Planning an adventure in Bali and wondering whether to go whitewater rafting or river tubing in Ubud? Both experiences offer beautiful scenery, fresh water fun, and good times — but they are quite different. Here’s a side-by-side comparison to help you choose the right activity for your Bali itinerary.
📍 Location
- Whitewater Rafting takes place on the Ayung River in Sayan, just a 20-minute drive from Ubud town.
- River Tubing is on the Pakerisan River in Tampaksiring, about 30 minutes from Ubud.
🌿 Scenery
- Ayung River rafting features steep gorges, lush tropical forests, and views of luxury resorts. While the river is clean, the water has a brownish tint.
- Pakerisan River tubing offers a more diverse landscape: waterfalls, rice paddies, and a sacred spring water pool believed by locals to have healing powers. The water here is clear and refreshing.
🌊 Rapids & Water Speed
- Rafting has consistent rapids, making for an exhilarating ride. It’s more intense and requires guidance from trained rafting instructors that share your raft.
- Tubing has rapids in the first half of the river route The second half is calm and allows for a relaxing float downriver.
🚣 Raft vs. Tube
- Rafting: 4–6 people per raft plus a guide. Solo or couple travelers may be grouped with others.
- Tubing: One tube per person, guided by instructors in separate tubes — offering a more intimate and personal experience.
👥 Popularity
- Whitewater Rafting is a long-time favorite in Ubud with well-established operators. Our partner includes a restaurant with rice field views as part of the experience.
- River Tubing is less crowded and less commercialized, ideal for those looking for tranquility and nature immersion or have a lower fitness level.
⏱️ Duration
Both activities take approximately 2 hours, including:
- Transportation to and from start/finish points
- River walk access
- Break stops during the journey
💪 Physical Activity
- Rafting: More physical effort, includes paddling and a 15-minute hike down to the river, followed by a hike up stairs at the end.
- Tubing: Gentler, no paddling required. Only a 5-minute walk to the river, and a scenic 20-minute walk through rice fields at the end.
👶 Recommended Age
- Tubing: Minimum age is 5 years. Kids aged 5–10 can join a parent’s tube.
- Rafting: Minimum age is 6 years, and children will be positioned in the raft according to guide discretion.
✅ Tip: Tubing is more enjoyable for children under 10 years.
💰 Price & Inclusions
- Tubing is generally more affordable than rafting. Child pricing is the same as adult.
- Rafting usually includes lunch, showers, changing rooms, and optional photo/video packages at additional charge. Our partner offers a la carte dining, fresh juices, and great coffee.
- Tubing includes showers and changing rooms, but no meal plus optional photo/video using your phone at small additional charge.
🔗 Booking Options
You can book either activity individually or as part of a combo tour with:
Make it a full day of fun and adventure in Ubud!
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