle was there to take us to the next stop: the swing park. The tour almost always includes a simple buffet-style lunch, which was quite welcome after all that paddling. It was mostly local Indonesian food—rice, noodles, some chicken—and it was pretty tasty and did the job. Then, we moved over to the main event, the swing area. This place is basically a big park built on the side of a hill, overlooking a huge valley of palm trees and rice paddies. It’s obviously designed for taking photos.

So, let’s be honest, this part of the day is all about getting that epic picture for your feed. There are a bunch of different swings, all at different heights, and also several of those “nests” made of twigs and branches that you can sit in for photos. The atmosphere is very lively, with music playing and people cheering each other on. You kind of have to embrace the touristy-ness of it all. Instead of fighting it, we just sort of went with the flow and decided to have some fun with it. At the end of the day, there’s a reason it’s so popular: the view is absolutely, completely incredible.

That Feeling of Flying: Is the Swing Worth It?

Okay, so after getting in line, it was finally my turn for the main swing. The staff was very professional, you know, strapping me securely into a harness, which obviously made me feel a lot better. They give you a little countdown, and then, whoosh, they push you out over the valley. That first moment is a serious stomach-drop, like you are actually flying for a second. The feeling of the wind rushing by and just seeing nothing but green jungle spread out below you is really something else. It is a bit of a surreal experience.

The ride itself is actually pretty short, maybe a minute or so of swinging back and forth. You just have to decide if the wait is worth it for that short burst of excitement. For me, I would say it was, because the feeling was so unique and the pictures turned out pretty great. There are usually photographers there who can take professional-level shots for you (for an extra fee, of course), or you can just have your friends try to capture the moment. We spent some more time taking photos in the different nests and just soaking up the spectacular view before heading back. It’s a very particular kind of fun, and pretty much a one-of-a-kind Bali thing to do.

Our Honest Takeaways and Practical Tips

So, at the end of the day, we thought the combo tour was a fantastic way to spend a day in Ubud. It offers a really great mix of physical activity and that classic, picture-perfect Bali experience. You get your adrenaline fix on the river and then get some truly amazing photos at the swing. It’s a full day, and you will definitely be tired by the end, but it is just so much fun. This kind of tour is basically perfect for couples, friends, and even families with older kids who are up for a bit of an adventure. You get a taste of Bali’s natural beauty and its more modern, playful side all in one go.

It was more or less a perfect Bali day: a little bit of a thrill, a whole lot of nature, and some pictures that, I mean, look pretty amazing.

Here are just a few practical things to keep in mind to make your day go a little bit smoother:

• What to Wear: You really want to wear clothes that dry quickly for the rafting, like swim shorts and a rash guard. Just bring a complete change of dry clothes, including underwear, for after the river part. Water shoes or secure sandals are a good idea, too.
• What to Bring: Sunscreen is an absolute must. Also, it’s a good idea to have a waterproof pouch for your phone or a GoPro if you want to take your own pictures. Just bring some cash for any extra drinks or if you decide to buy the official photos.
• Manage Expectations: This is a popular tour, so just be prepared for other people to be around. The swing park, in particular, can get pretty busy, so you might have to wait in line for the most popular spots. It is just part of the experience.
• Consider Going Early: As with most things, an earlier start typically means smaller crowds. If you can get on one of the first rafting trips of the day, you will probably get to the swing park before the biggest afternoon rush, which is really helpful.

Read our full review: [Bali Swing and Ayung River Rafting Full Review and Details]

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