REVIEW · UBUD
Ubud: Trekking Through Rivers & Forests to Three Waterfalls
Book on GetYourGuide →Operated by Jana Bali Tour · Bookable on GetYourGuide
One-of-a-kind canyon time in Ubud jungle. This trek blends river-walking, three waterfalls, and real-jungle thrills like the Green Canyon swing and optional water jumps. I like that it feels like Bali’s wild side—guided, but still outdoorsy and a little unpredictable in the best way, especially around water.
What I like most: you’re not just looking at scenery—you’re moving through it. The river trek and waterfall stops give you both calm moments (shallow water walking, cooling swims where pools allow) and dramatic moments for photos at each fall.
One consideration: there’s active water time. The route includes walking through the river and jumping/swinging options, so it’s not for everyone—especially if you’re traveling with very young kids or if climbing and getting wet is a hard no.
In This Review
- Key highlights you should care about
- Why this Ubud river trek feels wilder than typical Bali trips
- Goa Rang Reng: where the jungle trek gets real
- Three waterfalls without the usual crowd vibe
- Green Canyon swing: the adrenaline moment people talk about
- Water jumping and the natural water slide
- River-walking details: what the trek actually feels like
- Guides who make it educational and fun (Adi, Yoga, and the photo angle)
- Price and time: is $19 per person good value?
- What to bring for a wet, wild few hours
- Who should book this trek (and who should skip it)
- Should you book this Ubud river-and-waterfall trek?
- FAQ
- FAQ
- How long is the trek?
- Where can pickup and drop-off happen?
- Is the tour only waterfalls, or are there other activities?
- Do I need trekking experience?
- Will I be swimming?
- What should I bring?
- What language is the guide?
- Is there free cancellation?
Key highlights you should care about

- Three waterfalls along a river trek, including Goa Rang Reng
- Green Canyon swing with panoramic gorge views
- Natural water play: water jumping plus a rock-and-water slide feel
- Safety briefing and guided “how to” for the more daring parts
- English live guide, with helpers who also help with shots and angles
- Hotel pickup and drop-off options across southern Bali areas
Why this Ubud river trek feels wilder than typical Bali trips

This isn’t a bus-and-temple kind of outing. You start with a guided walk that takes you off the main paths and into a river-and-forest rhythm where the sounds of rushing water and insects replace street noise.
You’ll be walking through shallow water and rocky sections, then pausing at waterfalls that feel more like nature’s backstage entrances than tourist viewpoints. It’s also short enough that you don’t feel trapped all day in humidity and traffic—this one is built for a focused few hours.
You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in Ubud.
Goa Rang Reng: where the jungle trek gets real

Your first real stop centers on Goa Rang Reng Waterfall. You’ll get a guided tour and walk, with built-in time for scenic views on the way. There’s also a safety briefing, which matters because you’re mixing slippery rocks, shallow river crossings, and swimming opportunities.
Time-wise, this section is about 2 hours, so it’s not just a quick stop. You’ll have room to cool off where conditions and access allow, and you won’t feel rushed into snapping a photo and running away.
What makes this start work is pacing. You ease into the environment first, then build toward the higher-adrenaline canyon moments later.
Three waterfalls without the usual crowd vibe

The headline is three waterfalls, and they’re spread through the trek so you get a sequence instead of a checklist. Since these falls are described as tucked away from the main routes, the experience often feels like you’re spending time in a quieter pocket of Ubud’s nature.
Each waterfall has its own personality. Some work well for a swim when there’s a natural pool area, while others are tall and dramatic—better for photos when you want that full waterfall frame.
Practical note: you’ll want to be flexible. Water levels and how much area feels swim-friendly can vary, especially if you’re going during rainier periods. The guide handles the “where to go, what to do safely” part.
Green Canyon swing: the adrenaline moment people talk about

Then comes the big ticket: the jungle swing at Green Canyon. You swing above a deep green gorge with clear river water below, and the view is exactly the kind of “how is this real” canyon panorama you expect in a movie—only you’re standing on the platform yourself.
You’ll play the swing in the middle of the canyon, and this is where the tour shifts from pretty to thrilling. If you’ve got height anxiety, it helps that the activity is guided and can be approached step-by-step. One review specifically called out that even someone with a fear of heights could do it.
If you care about photos, this is also the moment you’ll want camera ready. The experience naturally creates angles that don’t happen on a normal viewpoint, and guides have shown up in this activity doing photo/video support and getting good shots.
Water jumping and the natural water slide

