Bali Sobek
Bali Sobek
4.5
Full view
About
Established in Bali in 1989, SOBEK was the first Adventure Tour Company of its kind on the island. Taking pride in a proven 100% safety record even to this day, SOBEK invests heavily into thorough industry recognized safety training standards. Each and every one of SOBEK's 265 staff receives on going training and development to ensure they are the very best in their field. Ultimately SOBEK works hard to maintain its reputation and market position as No.1.
Similar Experiences
Travelers talk about
(54 reviews)
Contribute
Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
415 reviews
Excellent
265
Very good
119
Average
23
Poor
6
Terrible
2
Kylie C
78 contributions
Feb 2020 • Couples
This is the second time of white water rafted with Sobek and honestly couldn’t fault them. Not only do you have a great fun ride but the operators are amazing. We were laughing and having the best time over the whole day.
Written March 3, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Jose-Anita
Santiago, Chile575 contributions
Apr 2011
My wife and I had done some rafting before but this was the most amazing nature experience.
Sobek Rafting tour is said to be the best value for money of all the groups that use the river due to the length of their run, very important because the most beautiful sights are at the beginning. If you're a high-end thrill seeker this will be too tame for you, but for families and young folk its a great fun activity. The best part of the day was not the excitement of rafting itself but THE VIEW; the most beautiful terrain for such an adventure. The rapids are mild yet exhilarating, the water is warm.
The rafting can be a little tiring to some but the scenery is amazing; The river runs through a deep valley surrounded by foliage as high as your eyes can see. Seeing this amazing cliffs covered by an incredible forest, waterfalls, rice farms and fancy hotels along the way is the best part. Close to the end of the adventure, you can get out of the raft and drift joyfully down the rest of the river with the strong current carrying you as you float along on your back. If you do it in the morning, waiting for you at the end is a delicious lunch with a huge variety of balinese food.
We did this activity combined with an elephant ride in the afternoon which was sold to us directly by Sobek for US$130.- per person for the full package, all services included.
All in all an incredible full day adventure that should not be missed by anyone who visits Bali.
Sobek Rafting tour is said to be the best value for money of all the groups that use the river due to the length of their run, very important because the most beautiful sights are at the beginning. If you're a high-end thrill seeker this will be too tame for you, but for families and young folk its a great fun activity. The best part of the day was not the excitement of rafting itself but THE VIEW; the most beautiful terrain for such an adventure. The rapids are mild yet exhilarating, the water is warm.
The rafting can be a little tiring to some but the scenery is amazing; The river runs through a deep valley surrounded by foliage as high as your eyes can see. Seeing this amazing cliffs covered by an incredible forest, waterfalls, rice farms and fancy hotels along the way is the best part. Close to the end of the adventure, you can get out of the raft and drift joyfully down the rest of the river with the strong current carrying you as you float along on your back. If you do it in the morning, waiting for you at the end is a delicious lunch with a huge variety of balinese food.
We did this activity combined with an elephant ride in the afternoon which was sold to us directly by Sobek for US$130.- per person for the full package, all services included.
All in all an incredible full day adventure that should not be missed by anyone who visits Bali.
Written April 23, 2011
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
dcdgjd
Washington DC, DC78 contributions
We went white water rafting with Sobek in Bali last week with our children, ages 7 and 9. It was the first time for all of us, so we were all a little nervous and not sure what to expect. Sobek's guide was fantastic, and made our trip so much more enjoyable! He had a wonderful sense of humor and was very gentle and careful with the kids. The trip was very enjoyable, and the water was not too rough, just enough for a little thrill without adrenaline rush. The boys loved it! And we did too.
Written October 12, 2010
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Robert H
Glasgow, UK230 contributions
Feb 2012 • Couples
Did this white water rafting and it was fun and the guide was fine etc. but the lunch was awful, served in pretty un-hygenic conditions. Bali Adventure offers a much better deal and a much better lunch, we did their rafting a few days later and was much more impressed.
Written February 8, 2012
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Merc9SLK
Scarborough, yorkshire1,198 contributions
Sep 2014 • Couples
This was our 5th white water rafting experience, the very first time and a memorable one being in 2005 in Bali on this very same river - The Ayung. It is as a consequence of this experience we chose to return to Bali and partook in this experience again last Monday afternoon.
Fortunately for us, our hotel the Alila Ubud is only a 15 minute drive away from the entrance to the gorge and we deliberately chose the hotel due to its proximity to experience rafting again and the mountain bike tour from Mount Batur - again undertaken in 2005 with Sobek.
With respect to the rafting, we had a very enjoyable, fun experience, felt extremely safe with Ranjit (I think that was his name) who was our guide in the raft. Ranjit spoke good English, had a good sense of humour and ensured our safety was paramount. We were very lucky to have only the two of us and our guide on this occasion to experience the rapids.
