Should you go rafting before or after visiting the Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary in Ubud? The best choice depends on your schedule, energy level, and how much time you want to spend at each attraction.
For most travelers, visiting the Monkey Forest first and going rafting afterward can work well if you start early and have enough time between activities. However, rafting in the morning and exploring the Monkey Forest later is often a better option if you prefer cooler conditions on the river and want to avoid rushing your adventure.
Both activities offer different experiences. The Monkey Forest gives you a chance to explore a tropical forest and observe long-tailed macaques, while Ayung River rafting combines jungle scenery, splashing rapids, and an active outdoor adventure.
Should You Go Ubud Rafting Before the Monkey Forest?
For many visitors, morning rafting is the better starting point. You can enjoy the river while you are fresh, follow your guide’s instructions, and experience the natural scenery before spending the afternoon exploring central Ubud.
A rafting trip typically involves preparation, a safety briefing, the river journey, and time to shower and change afterward. You should also account for travel between the rafting starting point and the Monkey Forest.
Benefits of Rafting First
- Start your day with adventure: You will have more energy for paddling and navigating the river.
- Enjoy a flexible afternoon: After rafting, you can visit the Monkey Forest, browse local shops, or enjoy a meal in Ubud.
- Avoid rushing the river experience: You can give rafting your full attention instead of worrying about a later activity.
Keep in mind that river conditions and tour schedules vary. Morning rafting does not guarantee calmer water, so follow your guide’s instructions throughout the trip.
If this is your first time on a raft, read our guide to what to expect on your first rafting adventure before booking.
Is It Better to Visit the Monkey Forest Before Rafting?
Yes, visiting the Monkey Forest first can make sense if you want a relaxed morning walk before heading out for an outdoor activity.
The sanctuary is an appealing place to explore shaded forest paths, ancient temple structures, and the local wildlife. However, monkeys are wild animals, so you should keep your belongings secure and follow the sanctuary’s rules.
When the Monkey Forest First Works Best
This option is suitable if you can enter the sanctuary early and have a confirmed rafting departure later in the day. Allow enough time for sightseeing, transportation, changing clothes, and the rafting check-in process.
Avoid spending too long at the sanctuary if your rafting tour has a fixed departure time. Traffic around Ubud can be unpredictable, and the drive to a river access point may take longer than expected.
If you want to combine rafting with other attractions, our guide on combining Ubud rafting with other activities offers more planning ideas.
How Much Time Should You Allow for Both Activities?
The key to enjoying both attractions is to avoid treating rafting as a short stop between sightseeing activities.
A rafting tour involves more than the time spent on the river. You may need time for check-in, a safety briefing, equipment fitting, access to the river, showering, and changing afterward. The exact duration depends on the operator and package.
The Monkey Forest also deserves enough time to explore without rushing.
For a more comfortable itinerary, use this example as a starting point:
| Time | Activity |
|---|---|
| 8:00 AM | Breakfast and preparation |
| 9:00 AM | Start a morning rafting tour, subject to availability |
| Late morning to early afternoon | Finish rafting, shower, change, and have lunch |
| Afternoon | Visit the Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary |
| Late afternoon | Explore central Ubud or relax at a café |
This schedule is illustrative, not a guaranteed tour timetable. Confirm your rafting departure and the sanctuary’s opening hours before finalizing your plans.
If you prefer visiting the Monkey Forest first, reverse the activities only after checking that your chosen rafting departure leaves enough time for transportation and check-in.
What Should You Know Before Combining Rafting and the Monkey Forest?
A little preparation can make both activities more enjoyable.
Wear Suitable Clothing for Rafting
Choose lightweight clothes that dry relatively quickly. Bring a change of clothes, a towel, and a secure bag for personal belongings.
Read our guide on what to wear for white water rafting in Ubud, Bali for practical clothing tips.
Protect Your Belongings Around Monkeys
Keep food, sunglasses, loose accessories, and other belongings secure. Do not feed or deliberately touch the monkeys. Follow staff instructions and maintain a respectful distance from wildlife.
Plan Transportation in Advance
Check whether your rafting package includes hotel pickup. Some tours require guests to arrange their own transportation, which can affect the timing of your itinerary.
Our Ubud rafting hotel pickup guide explains what to check before booking.
Leave Room for Rest
Combining two attractions is possible, but you do not need to fill every hour of your holiday. If you are traveling with children, older family members, or anyone who prefers a slower pace, consider choosing one main activity and keeping the rest of the day flexible.
Can Beginners Enjoy Rafting Before or After the Monkey Forest?
Absolutely. You do not need previous rafting experience to join many beginner-friendly tours on the Ayung River. Your guide will explain basic paddling commands, safety procedures, and how to respond to instructions during the trip.
Your fitness level, comfort in water, and the operator’s requirements still matter. Read our guides to whether you need to be fit for rafting and whether rafting in Ubud is scary if you are unsure what to expect.
For most first-time visitors, the best itinerary is the one that allows enough time to enjoy both experiences without feeling rushed.
Final Verdict: Ubud Rafting Before or After the Monkey Forest?
If you want to prioritize the river adventure, go rafting in the morning and visit the Monkey Forest afterward. This order gives you the opportunity to enjoy an active outdoor experience first and spend the afternoon exploring Ubud at a more relaxed pace.
Visiting the Monkey Forest first is also a good option if you can secure a suitable afternoon rafting departure and leave enough time for transportation.
Whichever order you choose, confirm your tour schedule, check travel times, and allow room for changing clothes and resting between activities.
Book Your Ubud Rafting Adventure with Wild Current Rafting
Wild Current Rafting offers rafting tours on the Ayung River in Ubud, Bali. Whether you are visiting Bali for the first time or planning an adventure-filled holiday, our team can help you find out more about the rafting experience and available tour arrangements.
Visit Wild Current Rafting to explore your options.
Contact us by phone, SMS, or WhatsApp: +6281338284028 to ask about tour schedules and plan your rafting adventure in Ubud.
