Ubud Cave River Tubing Adventure

In Tegalalang, just outside Ubud, a river carves its way through 15 natural caves that you'll drift through on an inflatable tube. The current here is calm rather than white-water, so you can take in the rock formations, patches of natural light, and the occasional hidden waterfall or freshwater spring without needing prior tubing experience. Some caves are believed to have historical ties to the Japanese colonial era, adding a layer of story to the scenery around you.

The route takes you past dense bamboo groves and tropical forest, with the sound of the river and jungle replacing any trace of Ubud's busier streets. Because the water moves gently, this river tubing adventure works for young children (minimum age 3) as well as first-timers who want something more relaxed than rapids.

Once you're back at base camp, there's a proper setup to recharge: showers with soap and shampoo, changing rooms, towels and lockers for your belongings. Hotel transfers can be arranged for groups of up to five people per car, or you can book the tubing experience alone if you're making your own way to Tegalalang.

After arriving at base camp in Tegalalang, either by private transfer or on your own, you'll be fitted with a tube and safety gear before heading down to the river's edge. The tubing route then leads you through the first of 15 caves, alternating between sunlit openings and darker, narrower passages where the rock formations close in overhead. Along the way you'll drift past small waterfalls, freshwater springs and thick jungle vegetation lining the riverbanks.

The pace is unhurried throughout, with calm currents carrying you rather than any rapids to navigate. Once you reach the end of the route, you'll head back to base camp to shower off, change into dry clothes and store your belongings in the lockers before continuing on with the rest of your day in Bali.