Halfway between Sanur and Ubud is an unassuming village hiding one of the best tourist treks I’ve been to. It is called Hidden Canyon, probably because even the locals didn’t know about it until 8 or 9 years ago as it was covered in rubbish!
It is easy to get to – it cost us less than $10 in a taxi to get to from Sanur. You get dropped off in a parking lot and go to the ticket station. As of writing time (August 2023) the prices is 240k ($15 USD) per person, which includes a guide (who has a dry bag and will handle your phone and photo taking responsibilities), a towel and shower for after the hike as well as lunch. It also includes “Insurance” but I’m not sure what that means. We were able to negotiate a bit as KITAS visa holders and also didn’t need to pay for our 4 year old.
Our guide Kedek took us through a rice field and down some stairs to the cafe area where we put our belongings in lockers and trekked in our swimsuits and water shoes down to the river. The wow factor started right away as the canyon is gorgeous and provides lots of easy adventure and photo opportunities.
We visited during dry season, and I’ve heard from friends that it is a much different experience during wet season. We waded through water as shallow as our ankles and as deep as our necks. None of it was especially fast moving, which again would be much different in wet season.
There are three distinct canyons to visit. It took us about 2 hours to go through all 3, but a group with longer legs could do it in an hour and a half no problem. There is also an option to do only the first canyon, but I think the whole thing is very doable. The third canyon is dry and has a swing which was a lot of fun for all of us! Something I loved is how uncrowded it all is. I only saw 2 other small groups the whole time we were on the river. It is so refreshing after how crazy some tourist spots in Bali can be. On our way out of the canyon there is a man selling fresh coconuts and drinks which was a nice stop before the walk back to the beginning.
I actually loved the walk back to the start as you go through rice fields and along local villages. It is full sun during this part though, so please be prepared. Once back to the starting point we were given a towel and directed to the showers. They’re nicely maintained and even have soap. It felt really nice to shower off after getting wet and muddy (and then sweaty). We then ate a simple but hot and delicious lunch (think fried rice or fried noodles) before heading home.
I would highly recommend this tour as a way to get out in nature, support the local community and see a new side of Bali. It would also be a great thing to do if you live here and have guests. If you’re staying in Ubud or Sanur, it is a no brainer.
Quick info:
Cost: 240k IDR Per person (Discounts available for KITAS and we weren’t charged for a 3 year old)
Distance from Sanur or Ubud: 30 minutes
Time for activity: It took us about 2 hours for the canyon hike and about 1 hour for showers/lunch but if you had a group with longer legs I think it would be shorter.
