Body Rafting Green Canyon in Indonesia
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Last Updated on March 21, 2023 by Sarah Puckett
A highlight of our time in Java, Indonesia was body rafting in Green Canyon near the city of Pangandaran. A mix between canyoning, white water rafting, and hiking, body rafting is a unique adventure, and body rafting in Green Canyon is a one-of-a-kind experience.
I had no idea what to expect when we signed up for body rafting in Green Canyon because there is really nothing else quite like it anywhere else. This guide is everything I wish I had known before embarking on this crazy adventure!
Here’s what you will find in my guide to body rafting Green Canyon.
Green Canyon Location
The Green Canyon is easily accessible from Pangandaran, a city in south-central Java, Indonesia. There are regular buses and private van transfers available from Jakarta, Bandung or Yogyakarta, among others.
If you want a quieter, off the beaten path experience, I recommend staying in the small fishing village surfing mecca of Batukaras, about 45 minutes from Pangandaran. You can get there by private van transfer from any of the other cities in Java, or take a public bus to Pangandaran and then a taxi to Batukaras. Cost varies depending on where you’re coming from, but expect to pay in the ballpark of $15 to $30 USD per person for your transfer.
How to Book Body Rafting Green Canyon
This region of Java is still very much off the main tourist trail. While there are definitely international travelers that come to Pangandaran and Batukaras, it’s a pretty small number. Because of this, there isn’t a website in English (at least that I can find!) where you can book a trip body rafting in Green Canyon. Instead, I recommend arranging it through your accommodation. Expect to pay about $30 USD per person for the trip. There are several hotels and guesthouses in both Pangandaran and Batukaras. We booked this great guesthouse in Batukaras on Airbnb.
You may have noticed we stay in a lot of Airbnb properties. We find they are often the best value for money, and most have kitchens and laundry facilities which makes our backpacking hearts so happy. Click here to save $40 on Airbnb accommodation on your next trip.
How to Prepare for Body Rafting Green Canyon
Wear a swimsuit or clothes you don’t mind wearing in the water. Bring a dry bag for anything you plan to carry with you (but really aside from sunscreen and water, you don’t need to bring anything into the canyon itself). If you want photos, bring a waterproof camera. All of the pictures in this post were taken using a GoPro.
What to Expect Body Rafting Green Canyon
Ride to the Canyon
Your trip will probably start with a short safety briefing at the shop. The staff at your accommodation will advise on how to get there. You’ll receive water shoes, a helmet, and a life vest. Then, you’ll get into the back of a pickup truck with your guide and make the bumpy drive 20 minutes up to a hill.
Into the Canyon
They’ll drop you off near the river and then it’s just a short walk down into the canyon. Once in the water, you’re off! You’ll be floating most of the way down the river, but there will also be times you’ll need to walk, climb over rocks, or jump.
Wildlife in Green Canyon
Depending on the time of year, you might see millions (literally) of tiny gray crabs crawling all over the rocks. We were there in May and they were everywhere. They are harmless but can be unsettling for anyone who is skittish around small critters. There will be times on the trip that you’ll have to place your hand on or near them because they number so many that they cover every bit of the rock surface. If they crawl on you, it’s OK. They don’t hurt, but you will feel a light tickle.
You might also see monkeys or monitor lizards during your trip, in addition to the usual jungle bugs. On top of all that, we also saw a lot of bat guano in the caves as well as a pit of maggots I had to walk through (you read that right, and yes, it was horrifying).
Is Body Rafting Green Canyon Right for You?
This trip is not for the squeamish, so if that’s you, hang out on the beach and drink a nice fresh juice instead. For us, the stunning scenery and moments of peaceful drifting on my back more than made up for the challenges. Even better, this canyon is off the international tourist trail. I can’t find a website describing the tour in English, and everyone else in our group was local to Indonesia.
Body rafting Green Canyon is one of the most adventurous things we’ve done on our travels, and we felt that unique satisfaction that only comes when you’ve challenged yourself and stepped outside your comfort zone.
More Indonesia Travel Tips
Check out my full 3-week Indonesia itinerary to make the most of your time in this amazing country! It covers Java, Bali, and the Komodo Islands. Plus, I have deep-dive guides on exploring active volcanoes in Java and how to take a boat trip through the Komodo Islands!
Have you ever body rafted here or elsewhere in the world? Tell me about it in the comments or contact me!
