Bali Best Adventure Combo - Rafting the Ayung River and Exploring Sacred Temples

River Rafting Bali

04 August 2025

Bali Best Adventure Combo - Rafting the Ayung River and Exploring Sacred Temples

Bali is known for its stunning landscapes, thrilling adventures, and deep spiritual significance. If you’re an adventurer looking to experience the best of Bali’s natural beauty while immersing yourself in its rich cultural heritage, then Ayung River rafting combined with an exploration of Bali’s sacred temples is the perfect package for you. This adventure combo offers an exhilarating way to experience Bali’s wild side, followed by a peaceful and spiritually enriching tour through some of the island’s most famous temples.

In this guide, we’ll take you through the Ayung River rafting experience, where you’ll navigate through Bali’s lush jungle, and then guide you through the sacred temples of Bali, where spirituality and history come to life. Get ready for a day full of adrenaline, breathtaking landscapes, and cultural immersion.

Why Choose Ayung River Rafting and Sacred Temple Exploration?

Bali offers a unique blend of adventure, nature, and spirituality, and this combo tour allows you to experience all three in one day. Starting with Ayung River rafting, you will be thrust into an adrenaline-pumping adventure before being whisked away to the serenity of Bali’s ancient temples.

This combination tour is perfect for:

Adventure seekers who want to explore Bali’s rivers and rapids.
Culture lovers who are eager to delve into Bali’s religious and cultural history.
Nature enthusiasts who want to experience the island’s diverse landscapes in one day.

You’ll get the thrill of rafting in Bali’s longest river, followed by the chance to visit sacred temples where you can connect with Bali’s deep spiritual roots. The contrast between the raw energy of the river and the peaceful spirituality of the temples makes this a one-of-a-kind Bali experience.

Rafting the Ayung River – An Adventure Like No Other

The Ayung River is one of Bali’s most popular rafting destinations, and for good reason. The river’s rapids, classified as Class II-III, are perfect for both beginners and those with some rafting experience. As you paddle through the river, you’ll be surrounded by lush rainforest, towering cliffs, and hidden waterfalls, making it an unforgettable adventure.

Why Ayung River Rafting is a Must-Do Bali Activity

Thrilling Rapids: The Ayung River features Class II-III rapids, offering a perfect balance of excitement and safety. You’ll experience thrilling rapids, as well as calm sections of the river where you can appreciate the surrounding scenery.
Breathtaking Views: As you make your way down the river, you’ll be surrounded by Bali’s lush green jungle, dramatic cliffs, and rice terraces. The landscape is as thrilling as the rafting itself, with opportunities to spot local wildlife and enjoy the natural beauty of the island.
Cultural Stone Carvings: One of the unique features of Ayung River rafting is the series of stone carvings along the riverbanks. These carvings depict scenes from the Ramayana, the Hindu epic, adding a spiritual element to your adventure.
Family-Friendly Adventure: While Ayung River rafting offers excitement and adventure, it’s also safe for families. The moderate rapids make it suitable for children (over 7 years old) and first-time rafters, making it an ideal activity for groups.

The two-hour rafting journey on the 18-kilometer route will take you through Bali’s jungle, passing by waterfalls, natural rock formations, and local villages. The professional rafting guides will ensure your safety and make sure you have the best experience possible, navigating you through the exhilarating rapids and showing you some of Bali’s most beautiful hidden spots.

Exploring Bali’s Sacred Temples – A Spiritual Journey

After the exciting rafting adventure, you’ll transition to a more peaceful and spiritual part of your day – a visit to some of Bali’s sacred temples. Bali is home to hundreds of temples, many of which hold deep spiritual significance. These temples are not only places of worship but also architectural marvels that showcase Bali’s cultural heritage.

Bali’s Sacred Temples You’ll Visit

Tirta Empul Temple: This temple is one of Bali’s most important water temples, known for its holy spring water. It’s a place where locals and visitors alike come to purify themselves in the sacred waters. The temple is surrounded by lush nature and has a peaceful atmosphere that allows you to connect with Bali’s spiritual side.
Uluwatu Temple: Perched on a cliff above the Indian Ocean, Uluwatu Temple offers spectacular views of the ocean and is one of Bali’s most iconic temples. The temple is dedicated to the Balinese sea gods and is known for its Kecak dance performances during sunset, where you can witness a traditional dance set against the backdrop of the setting sun.
Gunung Kawi Temple: Located in Tampaksiring, Gunung Kawi is one of Bali’s oldest and most significant temples. This temple is carved into the rock and is surrounded by rice terraces. It offers a tranquil experience and gives you insight into Bali’s ancient Hindu traditions.
Batuan Temple: A beautiful village temple that dates back to the 11th century, Batuan Temple is known for its traditional Balinese architecture and intricate carvings. The temple is still actively used for religious ceremonies, providing a glimpse into the island’s rich spiritual traditions.

The Perfect Combo – Adventure and Culture in One Day

This Ayung River rafting and sacred temple tour allows you to experience the thrill of the river and the peace of Bali’s spiritual side in one seamless package. Here’s why this combo is perfect for every type of traveler:

1. Best of Both Worlds

If you’re looking for a well-rounded Bali experience, this tour is a great option. Ayung River rafting offers adventure and exhilaration, while the temple visits allow you to slow down and immerse yourself in Bali’s rich culture.

2. Unique Cultural Insight

Visiting Bali’s temples offers a deep dive into the island’s religious beliefs and spiritual practices. These sacred sites are as much about Bali’s identity as they are about the stunning landscapes that surround them.

3. Suitable for All Ages

Whether you’re traveling with family, friends, or solo, this tour offers something for everyone. Ayung River rafting is great for beginners, while the temple tours are educational and spiritual experiences suitable for all ages.

Full-Day Itinerary – Rafting, Temples, and Bali’s Natural Beauty

Here’s a breakdown of the day’s activities:

07:30 AM – Pick-up from your hotel (Nusa Dua, Jimbaran, Uluwatu, Kuta, Seminyak, Sanur, or Ubud)
09:00 AM – Arrive at Ayung River, prepare for rafting, and enjoy a safety briefing
09:30 AM – Start your rafting adventure down the Ayung River
12:00 PM – Finish rafting, freshen up, and enjoy a buffet lunch
01:30 PM – Depart for your first sacred temple visit (choose from Tirta Empul, Uluwatu, or others)
03:30 PM – Explore the temple’s spiritual significance and surrounding nature
04:30 PM – Visit another sacred temple or cultural site, depending on your interest
06:00 PM – Return to your hotel, filled with unforgettable memories

Price and Inclusions

This Bali adventure tour offers a comprehensive package at great value:

Tour Price

2-3 persons: USD 75 per person
4-6 persons: USD 68 per person
7 persons & up: USD 60 per person

What’s Included

Hotel Pick-Up and Drop-Off – Private transportation with an experienced driver
Professional Rafting Guide – Ensuring your safety and enjoyment
Rafting Equipment – Helmets, life jackets, and paddles
Buffet Lunch – Traditional Balinese and international dishes
Temple Visits – Explore Bali’s sacred temples
Entrance Fees – To the temples and cultural sites
Towels and Changing Facilities – Freshen up after rafting
Insurance Coverage – For rafting and cultural activities