Bali Countryside Cycling Tours

Two wheels, no tour bus lanes. In Ubud, cycling past Tegalalang Rice Terrace and quiet villages turns Bali into a slow, personal day.

I love how the day is built around a real countryside start in Undisan, not just a parade of photo stops. I also like the practical value, with bike gear, bottled water at each stop, and an included lunch in the rice paddies.

One thing to consider: it is a long day, about 10 hours 30 minutes, and you do need to be comfortable riding between sites.

Key highlights worth your attention

• A small-group feel, with a maximum of 25 people
• Professional English-speaking guides who share everyday Bali, like Wayan, Ketut, and Sandi
• Iconic sights plus quieter roads, including Tegalalang Rice Terrace and a long bamboo-forest ride
• Bottled mineral water at every stop and an included lunch in rice paddies
• Raincoat included in rainy season, plus helmet and bike provided
• Hotel pickup and a mobile ticket for an easier morning

Value and Price: How $36 Adds Up in Real Life

At around $36 for a full morning to late afternoon outing, this is one of those Bali activities that feels priced for the customer, not the marketing. You are not just buying bike time. You are paying for guided transport between the big-name sights plus the local stops that are harder to reach by car.

The real value is in the mix of included items. You get a bike, helmet, and a raincoat during rainy season. You also get an English-speaking cycling guide, bottled mineral water at every stop, and an included lunch at a restaurant in the middle of rice paddies. Entrance fees are included for key stops, which helps keep the day from turning into a surprise add-on list.

You can even upgrade for a private option, which matters if you want more pacing flexibility or more direct time with your guide.

The Morning Start in Ubud: Pickup, Timing, and What to Expect

The tour starts at 8:00 am in the Ubud area. Pickup is offered, and your day begins with a van ride (air-conditioned) to the first big cultural and scenery stop.

A good sign here is how the schedule flows. You do not rush straight into the most famous place. There is time built in for breakfast first, then you move to the bike portion with a calmer countryside start. It is the kind of planning that helps if you are jet-lagged or simply want the day to feel manageable.

This is also a day where timing matters. You’ll want to start the day with enough energy for cycling stretches and walking to temple spots. The lunch is included later, but it helps to treat breakfast as your foundation.

Stop 1, Tegalalang Rice Terrace: The Classic View, Up Close

You begin with a drive to Tegalalang Rice Terrace. This is the iconic emerald-rim scene north of Tegallalang village, set in a river gorge area in central Bali. Admission is included, and the stop runs about 35 minutes.

What makes this stop work on a cycling day is context. Seeing rice terraces from foot paths is one thing, but arriving after a morning start and then later pedaling through the surrounding countryside gives you a better sense of how the terrain and irrigation connect to daily life.

Practical note: rice-terrace areas can be busy and uneven. You are on a structured schedule, but the time block is short enough that you likely get the photos you came for without losing the whole morning.

From Breakfast to the Bike: The Undisan Countryside Start

After breakfast, you move by van to the cycling starting point. This is in Undisan, and you ride in a quiet, green countryside area before the more famous segments.

The ticket for this segment is listed as free, which is another small sign of how the pricing is structured. You are not paying separately just to get to the general countryside.

Why this part matters: it acts like a warm-up zone for both your body and your eyes. You get used to the pace, the surfaces, and the rhythm of cycling with a guide before you step into the highlight stops.

Penglipuran Bamboo Forest: The Long Ride People Remember

Then you hit the big wow factor: the Penglipuran Bamboo Forest. This portion is built around a ride through about 7.5 hectares of bamboo, and you also get a chance to see Balinese bamboo craftsmen at work inside the forest.

Entrance is included here, and the stop is around 30 minutes. Even with limited time, bamboo forests have a way of changing your pace. The air feels cooler under the canopy, and the sound of biking through dense plants makes it feel more like a guided experience than a quick photo stop.

If you like craftsmanship or you simply enjoy seeing how local materials become local work, this is the moment that tends to stick with people. It is also a great break from the open rice-terrace views.

Penglipuran Village: Traditional Life, Set Aside for About 45 Minutes

Next up is Penglipuran Village, with about 45 minutes set aside. The visit is described as a traditional village with its own culture and way of life, and it is considered a place of outstanding beauty.

Here’s the key detail for planning: admission is listed as not included. So if you think you’ll want every stop fee handled for you, this is the one item to remember.

In the time you have, the goal is not to see everything like a full-day village immersion. It is to get a sense of the environment and the community layout, then get back on the ride.

Pura Taman Narmada Bali Raja: Rice Paddies, Water Temple, and a Short Walk Down

After more riding, you stop at Pura Taman Narmada Bali Raja, described as a subak water temple surrounded by rice paddies and a small lake. The stop runs about 30 minutes and admission is included/free in the information.

To reach the temple area, you walk down a path or short descent, and you’ll likely notice the setting right away because it is placed in the working landscape of rice farming.

