Thread: A Beautiful River Valley - Ayung at Sayan

A spectacular river valley with rice terraces, coconut groves and jungle areas around it. The Lonely Planet Guide lists several walking tours around Ubud, and one is to Penestanan and Sayan. They say you get down to the river just north of Sayan Terrace but add, "this part can be tricky but there are locals who can show you..."

I tried a few times alone, without success, then met Wayan (2nd photo) who showed me the way. By the river there is a rest area for Sobek rafters. The rafting journeys start about 10 Km up the river and finish here near Sayan Terrace. Just below the Sobek area, there is a small dam (1st photo) built in colonial times around 1927. It raises the water a metre or so above the river to feed into a narrow but deep channel that winds along the side of the valley and then eventually out to rice terraces in the Sukawati area. Early on, this channel goes through a tunnel (3rd photo) showing what Dutch engineering could do back then. The 4th photo is the river below the dam - there were kids skinny dipping on the left of the river, but barely visible.

Wayan offers a few different walking tours, usually around 3 hours, and if needed he can arrange transport from any hotel around Ubud. His number is 081 338 760 853.

IMO, the Sayan Gorge is one of the most, if not the most, spectacular vista in whole Bali (and there are many fabulous vistas all over Bali!). If you cross the Ayung, going West, at the level of Sayan, and walk about 1 - 2 kms, you will find north of Pengembang village, the largest, most spectacular banyan tree (waringin) tree on the Island. You can also drive there: go to Singakarta; continue about one kilo and turn right toward Kutaraga and Pengembang. At the fork in the road, at Pengembang, keep right and continue (the road makes 3, 90-degree turns, right-left-right, in less than another kilo): the HUGE tree is on your right. Its foliage extends over about THREE football fields: a living cathedral! Of course, there is a small pura nearby (and, of course, often, lots of refuse on the ground)

Zoyra was asking other members which company is best, not looking for advertising.

Zoyra, I've only used Sobek for rafting and they are very professional, but they are also expensive. Also, lots of steps down to the river and then again back up to the top. It's not much fun climbing 300 stairs after a few hours in the sun and lunch.

Hopefully, someone else can give you another recommendation.

Wayan offers a few different walking tours, usually around 3 hours, and if needed he can arrange transport from any hotel around Ubud. His number is 081 338 760 853.[/QUOTE]

Great photos and information ron, enjoyed

If there's no steps coming back, that's much easier. I'll be interested to hear, after your experience.

Thanks for the feedback, Zoyra. Enjoy your massage!