Bali is jam-packed with serene lagoons full of diverse marine life, river rapids, forests, Hindu temples, and breathtaking mountains.
So what better way to explore the beauty and amazing nature of the island than kayaking?
Whether you want some relaxation on tranquil waters, or if you’re an adrenaline junkie seeking some kayaking adventure, this fun outdoor activity takes you to places other travellers don’t get to see.
You can join in on guided tours or, if you’re a competent kayaker, you can go solo kayaking.
Here are 11 of the top places to go kayaking in Bali, which will give you the experience of a lifetime.
1. Ayung River
Ayung River is the longest river in Bali. It has 10 km of white water paddling routes and beautiful views, which make it a popular destination for rafting and kayaking.
It’s best to take a kayaking trip on the Ayung River during the dry season, as during the wet season, the heavy rainfall can make it a challenging and dangerous place to go kayaking.
Where Is It? Ayung River runs from the northern mountain area to the Badung Strait at Sanur.
How to Kayak On The Ayung River? You can go kayaking on the Ayung River with Red Paddle Bali Adventures.
Online: Red Paddle Bali Adventures
2. Lovina
Lovina’s calm waters make it a great place to go kayaking.
This makes it a great option if you’re an inexperienced kayaker.
Or if you want to relax and soak up the sights.
Where Is It? Lovina is located on the northern coast of Bali.
How To Kayak In Lovina? You can go kayaking in Lovina with Bali Surya Tours Lovina.
Online: Bali Surya Tours Lovina
3. Lake Batur
Located in a volcanic crater at the foot of majestic Mount Batur, Lake Batur gives you a serene yet dramatic kayaking experience.
Its crystal-clear waters come alive in the morning as the sun reflects on its tranquil surface. This, together with the unique setting, creates a magical sight.
Where To Kayak On Lake Batur? Lake Batur is located in the caldera of Batur volcano in northeast Bali.
How To Kayak on Lake Batur? You can go kayaking on Lake Batur with C.Bali Canoeing & Cycling.
Online: C.Bali Canoeing & Cycling
4. Telaga Waja River
Telaga Waja River’s challenging rapids and rugged natural landscape make it perfect for the more experienced and skilled kayakers looking for a thrilling adventure.
With its towering cliffs, cascading waterfalls, and dense tropical forests, it makes your senses come alive with natural sights, sounds, smells, and aromas.
Where Is It? The Telaga Waja River is located near the village of Muncan in eastern Bali.
How To Kayak On Telaga Waja River? You can go kayaking on Telaga Waja River with Surya Bintang Adventures.
Online: Surya Bintang Adventures
5. Munduk (Twin Lakes)
If you want to kayak surrounded by waterfalls, then kayaking in Munduk is a must. It has some of the best hidden waterfalls in Bali.
Munduk is made up of the Twin Lakes called Tamblingan Lake and Buyan Lake. Both of which give you a serene kayaking experience.
Where Is It? Munduk is located in the highlands of Northern Bali, next to a mountain village called Munduk.
How To Kayak On Munduk? You can go kayaking on Munduk with Bali jungle Trekking and Canoeing.
Online: Bali jungle Trekking and Canoeing
6. East Coast Mangroves
Kayaking in the East Coast Mangroves gives you a calm and reflective kayaking experience.
When you go kayaking through these intricate mangrove forests, you’ll discover hidden lagoons with a rich biodiversity.
The East Coast Mangroves offers a peaceful kayaking experience which makes it perfect for families and beginners.
Where Is It? The East Coast Mangroves stretch from Serangan Island down to Tanjung Benoa along the eastern coast of Bali.
How To Kayak On The East Coast Mangroves? You can go kayaking on The East Coast Mangroves withBali Mangrove Forest Tour.
Online: Bali Mangrove Forest Tour
7. Amed
Kayaking at Amed allows you to kayak over unspoiled reefs while you soak up the stunning views of Mount Agung – Bali’s biggest volcano.
Situated on the east coast of Bali, Amed is the best place to go sea kayaking.
It’s recommended to kayak at Amed at sunset to witness the spectacular golden hour colours and an incredible view of the moon, which makes it a very romantic setting for couples or newlyweds.
Where Is It? Amed is located on the northeastern coast of Bali on the island’s eastern tip.
How To Kayak In Amed? You can go kayaking in Amed withCRYSTAL KAYAK AMED.
