Indonesia is famous for the adventure sports like Rafting, hiking, rock climbing and surfing, and most of the tourists arrive in Indonesia for whitewater rafting in the swift currents of the Indonesian rivers. Most of the major islands in Indonesia are famous rafting spots. Some of the famous and most visited rafting spots by the tourists are listed along with their costs to make your trip a convenient one and memorable. Here are some of the best spots for rafting in Indonesia!
1. Alas River, Aceh
This river flows directly into the Indian Ocean, separating the Leuser National Park and Aceh. It has a sharp and swift currents with many bends. It is advisable for beginners to start from Muarasitulan Kutacane city to Gelombang city while the advanced rafters can start from Anugusan. While rafting you can also be witnesses to the beautiful rainforests and its wildlife.
The Alas river rafting is a 4 day trip, covering 100kms, starting from Ketambe Village, Southeast Aceh Regency to Kuta Cane Village Southeast, Aceh Regency. You can also go in for a full day trip of 40kms. The maximum size of the group is, 5 members, and it costs around 1.850.000 IDR. Price includes transportation, meals, accommodation at Ketambe, rafting equipment, english speaking guide and Leuser National Park entrance fee.
Day 1- Medan, Kuala Namu Airport,
Day 2- Medan- Ketambe
Day 3- Alas river rafting, and finally,
Day 4- Back to Medan, Kuala Namu Airport.
- Safety tips to keep in mind other than what your guides instruct, are :
- Choose a licensed and professional rafting outfitter
- Wear a life jacket or PDF( personal floating device)
- Wear protective gears
- Wear proper outerwear
- Hold the paddle properly
- Knowing the proper swimming techniques and High Siding commands.
Suggested operators- Explore Sumatera or Sobek Rafting, which offers experienced and who can talk in English.
2. Asahan River, North Sumatra
Next on the list is the Asahan River, North Sumatra, this is a challenging ride as this river is known for its strong currents and is the third best rafting spots in the world. Many international rafting tournaments are held at this river. It is a 22kms long ride, a 3 days trip where you can meet the highest waterfall in Indonesia, the Panot, with a height of 250m.
For a fun rafting (5 persons) of 3 hours it costs- IDR350,000, for extreme rafting (4 persons) for 1 hour- IDR450,000, full day rafting(5 persons) for 5 hours- IDR750,000, for rafting and tracking(5 persons) for 2days- IDR 685,000, and rafting and hiking (5 persons) for 3days- IDR 750,000. The prices includes, meals, transport and guide along with rafting equipment. The rafting begins at Zero point at Parhitean Village, Toba and ends at the Bandar Pulo.
Safety tips will be given by your instructor, make sure you listen carefully and act accordingly.
Suggested operators are- Asahan River Rafting or Asahan For Paddler, they can be contacted through any social media portal.
3. Ayung River, Bali
Starting from Payangan and ending in Kedewatan Village, rafting at Ayung River, Bali, is 12kms long and not very dangerous except during heavy rains. It is suitable for beginners. It is a 4 hours adventure at Rs. 1,110, including, an English speaking guide, transportation and meals and insurance.
There are two packages, Rafting without shared transfer and Rafting with shared transfer. Safety tips- people with heart or lung problems, asthma or other respiratory problems are advised not to join the rafting activities.
Suggested operators are- The Original Ayung River White Water Rafting.
4. Nimanga River, North Sulawesi
Next up is Nimanga River, North Sulawesi, located in the Timbukar Village, Minahasa, it takes about 5 hours and 1.5 hours of shuttle ride from Manado to Nimanga River. It costs around Rs. 4,718.82, and includes Transportation, guide, rafting equipment and lunch. Safety tips- not recommended for those with back problems, heart problems, and the maximum number of travelers are 15, there are three stops at Christ Blessing, Minahasa, and Manado Town Square in case you don’t feel alright you can request for a stop in between.
Suggested operators- Expedia.co.uk or TripAdvisor where booking can be made online.
5. Elo River, Central Java
The Elo River, Central Java, is located near the Borobudur Temple in Magelang. It is a 3 hours trip with swift currents and costs around Rp.3,329 with 1-5 members per group. The weekend trips are in the Morning while the weekday trips are in the afternoon and ends with a meal either lunch or dinner.
Safety tips- minimum age is 8+, people with any kind of disability are not allowed to join, also people with alcoholic influence. Participants are requested to wear Swimwear, t-shirt, river sandals or shoes for safety and convenience.
Suggested operators- TripAdvisor or Klook, you can also look for other operators, online.
6. Citarik River, West Java
The Citarik River, West Java, located in the Mount Halimun, Cikadang. The river flows through Volcanic gorges and jungle, the best time for rafting is during the rainy season. It takes about 1 hour and 30 mins and lots of energy to raft this 15kms long river, starting from Klapanunggal and returning to the starting point. The cost is around Rp. 1,851.23, includes, food and beverages, lunch and entry and admission at Citarik.
Safety tips- there is no wheelchair accessibility, not suitable for people with physical ailments or heart diseases. Maximum of 15 members only can be accommodated in the raft.
Suggested operators- TripAdvisor or Keliling Nusantara.
7. Telaga Waja River, Bali
Telaga Waja, Bali is another famous rafting spot in Indonesia. This tour can be availed at morning and afternoon slots at Rp. 2,382, which includes lunch, insurance coverage, professional guide, rafting equipment, and it takes about 4 hours to take a tour on this 17kms long river. You can also compare the prices at which the other operators offer a rafting trip, Viator offers at Rp1960.12 for 2 hours.
Suggested operators- Viator or Thrillophilia.
8. Western Lombok River, Lombok
Western Lombok River rafting is available at Rp. 2,905 for 6 hours for 6.5kms down the river. The price includes, rafting insurance, equipment, professional guide, transportation and meals. Safety tips- travelers should have a moderate physical fitness level, and there is no wheelchair accessibility. Suggested operators- Viator or Wandernesia.
9. Melangit River, Bali
Melangit River, is yet another beautiful river located in Klungkung area, it is 8kms long and takes about 1.5 hours. The tour package costs IDR450.000 for adults and IDR425.000 for kids between 6-12 years. The price includes, transportation, rafting equipment, professional guide, meals and insurance. Suggested operators- Bali River Rafting or Bali Magic Tour.
10. Bromo Malang River, East Java
Bromo Malang River, East Java, is a 3 to 4 hours rafting ride along this 12kms long Pekalen river it costs about IDR 1,350,000 per person, the price get reduced based on the increase in the number of participants. The starting and ending point would either be Surabaya or Malang. Suggested operators- Java Tour Organizer, Viator or cak Ferdi Tour and Travel.
Suggested Operators:
- Bali River Rafting
- Bali Magic Tour
- Gusti Bali
- Bali Sobek Rafting
- Mason Adventures
- Payung Rafting
- Keliling Nusantara
- The Original Ayung River Rafting
- Asahan For Paddler
