Review Author: FRC0384, Edinburgh, United Kingdom

Review Date: 21 jun 2018

Review Body: We booked 2 adventure trips with this company through our travel agent/hotel. We did both the white water rafting and the cycling. Both were great and we would highly recommend them. Rafting We went on a very, very wet day! The driver who picked us up from our villa was on time and delivered us safely despite the manic Bali traffic! Booking in, meeting our guide and the safety briefing were done relatively quickly. Caution- it was a 500 step climb down to the starting point so take sturdy shoes! The group was split in to good sized sub groups. The boats were of good quality and the guides very knowledgeable. We always felt safe. The river itself is beautiful- even in the torrential rain- and the extra water made the experience even better. We have been rafting on numerous occasions and these were probably some of the better rapids we have encountered. There is a short stop about half-way down where you can buy refreshments. Some beautiful photo opportunities and the river takes you past some beautiful hotels on the banks of the river... we can but dream of staying here! We got the opportunity to have a little swim for the last short section of the river before another climb back up to the base for lunch. Toilets and showering facilities were surprisingly good! Very clean, hot water, towels provided and not over-crowded, definite thumbs up for that!! Lunch was also provided and was tasty, Indonesian fare. Tea/coffee/water included but you paid extra for soda/alcoholic drinks. Great trip with a knowledgeable guide through a beautiful landscape- this is a must!!! Cycling Long drive from Sanur but again the driver was prompt and very amiable! Unfortunately the weather was wet, overcast and misty when we arrived at the starting point so we didn’t get to see the volcano - but we were assured it was there! Breakfast of pancakes, banana fritters and tea/coffee were provided at the Madu Sari restaurant before we drove the short distance to pick up our bikes. We were a group of only 3 which was fantastic! Apparently a couple of large groups (80 in total) had called off due to the weather. This was definitely to our benefit as we had almost 1-to-1 attention! Bikes were in good condition and safety helmets provided. A good English speaking, knowledgeable guide took us down the mountain- pretty much downhill all the way! The scenery was beautiful and I think you would have been hard-pushed to replicate this trip on your own. We were taken to a traditional Balinese family house, past a temple, rice fields and to a coffee making place. I am not a coffee drinker AT ALL but even I found their vanilla and coconut coffee’s to be delicious- and we bought some. Not the cheapest in the world but hopefully we were practicing responsible tourism and supporting local businesses! Lunch was again at the same restaurant as the rafting. Same food but again to a good standard. Both trips I would say would be fine for kids from maybe 11-up as long as they are relatively physically able. The groups on the boats aren’t large and while the guide does most of the work, everyone does need to paddle! The cycling was on smaller roads but they could be uneven in places and you have to remember that you are on public roads with Balinese drivers around you....!

Review rating: 5

Review Author: FindClo

Review Date: 29 apr 2019

Review Body: My first white water rafting experience! Really enjoyed the time with Bali Sobek. Driver picking us up at hotel came on time. Very friendly and easy to talk to. Picked up two more people on the way to the Sobek starting point. Arrived, signed waivers and then given instructions on a laminated sheet on how to white water rafting. This is pretty much the only instruction you’ll get so read the paper! Was a little nervous b/c I don’t swim well and everyone in our raft were first timers! Onto the equipment area where we donned our helmets, life jackets and received paddles. Trek down what felt like a hundred steps to the river and then our three groups got into our individual rafts. I chose the second row so I could wedge my foot under the front seat to ensure I stay in the boat. Down the river we went with gentle rapids. Within 2 mins in the boat, we hit a rock backwards pretty hard and the two girls in front of me fell backwards. I grabbed one but the other one went overboard! The guide reached in and pulled her back up immediately but we spent the next 5 mins chasing her paddle and her flip flop down the river! After the initial scare, we started to get the hang of things. Rapids were pretty calm, other than a few times we got a full body soaking as we hit a few dips. I think the guide also deliberately kept our ride pretty calm as the girl who fell out was still a bit shaken. (the guide in the other raft was deliberately bumping rocks for extra excitement!) One hour in, you get a 15 min break at a food stall downstream where some folks grabbed a beer. Getting out of the boat meant feet on some sharp rocks. The other girl lost her flip flop and a group downstream had to retrieve it. Saw some beautiful wall carvings near a hotel and some really pretty waterfalls. The surroundings felt surreal, like we were in a theme park or a movie set! Other than the mishap at the start, an overall fun experience for a novice! Tips: sit in second row to get footing and wear water shoes/sandals (so they don’t float away when you walk/fall into the water)

