Rafting Challenge on the Telaga Waja River

Exited from the rafting on the Ayung river we were told by Ladybamboo to try the second rafting offering from Sobek, a more rough experience on the Telaga Waja River east of Ubud. A 45 minutes drive from Ubud awaits you at 430 meters attitude another well organized starting facility where you change into rafting gear.

The excellent english speaking guide explains the handling of the raft, which have a maximum capacity of four persons, plus the riverguide. And down 160 steps to the river, where the most important commados “duck” and “boom boom” are repeated. And you better remember them when the raft hits the sidewall, that is “boom boom”. If you do not hold to the raft you will find yourself in the swirling river. “Duck” is even more essential. Quickly duck and take shelter in the raft to pass under low bamboo bridges and tree branches.
The river is challenging, with 14 km to cover in about two hours, descending 200 meters from the starting point to the finish line. One rapid of 3.5 meter awaits you within the first 15 minutes and closer to the end, a drop of 4 meters over a water-dam raises your heart beat. One will only realize the size of this waterfall once one is over it. Very impressive!

At 12.30h the rafts arrive at the landing point, a walk 120 steps up is exhausting, but gives you amply time to enjoy the very beautiful view over the valley with steep rice terraces. On top a changing room with showers and a nice Balinese restaurant with an Indonesian buffet which awaits the rafter. After a leisurely lunch the minibus drives you back to Ladybamboo, arriving at 14.30h, in time to to hit the shops in Ubud. We enjoyed the trip even more than our first rafting trip on the Ayung river, much recommended for those brave people like us.
Nancy and Jo