Ubud Rafting & Monkey Forest Tour: My 2025 Review
So, you’re thinking about a trip that mixes a little bit of wild river fun with some monkey business in Ubud, right? Well, I just got back from doing exactly that combo, the white water rafting trip on the Ayung River followed by a stop at the famous Ubud Monkey Forest, and honestly, it was a pretty full-on day. I mean, you get this huge dose of Bali’s natural side all at once. People often ask me if these combo tours are actually worth it, and I’ve got some thoughts on this one for anyone planning a 2025 visit. At the end of the day, it’s about seeing if this kind of adventure fits your personal travel mood. Anyway, it was kind of an interesting experience that gave me a real feel for what makes Ubud’s green surroundings so special.
The Morning Pickup: Starting the Adventure Right
Alright, so the day pretty much started with a pickup from my hotel, which was super convenient, to be honest. The driver showed up more or less on time in a comfortable, air-conditioned vehicle, which, you know, is a huge plus in the Bali heat. We started making our way out of the main Ubud area, and just like that, the scenery began to change in a really big way. You literally go from little shops and cafes to these amazing, expansive rice paddies that are, like, impossibly green. I found that these moments in transit were actually a pretty great part of the experience itself. I mean, our driver was this really friendly local guy, and as a matter of fact, he was sharing little stories about the villages we were passing through.
Actually, the trip to the rafting start point took a bit of time, maybe around 45 minutes or so, but it seriously didn’t feel that long. As I was saying, it’s just so interesting to see the daily life happening outside your window, with people setting up their offerings and kids walking to school. You kind of get a sneak peek into a Bali that’s a little bit away from the main tourist hubs, and that is just really cool. Frankly, having all the transport sorted for you just takes a huge weight off your shoulders, so you can pretty much just sit back and absorb all the sights. I’ve often thought that seeing how people get around is a good way to get a feel for a place, and this drive was no exception.
Gearing Up for the Ayung River
So, when we finally got to the rafting company’s main building, it was honestly a little bit of organized chaos, but in a good way. You could just feel the energy from all the other people getting ready for their own river trip. First, you have to, like, sign some waivers and get assigned to your group and your guide for the day. Obviously, it’s a popular activity, so there were quite a few people there, but everything moved along pretty quickly, which was a relief. The staff there were, you know, very clear with their instructions, guiding everyone to the right spots for getting gear and for the lockers to store your things, as there are many different adventure packages available to choose from.
Next up was the safety briefing, which, I mean, is a really important step. Our guide gathered our little group of six people and, basically, went over all the commands we would need to know on the raft—like “paddle forward,” “paddle back,” and the very important “boom boom” for when we needed to duck down. He was actually quite funny, sort of cracking jokes to make everyone feel a bit more relaxed, especially those of us who looked a little nervous. At the end of the day, it was just really reassuring to know that these guides were total pros. We then grabbed our life vests and helmets, which were all in pretty good condition, and our paddles, and you know, we were just about ready for the main event.
Okay, I do have to give you a little heads-up here, and it’s something a lot of people don’t mention. Getting from the main building down to the actual river is, well, a bit of a workout. You have to walk down this long, long series of stone steps that have been cut right into the side of the gorge. Seriously, it’s a decent amount of stairs. Still, the view on the way down is just incredible, with lush greenery all around you and the sound of the river getting closer and closer. Honestly, it kind of builds up the anticipation. It also gives you a real appreciation for just how deep and secluded the river valley is; you almost feel like you’re entering another world. It’s really worth it to find out more about the nature of the Ayung river before you go.
Paddling Through Paradise: The White Water Rafting Experience
Finally, we were at the river’s edge, and honestly, the sight was amazing. The water itself was this kind of murky, brownish-green color, but it was set against this incredibly dense jungle backdrop that was just so overwhelmingly green. You know, you get into your inflatable raft, get your feet secured, and just like that, you’re off, pushed into the current by your guide. The first few moments are kind of gentle, so it gives you a chance to practice paddling together as a team, which, frankly, takes a little bit of coordination. The air is so humid and thick with the smell of wet earth and plants, and you can just hear all the sounds of the jungle around you. Finding activities like this is often a top priority for people researching all the options in Ubud.
