Exploring Bali’s Best Canyoning Spots, A Guide for Adventure Seekers
Bali is famous for its beaches and temples, but for adventure lovers, the island offers something far more thrilling—canyoning. This activity blends rock climbing, abseiling, jumping, swimming, and sliding through waterfalls, making it an exciting way to explore Bali’s natural beauty.
Hidden within the island’s tropical jungles are deep canyons, crystal-clear pools, and dramatic waterfalls, creating a perfect playground for those looking for a mix of adrenaline and nature. Whether you are new to canyoning or an experienced adventurer, Bali has a variety of canyons suited for all skill levels.
This guide covers the best canyoning locations, what to expect, safety tips, and where to book your adventure.
1. What is Canyoning & Why Try It in Bali?
Canyoning is an outdoor adventure sport that involves navigating through canyons using a combination of climbing, rappelling, swimming, and sliding down natural rock formations. Unlike traditional hiking or rafting, canyoning takes you into areas only accessible by water routes, offering a unique way to experience Bali’s untamed landscapes.
Bali’s volcanic terrain and abundance of waterfalls make it an excellent destination for canyoning. The island’s canyons range from beginner-friendly courses with small jumps and easy slides to advanced routes requiring technical rope work and endurance.
🌊 Reasons to Try Canyoning in Bali
✔ Discover hidden waterfalls and remote jungle landscapes.
✔ Challenge yourself with cliff jumps, water slides, and natural rock pools.
✔ Avoid tourist crowds by exploring off-the-beaten-path locations.
✔ Suitable for both beginners and experienced adventurers.
Most canyoning tours provide professional guides and safety equipment, making it accessible even for first-timers.
2. Best Canyoning Spots in Bali
Bali offers a mix of easy and challenging canyoning locations, each with unique features. Some canyons are ideal for beginners looking for a fun day out, while others require experience and technical skills.
🏞️ Top Canyoning Locations
📍 Gitgit Canyon – Best for Beginners & Families
- A scenic and beginner-friendly canyon located near Bali’s famous Gitgit Waterfall.
- Features small jumps (1-3 meters), gentle slides, and short abseils.
- Ideal for first-timers or those looking for a relaxed yet adventurous experience.
📍 Kerenkali Canyon – Best for Thrill Seekers
- Offers a mix of natural slides, cliff jumps, and technical rappelling.
- Features cascading waterfalls and deep jungle scenery.
- Best for adventure seekers who want a challenge without extreme difficulty.
📍 Aling Gorge – Most Stunning Canyon in Bali
- Known as Bali’s most beautiful and photogenic canyon.
- Features high walls covered in moss, turquoise water pools, and waterfalls.
- Requires good fitness and previous canyoning experience.
📍 Sambangan Canyon – Best for Swimming & Natural Waterslides
- Located in the Sambangan Secret Garden, a hidden paradise for nature lovers.
- Features rock slides, deep swimming pools, and gentle abseiling spots.
- A great choice for those who love waterfalls and swimming-based canyoning.
📍 Tukad Hijau Canyon – Best for Advanced Canyoning
- A technical canyon featuring high abseils, narrow gorges, and deep pools.
- Requires rope-handling skills and strong endurance.
- Best for experienced canyoners looking for a serious challenge.
Some canyons require permits and guided access, so it’s best to book through a professional canyoning operator rather than attempting it alone.
3. Best Canyoning Tour Operators in Bali
Since canyoning involves technical skills and specialized equipment, it’s important to go with experienced guides. Several professional operators in Bali provide certified instructors, safety gear, and well-planned routes.
⛰️ Recommended Canyoning Tour Operators
📍 Adventure & Spirit (Ubud)
- One of Bali’s top-rated canyoning operators, offering guided trips for all skill levels.
- Provides certified guides, high-quality safety equipment, and small group experiences.
📍 Bali Canyoning Team (North Bali)
- Specializes in advanced and technical canyoning trips.
- Offers personalized adventures for experienced canyoners looking for a challenge.
📍 Canyoning Bali (Bedugul)
- Great for beginners, families, and large groups.
- Focuses on beginner-friendly tours in scenic locations.
Most operators provide wetsuits, helmets, and safety harnesses, but it’s best to bring your own water shoes and a dry change of clothes.
4. What to Expect on a Canyoning Trip in Bali
A typical canyoning tour in Bali lasts between four to six hours and includes multiple challenges such as jumping into water pools, sliding down rock formations, and abseiling down waterfalls.
📝 What’s Included in a Canyoning Tour
✔ Professional guides with canyoning certification.
✔ Full safety gear, including wetsuits, harnesses, helmets, and ropes.
✔ Hotel pickup & drop-off (for most tours).
✔ Training session before entering the canyon.
✔ A mix of jumping, rappelling, sliding, and swimming.
✔ Photos & videos of your adventure (included in some tours).
Wear light, quick-drying clothes, and avoid carrying valuables—everything will get wet!
5. Best Hotels & Accommodations Near Canyoning Locations
Since most canyoning spots are in the northern and central parts of Bali, staying near the adventure hubs makes early morning trips easier.
🏨 Recommended Hotels Near Canyoning Areas
📍 Munduk – Best for Nature Lovers & Close to Canyoning Spots
✔ Munduk Moding Plantation (Luxury) – A beautiful mountain retreat offering infinity pools overlooking jungle landscapes, spa treatments, and luxury suites.
✔ Lesong Hotel Munduk (Mid-Range) – A locally run eco-lodge with stunning rice field views and a peaceful retreat close to North Bali’s adventure hubs.
✔ Sanak Retreat Bali (Budget-Friendly) – A budget-friendly eco-retreat with wooden bungalows, perfect for adventurers who want an authentic Balinese experience.
📍 Ubud – Best for Combining Canyoning with Other Activities
✔ The Kayon Jungle Resort (Luxury) – A high-end jungle retreat offering spa treatments and cultural activities alongside access to canyoning tours.
✔ Ubud Village Hotel (Mid-Range) – A comfortable, centrally located hotel with modern amenities and easy access to Ubud’s adventure and wellness experiences.
✔ Tegal Sari Accommodation (Budget-Friendly) – A well-loved budget hotel in Ubud offering excellent service and an ideal location for outdoor activities.
Most canyoning operators provide transport from Ubud and Munduk, so staying in these areas makes your adventure more convenient.
Final Thoughts: Why Canyoning in Bali is a Must-Try Adventure
Bali’s canyoning scene offers an exhilarating mix of nature, adrenaline, and exploration, taking you to hidden waterfalls, deep gorges, and pristine jungle landscapes. Whether you’re a first-timer or an experienced canyoner, there’s a perfect canyon for every skill level.
By booking with a certified guide, choosing the right canyon for your experience level, and staying near the best locations, you can enjoy an unforgettable adventure that combines adrenaline, teamwork, and nature immersion.
Ready to take the plunge? Book your canyoning trip in Bali today and experience the island like never before! 🌊✨
