Bali Countryside Cycling Tours

Bali by bike beats the traffic. I love the car-light countryside routes and how you spend most of the day on a bicycle, not in a van. I also love the role of the English-speaking guide, who adds context at each stop and keeps the morning and ride feeling organized, like when guides such as Wayan, Ketut, and Sandi share what daily life looks like.

One thing to plan for: it’s a long day, and the Penglipuran village entry isn’t included, so you’ll want a bit of extra cash or card for that final cultural stop.

Key highlights worth noting before you pedal

• Pickup + A/C van start: You’re collected from Ubud area and driven up to the sights, then you bike the quieter back roads.
• Tegalalang Rice Terrace included: A classic view comes with an included admission ticket.
• Penglipuran Bamboo Forest (7.5 hectares): You ride through a big bamboo area and can spot bamboo craftsmen at work.
• Lots of free stops: Undisan and Taman Bali/Pura Taman Narmada Bali Raja don’t add extra ticket costs.
• Lunch in rice paddies: An authentic Balinese-style restaurant meal finishes the ride, with mineral water provided at stops.

A $36 Bali countryside ride that actually changes the pace

For about $36, this is one of those Ubud tours that feels like more than a sightseeing loop. You’re not just hopping from one photo spot to the next; you’re moving through rural Bali by bike, with a relaxed rhythm between stops. That matters in Bali, because you feel the slower pace of the countryside instead of being stuck behind engines all day.

The structure is also smart for first-time cyclists. Most people can participate, and the day is built around short riding sessions plus breaks where you can stretch, snack, and take in what you came for. If you like tours that include real conversation, you’ll probably appreciate how the guide role shows up again and again, from morning orientation to ride explanations.

Getting picked up and set up for an 8:00 am start

The day begins at 8:00 am in the Ubud area (Gianyar Regency). Pickup is offered, and you’ll use a mobile ticket, so you’re not scrambling for paper. From there, you ride in an A/C van to the first sightseeing point, then switch to biking once you reach the quieter countryside start area.

You get the gear you need: bike, helmet, and a raincoat during rainy season. That’s one less thing to worry about, especially if you show up without thinking through wet-weather basics. You’ll also have mineral water at every stop, which is a comfort on a long day.

Group size is capped at 25 travelers, so it doesn’t feel like you’re swallowed by a giant tour machine. Still, it’s not a private experience by default, so you’ll want to accept some waiting and regrouping at the major photo and cultural pauses.

Tegalalang Rice Terrace: a famous view with an included ticket

Your first major stop is Tegalalang Rice Terrace, reached after the A/C van ride from your accommodation. This one is popular for a reason: those emerald rice terraces sit in a river gorge north of Tegallalang village, and you’ll likely understand why it’s been photographed for years as soon as you see the layers from the viewpoint.

The practical win here is the included admission ticket. You’re not paying separately to get in, and the tour flow keeps you from wasting time. You do need to plan for morning sun and uneven ground around terrace viewpoints, so comfortable footwear helps (you’ll thank yourself later when you’re walking a bit between overlooks).

Why this stop works on a cycling day: it sets expectations. Once you’ve seen how the terrain shapes rice farming here, the rest of the ride feels more connected. You’re not just riding through scenery; you’re traveling through working farmland.

Undisan countryside start: where the bikes meet the back roads

After breakfast, the guides take you by van to the cycling starting point, where the bicycles are ready. The emphasis is on choosing a quiet and green countryside area, which is exactly what you want on a Ubud bike tour. This is where the experience switches from bus-and-stop to pedal-and-pause.

The stop itself doesn’t add admission costs, which keeps the day feeling straightforward. And since it’s a calm setup point, it’s a good moment to get your bearings, check your helmet fit, and settle into the pace.

Also, this is where the guide’s rhythm matters. A good guide keeps the group moving at a pace that works for different comfort levels. One reason people rate this tour so highly is that the guides don’t just talk at you; they manage timing in a way that lets you actually enjoy the ride instead of racing it.

Penglipuran Bamboo Forest: ride 7.5 hectares of bamboo

Then comes one of the most memorable parts: cycling through 7.5 hectares of bamboo forest in Penglipuran. If you’ve only seen bamboo as a backdrop in photos, this is the real experience—bamboo becomes the corridor, the sound changes, and the air feels different as you ride under the dense growth.

You also get something that makes this more than a scenic detour: a chance to see Balinese traditional bamboo craftsmen at work inside the forest. That kind of moment is where a countryside bike tour earns its value. It’s not just about where you go; it’s about what you learn while you’re there.

What I like about this stop for your planning: it’s time efficient and memorable. You’re there long enough to feel the place, not long enough to lose the energy you need for the rest of the day.

A small practical note: bamboo areas can mean shaded paths and sometimes slippery spots depending on recent rain. The raincoat is included in rainy season, but you should still treat the ground as “wet possible” even if it looks okay.

Penglipuran Village: the cultural stop with an extra ticket

Next is Penglipuran Village, a traditional village known for its unique culture and way of life. The tour gives you about 45 minutes here, which is enough time to walk, look closely, and understand why this place draws attention for its traditional layout and community character.

