Mountain Cycling Tour Bali: 16km through rice fields and villages

You ride downhill the whole way, which is why 16 kilometers takes two hours instead of four.

A mountain cycling tour in Bali starting near Mount Batur at Kintamani, descending 16km through rice fields, Balinese villages and century-old temples to the bamboo forest of Taro. The route is downhill throughout; an English-speaking guide leads small groups, explains local history and culture, and stops to sample exotic fruits and spices before lunch at the operator's restaurant. Hotel pickup from Southern Bali (Nusa Dua, Seminyak, Ubud and other areas) is included, as are the helmet, water, insurance and a gourmet lunch. Children from age 10 are welcome; vegetarian meals are available on request.

Step-by-step itinerary

Cycling tour from Mount Batur to lunch

• Hotel pickup in Southern Bali
• Arrive at cycling start point
• Receive safety briefing and equipment
• Learn bicycle handling and gear control
• Cycle 16km through villages and rice fields
• Stop to sample exotic fruits and spices
• Pass through bamboo forest of Taro
• Interact with local Balinese
• End tour with gourmet lunch

The Experience

The ride starts early from your hotel in Southern Bali — pickups run from Nusa Dua, Uluwatu, Jimbaran, Kuta, Legian, Seminyak, Canggu, Tanah Lot, Denpasar, Sanur and Ubud. Once you reach the start point at Kintamani in view of Mount Batur, the guide runs through a safety briefing, checks your comfort on the bike, and walks you through the gears and brakes before you set off. A helmet and bottle of mineral water come with you.

The 16km descent winds through Balinese villages where you interact with locals, past century-old temples, and across rice fields that open up as you lose elevation. The guide explains the history and culture of the land as you ride. Around the midpoint, you stop to sample a variety of exotic fruits and spices — this is where most riders get their first taste of what grows in the region. The terrain then carries you into the towering bamboo forest of Taro before the ride ends.

Lunch at the operator's restaurant closes out the tour. The whole experience, from pickup to drop-off, runs about five hours. Insurance is included in the price. Vegetarian options are available if you let the operator know when you book.

What’s included

• Hotel pickup from Southern Bali (Nusa Dua, Seminyak, Ubud and surrounding areas).
• bicycle, safety helmet and water bottle.
• expert guide in English.
• exotic fruit and spice tasting.
• gourmet lunch at the operator's restaurant.
• insurance.

Good to know

Moderate physical levelNot for pregnant travelersNot for heart conditions

Operated by Mason Adventures

Is this one for you?Book this tour if you want a small-group ride with a guide who knows the villages and culture, not a solo pedal through scenery. The downhill route and moderate pace suit families with children from age 10 and riders who prefer a guided experience to navigating on their own.

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Top questions

How steep is the cycling, and do I need to be fit to do this?

The mountain cycling tour is downhill throughout, which makes it easier on the legs than a flat or climbing route. The operator recommends it for children from age 10 and adults up to 65, and asks that riders have at least a moderate level of physical fitness. Pregnant travelers and those with poor cardiovascular health should not book this tour.

What's included in the price, and do I need to bring anything?

The mountain cycling tour includes hotel pickup from Southern Bali, the bicycle, helmet, water, insurance, and a gourmet lunch at the restaurant. You don't need to bring a helmet or water bottle. Wear comfortable clothes and shoes you can cycle in, and bring sunscreen and a light layer in case the weather changes at elevation.

Will the guide speak English, and can I book this for a group?

The guide speaks English and is also available in Russian, Chinese and Japanese. Groups stay small, and the guide makes sure each rider is comfortable on the bike before the descent begins.

What are the exotic fruits and spices I'll taste on the ride?

The mountain cycling tour stops to sample a variety of exotic fruits and spices that grow in the region around Kintamani and Taro. The exact selection depends on the season and what is ripe at the time of your tour; the guide will explain what each one is and how it is used locally.

Is this tour available year-round, and what time do we start?

The mountain cycling tour runs year-round and starts early in the morning with hotel pickup. The early start means you reach the cooler elevation of Kintamani before the day heats up and finish before midday traffic builds on the return to your hotel.