Canyoning is one of the most exciting adventure activities in Bali, and it is one of the most misunderstood adventure sports in Bali; most people think that it needs a lot of outdoor experience, but most of the canyoning paths in Bali are designed for total newcomers. If you are new, here’s what you need to know before booking any canyoning tour in Bali.
What Is Canyoning?
Canyoning (also known as canyoneering) is navigating a river gorge using a mix of techniques, including rappelling, sliding along natural rock faces, jumping off cliffs into the water, and swimming through the canyon’s narrowest sections. In Bali, the canyoning trails usually go down a river stream, meaning that one follows its course and thus goes down the current.
Bali Locations for Canyoning
The majority of canyoning activities in Bali happen at Gitgit, which is located in the northern part of the island, where there are numerous waterfalls and canyons. Some canyoning companies operate in the vicinity of Ubud, thereby providing tourists with an opportunity to combine canyoning and sightseeing within half a day. In case you’re making that your base, then our guide to things to do in Ubud will cover the other parts for you.
What You Can Expect From Your First Canyoning Experience
A usual canyoning experience for beginners in Bali lasts for about 3-4 hours and starts with an introduction to safety measures before the experience and equipment fitting. The experience is composed of the following:
- Short abseiling descents from waterfalls (usually from 5 to 15 meters high), when the guide controls your rope from the bottom
- Rock slides into water pools
- Cliff jumps of different heights, but with a safer walk-in option in case you don’t want to do the jump
- Some parts of swimming and walking through the canyon
The guides show each obstacle to you first and explain everything personally.
What do I Require – Experience and or a Certain Level of Fitness?
Neither previous canyoning nor climbing experience is required, though. You have to be able to swim relatively well because a good part of the trail consists of wading through and swimming in the water. There will also be a minimum age requirement (usually 10 to 12 years old) and a fitness level.
What You Should Wear/Bring
- Active sport clothing that is quick-drying (you will be totally soaked)—no cotton clothing
- Gripping shoes—some operators supply special shoes for canyoning; others request that you bring along your own sport shoes that are okay being wet
- Swimwear worn underneath your active sport wear
- Environmentally friendly sunscreen; it should be applied even before you set out because there are still portions that have sun exposure
- A dry bag, or simply leave your valuables at your lodge, because most of the operators do not permit any phone/camera during the tour for safety purposes
Is Canyoning Safe in Bali?
Like all adventure water sports, canyoning comes with its share of risks – yet, when done through reputable Bali-based providers, beginners can expect all safety gear (helmet, harness, wetsuit or rash vest) and ratios of guide to client that ensure all jumps and abseils are carefully overseen. The most crucial element of ensuring your safety will be selecting an experienced and licensed guide.
Best Season to Visit for Canyoning in Bali
Canyoning is an activity available all year round in Bali; however, the ideal time is usually during the dry season, which falls between April and October. During the wet season, when there are instances of heavy rains in Bali, there might be a need to postpone the trip due to increased water levels in the rivers.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Is canyoning in Bali recommended for absolute beginners?
Yes – most canyoning trails in Bali are made specifically for first-time adventurers, with instructors showing how each obstacle should be overcome and providing simpler options for jumping and sliding.
2. How fit must I be to try canyoning?
It’s sufficient to have average fitness – if you can hike for a few hours comfortably, you will easily cope with a canyoning adventure trail. It’s better to be a confident swimmer rather than very fit.
3. What should I dress up in for canyoning in Bali?
Quick-dry clothes, footwear with good grip, and a swimming costume under the clothes. Cotton clothes should be avoided as you will stay wet during most of your adventure.
4. Is it possible to take my mobile phone or camera canyoning?
No, as per safety measures, most agencies don’t allow any personal electronics along the course. However, the agencies will provide a professional camera or GoPro package.
5. Is there an age limit for canyoning in Bali?
It is up to the agency, but the most common age for beginner courses is between 10 and 12 years.
Do you want to combine canyoning into a holiday adventure? Have a look at our Bali Holiday Packages or view our comprehensive Things to Do in Bali page.