Here’s the drawback or consideration: admission isn’t included. You’ll want to budget extra for this stop. If you’re trying to keep the trip tight at the $36 price point, this is the one line item that can surprise you.

Still, the value is strong. The entire theme of this tour is “cars can’t reach everything.” Penglipuran is the kind of stop that benefits from arriving on bikes, because you feel like you’ve traveled into local life rather than rolled up with a tour bus.

Taman Bali and Pura Taman Narmada Bali Raja: water, rice paddies, and temple calm

After more cycling, the tour shifts from ride views into a temple moment. You pass through Pura Taman Narmada Bali Raja, described as a Subak water temple surrounded by rice paddies and a small lake. Subak is the traditional water management system connected to rice agriculture, so it’s a perfect pairing with the earlier terrace stops.

You’ll also do a little walking to access the temple area. The tour notes that you walk down a section to reach it, so expect some stairs or a descent. Admission is free here, which keeps the day’s costs predictable.

What makes this stop worthwhile on a bike itinerary is that it adds meaning. Earlier you see rice shaping the hillsides; now you see how water and farming connect to spiritual and community life.

Lunch in rice paddies: the recovery meal you’ll actually remember

When the riding session ends, you head to an authentic Balinese-style restaurant located in the middle of rice paddies. Lunch is included, and you’ll also have mineral water provided at stops throughout the day. The meal comes with choices like a young coconut drink and other fresh options (the exact wording is broad, but the theme is clearly refreshing, not just heavy snacks).

This is the moment to slow down and let the day land. After time under sun and shade, sitting down with food in a working-rice setting is a strong payoff. It’s also a chance to talk with your guide while the group refuels.

If you choose vegetarian, that option is available. That’s not just a box check—it can make a long day much more comfortable, especially when everyone else’s meal is already underway.

Private upgrade vs shared-group day: who should choose what

The tour offers an upgrade for a private option. That can be worth it if you:

• want more personal pacing,
• prefer more time asking questions,
• or travel with a group that clicks best with one guide instead of a 25-person schedule.

A shared group day can still be great if you’re flexible and okay with regrouping. The best thing about this tour is that the countryside is the “main event,” not the bus. As long as you show up ready to ride and be social, group size usually won’t ruin the feeling.

Price and value: what $36 gets you in real-world terms

Let’s talk value without magic math. You’re paying about $36 for a roughly 10 hours 30 minutes day that includes:

• bike + helmet (and raincoat in rainy season),
• an English-speaking cycling guide,
• pickup,
• lunch at an authentic restaurant,
• mineral water at stops,
• and multiple admission costs (including Tegalalang Rice Terrace and Penglipuran Bamboo Forest).

On a trip to Bali, $36 for an organized, guided day with a bike and lunch is usually a good deal—especially because you’re not spending time arranging transportation between scattered countryside sights. The trade-off is that not every ticket is included (Penglipuran village is not).

So the best way to think about it: the price is fair if you accept the schedule and add a small extra amount for the one non-included entry. If that extra cost bothers you, check before you go so you can plan your total spend.

Tips to help you enjoy the ride (and not just survive it)

This tour is designed so most travelers can participate, and the pace is described as relaxed. Still, Bali can be hot, and cycling in rural areas means you’ll want practical readiness.

• Wear sunscreen and bring sunglasses; morning sun can hit fast around rice areas.
• Use closed-toe shoes with grip. You’ll be on paths around terraces and temple steps.
• If you book during rainy season, count on humidity and wet paths; the included raincoat helps, but shoes matter too.
• Plan to hydrate. You get mineral water at stops, but you’ll still feel better if you sip regularly rather than chug at once.

The biggest “success factor” is attitude. If you treat this as a calm day of riding and looking, you’ll have a better time than if you try to force it into a fast checklist.

Should you book Bali Countryside Cycling Tours?

Book it if you want a Ubud countryside experience that feels closer to how Bali actually lives—rice terraces, bamboo, traditional village culture, and a temple tied to water and farming. The bike format makes the day feel different from standard sightseeing, and the included lunch plus guided stops are the kind of value that’s hard to replicate on your own without planning.

Consider a different plan if you dislike long days or you don’t like the idea of budgeting extra for Penglipuran village entry. Also, if you’re expecting a fully private itinerary, the shared-group format might feel a little less tailored unless you upgrade.

FAQ

How long is the Bali countryside cycling tour?

The tour runs for about 10 hours 30 minutes.

What time does the tour start in Ubud?

It starts at 8:00 am.

Does the tour include hotel pickup?

Yes, pickup at your hotel is offered.

What’s included in the price besides the bike ride?

You get a bike and helmet, an English-speaking cycling guide, lunch at an authentic restaurant, mineral water at every stop, and entry tickets for some stops.

Are all attraction tickets included?

No. Tegalalang Rice Terrace and the Penglipuran Bamboo Forest include admission ticket entry, while Penglipuran Village admission is not included. Undisan and Taman Bali/Pura Taman Narmada Bali Raja are listed as free.

Is there a vegetarian meal option?

Yes, a vegetarian option is available. You should advise when booking.

Is there a private option?

Yes, you can upgrade for a private option for more personalized attention.