REVIEW · UBUD
Ubud: Trekking Through Rivers & Forests to Three Waterfalls
Book on GetYourGuide →Operated by Jana Bali Tour · Bookable on GetYourGuide
Three waterfalls, one jungle swing. This Ubud adventure is built around a river wade in forest calm, then a sequence of falls you can actually swim around. You’ll trade crowds for quiet paths, slippery rocks, and that fresh-air feeling you only get when you’re surrounded by moving water.
I also love the main showpiece: the Green Canyon swing, with gorge views that make your camera roll work overtime. The tour guide time is a big deal too—people mention guides like Adi and Yoga slowing down, explaining what you’re seeing, and helping with photos. One consideration: you’re going to be on uneven river footing and doing water-based activities, so it’s not a great match if you’re looking for a totally dry, gentle walk.
In This Review
- Key moments that make this trek worth it
- River trek through Ubud’s jungle and three waterfalls
- Green Canyon swing: the adrenaline moment with gorge views
- Optional canyon jump and a natural water slide
- Goa Rang Reng and the flow of the day
- Guides like Adi and Yoga: what great leadership changes
- Price and value: why $19 can feel like a bargain in Bali
- Pickup, drop-off, and what “private group” means in practice
- What to bring (and what to expect when you get wet)
- Who should book this Ubud water trek (and who should skip it)
- Should you book this river-and-waterfall trek?
- FAQ
- How long is the Ubud trekking tour?
- What activities are included?
- Is the guide English-speaking?
- Does the tour include pickup and drop-off?
- What should I bring?
- Is swimming required?
- Who is this tour not suitable for?
Key moments that make this trek worth it

- Crystal river walking to three waterfalls, including spots where you can cool off in natural pools
- Green Canyon swing over a deep green gorge, plus plenty of time for photos and photos-from-angles
- Optional canyon jumping from a rock ledge (one review mentions 2 to 7 meters)
- Natural water slide feel, created by smooth river rocks and flowing water
- Guide support that makes the day smoother, from safety briefings to helping you get the right shot
- Convenient pickup/drop-off options, with a private group experience and a 2–4 hour time window
River trek through Ubud’s jungle and three waterfalls

This is the kind of Bali day that starts simple and builds momentum. You begin with pickup and head toward the trekking area, then step into the forest where the first win is sound. It’s not the usual “tour noise.” It’s water, birds, and your own footsteps on rock and shallow river sections.
The walk itself is the core experience. You’ll move along a river route where you can expect a mix of shallow wading and rocky sections. You don’t need a trekking background, but you do need basic comfort with wet surfaces and shifting footing. A lot of the magic here is pacing: you’re not rushing from viewpoint to viewpoint. You’re actually traveling through the place, one sound and bend at a time.
Then the waterfalls start—three of them, each with its own vibe. Some falls come with natural pools that make a swim practical, not just scenic. Others are more vertical and dramatic, which is where your camera earns its keep. And because these are not the most famous, high-footfall stops, you’re more likely to have the falls feel like a private moment instead of a queue.
A small detail that matters: safety is part of the rhythm. Before the more active water moments, you’ll get a safety briefing so you understand where to stand, where to jump, and how to move safely across rocks.
You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in Ubud.
Green Canyon swing: the adrenaline moment with gorge views

If you came to Ubud for one unforgettable adrenaline photo-and-memory, this is it. The jungle swing is set over Green Canyon, with those deep green gorges and clear river water below. The feeling is part view, part physics, part pure Bali “why is this real?”
You’ll swing high enough to feel the drop in your stomach, then see the canyon from above—river lines, dense greenery, and the kind of depth you don’t get from flat viewpoints. People also mention the swing is doable even if you have height anxiety. The key is having a calm guide and not rushing your body into the moment.
What I think makes this segment work is that it’s not treated like a 20-second stunt. You get time on the swing, so you can do more than one take, and you can settle your breathing first. Guides also tend to help with angles—multiple reviews call out guides taking great shots—so it’s not just you holding a phone and hoping for the best.
One practical note: you’ll be wet in the jungle anyway, so wear swim-friendly gear and plan for the fact that you’ll leave with water in your hair, your clothes, and your backpack unless you seal everything.
Optional canyon jump and a natural water slide

