Ubud | Indonesia :: Rafting the Ayung and Luscious Lava of Mt. Batur

Ubud’s fertile land surrounding the rice fields is a result of the volcanic activity amidst the jungles in the middle of the island of Bali.

Mount Batur

We decided on a whim to ride the scooter up to the lava fields of the active Mount Batur, about an hour’s ride away up the windy roads into the clouds.

Tour guides were waiting for their prey on the main road a few minutes outside the edge of the crater so we succumbed to the pressures and hired a local guide for the $20 half day tour.

The lava rocks from the eruptions of the 1980s to last year were scattered all around as far as you could see, with the beauty of the rocks and earth disguising the devastation of the villages. Since it was pouring down rain with the temperatures dropping, we made a rather quick exit and headed back into town after a hot meal at a restaurant overlooking the volcano and the vast crater which is now a huge lake.

Manali On The Motorbike At The Foot of Mount Batur

Manali Doing a "Gator Chomp"

The next day, we headed north east of town to the Ayung River for some white water rapid rafting.

Manali + Terry - Ayung River

The 10km journey lasted 4 hours and every minute was enjoyable with our mischievous guide, Madé, (Mega Rafting company) who took liberties in slamming our raft into each and every rock on the way.

Terry Posing In Front of Ramayana Carvings

Rock Carvings Along Ayung River of Ramayana

Along the journey we saw monkeys swinging from the branches, gorgeous rock carvings of the Ramayana chiseled into the side of the cliffs, and got “free massages” under the strong and fast flowing waterfalls.

Terry Getting A "Free Massage"

Our guide cracked up every few minutes as we whizzed past dozens of Chinese rafters wedged between rocks and would point and say “Haha, Chinese stuck” since they are known for their poor navigating skills.

Terry Right Before Soaking Chinese Rafters, Sweet Revenge!

Madé and Terry also got further into the action by super splashing and soaking every raft of the competing company which made the journey rather wet and war like, with us watching for the ‘enemy’ around each corner.

Terry Floating in Ayung River

Manali+Terry
Manali+Terry
Manali+Terry are world travelers with a passion for exploration, learning new things and connecting with people of different cultures.

2 COMMENTS

  1. Ciao, guys! It's been some time since I've asked your travel advice, but my partner and I are headed to Bali and I remembered that you had all of these lovely posts about Ubud!

    How much did you have to book ahead, what with the island being so small? We hardly did any pre-booking in SE Asia, but I don't know if Bali is the same style. I will definitely try and find Madé (if he's still there). Is he the same guide that took you on the rice paddy tour and to his village, or is that just a common Balinese name? In any case, do you have contact details? How many days should we spend in Ubud? (Unfortunately, we only have 6 days scheduled in Bali.) Any other advice?

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