Half Day Cycling Tour ( Manual Bike )

Introduction: A Scenic Spin Through Bali’s Heartland

If you’re looking to see Bali beyond the usual tourist spots, a half-day cycling tour in Ubud offers a chance to pedal through some of the island’s most stunning rural scenery—villages, rice paddies, and local homes—without spending your entire day on it. This tour, offered at $33 per person, lasts about 7 to 8 hours and includes round-trip transfers from your hotel, making it a fuss-free way to experience Bali’s authentic countryside.

What we really appreciate about this trip is how accessible it is for a wide range of travelers. Most of the ride is downhill and very easy, ideal for beginners or those who prefer a relaxed pace. Plus, the local guide (often noted as attentive and knowledgeable) makes all the difference, turning a simple bike ride into a cultural experience. The highlight for many is the lunch in a rice field—a great way to enjoy a hearty meal amid breathtaking scenery.

One potential consideration is the transport time from outside Ubud—around two hours if you’re staying in Kuta, Seminyak, or Nusa Dua—and some travelers have noted the small, less-than-ideal vehicles used for transfers. But if you’re prepared for that, this tour offers a perfect balance of activity and cultural insight, especially suited for those wanting an authentic taste of Bali without a full-day commitment.

This experience is well-suited for families, first-time visitors, or anyone wanting to combine gentle adventure with cultural discovery. Reviewers consistently praise the knowledgeable guides and scenic views, making it a memorable way to see Bali’s rural life at a gentle, manageable pace.

Key Points

• Easy, mostly downhill ride: Suitable for all fitness levels, especially beginners.
• Authentic cultural visits: Balinese house, village temple, local villages, and rice paddies.
• Inclusive amenities: Helmets, bottled water, insurance, and lunch included for great value.
• Scenic stops: Coffee break in palm gardens, rice field irrigation, and village experiences.
• Convenient transfers: Hotel pick-up and drop-off included, making logistics simple.
• Limited group size: Max 20 travelers for a more personal experience.

A Closer Look at the Cycling Experience

What’s Included—Value and Convenience

This tour is priced at $33 per person, a surprisingly fair deal considering the inclusions. The price covers helmet, bottled water, snacks, and a lunch in a rice field café, along with insurance and air-conditioned transportation. The lunch deserves a special mention—it’s served at Greenkubu Restaurant and Swing, set in a lush rice paddy, offering a relaxing and scenic meal after your ride.

The Itinerary in Detail

• Start at Tegallalang: A quick 15-minute photo stop in the famous Tegallalang coffee break area. This is a popular spot for that classic Bali rice terrace shot, so be ready with your camera. It’s a brief stop, but it sets the scene for the day.

• Abuan Village in Kintamani: Your actual cycling begins here, in Bayung Gede, a quiet Balinese village. Your guide will provide safety instructions and ensure everyone is comfortable. Expect a 30-minute orientation with water and helmets, setting the tone for a relaxed ride.

• Visit a Balinese House: One of the most authentic experiences is visiting a traditional Balinese house in Abuan. This gives you a chance to see local architecture and perhaps even chat with residents. Reviewers like Craig mention, “We loved our bicycle ride through the countryside,” and highlight good bikes and knowledgeable guides.

• Taro Village Coffee Break: A 45-minute stop in a palm garden for coffee, a perfect chance to relax, enjoy fresh local coffee, and soak in the greenery. This stop is included and often praised for its tranquility.

• Rice Field and Irrigation System: In Bresela, you’ll observe how rice is cultivated and irrigated, gaining insight into Bali’s farming traditions. Craig notes, “The bike ride is super easy as 99% of the time you are going downhill,” making this section particularly accessible.

• Finish at Payangan: About 15 minutes from the final stop, you’ll arrive in Klusa Payangan, where your guide will help you transition to lunch.

• Lunch at Greenkubu Restaurant: The day wraps up with a 1-hour lunch overlooking rice paddies, with a buffet of Indonesian dishes. Multiple reviews mention the delicious food and stunning setting.

The Cycling

Most reviews describe the ride as mostly downhill and very easy—a cruise through Bali’s lush landscapes. Craig says, “The bikes were in good condition and the guide was super attentive and knowledgeable.” The route is designed for a relaxed experience, with off-road and paved sections that keep it interesting but manageable.

