Tour review · TOUR REVIEWS
Bali Downhill Cycling and White Water Rafting
Two wild rides, one Bali day. This combo packs downhill cycling from Kintamani into Ayung River rafting, so your day swings between mountain views and fast water. I like that the route includes real local scenery, rice paddies, and small temple stops, not just straight sightseeing.
You’ll also get a full, guided afternoon on the river, with safety gear and professional support, plus a proper lunch break in Ubud. The one thing to consider is that this is a long day, starting at 7:30am and running about 10 hours, and it depends on good weather for the rafting.
Key highlights before you go
- Small group size (max 6 travelers), so briefing and attention feel more personal
- Downhill bike ride through rice fields and villages, with planned stops along the way
- 2 hours on the Ayung River with rapids, plus sights like Ramayana carvings and a waterfall
- Included lunch in Ubud, so you are not hunting for food between activities
- Safety equipment and insurance included, which makes the day feel more managed
A Classic Bali Combo: Kintamani Downhill to Ayung River Rapids

This is a two-activity day built for people who want their Bali to feel active and outdoorsy. You start in the higher Kintamani area, then ride downhill toward Ubud, and finish with rafting on the Ayung River. The pacing works because you get a built-in rhythm: morning views, mid-day food, afternoon water.
I like how the tour groups everything under one plan. Pickup, transport, guides, safety gear, and lunch are included, so you avoid the hassle of coordinating two separate companies. At $100 per person, it also reads like decent value because you are not just paying for time on a bike and on a raft, you are paying for the full day flow.
The day is also clearly designed for variety. If you want Bali to be more than scooters and temples, this does it without turning your day into a complicated checklist.
You can also read our reviews of more cycling tours in Ubud
Morning Pickup and Kintamani Breakfast With Batur and Lake Views
Your day starts with hotel or accommodation pickup, then a drive to the tour office for registration and a briefing. That first hour matters more than you might think, because it sets the tone and helps you know what you are doing before you start moving.
From there, you ride to the cycling start point in Kintamani. Before the bikes, you stop for a light breakfast and enjoy the view of Mount Batur and Lake Batur. Even if you have seen photos before, the framing here tends to land well, because you get a big sky, volcanic scenery, and a cool start to your active day.
Practical note: since start time is 7:30am, expect an early pull. Bring something for sun protection, and plan to be ready to go once you arrive at the start area.
2.5 Hours of Downhill Cycling Through Rice Paddies and Temples

The heart of the morning is the downhill cycling section, about 2.5 hours. This is not described as a technical, steep-battle ride. The emphasis is on enjoying the descent and the scenery as you move through villages, rice paddies, and water-related farming areas.
On the ride, you make several stops. You pause in rice fields, see irrigation points, and you pass by Balinese houses and temples. Those breaks are useful, not just for photos. They give you time to look around, catch your breath, and take in how people actually live in this part of Bali, up close, at cycling speed.
One of the joys people highlight is how picturesque it feels, especially when you are moving through the rice paddy sections. You also get to slow down at points that make cultural sense, rather than speed through them without noticing.
What I would watch for as you plan your body and expectations:
- You will be on a bike for a solid block of time, so comfy balance matters.
- It is a “ride then raft” day, so you want to pace yourself and save enough energy for the river later.
- You will likely get some sun exposure during breaks, so plan to cover up when you can.
Cycling Finishes in Ubud, Then Lunch Resets the Day

Your cycling tour finishes back in Ubud, and you can grab lunch at the tour restaurant. This is a smart part of the schedule because it creates separation between “bike effort” and “water time.” After you have eaten, you are not scrambling for food while you are carrying the energy dip that comes from being out in the sun.
Lunch is included, which you will appreciate if you have ever tried to plan meals during a back-to-back activity day. You also get an in-between transition point where you can cool down, refuel, and be ready to change gears for rafting.
Also keep in mind: the tour continues straight to the river after lunch. If you are someone who needs a long nap between activities, you might find the next step comes fast, but for most active travelers, the timing keeps the day fun instead of dragging.
Ayung River Rafting: 2 Hours of Rapids, Carvings, and Waterfalls

After lunch, you head to the Ayung River for white water rafting. This part is about 2 hours with a professional river guide leading the action. Guides matter here because rafting is not just about getting wet. They help you read the river, stay positioned, and go through the rapids with confidence.
The river experience is described as rapid-filled and very nature-focused. You ride while seeing Ayung River scenery, including references to Ramayana carvings and a waterfall. Those details add interest beyond the motion of the raft, so it feels like you are traveling through a real place, not just surviving water.
This is also where the wildlife factor can show up. In experiences like this, you often spot small surprises along the banks, and people have mentioned seeing things like a monkey and colorful birds. You should treat sightings as a bonus, but it is a good sign that the route is meant to be enjoyed, not ignored.
After the rafting, you can take a shower and change your wet clothes. That part is genuinely valuable on a day like this. You do not want to spend your evening feeling sticky and cold. Having a rinse and clothes change built into the plan makes the whole day feel more civilized.
What the Professional Guides and Safety Gear Actually Mean