Now, let’s talk about the rapids, because I know that’s what everyone is curious about. The Ayung River rapids are mostly Class II and III, so they’re exciting enough to give you a thrill without being, you know, genuinely terrifying. You get these moments where you’re paddling hard to steer around a big rock, and then suddenly you drop a little and get totally soaked by a wave of water, and everyone in the boat just erupts in laughter. It is that kind of shared fun that really makes the experience. For example, at one point our guide expertly maneuvered us right under this small waterfall, and it was just this incredibly refreshing and fun moment. Actually, you can see how different rafting locations in Bali offer different kinds of rapids.
But the rafting is, in some respects, about more than just the rapids. As you drift along in the calmer sections of the river, you get to see some really unique things. The highlight for me, as a matter of fact, was floating past these long stretches of stone carvings on the rock walls of the gorge. Apparently, local artists carved these massive panels depicting stories from the Ramayana epic, and they are just unbelievably detailed and beautiful. It’s almost this strange, open-air art gallery in the middle of the jungle. It adds this really amazing cultural layer to the whole adventure that I honestly wasn’t expecting at all.
I mean, you are basically floating through this living, breathing ecosystem. You see lizards sunning themselves on rocks and, if you’re lucky, maybe a bright blue kingfisher darting across the water. It’s a very different point of view than you get from just walking through the forest.
The entire journey on the water is around two hours long, which felt like pretty much the perfect amount of time. You have a chance to stop halfway through at this little makeshift riverside stall where you can buy a drink if you want, and the guide will point out interesting plants and trees. One time, our guide actually steered us into this little eddy and we all just kind of floated there for a minute, just listening. You could hear birds and insects, and the gentle sound of the water. It was just a really peaceful moment amidst all the paddling and splashing, a little break to soak it all in. I think these quiet moments are just as important as the exciting ones.
After the Splash: A Well-Deserved Indonesian Lunch
Alright, so after about ten kilometers on the river, you finally see the pull-out point. The rafting part of the day is over, but, just like the beginning, you have to face the stairs again. I have to be honest, climbing up the steps *after* two hours of paddling is definitely a challenge for your legs. It’s pretty steep, but you just take it slow and steady, and by the time you reach the top, you feel a real sense of accomplishment, you know? Anyway, up at the top, you are greeted with changing rooms and showers. They are fairly basic facilities, but definitely very welcome. Just having a quick rinse and changing into some dry clothes honestly feels like the greatest luxury in the world at that moment. Many similar adventure packages tend to offer these kinds of amenities.
And then, you get to the best part: lunch. Seriously, after all that physical activity, you are pretty much starving. The tour usually includes an all-you-can-eat buffet lunch, and it was actually really good. The restaurant area is typically open-air, with a nice view over some rice fields, so it’s a very pleasant setting. They had a really nice selection of Indonesian food laid out, which was a great way to try a few different things. Exploring local food is often a huge part of the fun, and you can always look for other amazing food spots in the area.
As I was saying, the buffet had things like nasi goreng (fried rice), mie goreng (fried noodles), and some chicken satay with that amazing peanut sauce. There were also plenty of vegetable dishes, some crispy crackers, and fresh fruit like watermelon and pineapple for dessert. It was all pretty simple, but really flavorful and satisfying food. I mean, you basically just load up your plate and relax, sharing stories with the people from your raft about which rapid was the craziest. It’s a very casual and communal kind of vibe, and it is a really nice way to wind down from the morning’s excitement.