The Guides and Group Size

Guides like Yoga and Ben are highly praised for their knowledge and friendliness. They’re attentive to safety, fun, and the cultural stories that make the ride more meaningful. The group size is capped at 20 travelers, ensuring personalized attention and a friendly atmosphere.

Transport and Logistics

The tour departs at 7:00 am with hotel pickup included. If you’re staying outside Ubud, in Kuta or Seminyak, the transfer takes approximately 2 hours—so be prepared for a bit of an early start and a longer ride in the vehicle. Reviewers mention that the vehicles used for transfers are small and in less-than-perfect condition, so don’t expect luxury transport, but it’s functional.

Authentic Experiences That Shine

What truly makes this tour stand out are the authentic interactions. As multiple reviewers highlight, you get to visit local villages and homes, see rice paddies and traditional irrigation, and experience Balinese culture firsthand. Craig mentions, “Visiting a local home and learning about daily life was very interesting,” and others appreciate the opportunity to see how local families live and work.

Scenic Beauty and Cultural Depth

The landscapes are breathtaking—terraced rice fields, lush palms, and the distant mountains of Kintamani. The guided stops at rice paddies and temples enrich your understanding of Bali’s rural life, making it more than just a bike ride; it’s a cultural journey.

Food and Refreshments

The lunch in the rice field café is frequently praised for its delicious Indonesian fare. Many reviews mention the good organization of food stops, with some citing heavy rain preparedness, such as providing raincoats, which reflects well on the tour’s flexibility and professionalism.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This tour is ideal for beginners, families, or anyone seeking a relaxed, scenic cross-section of Bali’s countryside. If you enjoy guided cultural experiences combined with light physical activity, you’ll find this a rewarding adventure. Reviewers recommend it for all ages, especially since most of the ride is downhill and the pace is gentle.

However, if you’re a more experienced cyclist seeking a challenging ride, this may be too easy. Also, travelers staying outside Ubud should consider the transport time—around two hours each way—when planning their day.

Final Thoughts: Is It Worth It?

For $33, the tour offers remarkably good value. The combination of scenic cycling, cultural insights, and delicious meals makes it more than just a typical sightseeing tour. The guides’ friendliness and knowledge elevate the experience, turning a simple bike ride into a memorable day that captures the essence of Bali’s rural charm.

If you enjoy easy-paced outdoor activities and want to connect with local culture, this tour ticks those boxes perfectly. It’s particularly well-suited for families, first-time visitors, or anyone eager to see Bali as the locals do—slow, colorful, and welcoming.

FAQs

Is the bike ride suitable for beginners?
Yes, most of the ride is downhill and very easy, making it suitable for beginners and those looking for a relaxed activity.

What is included in the price?
The tour includes bicycle, helmet, bottled water, snacks, lunch, insurance, and hotel transfers.

How long does the tour last?
It runs about 7 to 8 hours, with pickup at 7:00 am and various stops along the way.

Are the transfer vehicles comfortable?
Some reviewers mention the vehicles are small and in less-than-ideal condition, so keep that in mind if you’re staying far from Ubud.

What are the main highlights?
Expect to visit Tegallalang rice terraces, a Balinese house, village temple, coffee plantation, rice paddies, and enjoy a lunch in a scenic rice field.

Can I do this tour if I am not very fit?
Yes, the ride is mostly downhill and manageable for most fitness levels, but check your comfort with cycling.

How do I book?
Most bookings are made 28 days in advance; you can also opt for mobile tickets and hotel pickup.

What should I bring?
Bring sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses, and your camera. Wear comfortable clothes suitable for cycling and weather conditions.

Final Summary

This half-day Bali cycling tour is a fantastic way to see the countryside at a gentle pace, combining scenic beauty, cultural depth, and good food. It’s especially appealing for those who prefer an easy ride while still experiencing authentic Bali life—perfect for families, first-timers, or anyone looking for a relaxed adventure. The knowledgeable guides and well-organized stops make it a memorable, value-packed experience. Just remember to factor in the transfer time if you’re staying outside Ubud, and brace yourself for a fun, scenic ride that’s more about culture than adrenaline.

If you’re after a light, informative, and scenic excursion — this is a top pick for exploring Bali’s lush inland beauty without breaking a sweat.