This tour includes cycling and rafting guides, all safety equipment, and cycling and rafting insurance. That package matters because it reduces the guesswork. You are not showing up and hoping you understand the procedures. You get briefed first, then equipped, and you have someone leading the key risk moments.
It also changes how you can think about comfort. You can focus on enjoying the experience rather than second-guessing whether you picked the right gear or whether the guide will handle the tricky sections. And because insurance is included in the offer, you can feel more covered during the activities.
The practical effect is simple: it turns a potentially stressful day into a structured one. That is especially nice if it is your first time doing either downhill cycling or white water rafting.
Price and Logistics: Is $100 Good Value Here?
The headline price is $100 per person. On its own, that sounds like a standard activity rate. What makes it feel more like a bundle is what is included.
For your money, you get:
- hotel pickup and drop-off
- about 2.5 hours of cycling
- about 2 hours of rafting
- guides for both activities
- all safety equipment
- lunch
- cycling and rafting insurance
- tax and service included at 21%
If you priced rafting alone, then added transport and meals, you could quickly end up paying close to the total without any cycling. So the value angle here is that you are buying a full day organizer. You do not have to stitch it together yourself, which saves time and reduces planning stress.
There is also the small group limit: maximum 6 travelers. Small groups often translate into fewer waiting moments and more direct guidance, especially during briefing and transitions.
The logistics are also clean. Start time is 7:30am, you get a breakfast stop, you cycle, you eat, you raft, and you return to your accommodation. That predictable flow is what makes it work as a single-day plan.
Who This Day Tour Suits Best in Ubud and Kintamani
This tour fits best if you want active Bali without overthinking. You should consider it if you like:
- scenery that is not just temple gates
- a downhill bike ride through rice fields and villages
- a rafting day with guides and a mix of rapids and natural features
It is also a good fit for people who want one organized day that does not require extra local arranging. Pickup and drop-off help, especially if you are basing yourself in Ubud and do not want to handle vehicles for the whole route.
You might want to think twice if you dislike early starts. The day begins at 7:30am, and it runs about 10 hours, including transfers. You should also be comfortable getting wet, since rafting ends with shower and clothes change but you still need to expect water time.
Finally, because the tour requires good weather, you should choose your schedule wisely. If Bali humidity or rain is unpredictable during your stay, keep some flexibility.
Should You Book This Bali Downhill Cycling and Rafting Day?
If you want a single, high-energy day that combines Kintamani cycling and Ayung River rafting with guides, included lunch, and small-group feel, I think this is a strong booking choice. The price looks fair because so many core pieces are already included: safety gear, insurance, transport, and meals.
Book it if you are excited by the idea of riding through rice paddies in the morning and then switching to rapid-filled rafting in the afternoon. Skip it only if you hate early wakeups or you are worried about weather-dependent river conditions. Otherwise, this is one of those Bali days where you come home tired in a good way.
FAQ
What time does the tour start?
The start time is 7:30am.
How long is the Bali downhill cycling and white water rafting day?
The duration is about 10 hours.
Does the tour include hotel pickup and drop-off?
Yes, hotel pickup and drop-off services are included.
Where does the cycling start and how long is it?
The cycling starts in Kintamani, and the cycling tour lasts about 2.5 hours.
Where is the rafting and how long is it?
White water rafting is on the Ayung River in Ubud, and it lasts about 2 hours.
What meals are included?
Lunch is included, and there is a light breakfast served at the cycling start area in Kintamani.
Is safety equipment and insurance included?
Yes. All safety equipment is included, and cycling and rafting insurance is included as well.
Is a shower available after rafting?
Yes. After rafting, you can take a shower and change your wet clothes.
What happens if the weather is poor?
The experience requires good weather. If it is canceled due to poor weather, you will be offered a different date or a full refund.
More Cycling Tours in Ubud
More Tour Reviews in Ubud
Not for you? Here's more nearby things to do in Ubud we have reviewed
Tour Reviews, compared.
★ 5.0All-Inclusive Ubud Private TourFrom $10014,344 reviews
★ 5.0Best of Ubud Full-Day Tour with Jungle SwingFrom $568,571 reviews
★ 5.0Monkey Forest, Jungle Swing, Rice Terrace, and Water TempleFrom $317,160 reviews
★ 5.0Best of Ubud 1-Day Private TourFrom $544,451 reviews
★ 4.4Bali: Ubud Palace Legong Dance Show TicketFrom $63,979 reviews
★ 5.0Uluwatu Sunset, Kecak Dance, and Dinner Jimbaran BeachFrom $353,681 reviews
★ 5.0Tanah Lot and North Bali Tour: Scenic JourneyFrom $1003,620 reviews
★ 5.0Body Massage Experience in Ubud Traditional SpaFrom $213,506 reviews
Browse the lists this tour appears in


