After the swing, you move into the “jungle playground” zone. The tour includes water jumping from a canyon wall into a natural pool, with safe, guided spots to use. In one account, the optional jump height was described as ranging from about 2 to 7 meters, depending on what’s chosen and what conditions allow.
You also get a natural water slide feel. Instead of artificial tubing or plastic rails, the slide is formed by smooth river rocks and the flow of water—so it’s more like riding the river’s own physics. It’s fun in a hands-on way, and it feels more authentic than gimmick attractions.
One detail I really like: the guide setup for movement. There are places where you swim along, but there are ropes along rocks that can help you pull yourself along. That kind of practical help matters when you’re wet, focused on footing, and trying not to turn the whole thing into a comedy routine.
River-walking details: what the trek actually feels like
This tour’s core is the river. You’ll walk along the crystal-clear river through a tropical jungle setting, using shallow crossings and rocky paths. It’s the kind of walk where you notice the small things—leaves brushing your legs, birds calling from above, and the constant water sound that makes everything feel calmer.
You don’t need trekking experience. The whole route is structured to feel approachable, with a professional guide managing the flow, safety briefing, and timing between water features.
Still, don’t treat it like a casual stroll in sneakers. Your shoes will get wet, and footing on rocks is a real factor. If you’re prone to slipping, take it slow and trust the route guidance.
Guides who make it educational and fun (Adi, Yoga, and the photo angle)

A big reason this works so well is the guide experience. In past outings, guides named Adi and Yoga have been highlighted for being friendly, reliable, and taking time to explain what you’re seeing.
That includes plant and animal life, plus general context about Bali’s nature. You don’t just get a guide who shouts directions—you get someone who helps you connect the dots between waterfall, forest, and river.
You also get real support for photos. Multiple accounts describe guides taking lots of really good photos and videos, and one person specifically noted a waterproof bag for storing items. Another mentioned water shoes being provided, which is a practical win because getting river-ready on short notice is not always a given in Bali.
Price and time: is $19 per person good value?

At $19 per person, the value is strong for a few reasons. First, it’s not only the sightseeing. You’re paying for a professional guide, an entrance ticket, and included essentials like bottle water and necessary tools.
Second, you’re getting both transport and a compact adventure. Pickup and drop-off are offered, and options include areas like Sanur, Legian, Jimbaran, Kuta, Canggu, Ubud, Seminyak, and Nusa Dua Beach. That reduces the “how do I get there” friction, especially if you’re staying outside Ubud town.
Third, it’s private group style. The tour is described as a private group, which usually means less waiting around and more time actually doing the activities rather than watching others go.
With a duration of 2 to 4 hours, you also get a flexible half-day that won’t wreck your dinner plans.
What to bring for a wet, wild few hours

Bring a change of clothes—this is the one item that will keep you comfortable after the water parts. A camera also makes sense because you’ll have multiple opportunities at waterfalls and canyon viewpoints.
Beyond that, go simple. Expect to be wet. If you use your own footwear, wear something you don’t mind getting soaked and that grips well on rocks.
Also, ask about storage. Since at least one guide setup has included a waterproof bag, it’s worth checking what’s available in your session so you’re not improvising with a plastic sandwich bag like it’s 2009.
Who should book this trek (and who should skip it)
This is a good fit if you want nature in motion—river trekking + waterfalls + canyon thrills—without committing to a full day.
It’s also a solid choice if you’re traveling with a mindset like: I want one or two real standout moments, not just a lineup of stops. The swing and canyon jump options give you that kind of highlight energy.
But skip it if you fall into the stated limits: children under 5 aren’t suitable, and people over 65 aren’t suitable. Also be honest about the swimming/jumping/swinging portions. Even when options feel flexible, it’s still an active, wet experience.
If you’re afraid of heights, you may still be able to do the swing with encouragement and careful steps—just set your expectations and follow the guide’s safety lead.
Should you book this Ubud river-and-waterfall trek?
Book it if you want a short, high-reward jungle outing where you’re not just watching nature—you’re in it. The combination of three waterfalls, Green Canyon swing, and natural water play is the kind of mix that makes Bali feel different from the usual highlights circuit.
Pass on it if you need a low-effort experience or if water activities are a hard no. This isn’t a dry “look and leave” tour.
If you’re choosing between experiences in Ubud, I’d treat this as your nature + adrenaline + photos option. And if rain shows up early, the tour can still work out nicely; one account described getting the whole tour nearly to themselves at the start when weather made things quieter.
FAQ
FAQ
How long is the trek?
The duration is 2 to 4 hours, depending on the starting time and how the day’s conditions play out.
Where can pickup and drop-off happen?
Pickup and drop-off are offered with options including Sanur, Legian, Jimbaran, Kuta, Canggu, Ubud, Seminyak, and Nusa Dua Beach.
Is the tour only waterfalls, or are there other activities?
There are more activities than waterfalls. You’ll also do a jungle swing in Green Canyon, plus water jumping and a natural water slide.
Do I need trekking experience?
No trekking experience is required. You should just be ready for walking through shallow river water and rocky paths.
Will I be swimming?
Swimming is part of the experience where conditions allow, and it includes river walking and time at waterfall areas with natural pools.
What should I bring?
Bring a change of clothes and a camera.
What language is the guide?
The live guide works in English.
Is there free cancellation?
Yes. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.