Why this fits well into a cycling day: it ties the scenery to the irrigation culture of Bali. Even if you do not know the terms yet, seeing the temple as part of water and rice life makes the whole day feel connected, not just scenic.

Lunch at Jalan Bukit Batu: Where the Day Finishes on a Good Note

After the riding session, you head to an authentic Balinese-style restaurant at Jalan Bukit Batu, located in the middle of rice paddies. Lunch is included, and the stop is about 1 hour.

The info specifically calls out a special young coconut drink option, plus other fresh, non-alcoholic choices (the listing text is truncated, but the intent is clear: hydration and simple local flavors). Alcohol is not included, but it is listed as available to purchase.

This lunch stop is important because it is not a generic restaurant near a road. The setting is part of why you do this tour. You get your break and you get time to talk with your guide about what you saw, what you missed, and what you might want to do next in Ubud.

It is also a good moment to slow down if you felt the pace earlier. A full cycle day can add up, and the meal is your reset button.

Guides Make the Difference: English, Stories, and Real Local Touch

The tour is led by a professional English-speaking cycling guide, and that can make or break a countryside day. You’re not just steering a bike. You want someone explaining what you’re seeing, who maintains what, and how everyday life ties to the sights.

In the experiences shared, guides like Wayan, Ketut, and Sandi were specifically praised for care and communication. The theme is consistent: they looked after people from pickup to drop-off, kept things fun, and offered local tastes along the way, including different fruits and foods.

If you want a day that feels like a guided cultural conversation, choose the option that gives you the most time with the guide. If you upgrade to a private setting, you’ll likely feel even more comfortable asking questions.

Biking Gear and Weather: Helmets, Bikes, and Raincoats

You are provided with the bike and helmet. During rainy season, you also get a raincoat. That’s a helpful package because wet conditions can turn a pleasant ride into a misery festival if you are stuck with the wrong gear.

If you are riding in humid conditions, plan for sweat and a bit of dust. A hat and sunscreen are smart if you burn easily. If it has rained, wear shoes you’re okay getting dirty.

The pace is described as relaxed, and most people can participate. Still, this is not a gentle strolling tour. You should be comfortable cycling and staying steady in group motion.

Group Size and Comfort: Maximum 25 People

The tour caps at 25. That is big enough to meet other people, but small enough that your guide can keep attention on everyone.

With that group size, you’ll want to listen when your guide briefs you. It is the fastest way to avoid getting separated during bamboo-forest narrow paths, temple walk-downs, or village entrances where people naturally cluster.

Vegetarian Option: Good News for Food Planning

A vegetarian option is available, and you can request it when booking. Since lunch is included, this matters. You won’t have to scramble for a safe meal later.

If you have other dietary needs beyond vegetarian, the only safe move is to confirm ahead of time. The provided data only explicitly mentions vegetarian.

Who Should Book This Tour, and Who Might Pass

This works best for you if you want:

• A full Ubud day that mixes the famous stops with less crowded scenery
• A biking activity that includes real guide time and cultural context
• Included lunch and water, which keeps the day simple

You might want to pass if:

• You do not want a long day, about 10 hours 30 minutes
• You are not comfortable cycling for stretches, even if the pace is relaxed
• You prefer a strictly self-guided route where every stop is optional. This tour keeps you on a schedule, including a village where admission is not included.

Should You Book Bali Countryside Cycling Tours in Ubud?

I’d book it if you want the best value version of a countryside cycling day. The pricing makes sense because bike gear, an English guide, mineral water at every stop, entrance fees for major sights, and lunch are all included. You also get hotel pickup and a mobile ticket, which keeps the morning from turning into a logistics puzzle.

The main trade-off is time. This is a long outing, so only do it if you want a full day that includes cycling, short walks, and multiple sight stops. If you enjoy rice terraces, bamboo, and the feeling of being out in the working Bali countryside, this is a strong match.

One last tip: if you have a sensitive budget, remember that Penglipuran village admission is listed as not included. Plan for that so lunch and the rest of the day stay stress-free.

FAQ

What time does the Bali countryside cycling tour start?

It starts at 8:00 am.

How long is the tour?

The duration is about 10 hours 30 minutes.

Where is the tour located?

It runs from Ubud, in Gianyar Regency, Bali, Indonesia.

Is hotel pickup included?

Yes, pickup at your hotel is offered.

What’s included in the price?

Included items are the bike, helmet, and (during rainy season) a raincoat, a professional English-speaking cycling guide, mineral water at every stop, lunch at an authentic restaurant in the middle of rice paddies, and entrance tickets as listed for the stops.

Are admission tickets included for all stops?

Entrance tickets are included for some stops, but admission for Penglipuran Village is listed as not included.

Is there a vegetarian option?

Yes, a vegetarian option is available. You should advise the provider at booking.

What group size should I expect?

The tour has a maximum of 25 people.

Do I get a mobile ticket?

Yes, the tour includes a mobile ticket.

Are alcoholic drinks included with lunch?

No. Alcoholic drinks are not included, but they are available to purchase.