Ubud Bali Cycling Tour

Looking for a way to see Bali beyond the typical tourist spots? The Ubud Bali Cycling Tour offers a relaxed, scenic journey through the island’s rural heart. Priced at around $41.54 per person and lasting about five hours, this tour takes you on a gentle downhill ride that’s suitable for most fitness levels. Guides will pick you up from Ubud, and the day includes visits to rice fields, traditional villages, and even a bamboo forest—plus a delicious Indonesian lunch.

What we particularly appreciate about this experience is how it balances easy riding with authentic insights into local life. The chance to stop at small villages, watch wood carvers in action, and learn about rice farming makes it more than just a bike ride. We also like the flexible routes, which can be tailored to your comfort level, making it accessible whether you’re a casual cyclist or a more seasoned rider.

One thing to keep in mind is that the routes are primarily on gentle off-road paths and back roads rather than rugged off-the-beaten-track trails. If you’re expecting an adrenaline-fueled adventure, this might not be the activity for you. However, if your goal is to enjoy beautiful scenery at a relaxed pace and connect with local culture, this tour hits the mark.

This tour is best suited for travelers who want a family-friendly, scenic experience—especially those who enjoy gentle outdoor activities and cultural encounters. It’s also ideal if your time in Ubud is limited but you still want a meaningful taste of Bali’s countryside.

Key Points

• Accessible for most travelers with flexible routes suited to different fitness levels
• Includes stops at local villages, rice paddies, and traditional crafts
• Offers a relaxed pace with plenty of photo breaks and cultural insights
• Includes lunch in a Balinese family home, adding to the authentic feel
• Pickup service makes logistics straightforward
• Limited group size (max 10) enhances personal attention and safety

The Itinerary: What to Expect from Ubud Bali Cycling Tour

The tour begins at Ubud Palace at 8:30 am, with a convenient pickup offered to start your day smoothly. After a brief safety briefing and fitting helmets, you’ll set off on a ride that’s designed to showcase Bali’s vibrant rural life. Expect to cycle through rice paddies and rural villages, where the scenery is nothing short of classic Bali: lush green fields stretching to the horizon, traditional houses with thatched roofs, and villagers going about their daily routines.

What makes this ride special is the variety of tracks available. Guides will tailor the route based on your preferences—whether you prefer a leisurely downhill or a slightly more challenging off-road adventure. You’ll pass by secret back roads, dense plantations, and bamboo forests, giving you a real sense of stepping away from the tourist crowds into Bali’s quiet countryside.

Throughout the ride, you can stop whenever you want—whether to snap a photo, chat with local farmers, or just soak in the views. We loved the chance to observe village life, including rice and vegetable farming, and witness traditional ceremonies. One reviewer, Eilin_H, described the experience as a “wonderful concept for seeing the area and being in nature,” noting it as a fun way to spend a couple of hours.

Around mid-morning, the tour concludes with a visit to a traditional Balinese compound, where you can see wood carvers at work or observe family routines. Then, a well-deserved Indonesian lunch is served in a modern Balinese family environment, providing a perfect opportunity to relax and discuss the morning’s sights.

After lunch, the guides will transport you back to your hotel, ending the day with beautiful memories and plenty of photo opportunities. The entire experience runs about five hours, making it a manageable yet meaningful addition to your Bali itinerary.

What’s Included and What’s Extra?

The tour package includes helmet and safety equipment for your ride, along with private transportation from and back to Ubud. This makes the logistics simple, especially if you’re staying centrally.

However, if you want to explore other parts of Ubud beyond the designated meeting point, additional transportation charges apply—IDR 500k per car—which is worth considering if you plan to visit multiple sites or extend your day.

The tour is designed for most travelers, with confirmation provided at the time of booking. The maximum group size is 10 people, ensuring a more personalized experience.

Authentic Encounters and Scenic Highlights

Many travelers find that the highlight of this cycling tour is the opportunity to witness Bali’s rural life up close. The stops at local villages give a genuine look into family routines, rice and vegetable farming, and traditional crafts.

One reviewer noted, “It’s a fun way to spend a couple of hours,” emphasizing its family-friendly nature. The ride itself is described as unchallenging but lovely, perfect for those not looking for a strenuous mountain bike experience but eager to enjoy Bali’s natural beauty.

The scenic views along the rice paddies and plantations are what set this tour apart. You’ll love the peaceful pace and the chance to pause anytime for photos. The experience of seeing wood carvers and witnessing local ceremonies adds a layer of culture that many travelers appreciate.

Analyzing the Value: Is It Worth It?

At around $41.54, this tour is quite budget-friendly considering it includes transport, safety gear, a guided experience, and a traditional lunch. For those wanting a relaxed, authentic, and scenic glimpse into rural Bali, this tour offers a solid value. It’s especially suitable for families or groups wanting a gentle outdoor activity that’s both fun and educational.

While the route isn’t heavily challenging, it’s important to note that most of the terrain is on off-road tracks and back roads—not rugged mountain trails. If you’re seeking adventure or off-the-beaten-path cycling, you might find this tour too tame. But for a leisurely exploration of Bali’s countryside, it’s hard to beat.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This experience is best for families, casual cyclists, or cultural travelers who want a relaxed pace and authentic encounters. It’s perfect if you value beautiful scenery, local culture, and a well-organized, small-group environment.

If your focus is on adventure, challenging terrains, or off-road thrill, you might want to explore other options. However, if you want a gentle, scenic ride with meaningful stops, this Bali cycling tour offers just that.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Is this tour suitable for children or beginners?
Yes, the tour is designed to accommodate all levels of experience with routes that can be adjusted. It’s generally suitable for families and beginners, especially since it’s described as “unchallenging” and safe.

How long is the cycling part of the tour?
The entire experience lasts about five hours, including stops, lunch, and transportation. The actual cycling is likely to be much shorter, with a focus on enjoying the scenery and local sights.

What should I bring for the tour?
Comfortable clothes suitable for cycling, sun protection like hats and sunscreen, and a camera for the scenic stops. The tour provides helmets and safety gear, so no need to bring your own.

Are there any additional costs I should be aware of?
Transport to other parts of Ubud beyond the meeting point costs IDR 500k per car. The price listed covers the main experience, but extras like added transportation or souvenirs are not included.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, there’s a free cancellation policy up to 24 hours before the tour. Just make sure to cancel in time to receive a full refund.

What happens if I want to extend the tour or customize it?
While the routes are described as flexible, any changes or additions should be discussed with the tour provider beforehand. The guides aim to tailor the experience to your requests.

Final Thoughts

The Ubud Bali Cycling Tour offers a delightful way to experience Bali’s rural scenery, traditional villages, and lush landscapes in a relaxed, safe setting. It’s an excellent choice for travelers who want a scenic, cultural outing that’s suitable for most ages and fitness levels. With its soft terrain, friendly guides, and authentic stops, it promises a memorable day away from the more tourist-heavy attractions.

While it might not satisfy adrenaline junkies or those seeking rugged off-road riding, it’s a perfect fit for anyone wanting a peaceful yet immersive introduction to Bali’s countryside. Add in the local lunch and personalized attention, and this tour becomes a well-rounded option for those looking for value and genuine cultural encounters.

If you enjoy views of rice paddies, the chance to meet local artisans, and a leisurely ride through Bali’s scenic heart, this cycling tour is well worth considering. Just remember to book in advance, as it’s a popular activity that fills up quickly!