Preliminary river morphometry analysis for rafting tourism in the Saba River, Bali Island, Indonesia

This study was designed to calculate the morphometry along the SWISS rafting route, as well as map the whitewater and analyze the risk management of the rafting tourism at the Saba River in Buleleng Regency, Bali, Indonesia. The whitewater mapping was conducted using a river morphometry analysis, and the morphometry data was collected using field measurements, topographics, and a geographic information systems vector analysis. The river morphometry, which plays an important role in the rafting sport, was quantified using the spatial aspects, topography, length of the main river, and river flow. The results showed that the river had a slope of 14.2 m/km, a dam-regulated flow rate of up to 4.02 m3/s, and water levels of 0.4–0.7 m. These figures indicate that the river channel and its hydrological characteristics are suitable for rafting activities, and it has been categorized as grade 2–3 rapids. Due to the improper risk management of whitewater rafting, this research recommends improving the skills of the tour guides or the members of the local tourism awareness group and preparing emergency response strategies that consider the site’s accessibility and the available medical services. © 2020 WITPress. All rights reserved.