Review rating: 5

Review Author: lgc_9, Worthing, United Kingdom

Review Date: 27 aug 2017

Review Body: My boyfriend and I did the mid morning rafting down River Ayung. Booking process was easy, I booked online the day before and we were picked up from our villa with no problems. I chose Sobek as it had been recommended by some of the locals and from my understanding it is Balinese owned which swung me in an attempt at sustainable tourism (avoiding the Australian owned companies). The company seemed very professional, we felt safe (I can't swim!), I can't remember the name of our guide but he was great, all the staff were full of energy and making us laugh. The white water rafting was a great way to see the jungle, we had a great time I wanted to do it again instantly! The experience also came with a buffet lunch, which was a nice added extra, however I wasn't too keen on what was available. Didn't detract from the day at all as was there for the white water rafting!

Review rating: 5

Review Author: Esmee S

Review Date: 03 apr 2016

Review Body: Went rafting with Sobek on both rivers. Ayung is really nice for families, I loved it. From pick-up till drop-off, everything is well organized. The drivers are very friendly and the safety instruction was really clear and good. Sobek cares about your safety! The rafting was fun and the tour was longer than the ones from competitors (you can see them getting off the water). Personally, I loved the TelagaWaja river even more. I had so much fun. The rapids are more extreme than Ayung but not too extreme. After the rafting you can eat as much as you want from the buffet, which is good, because from the rafting I got very hungry. The guides are very professional and well-trained. Beautiful nature! I had a blast and would recommend Sobek to everyone!

Review rating: 5

Review Author: Sam_Firoozi, London, United Kingdom

Review Date: 12 aug 2019

Review Body: Just did a white water rafting activity booked with the firm Sobek which were excellent. The rafting was on the Telaga Waja river with grade 3 rapids over 15km and lasted 2 hours. We were greeted by friendly staff on arrival and after debit card payment and a safety briefing were kitted our and our Captain Katut gave us the necessary instructions and off we set. He was excellent and made sure we had a safe journey down the river and a very fun time. The rafting included a mid way break at a waterfall with photo opportunities. At the end of the rafting there is a steep climb of around 100 steps (much less than other rafting companies) to the lunch area where there are towels provided and a tasty lunch awaited us

Review rating: 5

Review Author: suryaerawanbali, Bali, Indonesia

Review Date: 23 dec 2016

Review Body: I did the rafting with my wife and it was really fun. Have done with few other companies, both family leisure and team building activities. I found Sobek is one of the best. I was guided by Sona and he is very creative. He also speaks Japanese as we were on the same boat with a Japanese couple. This guy is really an experienced one. When I saw there are many boats stuck, our boat flowed smoothly. One thing that I would like to highlight was that our guide (SS) took us to make a spin on the river. This was something that I've never done before with any other companies. Lunch at the stop point was OK (may be need some more fruits options)

Review rating: 5

Review Author: Amanda

Review Date: 20 nov 2023

Review Body: The experience was really fun and enjoyable for us. All the staff we met were friendly and kind. Our driver brought us to a great babi guling place after we mentioned that we were craving for it. Our guide on the raft was really helpful and friendly. He helped us to take photos at certain spots and made sure we were safe and comfortable throughout. The showers at the end of the rafting has hot water which surprised me. The only downside I think would be the food which wasn't really very nice and it was cold.

Review rating: 5

Review Author: Michele B, Washington DC, District of Columbia

Review Date: 29 jun 2016

Review Body: Our family group of three adults thoroughly enjoyed our river rafting experience which was Class 2 (not very scary!) all the way because the water levels were not high. Still lots of fun, in a gorgeous 12km section of the river. Our guide, Froggy, was experienced and fun to be with. Definitely recommend this company. We did the afternoon rafting after the morning bike ride and the whole day was memorable and terrific. The rafting trip is fine for children, say, ages 8 and up. They will love it!

