How to Do Canyoning in Bali

Although most tourists head to Bali for its stunning beaches, there's more to experience in Indonesia's paradise isle than its white, sandy coastlines. Blessed with natural wonders and spectacular landscapes, Bali is also a volcanic island with rugged terrains ideal for all manner of adventure activities. Canyoning is perhaps one of the most underrated things to do in Bali and here's how thrill seekers can discover Bali's dramatic canyons and natural wonders.

Canyoning 101

Those who are unfamiliar with canyoning as a sporting activity may consider it a dangerous undertaking that involves scaling up canyons. But it is actually a sport that offers participants the chance to slip, jump and use rappelling techniques to descend from the top of a canyon to the valley below. While it does involve some risk, cannoning is usually a guided experience so those of a good fitness level and some swimming skills can take part in this exhilarating adventure during a trip to Bali.

Timing the Trip

Travellers who intend to head to Bali for canyoning tours must time their visit to the beach capital. Although Bali is a sunny beach hub for most of the year, it is crucial to time the trip so that the mountainous areas in the heart of central Bali are ideal for canyoning excursions. This is why the period from April to June is considered the perfect time to head to Bali for avid adventurers. This is the wet season in Bali, which means that the beach areas are likely to experience heavy rainfall. But ironically this rainy season is more suitable for canyoning activities.

Start with Gitgit

The Gitgit Waterfalls, located in the northern part of Bali, are considered one of the best places to experience canyoning. To get there, visitors need to travel to Gitgit village, which is situated in Bali's Sukasada district. The village is just 10km away from Singaraja, and from there, tourists can access the waterfall via a rocky walking path. The waterfall stands at a height of 40m and canyoning down it requires expert guidance. It's best to visit the Gitgit Waterfalls during the months of July and August, and the entire tour can take up to a day to complete.

The Blue Gorge

Tourists based at Nirjhara and other Tabanan resorts will find scaling down the Blue Gorge one of the best things to do in Tabanan. Although the descent may take over two hours, the stunning surroundings are absolutely worth the time.

Get an Adrenalin Rush at Wanagiri

The rainforest at Wanagiri is one of the most challenging canyoning sites in Bali, but it's also one of the best places to experience an adventure. Locals call it the "Canyon of Fire," and it's filled with cliffs to climb and breathtaking waterfalls like Banyumala. If you love nature, you'll find this location very rewarding. Wanagiri is perfect for a day trip.

Sambangan

The months between July and September are when the waterfalls and cliffs of Sambangan are perfect for canyoning tours although this northern Bali village is breathtaking all year round. In addition to the volcanic gorges occupying this area, the mammoth Aling-Aling Waterfall is another spot where tourists can enjoy a spot of canyoning and other extreme sports. It is possible to jump from the summit of the Aling-Aling Waterfall to its cool plunge pool below. Although visitors should be careful when navigating the slippery rock surfaces of the waterfall, it is a perfectly safe environment in which to immerse oneself in natural surroundings.

Kerenkali Canyon

Kerenkali Canyon is a popular canyoning site in Bali that is easily accessible. It is a haven for adventure enthusiasts who enjoy natural water sports activities. The canyon features a range of plunge pools for testing one's skills and confidence. Additionally, the canyon boasts a 26-metre-tall waterfall, making it a must-visit destination for thrill-seekers.