Planning a vacation to Bali and wondering what to wear for river rafting? You are not the only one. For first-time rafters especially, it can be difficult to know whether regular sportswear is enough, which shoes are suitable, and what you should bring for after the trip.
The simple answer is that you do not need complicated specialist gear. A comfortable outfit that can get wet, dries reasonably quickly, and stays secure while you move is usually the best choice. You should also remember that rafting is an active experience, not simply a ride on a boat. You may paddle, get splashed, walk on wet surfaces, and spend several hours outdoors.
Also Read: Reasons to Try Rafting in Bali
What to Wear for River Rafting in Bali
What to wear for river rafting especially in Bali? The best rafting outfit is lightweight, comfortable, and suitable for getting wet. You should be able to move freely without constantly adjusting your clothes or worrying about losing your footwear.
1. Choose a Quick-Dry Top
A lightweight sports T-shirt, rash guard, or other quick-drying top is a practical choice. These clothes are designed for active use and generally feel more comfortable than heavy everyday clothing once they become wet.
A rash guard can be especially useful if you want more coverage on your arms. It can also work well as part of a simple water-sports outfit without adding unnecessary layers.
You do not need to wear a thick jacket or multiple layers for a normal Bali rafting trip. Bali has a warm tropical climate, and your clothes will get wet during the activity. Keeping your outfit light is usually more practical.
2. Pick Lightweight Bottoms
For your lower half, swim shorts, board shorts, athletic shorts, or lightweight sports trousers are suitable options. Leggings can also work if you prefer more coverage.
The main consideration is how the material behaves when wet. Lightweight fabrics are easier to move in and generally more comfortable than heavy clothing that holds a lot of water.
Jeans are therefore not a practical choice for rafting. Denim becomes heavier when soaked and can feel restrictive when you are sitting, paddling, or moving around the raft.
3. Wear Secure, Water-Friendly Footwear
Footwear deserves particular attention because you may encounter wet and uneven surfaces around the river. Water shoes are a good option, while outdoor sandals with a secure heel or back strap can also work.
The most important feature is that your footwear stays firmly on your feet and provides suitable grip. You do not want to spend the trip worrying about a shoe coming off in the water.
Flip-flops are better left behind. They can easily come off in moving water and are not designed to provide the same level of stability as secure water footwear. Some rafting operators also specifically recommend water shoes, strapped sandals, or suitable sports shoes.
4. Keep Hair and Accessories Secure
Long hair is best tied back before you get on the raft. This keeps it away from your face and makes it easier to manage while wearing a helmet.
It is also a good idea to remove unnecessary jewelry, watches, and loose accessories. If you need to wear glasses, consider using a retaining strap. Anything that is not securely attached can become difficult to manage once you are moving through rapids.
Also Read: How to Stay Safe while Rafting?
What Should You Bring for a Bali Rafting Trip?
Once you have decided what to wear, keep the rest of your packing simple. You will spend much of the activity on the river, so there is little benefit in bringing more belongings than you actually need.
- A complete change of clothes: Pack a dry top, bottoms, and underwear for after the activity. You can change once you have finished rafting and are ready to continue your day.
- A towel: A towel is useful after getting wet, although the facilities available can vary between rafting locations and packages. Check what is included with your chosen experience before leaving your hotel.
- A waterproof bag: Use suitable waterproof storage for belongings that need to stay dry. If your operator provides storage or a dry bag, follow their instructions about which items can be taken onto the river.
- Sunscreen: Apply sunscreen before the activity, particularly if you will spend time outdoors before, during, or after rafting. Parts of a river route may be shaded, but that does not mean you are completely protected from the sun.
- A secure phone or camera: If you want to take pictures, use proper waterproof protection and secure the device. Do not carry a phone loosely in your hand where it could easily fall into the river.
- Only essential valuables: Leave expensive jewelry, unnecessary electronics, and other belongings you cannot afford to lose somewhere secure. Your rafting trip is much easier when you are not constantly worrying about your possessions.
A dry change of clothes is one of the most consistently recommended items for Bali rafting, while the exact storage arrangements and facilities can differ between operators.
Also Read: Best Place for Rafting in Bali
What Not to Wear When River Rafting
Some clothes are perfectly suitable for sightseeing in Bali but are not particularly practical once you are on the river. The goal is not to follow a strict dress code, but to avoid anything that becomes uncomfortable, restrictive, or difficult to keep secure when wet.
- Heavy clothing: Thick cotton tops, heavy trousers, and similar fabrics can absorb water and take longer to dry. Lightweight sports clothing is generally more comfortable for an activity where getting wet is expected.
- Jeans: Denim is relatively heavy when soaked and does not offer the same freedom of movement as lightweight shorts or sportswear.
- Very loose clothing: Oversized tops and loose bottoms can become cumbersome when wet. Clothing that stays comfortably in place is easier to manage while paddling.
- Loose accessories: Scarves, dangling jewelry, unsecured hats, and similar items can become distractions or potentially fall into the river.
- Flip-flops: These are easy to lose in moving water and provide limited support on wet surfaces. Secure sandals or water shoes are a better choice.
- Delicate shoes: Fashion shoes or footwear that you do not want to get wet should stay in your luggage. Choose something specifically suitable for water and outdoor conditions instead.
You also do not need to buy an entirely new outfit just for rafting. If you already own comfortable sportswear and secure footwear that you do not mind getting wet, you may already have everything you need.
Also Read: Why is Ayung River Rafting so Popular?
Combine ATV and River Rafting in Bali
If you want to make your Bali adventure more active, Ubud Quad Biking offers combined ATV and rafting experiences. Depending on the package you choose, you can combine an ATV ride with an experience at the Ayung River, Tubing Adventure, or Telaga Waja. Travelers have the option to enjoy two different outdoor activities during their Bali holiday without planning each activity separately.
The experience comes with an expert instructor and follows strict safety protocols and guidelines. Booking is easy, with secure payment available through an encrypted card or PayPal. You can also cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, giving you additional flexibility when arranging your Bali adventure.