There are very new changing rooms on arrival at the entrance and any change of clothing and belongings are stored locked away by your guide. Cameras can be taken to the raft and are safely stowed in a water proof bag - although we didn't get opportunity to use the camera on this occasion. You are fitted with your life jacket to ensure sizing is correct including your helmet when you are given your paddle to carry down into the gorge. The paddle was larger than me!
There are 500 steps, some of which are very steep and deep in stride for my little legs and once you reach the river you need a small breather! Just think of the "work out!".
Grades II and III, the course is easy and there are lengths of river which you meander down to enjoy the scenery and witness copious amounts of swallows and swifts swooping down at the water and closely by your head which is quite magical.
Ranjit gave instruction when to paddle, back, forwards and even when to begin "dancing" when we were stuck on rocks due to the low water levels at the time - all great fun. "Dancing" is where you sit on one side of the raft and literally bounce up and down until the raft is freed into the water.
We purchased the CD giving 39 great photos at only 200K Rupiah which is approx. £10 sterling. Well worth it - our pictures were good and could not choose only 1 or 2 for our collection at home. It's a shame the photographer could not have been strategically placed at the point of some of the Grade III rapids to feel more of the essence of the experience captured on film.
The course takes you past some great scenery and alas the sight of new hotels under construction which for me spoils the environment a little when there are so many hotels already in Ubud and the surrounding area. I question the impact on the wildlife that can be viewed now and its future shared with tourism.
Part way through, you stop for refreshment at the side of the river, where soft drinks can be purchased on the river bank rustic style from local people. 20K Rupiah for a can of soft drink which isn't too bad.
At the finish you are given freshly laundered towels, some other rafters ate a meal and we simply had coffee before the climb up from the gorge which is a gentle slope with intermittent steps. You are greeted along the way by local people trying their best to sell you sarongs, shorts, small ornamental boats etc. They are all polite and usually accept a "no thank you" gracefully, however, I did purchase a very pretty "bargained for" sarong from a very friendly persistent lady who was panting so heavily as she carried a large bale on top of her head alongside me. I paid 100K rupiah for the Sarong which is in the region of £5 sterling - she had wanted 150K rp so it pays to stand your ground.
I did see t shirts for sale at the end point marketing Sobek Rafting which I may have purchased had prices been visible.
Highly recommend this trip, in 2005 we undertook with an elderly American couple who were in their early 80's! It is also suitable for young children although I wouldn't suggest for under 10's personally but that is just my opinion.
We were tempted to book for the other river at Grade IIII rapids although not sure whether my strength and ability would be up to par - maybe one for the future!
Fortunately for us, our hotel the Alila Ubud is only a 15 minute drive away from the entrance to the gorge and we deliberately chose the hotel due to its proximity to experience rafting again and the mountain bike tour from Mount Batur - again undertaken in 2005 with Sobek.
With respect to the rafting, we had a very enjoyable, fun experience, felt extremely safe with Ranjit (I think that was his name) who was our guide in the raft. Ranjit spoke good English, had a good sense of humour and ensured our safety was paramount. We were very lucky to have only the two of us and our guide on this occasion to experience the rapids.
There are very new changing rooms on arrival at the entrance and any change of clothing and belongings are stored locked away by your guide. Cameras can be taken to the raft and are safely stowed in a water proof bag - although we didn't get opportunity to use the camera on this occasion. You are fitted with your life jacket to ensure sizing is correct including your helmet when you are given your paddle to carry down into the gorge. The paddle was larger than me!
There are 500 steps, some of which are very steep and deep in stride for my little legs and once you reach the river you need a small breather! Just think of the "work out!".
Grades II and III, the course is easy and there are lengths of river which you meander down to enjoy the scenery and witness copious amounts of swallows and swifts swooping down at the water and closely by your head which is quite magical.
Ranjit gave instruction when to paddle, back, forwards and even when to begin "dancing" when we were stuck on rocks due to the low water levels at the time - all great fun. "Dancing" is where you sit on one side of the raft and literally bounce up and down until the raft is freed into the water.
We purchased the CD giving 39 great photos at only 200K Rupiah which is approx. £10 sterling. Well worth it - our pictures were good and could not choose only 1 or 2 for our collection at home. It's a shame the photographer could not have been strategically placed at the point of some of the Grade III rapids to feel more of the essence of the experience captured on film.
The course takes you past some great scenery and alas the sight of new hotels under construction which for me spoils the environment a little when there are so many hotels already in Ubud and the surrounding area. I question the impact on the wildlife that can be viewed now and its future shared with tourism.
Part way through, you stop for refreshment at the side of the river, where soft drinks can be purchased on the river bank rustic style from local people. 20K Rupiah for a can of soft drink which isn't too bad.
