Canyoning Bali means you get wet and grinning. Excalibur Canyon in Ubud is built for non-stop action—with 3 vertical rappels up to 12 m plus lots of jump chances—and you can scale it toward your comfort level by choosing rappels into natural pools instead. The only real catch: you’ll need moderate fitness and a willingness to get in the water and handle heights/rope moves for a few hours.

I like that the day runs with clear structure. You start with hotel pickup, then basecamp time for registration, a light breakfast, coffee/tea, and proper canyoning technique training before you ever reach the river. You’re also covered with accident insurance up to USD 10,000 per person, and the trip ends with shower time, lunch, and free photos and video.

One more consideration: this is a weather-based activity. If conditions aren’t good, the operator will reschedule you or refund you, so plan for a little flexibility in your Bali days.

Key Highlights You’ll Feel Immediately

• 3 rappels up to 12 m to get your hands working and your nerves waking up
• More than 6 optional jumps, with the chance to switch to rappelling into water pools if you prefer
• Zip lining option if you want to avoid jumping into a natural water pool
• ICOpro-standard training (CAI) so you know what to do before the first drop
• Meals included (light breakfast + lunch), plus shower and all canyoning gear
• Small group size (max 12) for closer attention in a busy, active setting

From Ubud at 6:00 am: How the Day Really Works

Your day starts early: pickup is offered and the official start time is 6:00 am. Expect to leave Ubud in the morning calm, then ride to the basecamp for a full setup routine before you start your canyon time.

This early timing matters more than it sounds. Excalibur Canyon runs on your energy and attention, so having a plan that begins at dawn helps you get into the gorge before the day feels too hot and the water is less comfortable. The whole trip is also paced so you’re not just waiting around for hours in damp gear.

The total descent window is listed as 2.5 to 4 hours (with walking time added in), so you’re committing to real activity, not a quick splash-and-go. When you’re looking at value here, that long “on river time” is a big part of it.

Basecamp Setup: Coffee, Training, and the Gear You Actually Need

At basecamp, the flow is practical. You’ll handle registration, get coffee/tea plus a light breakfast, then get equipped for canyoning. After that, you receive canyon initiation training using ICOpro standards so you know how to move, control your pace, and manage the gear before you reach the water action.

A lot of canyon tours skip the serious part and just hand you a harness. Here, the emphasis is on technique. The training is part of the included ICOpro Canyoneer Initiation (CAI) course, and you’ll also be guided by an ICOpro instructor and assistant team.

You’ll also get the kind of safety basics that make the rest of the day more enjoyable. The tour includes canyoning equipment that’s labeled as ICOpro and CE-standard, plus high-performance rope from Korda’s with international standards. That doesn’t make the day easy, but it helps you trust the system while you focus on the next move.

And yes, the small meal details count: fruits plus tea/coffee/water/snacks are included, and later you’ll get lunch and a shower back at basecamp. For a canyon day, that’s the difference between feeling like a sweaty success and feeling wrecked for the rest of Bali.

The Descent at Excalibur: Rappels Up to 12 m and Jump Chances

Once you’ve been trained and geared, you drive to the start point (about a 10-minute ride in a local truck). Then it’s a short hike downhill to the river—enough to get your legs working, not enough to feel like punishment.

Now comes the main event: the canyon is described as an aquatic gorge with 3 vertical rappels up to 12 m and more than 6 jumps (optional). This is a “non-stop” kind of route, meaning you’re switching between movement types—rope work, water play, and canyon navigation—so your brain stays busy.

What you can expect once you’re at the water:

• Swimming and sliding through natural sections
• Jumping opportunities (if you choose them)
• Rappelling waterfalls and drops into pools
• Lots of time using the canyon itself as your playground, not just as a backdrop

The vertical rappels are the moment you’ll probably remember most. Even if you’re experienced, dropping under control changes your whole sense of speed. If you’re new, that’s exactly where good instruction pays off—because you’re learning how to be safe while you’re having fun.

The water pools are another big deal. The description highlights natural pools that you can rappel into, which is the operator’s way of giving you options if you’re not a jump-first person.

Optional Routes: If You’d Rather Not Jump, You Still Get the Adventure

Here’s the key thing I’d want you to know before booking: jumps are not the only way to do this canyon.

The route is built for people who love jumping, but it also offers alternatives. If jumping into the natural water pools isn’t your thing, you can choose:

• Rappelling down into refreshing natural water pools
• Zip lining as an option to reduce or avoid jumping into the pools

That flexibility is the difference between “this tour is only for daredevils” and “this tour fits different comfort levels.” You still get the canyon exploration, waterfalls, and rope skills, but you can shape the day around what feels right in your body.

I also like that the tour doesn’t pretend everyone wants the same intensity. You’ll see what you’re working with in the canyon, and you’ll have guidance from the instructor team while you make choices along the way.

Walk-Ins, Water Time, and What the Timing Feels Like

The trip duration is listed as about 2 hours 30 minutes (approx.), but the real canyon activity is longer: the descent is 2.5 to 4 hours, with walking time in the mix. Expect a short approach and return walk that falls in the 15–20 minute range.