Online: CRYSTAL KAYAK AMED
8. Tamblingan Lake
If you’re looking for a serene and tranquil kayaking experience, then you’ll get it at Tamblingan Lake.
Tamblingan Lake is free from noise and other modern disturbances as motorised boats are not allowed on the lake.
This makes it perfect for couples looking for a romantic experience and solo explorers who want a meditative experience.
And if you want some adventure, you can take a trek through the surrounding jungle.
Where Is It? Lake Tamblingan is situated in the Northern part of Bali.
How To Kayak On Tamblingan Lake? You can go kayaking on Tamblingan Lake withC.Bali Canoeing & Cycling.
Online: C.Bali Canoeing & Cycling
9. Sanur/Nusa Dua
Kayaking on the crystal clear waters of Sanur and Nusa Dua with views of golden sands gives you a magical kayaking experience.
This stretch of coastline offers conditions that are ideal for beginners looking to learn kayaking in safe conditions while also admiring the wonderful views.
Where Is It? Sanur and Nusa Dua are located in southeastern Bali.
How To Kayak In Sanur/Nusa Dua? You can go kayaking in Sanur/Nusa Dua with Bali ATV Ride & Rafting.
Online: Bali ATV Ride & Rafting
10. Ubud’s Waterways
Kayaking in Ubud allows you to experience the cultural heartbeat of Bali.
As you kayak on its waters, you’ll be spoilt for choice as you witness its ancient Hindu temples, lush rice terraces, and quaint villages.
If you want to learn insights about local traditions and stories, you can take one of the many guided kayaking tours.
Where Is It? Ubud is located in central Bali.
How To Kayak On Ubud’s Waterways? You can go kayaking onUbud’s Waterways with Ubud Bali Rafting Ayung River.
Online: Ubud Bali Rafting Ayung River
11. Benoa Bay
Popular for water sports, Benoa Bay’s calm waters give you a relaxing kayaking experience.
If you’re a beginner kayaker or you simply want to kayak and chill, Benoa Bay will cater to your needs.
Where Is It? Benoa Bay is located on the southeastern coast of Bali.
How To Kayak in Benoa Bay? You can go kayaking in Benoa Bay with Bali Water Sport Tanjung Benoa.
Online: Bali Water Sport Tanjung Benoa
FAQs
Do you have any questions about kayaking in Bali? Here are some common questions people ask.
Is Bali a good place to go kayaking?
You better believe it. Bali is full of lakes and rivers, which make it a prime location for kayaking and water sports enthusiasts.
Can I go kayaking solo in Bali?
If you are a competent and experienced kayaker, then Bali is great for kayaking solo or with friends.
However, if you’re lacking the kayaking skills and experience, it’s best to join a kayaking tour.
What if I’ve never kayaked before?
Bali is perfect if you’ve never gone kayaking before. Places like Lake Batur and Benoa Bay offer the perfect conditions to learn how to kayak.
You can also take part in a guided tour with a qualified instructor who will teach you how to kayak safely.
What places in Bali are the best for river kayaking?
The best place to go river kayaking in Bali is at the Ayung River. You can access this river from Ubud in Central Bali. You can get a tour guide to help you navigate the river. Ayung River is also great for whitewater rafting. You’ll have a blast.
What places in Bali are the best for sea kayaking?
The best places for sea kayaking in Bali are along the east coast, namely around Amed, Nusa Dua, and Sanur. Here you will also find some of the most beautiful beaches and amazing coastlines in Bali. It’s quite the experience.
What places in Bali are the best for water activities?
The best location for water sports in Bali is Benoa Bay. You can go parasailing, jet skiing, banana boat rides, flyboarding, snorkelling, and sea walking. As you can imagine, it’s a lot of fun.
However, if you just want to go kayaking, the Ayung River and Lake Batur are the best places to go.
What time of the year is the best to go kayaking in Bali?
The best time of the year to go kayaking in Bali is during the dry season, which runs from April to October. The rivers and lakes are nice and calm, and the weather conditions are perfect too.
Final Thoughts About Kayaking in Bali
Whether you’re an adrenaline junkie looking for your next hit on the pulse-racing rapids of Ayung and Telaga Waja Rivers, or you want a peaceful journey on a calm lake like Lake Batur and Tamblingan Lake, these 11 kayaking spots will give you an unforgettable kayaking experience in Bali.
