As I mentioned in my article about Four Seasons Bali, Jimbaran Bay overview, we booked the Bali – Twice the Magic Package through Four Seasons, which allowed us to stay at both Four Seasons properties in Bali. When you book this package, you have the option to check into Four Seasons Sayan via raft – which means you get dropped off at the Ayung river, the longest river in Bali, and a captain and guide take you down the river, where you land at Four Seasons Sayan in order to check in. All of your belongings are taken from one resort to the other, and you literally don’t have to worry about a thing. I absolutely had to book this option!

We were picked up at Four Seasons Jimbaran Bay around 12:30pm to be taken to the rafting spot, further north on the island. The drive took about two hours, but we were taken in a very large and comfortable SUV. Our driver was happy to point out different monuments and points of interest along the way, which is always a nice added bonus when you have a good, professional driver. We drove through town which gave way to massive rice fields, which then changed to jungle.

We were then dropped at the starting point for the river rafting, where we were met by our captain and our guide for the afternoon. Both gentlemen were super nice, charming, and made sure we had a safe and fun time. We were outfitted with life vests, helmets and paddles, and we started the very long hike down to the river. I would say it was probably about 2-300 feet down into the gorge from where we were dropped off. There was a railing the whole way, and the stone steps and pathway were solid, and though I kind of freaked out at the top, the walk down really was not that bad.

Once we got to the bottom, we climbed into the raft and got going. The river was calm in a lot spots where we had to paddle, but there were also some rough spots where we were spun around and slammed into the stone walls of the gorge. It was definitely a pretty easy float down the river for the most part, broken up by fun little rapids – nothing too majorly scary. The water was cool but not cold, and super clean. It was really fun, and our guide was so enthusiastic and outgoing, that it was way more enjoyable than just sitting in a quiet raft floating down the river!

The entire way down the river, which took about 1.5 hours, was extremely beautiful. Our guide pointed out different resorts along the way, and different flowers and trees. It was so green, and such a huge change in climate compared to the beach, that it took my breath away. Some places along the way were overhanging with lush greenery it was simply spectacular. There are a bunch of rafting outfits that put in and out along different points in the river, and it was super fun to taunt each other and splash them with our paddles!

We arrived at Four Seasons Sayan, and climbed up about one flight of stairs to a lovely sitting area where we were provided with towels to dry off, and a welcome drink. We spent some time chilling out and enjoying the dry land before we were taken via golf cart to our villa in order to complete the check in process. It was seamless, and a really unique way to arrive at your resort!

The only drawback to checking in this way is that you don’t arrive in the main lodge of the resort, being greeted by the incredibly beautiful bridge to the lotus pond. But don’t worry, you can still appreciate those views another time, either after a meal, or coming back from an excursion into Ubud. The entire property is breathtaking, and I can’t wait to tell you all about it!