Our family of 7 were looking at the numerous companies running white water rafting tours on the Ayung River and this one just seemed to make the most sense, based on their website information. Booking was easy and involved a brief conversation with the company via WhatsApp, which confirmed the fee, pickup time and other details. We were collected from Canggu by minibus and driven up to Ubud. The driver was on time, having messaged and called in advance. On arrival, we were greeted warmly by the staff and given some rose tea, before being allowed to get changed (if needed) and put our bags and valuables in the storage lockers. We were then driven up to the start point, about 10 or 15 minutes further up the road. Our friendly guides issued us with our lifejackets, helmets and paddles and offered to take photos with the camera phone we had kept in a waterproof pouch for the trip. If you didn't have a pouch, there were some local ladies offering them for sale nearby. The walk down to the river was pretty steep and is not suitable for anyone with mobility issues. Our rafts were waiting for us at the bittom and after a safety briefing and some introductions so that the guides knew everyone's names, we set off. I won't spoil the surprises on the tour, but it was a fantastic couple of hiurs, with fun and excitement and some stunning scenery along the way. Our guides were super friendly and accommodating, and there was an opportunity to get a drink about halfway through the tour, so make sure you keep some money for this. The guides had waterproof bags to keep hold of any valuables that didn't go in the lockers at the start. At the end, it's a steep trek back up to our original arrival point, where there were showers and towels and changing rooms to use. There was also some food available at the end, which the group enjoyed. There are two video / photo points along the way, and the photos taken by the staff were available to view back at the Red Paddles building. The prices were very reasonable and the photos were of great quality. We were driven all the way back to Canggu, which would have been pretty inconvenient for the drivers if they didn't live on this side of the island. There are so many water rafting companies to choose from and they are difficult to separate based on their website inclusions. But our experience with Red Paddles was first rate and their prices were better than all the others we looked at. Thanks for an awesome...
Read moreI would highly recommend Red Paddle Water Rafting in Bali. I had an incredible experience with this company and felt compelled to share my thoughts.
First and foremost, I must commend Sisilia, the tour agent in Seminyak (right beside Casa Blanca Bali Restaurant), who helped me book this excursion. She was an absolute gem, super adorable, friendly, and cared for me like a mother hen, especially when she reliased I was travelling alone.
Sisilia went above and beyond to address my worries and arranged for a group of mixed-gender couples to ensure my comfort and safety, as she understand that i wasn't comfortable with travel with a group of mens for water rafting. Her genuine care made a significant difference in my overall experience.
Once we arrived at the water rafting destination, our water rafting instructor Opong took charge. He was exceptional in every aspect. Opong prioritized our safety and made sure that we were well-informed and prepared for the adventure. His friendly and humorous personality added an extra layer of enjoyment to the entire experience. The water rafting itself lasted for two thrilling hours, followed by a delicious lunch. It was an exhilarating and unforgettable activity.
However, what truly made this adventure stand out was the encounter I had with Salenko after the water rafting. We engaged in a great conversation, which he shared valuable insights into Bali's culture. His genuine concern for me as a solo traveller was heartwarming, and told me that if I encountered anything which required his help in Bali just give him a call. Salenko's kindness left a lasting impression on me.
Red Paddle Water Rafting provided me with an exceptional Bali experience. The attentiveness and care demonstrated by Sisilia, Opong, and Salenko made me feel welcomed and.... heartwarming. I wholeheartedly recommend Red Paddle Water Rafting for their outstanding service and dedication to ensuring an incredible adventure for both solo travelers and groups alike.
Thank you, Red Paddle Water Rafting, for making my Bali trip one that will be cherished forever.
Note: If you're a solo female traveller seeking a safe and enjoyable adventure, Red Paddle Water Rafting is the...
Read moreThe water rafting is level 1 or 2, so it is perfect for families and beginners. The low rating is because of the extreme money minded approach at squeezing the tourists for every $. The guide right at the start asks us to take only mobile phone for pictures and our wallets. I asked if i can take a water bottle along and I was told it would not be needed. Low and behold we are driven to the starting point from where we walk about 20-25min to the bottom of the hill which is the actual start point where we are offered a chance to buy guess what? Ding ding ...a bottle of water. Half way through the rafting we stop again for refreshments at ofcourse values much higher than regular prices with the seller asking every tourist if they want to buy a beer for the guide as well. They even tell you to not put on a gopro which is meant for these kind of activities so they can sell you overpriced photos later on at the end.
Honestly this happens at all tourist traps but the way this was done with no regard for customer service encouraged me to leave this review. Maybe other people had better experience depending on the guide (who was busy scolding us for not rowing hard enough). My experience with this company was not in line with my experience with Balinese hospitality. Hope they start viewing tourists as people and not just...
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