Ubud : Kintamani Downhill Cycling Tour with Lunch

Downhill biking through Bali beats the usual road trip. This Ubud to Kintamani ride is mainly downhill, so the countryside feels easy to soak in, not sweaty to survive. You’ll also hit real village landmarks, like a temple area and a school, then end with a Balinese lunch.

Two things I really like: the pace feels relaxed and you’re never stuck doing the driving, since round-trip transport is part of the plan. Second, the stops are built around local life, not just viewpoints, and you get to fuel up with a lunch at an actual restaurant called The amertha. One consideration: it’s time outdoors in the sun, and sunscreen isn’t included, so bring your own.

Key Points You Should Know Before You Ride

• Mostly downhill route, which keeps the day relaxing even if you’re not sporty
• Small group size (max 15), so you’re not herded
• Village-focused stops, including a school and temple area
• Lunch included, with Balinese local dishes served at The amertha Restaurant
• English-speaking guide, plus bottled water and a real bicycle with you

Why This Ubud to Kintamani Ride Feels Like More Than a Bike Tour

This isn’t a race, and it’s not trying to make you earn your lunch with suffering. You’ll glide through Bali’s rural lanes on a day that’s designed around seeing places you can’t easily reach by car. The payoff is that the ride feels like moving through everyday Bali, not just passing by it.

I like that the tour includes both the practical pieces and the human pieces. Someone handles the car logistics, and your guide handles the cultural context in plain English. That combination matters here, because the value is not only the scenery, it’s the way the day is paced and explained.

The ride also ends where you want to be, at Tampaksiring for lunch. From there, you’re set up to continue your day without the stress of figuring out transport on your own.

The 6-Hour Plan: Pickup, Briefing, and the Downhill Flow

The full experience runs about 6 hours. You’re not just dropped at a starting point and told good luck. If you’re staying in Ubud or south Bali, you get round-trip pickup and drop-off by air-conditioned vehicle.

The cycling itself is built to feel smooth. The route is described as mainly downhill, which is why this tour works well for people who want the experience without needing serious training. You’ll still be on a bike for much of the day, but you shouldn’t feel like your legs are going to revolt.

Before you start, your guide gives you a briefing at the first stop. That matters more than people think, because it helps you know what to expect and where to focus your attention during the ride and photo stops.

Bayung Gede Start: A Quick Village Setup Before You Cycle

You begin at Bayung Gede in the Kintamani area (Bangli Regency). Right away, you’re not thrown into the chaos of traffic, because the adventure starts in a village setting south of Kintamani.

The first stop is short, about 30 minutes, and that’s on purpose. Your guide gives you information and helps you get oriented, so you’re not just watching for what to do next. This is also when you can take a breath, meet the group, and get your bike sorted.

If you’re the type who likes to understand context before you move, this beginning works well. You get the cultural and route idea early, which makes the downhill ride feel more meaningful.

Pura Desa Malet Gusti: School, Temple, and a Glimpse of Daily Life

After Bayung Gede, the tour shifts from setup to exploration. The next major stop is the Pura Desa Malet Gusti area. This is where you get several layers of local life, not just one quick photo.

You’ll spend around 2 hours here, with free admission included. The experience includes a local school, a village temple, and time connected to a traditional family compound. Even if you don’t speak the language, you’ll still get the story behind what you’re seeing, because the guide is there to translate what these places mean in everyday community life.

This part is valuable because it explains Bali beyond the big-ticket attractions. You get to see how education, worship, and family life fit together in the countryside. And because these are not staged, the atmosphere feels calm and normal, not performance-ready.

Practical note: bring a respectful mindset for temple and school areas. Keep your movements steady, follow your guide’s directions, and dress in a way that feels appropriate for religious spaces.

Istana Tampak Siring and Lunch at The amertha Restaurant

The day ends with a cultural stop at Istana Tampak Siring and then lunch at The amertha Restaurant. This segment is about 45 minutes, and lunch is part of the package.

Lunch is included as Balinese local dish. It’s not described as fancy tasting-menu fare, and that’s part of the appeal. You get real regional food in a normal restaurant setting, with fewer tourist distractions.

This is also a good moment to reset. After time on the bike and walking around village areas, you’ll want a proper sit-down break. The schedule gives you that, without turning the day into an all-day waiting game.

If you’re planning your afternoon in Bali, this is a helpful anchor. You know where lunch happens, and you’re not left hungry or scrambling for food afterward.

