New Adventure Tourism Option Opens in West Bali
Jembrana Regency, Bali – A new river rafting adventure, Gelar River Adventure, has opened in West Bali, offering tourists a unique and adrenaline-fueled experience. Located in the village of Batuagung, Jembrana Regency, the attraction officially launched on February 6, 2026, and is already gaining attention from both local and domestic travelers.
While Bali is renowned for adventure activities like hiking Mount Batur and surfing in Canggu, Gelar River Adventure aims to provide a more off-the-beaten-path experience. The attraction is particularly appealing to domestic tourists, who are increasingly shaping travel trends in Bali, even as international visitors remain a key market.
The opening of Gelar River Adventure has garnered support from local leaders, including Regent of Jembrana, Made Kembang. Regent Kembang personally tested the rafting experience with friends, praising the river’s potential as a major adventure destination. “The Gelar River has extraordinary potential to become one of Jembrana’s river adventure destinations,” he stated following his ride. “Besides being challenging and adrenaline-pumping, the scenery along the river is a feast for the eyes and is perfect for relaxation.”
Gelar River Adventure distinguishes itself from conventional rafting by emphasizing a more adventurous and unpredictable route. According to Ida Bagus Dewangkasa, the manager of Gelar River Adventure, the course is designed to be varied, with sections that may require navigating rocks or even backtracking. “What we emphasise is the adventure,” Dewangkasa explained. “So the route varies, sometimes getting stuck on rocks, sometimes going backwards. That’s the adventure we offer, not just regular rafting.”
The attraction offers three different trek options to cater to varying levels of experience and time constraints. The Short Trek lasts approximately one hour, ideal for beginners. The Medium Trek extends to around two hours, while the Long Trek provides a more immersive experience lasting between four and six hours, covering over 10 kilometers of the river.
Prices for the rafting experiences vary depending on the chosen trek. Medium treks start at IDR 850,000 per person, while the longer treks cost IDR 1,550,000 per person. These prices include boat hire, all necessary safety equipment, a professional instructor and guide, and a packed lunch.
Gelar River Adventure is operating in collaboration with local community groups, including the Village-Owned Enterprise (BUMDes), the Gelar Tourism Group (Pokdarwis Gelar), and the Batuagung Traditional Village, ensuring that the economic benefits of tourism are shared within the local community.
Jembrana Regency, often overlooked by international tourists, is positioning itself as a destination for those seeking a more authentic and affordable Bali experience. As a gateway to West Bali National Park and a transit point to East Java via Gilimanuk Harbour, the region is working to promote its hidden gems, and Gelar River Adventure is a key component of this strategy.
The emergence of Gelar River Adventure adds to the diverse range of adventure activities available in Bali, complementing popular options like river rafting on the Ayung River near Ubud, which often includes combined experiences like ATV riding.