After the swing, the itinerary gets more playful and more physical. There are water-jumping options and a natural water slide effect that comes from smooth river rocks and flowing water. This part is where the tour shifts from “scenic hike” to “choose-your-adventure.”
Jumping is described as optional, meaning you should only do it if you feel ready and your guide says you’re in the right spot. One review specifically mentioned an optional jump height range of 2 to 7 meters, so the scale can be bigger than a casual splash. If heights aren’t your thing, you can still participate by staying with the safer, guided options for the rest.
The water slide part is the fun of “no manufactured ride.” Instead of an engineered track, it’s the river’s own smooth rock path and current. That usually means it’s shorter and more natural, which is good news if you prefer thrills that feel like part of the environment rather than something bolted on.
Safety again matters here. You’ll have guidance on where to jump, where to swim, and how to use available help points. For example, one review mentions ropes along the rocks that help you pull yourself along in a swimming section. That kind of detail makes a big difference for anyone who’s not a confident swimmer.
Goa Rang Reng and the flow of the day
A clean way to understand the structure is this: you start with the river trek and scenery approach, then you spend real time moving between falls and canyon features.
One main stop is Goa Rang Reng Waterfall, where you’ll have a guided visit, scenic views along the way, and time that includes swimming plus a safety briefing. Even though the day is built around three waterfalls overall, this waterfall segment is where you feel the rhythm of the tour: walking, pausing, gearing up for water time, and then going again.
How long will it take? Most bookings are in the 2 to 4 hour range. That range matters because jungle mornings and weather can change the whole feel. If rain hits early, conditions can soften the crowds and make the experience feel even more private. One review described having the whole tour to themselves because it was raining at the start—exactly the sort of situation where a smaller group adds up fast.
Timing also affects water clarity and jump conditions. If it’s been wet, the river can feel stronger and rocks can look slicker. That’s where your guide’s local sense matters more than your own guesswork.
Guides like Adi and Yoga: what great leadership changes

A tour can sell you waterfalls and thrills. But the guide decides whether the day feels safe, smooth, and fun or stressful and rushed. Here, the guide reputation is strong, with names like Adi and Yoga showing up in standout accounts.
What I like about this style of guiding is the mix of practical and personal. Safety briefings aren’t treated like paperwork. They’re explained in a way that helps you do the next step right. And beyond safety, guides share details about Bali’s nature—plants, animals, and how the jungle environment shapes what you see and feel.
Then there’s the photo part, and it’s not just “take one picture.” Multiple reviews mention guides acting as expert picture takers who find angles and help you get the shot you actually came for. One review also mentioned a waterproof bag for storing your things, which tells me the guide is thinking about the everyday problems of a wet jungle day, not only the big moments.
If you’re the type who wants a good memory without spending the day wrestling with a camera, this guide-led approach is a real value add.
Price and value: why $19 can feel like a bargain in Bali

At around $19 per person, this tour sits in the “budget adventure” category, not the “premium day with transfers and fine dining” tier. The value comes from packing in multiple real experiences—river walking, three waterfalls, swing time, and additional water activities—within a short 2–4 hour window.
You’re also getting essentials included: a professional guide, entrance ticket, bottle water, and tools for the activities. There’s even optional pickup and drop-off depending on what you select, which matters in Bali where time spent on travel can eat the day.
Here’s the honest way to think about value: you’re paying for access to a specific set of natural spots plus guidance through the water moments. If you tried to replicate it on your own, you’d likely spend time figuring out routes, safety conditions, and where you can actually swim or jump. The $19 price works best if you want a fun, active half day and you’re comfortable being in nature.
Pickup, drop-off, and what “private group” means in practice