At the finish you are given freshly laundered towels, some other rafters ate a meal and we simply had coffee before the climb up from the gorge which is a gentle slope with intermittent steps. You are greeted along the way by local people trying their best to sell you sarongs, shorts, small ornamental boats etc. They are all polite and usually accept a "no thank you" gracefully, however, I did purchase a very pretty "bargained for" sarong from a very friendly persistent lady who was panting so heavily as she carried a large bale on top of her head alongside me. I paid 100K rupiah for the Sarong which is in the region of £5 sterling - she had wanted 150K rp so it pays to stand your ground.
I did see t shirts for sale at the end point marketing Sobek Rafting which I may have purchased had prices been visible.
Highly recommend this trip, in 2005 we undertook with an elderly American couple who were in their early 80's! It is also suitable for young children although I wouldn't suggest for under 10's personally but that is just my opinion.
We were tempted to book for the other river at Grade IIII rapids although not sure whether my strength and ability would be up to par - maybe one for the future!
Written September 28, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Oni_Kan
Singapore, Singapore408 contributions
Jul 2014 • Couples
I did rafting last July 2014 with my boyfriend. They provide pick up for the guest.
Rafting at Ayung river is more like cruise. Not so challenging. Because I did rafting before while my boyfriend never try at all, so we decide to try the one at Ayung river. While we did the rafting, we saw people building "soon to be" Ritz Carlton hotel at Ubud. And those construction make so many rubbish that make me feel sorry for the damage they make to Ubud.
After finish the rafting, they will give you lunch and then we need to claim stairs (around 200 stairs). And after that still need to across by to reach Sobek finish point (not so convenient in my opinion).
I need to make highlight on the shower room at Sobek. Very dirty and need to make some improvement, some shower don't even have a light. For the money I already paid for Sobek, I'm hoping the shower room to be neat and clean, while I saw was dirty and dim. When I arrived at Sobek starting point, the reception is clean and look good. Thats why when I saw the shower room at finishing point, I'm abit shock to see the difference.
Rafting at Ayung river is more like cruise. Not so challenging. Because I did rafting before while my boyfriend never try at all, so we decide to try the one at Ayung river. While we did the rafting, we saw people building "soon to be" Ritz Carlton hotel at Ubud. And those construction make so many rubbish that make me feel sorry for the damage they make to Ubud.
After finish the rafting, they will give you lunch and then we need to claim stairs (around 200 stairs). And after that still need to across by to reach Sobek finish point (not so convenient in my opinion).
I need to make highlight on the shower room at Sobek. Very dirty and need to make some improvement, some shower don't even have a light. For the money I already paid for Sobek, I'm hoping the shower room to be neat and clean, while I saw was dirty and dim. When I arrived at Sobek starting point, the reception is clean and look good. Thats why when I saw the shower room at finishing point, I'm abit shock to see the difference.
Written August 5, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Sean D
Melbourne, Australia5 contributions
Jan 2013 • Family
My family have done both and Ayung is definitely better. Telaga Waja river is very shallow (oars hit the bottom of the river a lot), you need to paddle most of the way (much more than Ayung) and the scenery is nowhere near as good as Ayung river.
Sobek were OK but there are probably 5 or 6 other companies that do exactly the same trip. We went with Sobek mainly because their website said they had accident insurance. Their facilities were average - clean but basic. The lunch was good. Probably the worst part of the whole activity had nothing to do with the rafting but the transport driver who spent most of his time on his mobile and didn't seem to be concentrating a lot on driving... I almost grabbed the wheel at one point!
Sobek were OK but there are probably 5 or 6 other companies that do exactly the same trip. We went with Sobek mainly because their website said they had accident insurance. Their facilities were average - clean but basic. The lunch was good. Probably the worst part of the whole activity had nothing to do with the rafting but the transport driver who spent most of his time on his mobile and didn't seem to be concentrating a lot on driving... I almost grabbed the wheel at one point!
Written January 24, 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
RiddhiMumbai
Mumbai38 contributions
Oct 2012 • Couples
The rafting experience with sobek was fun.
It was the first time that my husband & I had done rafting. It's very safe and the waters are not too deep. The entire journey takes an hour & half excluding the walk from top to the river & return climb.
Wear waterproof footwear and preferably some well fitted ones. There is Balinese lunch post the rafting. Please ask for vegetarian food in advance.
Don't miss the Ramayana stone carvings during the rafting.
The jungle & river are beautiful and scenic.
It was the first time that my husband & I had done rafting. It's very safe and the waters are not too deep. The entire journey takes an hour & half excluding the walk from top to the river & return climb.
Wear waterproof footwear and preferably some well fitted ones. There is Balinese lunch post the rafting. Please ask for vegetarian food in advance.
Don't miss the Ramayana stone carvings during the rafting.
The jungle & river are beautiful and scenic.
