Written by Abyan/Intership in Canyoning Bali
While many people come to Bali to enjoy the beaches, sunsets, or trendy cafés, I have had a completely different experience because I spend my days interning in the world of canyoning. As an assistant guide at Canyoning Bali, I have the opportunity to experience firsthand the excitement of outdoor adventures surrounded by the untouched natural beauty of North Bali.
At first, I never imagined that I would intern in Bali’s adventure tourism industry. However, after getting directly involved in canyoning activities, I finally understood why this activity has become increasingly popular among both local and international tourists. Nowadays, many travelers are searching for holiday experiences that are more exciting and different from ordinary tourism.
Every morning before the trip begins, the instructors and I prepare all the equipment needed for canyoning activities. Starting from helmets, harnesses, wetsuits, ropes, gloves, and canyoning shoes, everything must be checked carefully. In Bali adventure activities such as canyoning, safety is always the top priority because the journey takes place around rivers, waterfalls, and rocky cliffs.
Usually, before entering the canyon, we begin with a briefing session. Many participants are trying canyoning for the first time, so they often look nervous and curious. Some are afraid of descending cliffs, jumping into the water, or swimming, while others keep asking whether canyoning is safe.
As an assistant guide, my role is not only to help prepare and install safety equipment, but also to accompany participants throughout the canyoning journey. Sometimes I help calm participants who are afraid of heights, assist in taking photos, and create a more relaxed and enjoyable atmosphere during the trip.
One of the canyons that often challenges participants the most is Maboya Canyon, located in the Gitgit area of North Bali. From the moment we enter the canyon area, the atmosphere already feels different. The sound of waterfalls echoes loudly, the air feels cold and refreshing, and the massive rock cliffs are covered with green moss. In my opinion, this is one of the most interesting aspects of working in North Bali’s nature tourism industry because the environment remains truly untouched and natural.
Sometimes in the morning, when the weather is clear, sunlight shines through the trees and makes the canyon look incredibly beautiful. It is no surprise that many tourists consider this place one of the best Bali adventure experiences in North Bali. Besides being exciting, the natural atmosphere inside the canyon also helps participants feel more connected to nature.
During one Canyoning Bali trip at Maboya Canyon, participants usually enjoy many exciting activities such as waterfall rappelling, natural rock slides, jumping into natural pools, and swimming through the canyon. Maboya Canyon itself has around 10 rappelling points with heights reaching up to 21 meters. In addition, there are several natural slides and jumps into water pools that make the canyoning experience even more challenging and enjoyable. My favorite moment is usually when participants try their first waterfall rappel. At first, they look frightened, but once they successfully descend using the rope, their expressions immediately change into happiness and excitement. Many of them eventually become addicted to the experience and want to try other canyons with higher difficulty levels. After completing the canyoning trip, we usually return to the basecamp to shower and enjoy lunch while reviewing the photos and videos taken during the Maboya Canyon adventure.
Although it may look extreme, this activity is actually quite safe because all participants are accompanied by professional guides and use standard safety equipment. In fact, Maboya Canyon is suitable for beginners who want to try extreme tourism in Bali with a level that is still friendly for everyone.
What I love most about this job is that every trip always has a different story. Sometimes there are guests who are extremely afraid at first, but after finishing the trip, they become the most enthusiastic participants. There are also guests who come specifically to look for outdoor activities in Bali that are different from ordinary tourism experiences.
Besides gaining exciting experiences, working in the canyoning industry has also brought me closer to nature. Almost every day, I can enjoy the sound of waterfalls, fresh rivers, and the peaceful atmosphere of North Bali’s lush forests. In my opinion, canyoning is not only about extreme sports or adrenaline. It is also about appreciating nature, building courage, developing self-confidence, and creating unforgettable experiences.
Therefore, if you are looking for a unique holiday experience while visiting Bali, trying Canyoning Bali can be one of the best choices. Besides being exciting and challenging, this activity also offers experiences that cannot be found in ordinary tourist destinations.
For me personally, becoming an assistant guide at Canyoning Bali is not just a job, but also a life experience filled with exciting stories every day. Every journey always brings new experiences, new people, and new adventures in the beautiful natural surroundings of North Bali.