This is a private group experience, and that can be a big deal for river trekking. A private setup generally means the pace stays more consistent. You don’t get stuck waiting on a group that moves slowly in water or rushes through the safety steps.
Pickup depends on the selected option. Drop-off options include Sanur, Legian, Jimbaran, Kuta, Canggu, Ubud, Seminyak, and Nusa Dua Beach. One review mentioned a driver named Jana picking someone up and returning them to the hotel, and that’s exactly the kind of convenience that makes this tour feel like it fits cleanly into a Bali schedule.
Duration stays short enough that you can plan around it, and you’re not committing to an all-day hike. If you’re pairing it with other Ubud activities, treat this as your active, wet-day anchor.
What to bring (and what to expect when you get wet)

This is not a dry temple-and-café afternoon. You should plan for being wet for real, from river wading to waterfall time.
Bring:
- Change of clothes
- Camera
From what you’ll likely experience in the field, shoes matter. One review mentioned water shoes provided for walking through the river, and that’s a huge help if you don’t want to deal with slippery rocks in regular footwear. A waterproof bag is also mentioned in a review, which is smart—your phone will want protection even if you’re careful.
For clothing, think swim-friendly and quick-drying. If you wear something fragile, it may not survive the day looking like it did in the morning. Also plan on drying time afterward. Even if you feel fine during the tour, you’ll want the trip back to give you a chance to get comfortable.
If you’re doing the optional jump or water slide-like sections, security comes from setup: follow your guide’s instructions, keep your footing, and don’t try to improvise.
Who should book this Ubud water trek (and who should skip it)

This trek suits:
- Nature lovers who want waterfalls beyond the usual photo circuit
- Adventure seekers who enjoy movement and water-based fun
- People who like guided experiences that still feel wild
It’s also a good fit if you value learning. Guides like Adi and Yoga are described as taking time to explain plants and animal life and to help you understand what you’re seeing.
Who should skip it?
- Children under 5 years
- People over 65 years
- Anyone who wants a fully safe, gentle walk with no water and no rocky footing
Even when jumping is optional, you’ll still be in a river environment. That means wet surfaces, possible cold water, and a bit of effort walking. If that sounds like a hassle, consider a calmer Ubud plan. If it sounds like your idea of a great day, you’ll probably have a blast.
Should you book this river-and-waterfall trek?
I’d book it if you want Ubud to feel more like jungle adventure and less like curated sightseeing. The combination of three waterfalls, the Green Canyon swing, plus optional jump and natural water slide-style thrills gives you a full experience without eating your entire day.
I’d hesitate if you’re sensitive to slippery terrain or you’re not comfortable being wet and active. And if you’re worried about heights, you should still know the swing is high-energy and can be a mental challenge, even if guides can make it easier.
If you like short, high-impact tours with a real guide and a good chance of uncrowded nature moments, this is a strong pick. For best results, show up with swim-ready clothes, follow safety instructions, and let your guide pace you through the river sections.
FAQ
How long is the Ubud trekking tour?
The duration is listed as 2 to 4 hours, depending on the starting time and conditions.
What activities are included?
You can expect a guided trek along a crystal-clear river, visiting three waterfalls, plus additional options like a jungle swing, water jumping, and a natural water slide feel from smooth rocks and flowing water.
Is the guide English-speaking?
Yes. The tour includes a live English-speaking guide.
Does the tour include pickup and drop-off?
Yes, there are options for pickup & drop-off. Drop-off locations listed include Sanur, Legian, Jimbaran, Kuta, Canggu, Ubud, Seminyak, and Nusa Dua Beach.
What should I bring?
Bring a change of clothes and a camera.
Is swimming required?
Swimming is part of the experience, and water activities are included with safety guidance. The day includes river wading and waterfall areas where swimming is possible.
Who is this tour not suitable for?
It’s not suitable for children under 5 years and people over 65 years. It also involves water and active walking on uneven surfaces, so you should be comfortable with that.
