Written October 27, 2012
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Nativenewyorker237
New York2 contributions
White water rafting on the ayung river. Staff was efficient, friendly and capable. Buffet Lunch was nice. Accommodations standard, nothing fancy. While i generally enjoyed the river ride, the entire tour was nowhere near worth the price of $79US. For that reason alone, I could not recommend sobek white water rafting tour.
Written July 21, 2012
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
John C
Metung, Australia129 contributions
Sep 2018 • Family
My wife and I took our grandson and his mum and dad. What an adventure it was. After kitting us up with life jackets and helmets and issuing each of us with a paddle we walked through the paddy fields gradually downhill until we came to the river. Shoes, glasses etc went into a waterproof bag. We then sat in a rubber boat on land whilst our guide told us what he wanted us to do, lean left, lean right, then lean back and shout Boom Boom if we were to hit something. Then we were off for two hours of SAFE fun. The water is only three feet deep so at times our guide told us to get out and drift along feet first...Fun! Drifting under waterfalls then rounding rocks and turning backwards all part of the journey. See a boat from another company..CHARGE shouted our guard, and we did, hitting water so as to splash the other boat. So of course the other boat replied sometime during the ride. At the end of the ride three things happen. 1. There is a 9meter drop and a photographer taking a shot of your terrified faces. 2. You have to walk up a steep cliff face on huge concrete steps, 145 of them. As you struggle up a lady will run past you with your deflated boat on her head. Makes you feel mighty old. Thirdly you get a really tasty meal and drinks ready for you on your arrival which makes the climb worthwhile.
Written November 9, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
thrishul h
2 contributions
others are offering for half the price compared to Sobek why is Sobek expensive?
thrishul h
2 contributions
others are offering for half the price compared to Sobek why is Sobek expensive?
George Soohum B
8 contributions
I heard during my last stay at the ritz carton mandapa that I can get off at the resort as the resort is close to the finish zone. This year i plan to stay at the four seasons. is it possible to get off at this resort as well? I really hate to climb the stairs at the finish zone lol.
The A
Singapore, Singapore18 contributions
I planned to do this with my wife and son 11yrs old. I need to know if the rapid is for beginners and safe for adult and child. What if we fell into the water? What will be the immediate action?
André
Dubai, United Arab Emirates42 contributions
Safe for everyone, not fast at all. Basically it's a guided tour. The fall at the end can be skipped too, but it's not dangerous anyway despite the appearance.
ItalienfreundLaufach
Laufach68 contributions
Hello Bali Sobek,
We are a family with two girls 7 and 9 years old. My wife is frightendabout the white water rafting tour at ayung river in June next year. It´s possible to take the tour with my girls safe?
It´s also possible to book directly in an Office in Ubud the white water rafting tour specially the ayung light tour without transportation, because we stay near the rafting start point. How much is the rate for the light tour for adults and children or family price?
Thank you Thomas Slowik
AndrewStuart2017
Joondalup, Australia33 contributions
Hi 'Thomas' >> Not sure 'if' you actually ever got a reply from a Sobek representative?...but in our view, having also rafted previously with SOBEK in past years, the word you have used "SAFE" is highly subjective. For there is no such thing as a SAFE white water river in the world, let alone in Bali! For example, 'if' a participant cannot swim, then any rafting company in Bali is potentially enabling a potential incident (or worse) should a raft flip, and yes - they do regularly. However, upon participating and also observing to safety standards of several 'other' Balinese rafting companies, you have made a GOOD CHOICE with this company. Having recently chatted with SOBEK's owner about rafting safety standards in Bali, we really appreciated their frank discussion & honest opinions on the paramount importance of the safety of their customers. In our own professional view, taking children ALWAYS comes at a risk (it's the nature of doing the activity) however, personally we would NOT recommend rafting in Bali for children under 9 years of age. Other Bali companies do, and we do not agree with exposing children to such a risk as young as 5 to this type of activity in Bali. If you would like to experience a HIGHER SAFETY STANDARD of white water rafting in Bali (particularly if you intend on taking teenagers rafting), then we would have to highly recommend SOBEK BALI RAFTING, as they conduct some of the most professional white water rafting operations (on two rivers) in Bali. Andrew & Jenny Stuart (Western Australia)
Justback87
Pinjarra, Australia158 contributions
Hi....was wondering how far is the walk to the river.......a mate of mine has some restrictions. Cheers
Eelco K
Sanur, Indonesia2 contributions
Hi I guess the respond system does not work properly , I answered this question about 9 days ago… anyway, it's about 500 hundred steps down a long stairway to the river… and about 200 steps up from the finish at Ayung river. at the telaga Waja river it is only about 20 steps to the river and 150 going up again. but this river is a little more challenging
cheers, Eelco
What is the minimum age for children for water rafting? Is it safe?
Eelco K
Sanur, Indonesia2 contributions
7 years old for Ayung River and 10 years old for Telaga Waja river.