A Walk on the Wild Side: The Ubud Monkey Forest
So, after we were all fed and rested, it was back in the car for the second part of our adventure: the Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary. It’s not too far of a drive, and it’s a total shift in energy from the river. You go from the wide-open, rushing energy of the river to this very calm, shaded, almost spiritual-feeling forest. The forest is honestly stunning, full of these gigantic, ancient banyan trees with their roots dangling down like something out of a movie. You can actually feel the temperature drop as soon as you walk in under the canopy of leaves. Obviously, you’ll want to do a little research on the history of this sacred spot to fully appreciate it.
And then, of course, there are the monkeys. There are literally hundreds of long-tailed macaques everywhere you look. You see them grooming each other, chasing each other along the stone paths, and playing around the old, moss-covered temples that are located inside the forest. I mean, it is their home, and you are just a guest. The number one rule, which the guides and signs will tell you over and over, is to not bring any food or plastic bags in with you. These monkeys are extremely smart and they are definitely not shy. I saw one person who didn’t listen, and a monkey was on his backpack trying to get into a side pocket in, like, two seconds flat.
Frankly, my best advice is just to keep your distance and enjoy observing them. Don’t try to pet them, and it is generally a good idea to avoid making direct eye contact, as they can see that as a challenge. Keep your sunglasses and any loose jewelry tucked away securely in a zipped bag. If you just walk calmly and don’t have anything they want, they will mostly just ignore you. Watching the little baby monkeys clinging to their mothers is just adorable, and you get some really amazing photos. You might find a monkey that decides to climb on you, but if you stay calm, it will usually just move on pretty quickly. There’s a lot of useful info online about how to interact safely with wildlife in Bali.
Walking through the forest is a pretty amazing experience on its own. The main path takes you over this deep gorge with a stream at the bottom, and there’s this beautiful dragon bridge. There are three temples within the sanctuary, and while you can’t go inside them, you can admire their intricate Balinese architecture from the outside. You could probably spend about an hour or an hour and a half here just wandering around. It’s a very special place, and you can sort of feel the deep history and spiritual meaning it holds for the local community.
What to Pack and What to Know Before You Go
Okay, so if you are thinking about doing this trip, there are definitely a few things you should know to make your day go a lot smoother. I mean, being prepared just makes everything more fun. Based on my day, I put together a little list of things that are really helpful to have with you. Some operators might provide some of these things, but it’s always a good idea to double check what’s included in your specific tour package beforehand.
- A full change of clothes: Seriously, you will get completely soaked on the raft. You’ll need dry clothes from your underwear to your t-shirt for after you shower.
- Sunscreen: You know, even though the gorge is shady in parts, the Bali sun is strong, so you should definitely apply some waterproof sunscreen before you start.
- A waterproof bag or phone case: If you want to bring your phone or a small camera on the raft, it absolutely has to be in a secure waterproof pouch that you can wear around your neck. The guides usually have a communal dry bag for small things, but it’s just safer to have your own.
- Water shoes or secure sandals: Honestly, flip-flops are a really bad idea. They can easily fall off in the water. You need shoes that will stay on your feet when you’re climbing in and out of the raft and walking on slippery rocks.
- A little bit of cash: Just for maybe buying a drink during the rafting break or for tipping your driver and rafting guide if you feel they did an amazing job.
- A small towel: The rafting companies usually provide towels, but they can be a bit small and worn. Having your own quick-dry travel towel is actually a pretty nice little comfort.
Now, for a few practical tips to keep in mind, right? First, you don’t really need to be an athlete to do this, but you should have a moderate level of fitness. The biggest physical challenge is honestly the hundreds of steps you have to walk up and down to get to and from the river. Secondly, listen carefully to your guide. They really know the river and their instructions are all about keeping you safe and making sure you have a good time. And finally, when you get to the Monkey Forest, just stay calm and aware. It’s a wonderful place as long as you respect the monkeys and their space. Following a few simple rules makes for a much better experience for everyone, you know?
