0 Mystical night exploration on the Ayung River

For those who like an adventurous vacation, especially those who like rafting, going night rafting on the Ayung River is a must. The sunset had just started when we were preparing our safety equipment, wearing life vests and helmets, and securing our things in water-resistant bags at Ubud Sport Adventure at Bongkasa village in Badung regency. It was the start of an unforgettable rafting experience, exploring the mystical night along the Ayung River. The scent of incense welcomed us on the dark path. 

A row of torches was the only sign to guide us along the path, which required a trek down of dozens of stairs. In front of Puncak Sari Temple, six Balinese girl dancers welcomed us with the Panyembrahma dance. As the dance finished, we continued our journey, walking down many steps to get to the river. The walk took approximately 10 minutes, traversing some small waterfalls and groves. On the riverside, a Balinese Hindu ceremony was performed by locals, asking for safety. 

Tourists are welcome to watch the ceremony, as well as to participate in the joint prayer before rafting. After the ceremony has been performed, the real adventure begins. Some boats were waiting on the river, each one accommodates a group of four to five persons, including the guide. As the adventure was held at night, in each boat one person was tasked with bringing a torch. Different to normal rafting in daylight, rafting at night was unique. We couldn’t see the beautiful panorama offered by nature along the journey. 

But we could hear the sound of animals around the river, such as frogs and various kinds of birds. In some spots, we could feel the silence. We even got to witness numerous sheets of lightening once we passed some villas by the river. An approximately 45-minute journey became more special as we could enjoy art performances on three natural stone stages. On the first stage, dozens of dancers performed a dance called the Kingdom of the River Knight. 

After 30 minutes on the river, on the second stage the River Life dance was performed, demonstrating the life of animals around the Ayung River. And after 45 minutes on the river, on a large stone stage in Campuhan, the Mystical Ayung Princes dance was performed. The art performances involved 150 artists from Cudamani, Cahya Atsuka and ISI Denpasar. The 45-minute trip was not the end of the journey. 

A night trek, passing a small forest and rice fields, guided by a row of torches, was required to reach the restaurant for dinner. “We want to provide an alternative way to enjoy the Ayung River,” Ivan Syarifuddin from brobok.com, designer of the journey, said. Brobok.com and Ubud Sport Adventure work in cooperation to offer the new rafting package. The cost of a ticket on this adventure, called the Full Moon Adventure, is US$99 per person.

source : bali daily