Biking Comfort: Why the Route Works for Beginners

The biggest theme in the ride is that it’s easy and enjoyable because it’s mostly downhill. That means you don’t need to be a cycling machine to have a good time. You can focus on balance, seeing where you’re going, and taking photos, instead of powering up hills.

Group size helps, too. With a maximum of 15 people, you’re more likely to feel like a group you can hear and follow, rather than a line of strangers you keep losing. It also helps the guide manage the stops without rushing everyone.

Bikes and basic needs are covered. You get use of a bicycle, bottled water, and a guide who speaks English. That’s the kind of support that makes the day feel safe and straightforward, even if you’ve never tried downhill cycling before.

A small but important point: there’s no mention of helmets or other gear in what’s included. If you’re sensitive about safety, you can ask at check-in what protective gear is provided. (The tour does provide the bicycle, guide, and water, so your baseline comfort should be good.)

Price and Value: What $29.90 Really Buys You

At $29.90 per person, this tour is positioned as a value half-day activity, not a premium private day. What makes it feel like a good deal is that you’re paying for the full structure: bike, guide, lunch, and transport.

Here’s what the price covers:

• Bicycle use
• Balinese lunch
• Bottled water
• An air-conditioned vehicle for hotel pickup and drop-off
• All fees and taxes
• A professional English-speaking guide

That matters because independent DIY cycling in this region is hard. It’s not only the bike, it’s also the route, the language support, and access to the village stops. Paying for a guide means you’re not just consuming views, you’re understanding what you’re seeing.

The only notable thing not included is sunscreen and personal expenses. That’s normal for tours, but it’s worth planning for so you don’t end up shopping in a village area at midday.

What to Bring for a Smooth Day in the Bali Sun

Because this is outdoors, you’ll want to be ready for sun and heat. The tour doesn’t include sun block, so bring your own. Also consider a light layer or cap, especially if you’re prone to getting uncomfortable in strong sun.

Wear shoes that grip well. Even if most of the day is cycling, you’ll step off the bike for the village stops, and you’ll want stable footing. Sunglasses can help too, since you’ll be riding where light can bounce off open paths.

Bring a small bag for essentials. Keep it simple: water is included, but you might also want your usual items like phone charging gear, a small tissue pack, and a light rain cover if skies look questionable.

Who This Tour Is Best For

This is a smart fit if you want Bali beyond the usual tourist grid. The mix of downhill riding and village stops hits a sweet spot for people who like both nature and culture, without needing to be a high-energy adventurer.

It’s also a good choice for mixed fitness groups. The route is built to be easy, and the pace is set up so beginners can participate. If you’re traveling with someone who doesn’t love strenuous activities, this is the kind of day that keeps everyone happy.

If you’re the type who likes learning in context, you’ll appreciate the guide’s explanations at each stop. If you prefer quiet time with zero talking, you might still enjoy it, but you’ll likely be pulled into the guide-led storytelling.

Should You Book This Downhill Cycling Tour?

I’d book it if you want a relaxed Bali day that combines cycling with meaningful village stops, plus lunch that’s actually included. The small group size and mainly downhill route make it feel approachable, and the package covers the big practical hurdles: transport, bicycle, water, and a guide.

Skip it only if you’re looking for a workout-first ride or a fast, check-the-box itinerary. This is about easy movement and local context, not speed or adrenaline.

If your goal is to see more of Bali’s real countryside without the hassle, this Ubud to Kintamani downhill cycling tour is a strong match.

FAQ

How long is the tour?

The tour lasts about 6 hours (approx.).

Where does the tour start and where does it end?

It starts in Bayung Gede, Kintamani, Bangli Regency, Bali, and ends at Tampaksiring, Gianyar Regency, Bali, for lunch.

Is hotel pickup and drop-off included?

Yes. An air-conditioned vehicle is included for hotel pick up and drop off.

What is the price per person?

The price is $29.90 per person.

What’s included in the tour?

The tour includes a bicycle, bottled water, lunch with Balinese local dish, an air-conditioned vehicle for pickup and drop-off, all fees and taxes, and a professional English speaking guide.

What is not included?

Sun block lotion and personal expenses are not included.

Is the group small?

Yes. The tour has a maximum of 15 travelers.

Is lunch included, and where is it served?

Yes, lunch is included. You’ll have lunch at The amertha Restaurant in Tampaksiring.