Bali: Kintamani Cycling Tour, Rice Fields & Village Temples

Summary

Cycle from Kintamani to Ubud villages with temple stops and local flavors

You’ll start your day sipping strong Balinese coffee above Kintamani’s valleys before cycling downhill through villages, ancient temples and green rice fields with a local guide leading the way. Expect laughter over breakfast, stories about village life, hands-on moments at family homes, and lunch facing endless terraces. You might leave with muddy shoes but probably also with something you’ll want to remember.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing I noticed was the smell of fresh coffee — not the kind you get in a city café, but something earthier, almost smoky, drifting up as we sat on the edge of a green valley near Kintamani. Our guide Wayan handed me a tiny cup and grinned, asking if I wanted to try the “strong one.” I did. It was strong. There were pancakes too (I went for those), and someone in our group asked for a smoothie bowl instead — apparently that’s an option if you’re gluten-free. The view was all mist and distant orange groves. I remember thinking: this is already better than any gym bike.

After that, we drove a bit further up to Abuan village where all the bikes were lined up under a tangle of mandarin trees. Wayan gave us a safety talk — he kept it light, joking about his own first crash years ago — then off we went, coasting downhill past kids waving from doorways and old women sweeping their yards. We stopped at a traditional Balinese house; there was this carved stone gate and chickens pecking around the courtyard. Wayan explained how every part of the house has meaning tied to Hindu beliefs (I tried to repeat one of the words he taught us — mangku? — but probably butchered it). The air smelled like wet stone and incense.

The cycling itself wasn’t hard — mostly gentle slopes, some asphalt roads with patches of forest where it got suddenly cool and quiet except for birds or someone’s radio in the distance. There was an optional jungle stretch through Taro village if you wanted more adventure (I skipped it; my knees aren’t what they used to be). We paused at Gunung Raung Temple — apparently built in the 8th century by a wandering priest whose name I can’t pronounce. It felt old in that way where even the moss seems ancient.

My favorite part? Rolling out into open rice fields near Bresela. The light was gold on water channels (Wayan called them Subak) and he explained how farmers here still work together to keep everything flowing right. It’s quieter than you’d expect; just wind in the stalks and maybe a distant rooster or two. By then my legs were jelly but I didn’t really care.

We finished at Hyang Api Temple, then lunch at Greenkubu Café overlooking more rice terraces — honestly, I barely remember what I ate because I couldn’t stop looking at that view. On the drive back to Ubud I realized my shoes were muddy and my phone full of blurry photos, but somehow that felt exactly right.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Bali cycling tour and cultural stops

• Pick up from hotel
• Coffee break at plantation
• Drive to Abuan Village start point
• Safety briefing and bike preparation
• Visit traditional Balinese house
• Cycle through Taro Village forest
• Stop at Gunung Raung Temple
• Stop at Bresela rice field irrigation
• Visit Hyang Api Temple
• Lunch at Greenkubu Cafe
• Short stop at Tegallalang rice terrace
• Drop off at hotel

Top questions

Is hotel pickup included for this Kintamani cycling tour?

Yes, hotel pickup and drop-off are included for Ubud area hotels.

How long is the bike ride from Kintamani to Ubud?

The cycling route starts from Abuan Kintamani village and finishes at Hyang Api Temple near Payangan, covering several stops along the way.

Is this Bali bike tour suitable for beginners?

Yes, most of the route is downhill or gentle slopes; suitable for all fitness levels.

What kind of lunch is provided on this tour?

A traditional Indonesian lunch is served at Greenkubu Café overlooking rice terraces.

Are bikes and helmets provided?

Yes, bicycles and all necessary equipment are provided by the tour team.

Can children join this cycling tour?

Yes, children aged 6-12 can join; specialized infant seats are available for younger kids.

Is there an option for gluten-free breakfast?

Yes, smoothie bowls are available upon request during the morning coffee break.

Does this tour include visits to Balinese temples?

Yes, stops include Gunung Raung Temple and Hyang Api Temple along the route.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup from Ubud with air-conditioned transport, all cycling equipment plus wet weather gear if needed, an English-speaking guide throughout your journey, morning coffee break with snacks or smoothie bowl options for gluten-free guests, water along the way, stops at local homes and temples like Gunung Raung and Hyang Api, plus a traditional Indonesian lunch overlooking rice fields before being dropped back at your hotel.