In short
- Tour packages often include pick-up.
- Private drivers cost IDR 400,000 to IDR 600,000 for a half day.
- Travel from southern beach towns takes 1.5 to 2 hours.
In this article
Reaching the Pakerisan River is simple. Because it is located in Tampaksiring, Gianyar Regency, it makes an easy half-day trip from central Ubud. Most visitors book a tubing package that handles transportation, but you can also hire a driver to explore the area's temples before hitting the water.
How to get to Pakerisan river?
The easiest way is to book a tubing package with round-trip transfers.
Many tubing operators run base camps in Tampaksiring. When you book a tour with transport, a driver picks you up at your hotel. This removes the hassle of finding the starting point and gives you a secure place to store your belongings in their base camp lockers.
How far is the Pakerisan River from Ubud?
The drive from central Ubud takes between 30 and 40 minutes.
Traffic in Ubud can affect travel times, but the distance to Tampaksiring is relatively short. If you are traveling from southern beach towns like Kuta or Seminyak, the drive takes 1.5 to 2 hours.
Can I hire a private driver?
Yes, hiring a private driver costs IDR 400,000 to IDR 600,000 for a half day.
A private driver is ideal if you want flexibility. You can visit the 11th-century Gunung Kawi temple or the sacred springs of Tirta Empul before arriving at the river tubing base camp. Temple entry requires a fee of about IDR 50,000.
Do tubing tours include hotel transfers from Seminyak?
Yes, many tours pick up from Seminyak, Kuta, and other southern hubs.
Read your booking details carefully. Some cheaper tickets are "ticket-only" and require you to meet at the base camp. Full packages include hotel pick-up and drop-off, making the 1.5 to 2-hour trip much easier.
How do I access the temples near the river?
You can reach Gunung Kawi by walking down over 300 stone steps into the river valley.
The walk takes 15 to 20 minutes down into the gorge. Wear comfortable shoes and bring water. Remember that you must wear a sarong and sash when entering the temple complex.
Where is the tubing base camp?
Base camps are located in Tampaksiring, Gianyar Regency.
Once you arrive at a base camp, you receive a safety briefing and gear. You will leave electronics and valuables in secure lockers before heading to the water.
Questions travellers ask
Where is the Pakerisan River located in Bali?
It is in Tampaksiring, Gianyar Regency, about 30 to 40 minutes north of central Ubud.
Do tubing tours include hotel transfers from Ubud?
Many tubing packages include round-trip hotel transfers from Ubud. Check your specific tour for details.
How do I get to Gunung Kawi?
You can drive to the entrance in Tampaksiring, then walk down over 300 stone steps to reach the temple complex on the riverbanks.
