Klungkung, Ancient Kingdoms

Rafting and Dining on Klungkung’s Melangit River

The terrain of ‘Baleraf’ consists of green rice fields located above the river, the villagers providing a beautiful backdrop to the course of the river. ‘Baleraf’ itself has been around since 1996, I Komang Wijana, a river guide river, told Bali Travel News recently. Some preparations such as restructuring the watercourse and creating supporting facilities preceded the work. A rubber boat has a capacity for 4 to 6 passengers to reach the finish within half an hour. Wijana, who was born on 27 March 1973, informed your reporter that if there were excessive water due to rainfall, two additional guides would be in service on board to prevent accidents. ‘Baleraf’ today has a capacity of 35 rafters for one trip under the control of 35 professional crew.
‘Baleraf’ so far has succeeded in inviting visitors from Taiwan and Hong Kong go there. For the sake of safety and order, before they actually start rafting, the participants receive information on how to use the rafting equipment such as the rubber boat, paddles, life jacket, helmet and waterproof bag. They then undergo in-water training before they of start the real rafting along the river. They start at Desa Bakas and finish near a temple, Pura Dalem Kayu Putih, in Desa Tusan.
After finishing rafting the guests are picked up by car. Those preferring a package tour then dine at Desa Bakas’ rural restaurant. ‘Just this specifically rural service in the restaurant satisfies the guests after rafting,’ said Wijana of Desa Tangkup (Sidemen, Karangasem). (Darmawan)