That means you’ll probably feel the day in three parts:

1) Early transport + basecamp setup

2) Canyon movement and water action (the longest chunk)

3) Return to basecamp for shower, lunch, and your photos/videos

This pacing is ideal for many people because you don’t spend the whole day tired before you even reach the fun. You also get enough time in the gorge that it feels like an actual adventure, not a quick activity before dinner.

Meals, Shower, and the Little Things That Make You Want to Stay Longer

After the canyon portion, you head back to basecamp. This is where the experience earns its good reputation. You’ll get a shower plus shampoo, soap, and a towel, and you’ll have lunch waiting.

You also get fruits and tea/coffee/water/snacks during the day, plus the light breakfast before you start. Food matters because canyoning is physical and sweaty, and waiting until later to eat can make you feel slow when you should be focused.

The tour also includes free photos and video. That’s useful in a practical way: your hands are busy, your eyes are on the next move, and it’s hard to document the day yourself. When you return, you can relive the action without having to worry about managing a camera in wet conditions.

Price and Value: Why $109 Can Actually Add Up in Your Favor

At $109, this is not a “cheap thrill,” but it’s also not just a guided splash. You’re paying for a full package: pickup/drop-off in specified areas, canyon gear, international-standard equipment, instruction, training course inclusion, meals, shower items, accident insurance, and professional photo/video coverage.

Here’s how I’d think about value:

• You’re getting equipment included, which saves you the hassle (and usually the cost) of renting gear
• You’re getting ICOpro-standard supervision and a CAI training course, which is the kind of service that matters most when you’re on ropes over water
• You’re getting food and shower, so the day ends clean and easier than most DIY adventures
• You’re getting insurance coverage up to USD 10,000 per person, which is a real safety layer on an active day

If you’re already the type of traveler who prefers structured, guided activities—especially for rope-and-water sports—this price tends to feel fair because so much is bundled.

Who Should Book Excalibur Canyon (and Who Might Rethink It)

This tour fits people who:

• Want adventure in nature with hands-on movement—rope work, water play, and canyon navigation
• Enjoy a mix of challenge and scenery
• Are comfortable choosing between jumps and rappelling based on their own preferences
• Can handle moderate physical fitness requirements

It also fits groups that like energy and coaching. The instructor team is described as excellent—skilled, fun, and enthusiastic. That matters because canyoning has a lot of small “do this, not that” moments, and good guides keep the flow smooth.

Who might rethink it:

• If you have zero interest in using rope techniques or being in the water for a few hours, you may find it too intense
• If you’re only planning one super rigid day with no flexibility, remember the activity depends on good weather

Weather, Safety Notes, and the Stuff to Bring (Without Guessing)

Good weather is required. If the trip is canceled because of poor weather, you’ll be offered another date or a full refund. That’s worth planning around, especially in Bali when rain can change conditions fast.

On safety, you’re not going in blind. You have ICOpro instruction, CE-standard equipment, and accident insurance. Still, you’ll get better results if you show up ready: listen carefully at the briefing, follow the instructor cues, and don’t try to speed up your skills past what you’ve been taught.

What you should bring is partly implied by what’s not included. The tour does not include bathing suits, change of clothes, sunscreen, or a personal camera/USB or memory card for photos and videos. So pack:

• Swimwear (or whatever you’ll wear to get in the water)
• A change of clothes for afterward
• Sunscreen
• Anything you personally want for comfort, since the included items are mainly gear + shower basics

Should You Book Excalibur Canyon?

If you want a canyoning day that mixes vertical rappels, lots of water action, and real instruction, I think this is a strong choice. The combination of included meals, shower support, free photo/video, and ICOpro CAI-style training makes it feel like more than “just an activity.” Plus, the options for skipping some jumps via rappelling or zip lining mean you can enjoy the canyon even if you’re not jump-crazy.

I’d book it when:

• You’re in Ubud early enough to start at 6:00 am
• You’re looking for an active half-day that turns into a full canyon adventure
• You want guidance that focuses on technique, not just adrenaline

I’d skip or swap to a gentler option if:

• Rope drops and water movement don’t sound appealing to you
• You can’t handle the moderate fitness requirement
• Your schedule has no room for weather changes

FAQ

What time does Excalibur Canyon start?

The start time is 6:00 am.

How long is the canyoning experience?

The descent lasts about 2.5 to 4 hours, and the tour day is listed as around 2 hours 30 minutes (approx.), including transfers and other segments.

Where is the tour located?

It’s in Ubud, Indonesia.

Is pickup and drop-off included?

Yes. Pickup and drop-off are included from/to accommodation in the specified area.

How big is the group?

The maximum group size is 12 travelers.

What equipment is included?

All canyoning equipment is included, and it’s listed as ICOpro and CE-standard, including branded technical equipment and high-performance canyoning rope.

Do I have to jump?

No. Jumping is described as optional, and you can choose rappelling into natural water pools instead.

Is zip lining available?

Yes. The tour notes a zip lining option if you want to avoid jumping into a natural water pool.

What food is included?

You get a light breakfast and lunch (vegetarian or vegan available), plus fruits and tea/coffee/water & snacks.

Is there insurance included?

Yes. The tour includes accident insurance up to USD 10,000 per person.

What should I bring since it’s not included?

The tour does not include swimwear, change of clothes, sunscreen, or a personal camera/memory storage for photos and videos. You may want to bring these so you’re comfortable during and after the canyon.