Going river rafting in Bali means you should expect to get wet. Really wet. Between the rapids, splashes, swimming stops, and tropical weather, the right outfit can make a surprisingly big difference to how comfortable you feel throughout the experience.
The good news is that you do not need complicated gear. A few practical choices are enough to keep you comfortable on the river and make changing afterwards much easier. Here’s what to wear, what to bring, and what to leave behind before your Bali rafting adventure.
What Should You Wear for River Rafting in Bali?
The best rafting outfit is lightweight, comfortable, secure, and easy to dry. You are not dressing to stay dry; you are dressing for an activity where getting wet is part of the experience.
If you are rafting on the Ayung River around Ubud, the combination of warm tropical weather, river water, jungle surroundings, and active paddling makes quick drying clothing particularly practical. Bali ATV Ride also recommends lightweight clothing, comfortable river footwear, sunscreen, and a change of clothes for its Ayung River rafting experience.
Here’s what works best.
1. Quick Dry T Shirt or Sports Top
A lightweight quick dry T shirt or sports top is one of the easiest choices for rafting. It is comfortable while paddling and will not stay heavy and saturated for as long as thicker everyday clothing.
A fitted sports shirt or rash guard can work particularly well if you want a little more coverage from the sun. You can wear it over swimwear or choose lightweight activewear underneath.
The main thing is to avoid wearing something you would normally choose for a city sightseeing day. Rafting involves water, movement, and plenty of splashing, so your clothing should be something you are comfortable getting completely wet in.
2. Swimwear or Lightweight Shorts
Swimwear, board shorts, or lightweight sports shorts are practical choices for the bottom half. They allow you to move easily while paddling and do not become as heavy as denim or thick cotton when wet.
If you prefer more coverage, lightweight athletic pants can also work, provided they are comfortable when wet and do not restrict movement.
The key is to think about what the clothing will feel like after it gets soaked, rather than how it feels when you first put it on.
3. Secure Water Shoes or River Sandals
Your footwear deserves more attention than it usually gets.
Choose water shoes or secure sandals with a strap that keeps them attached to your feet. The route to and from the river can involve wet surfaces and steps, while the raft itself obviously involves plenty of water. Secure footwear gives you much better stability than loose sandals. Current Ayung rafting guidance consistently recommends water shoes or sandals that stay firmly on your feet.
Avoid loose flip flops. They can easily come off once you are in moving water and are not ideal for walking on wet or uneven surfaces.
Old trainers can also work if you do not mind getting them completely wet, but water shoes are usually easier to deal with afterwards.
4. Rash Guard or Long Sleeve Top for Extra Sun Protection
A rash guard or lightweight long sleeve sports top is worth considering if you are sensitive to the sun.
Parts of the river can pass through shaded jungle, but you will still encounter open sections where tropical sunlight can be strong. A long sleeve layer gives you additional coverage without needing to rely entirely on sunscreen.
You do not need specialist rafting clothing for a typical Bali trip. A lightweight sports top that dries reasonably quickly is usually enough.
5. Sunscreen
Sunscreen is not technically something you wear, but it belongs in your rafting preparation.
Apply it before heading down to the river, particularly to exposed areas such as your face, neck, shoulders, and legs. Even with sections of jungle shade, you can still spend time under direct tropical sunlight.
If you are spending several hours outdoors, reapplying sunscreen afterwards is also a good idea. Bali rafting operators commonly recommend bringing sunscreen as part of your day trip essentials.
You may also want to read this: ATV vs Rafting in Bali? Discover the Best Adventure for Your Trip
What Should You Bring for River Rafting in Bali?
Once you have sorted out your rafting outfit, packing becomes fairly simple. You do not need to bring your entire day bag down to the river.
Here’s what is genuinely useful:
- A complete change of clothes for after the rafting
- Extra underwear and socks, especially if you are continuing your Bali itinerary afterwards
- A small bag for wet clothes
- Sunscreen
- A waterproof phone case if you want to keep your phone with you
- A towel, unless your operator provides one
- Water or personal essentials if they are not included by your operator
A change of clothes is probably the most important item on the list. After spending around two hours on the river, putting on dry clothes before heading back to your hotel is considerably more comfortable. Many rafting packages also provide changing rooms and showers, making it easy to freshen up before continuing your day.
What Should You Not Wear or Bring?
Rafting is not the place for your favorite outfit or expensive accessories. Anything you bring should be something you are comfortable getting wet, muddy, or potentially splashed.
Leave these behind:
- Jeans or heavy cotton trousers
- Loose flip flops
- Expensive watches or jewelry
- Delicate clothing
- Large bags
- Unprotected cameras or phones
- Anything you would be upset to lose or damage
Valuables are better left at your hotel or stored in the locker provided by the rafting operator where available. Current Ayung rafting guidance also recommends leaving valuables at the base rather than taking them onto the river.
Experience Bali ATV Ride & Rafting With Us
Getting ready for a rafting trip is one thing, but knowing what kind of experience you are signing up for makes planning the day much easier. At Bali ATV Ride, we provide Ayung River rafting in Ubud, so you can spend part of your Bali trip exploring the river instead of staying on the usual sightseeing route.
The experience is designed to keep things simple from start to finish. You get the rafting equipment, a professional guide, and the facilities you need after getting wet on the river. Here’s what you can expect when you join our Bali rafting experience:
1. Ayung River Rafting in Ubud
Our rafting experience takes place on the Ayung River in Ubud, one of Bali’s well known rivers for white water rafting. You will spend around two hours on the river, passing through flowing water and natural scenery while following the route with your rafting guide.
It is a different kind of adventure from an ATV ride. Instead of controlling the quad bike through mud and uneven trails, you work with your rafting team to navigate the river and enjoy the landscape around you.
2. Professional Guides and Safety Equipment
You do not need to bring your own rafting gear. We provide the essential equipment for the activity, including a helmet and life jacket, while a professional rafting guide accompanies you along the route.
Before getting into the river, you will also receive instructions on what to do during the rafting experience, so you have a better idea of how to handle the activity once you are on the water.
3. Shower, Towel and Changing Facilities
Yes, you are going to get wet. That is part of the fun.
After the rafting session, you can clean up and change before continuing with the rest of your Bali itinerary. Shower facilities and towels are available, making it easier to go from river adventure back to your day without carrying the river with you.
4. Lunch After Rafting
After spending time on the river, you can sit down and enjoy lunch before heading off to your next activity.
It is a small detail, but having lunch included makes the experience more convenient, especially if rafting is part of a longer day exploring Ubud.
5. Combine ATV and Rafting in One Day
If one adventure is not enough, you can also combine rafting with an ATV ride.
Our ATV + Bali Rafting Combo costs IDR 960,000 per person and brings the two experiences together in one full day. You get the off road ATV adventure first, followed by Ayung River rafting, with the necessary equipment, professional guides, lunch, shower, towel, and insurance included.
Ready to Get on the River?
If you are looking for a straightforward way to experience Ayung River rafting in Ubud, our rafting package is available from IDR 550,000 per person.
And if you want to make your day a little more adventurous, the ATV + Bali Rafting Combo at IDR 960,000 per person lets you experience both the trail and the river in one trip.
Choose the experience that fits your Bali itinerary and book your adventure with Bali ATV Ride.
For more practical tips before your adventure, explore our related Bali ATV and rafting guides below.