Ayung River, river in Indonesia
Ayung River is a waterway flowing through central Bali, passing through forests, rice paddies, and small villages as it travels from the mountains to the coast over a distance of about 68 kilometers. The water moves at varying speeds throughout its course, with some sections flowing gently while others have stronger currents and waterfalls.
The Ayung is the longest river in Bali, running 68.5 km from its source near Kintamani to the Badung Strait at Sanur. Its upper course is fed by three tributaries—Tukad Bangkung from Pelaga, Tukad Menggani from Catur and Tukad Siap from Kintamani—which meet at Payangan. Flow records kept at Buangga between 1973 and 1986 measured a discharge of 6.6 to 14.2 m³ per second.
The river is known in Balinese as Tukad Ayung. On its banks at Payangan, Chicco Tatriele and his wife built a bamboo centre dedicated solely to healing the body and mind. Rafting guides point out the jungle banks and the three headwater tributaries — Tukad Bangkung, Tukad Menggani and Tukad Siap — that meet at Payangan.
Rafting routes on the Ayung are open to ages 5 to 65. The most family-friendly stretches carry about 33 rapids, mostly class II and III. Upstream, from Petang to Carangsari, the banks remain little touched by human activity, and the steep, deep channel there can be followed only by raft.
The river features around 33 rapids, mostly in classes II and III, which provide exciting yet manageable experiences for both beginners and experienced paddlers seeking adventure. This balance between challenge and safety makes it a popular choice for families and adventurers looking to enjoy Bali's water activities.
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