Review rating: 5

Review Author: Ljaizzy, Normanton, United Kingdom

Review Date: 20 mei 2017

Review Body: We had such a great trip ... transfer was excellent ... traffic as ever busy !! The pre rafting instruction was thorough our guide Yansu was superb , great fun and the river was flowing well , amazing scenery , finished by a shower -change of clothes and a nice lunch . The 150 step climb at the end is a nice bit of HIT training too !!! Thoroughly recommend Sobek tours for their organisation and attention Enjoy some white water fun , be ready to get wet haha

Review rating: 5

Review Author: ananta_sutopo, Bali, Indonesia

Review Date: 18 jan 2019

Review Body: It was a pleasant trip, very professional staff and well maintained facilities. Our guide, spider, was attentive in giving clear guidance. The trip was fun and relaxing, amazing view along the river with green scenery and beautiful peek to riverfront resorts, which can't get access unless going down the cliff with 509 steps. The bathroom is comfortable for showering and things and buffet dining was good, offering local delicacy. What a great experience!

Review rating: 5

Review Author: robyngrice, Bermagui, Australia

Review Date: 23 jul 2016

Review Body: I was one of 13 women who recently enjoyed a white water rafting experience with Sobek. I found the company really well organised, efficient and the employees well versed in safety and communication skills. Thoroughly enjoyed this trip and would highly recommend it to anyone. The photographs and CD of photo's option is painfully slow however. Food good and all made for a really exciting day on the river

Review rating: 5

Review Author: mumto2C, Singapore

Review Date: 25 dec 2016

Review Body: We had an excellent experience with Sobek team at Telega Waja River, our guide has been excellent in guiding our family with two children. Sobek is very organised, safety checks were done and training was given at the calm water at the starting point. If it is your 1st time doing water rafting at Telega Waja, Sobek is a great choice!

Review rating: 5

Review Author: fieldofdaisies2, Norfolk, United Kingdom

Review Date: 14 nov 2016

Review Body: Wow! We had such a good time white water rafting with our Sobek guide. We were on the river for about 2 hours which offered a good mix of fast rocky rapids, some more gentle paddling and stunning scenery. It was so much fun. Would definitely recommend.

Review rating: 5

Review Author: 460valeriym, Denpasar, Indonesia

Review Date: 27 mei 2017

Review Body: Telaga Waja River is very beautiful and exiting place. Rafting there is really fantastic. Thanks to Sobek for very good facilities and very good organizing. The instructors are very attractive and professional guys. We been so much happy to be there.

Review rating: 5

Review Author: Frederieke Brands 

Review Date: 30 mrt 2017

Review Body: What a perfect couple of days with Sobek! I did rafting in Ubud and the Mount Batur cycling tour! I loved both! The guides were very enthusiastic and explained a lot about the Balinese culture and environment! Definitely would recommend it to anyone!

Review rating: 5

Review Author: 543nienkev, Doha, Qatar

Review Date: 03 jun 2018

Review Body: Rafting on the river was lots of fun and very exciting! Good clear information on how to raft before we got in the boat. Good safety precoutions. Very relaxed, friendly and fun guide.

Review rating: 5

Review Author: martinkunzo

Review Date: 05 mrt 2017

Review Body: Nice adventure although the river at ayung ubud have receded but so far nice rafting. Bought through bali tour agent we got best price. Great buffet lunch and location.

Review rating: 5

Review Author: Jorrit Terpstra

Review Date: 10 feb 2020

Review Body: The guides were very good and funny! I did rafting and mountain biking with them and now a week later I want to do it again with Sobek!

Review rating: 5

Review Author: Winnie Mulyaningsig Shergill

Review Date: 27 jun 2018

Review Body: The guides were so funny, professional! They really made our trip! Thanks team, definitely will come back with bigger team lol

Review rating: 5

Review Author: Lauren L, Los Angeles, California

Review Date: 04 dec 2016

Review Body: Great experience from door to door. Lots of fun on the river. Great guides. Definitely recommend if into rafting and in Bali!

Review rating: 5

Itinerary Day 1

Itinerary Summary: Vandaag ga je 2 uur raften op de Telaga Waja-rivier.

Itinerary Description: 09:30 Aankomst bij het Sobek-startpunt Banjar Tabu 09:45 Registratie bij de kassa 09:55 Veiligheidsinstructie, persoonlijke spullen van de deelnemers 10:00 Uitrusting & veiligheidsinstructie door de tochtleider 10:10 Veiligheidsinstructie door de gids bij de steiger aan de rivier 10:15 Start van het peddelen 11:45 Aankomst bij het Sobek-eindpunt Telaga Waja 12:00 Uitrusting inleveren, douchen & lunch 13:15 Vertrek