Bali by bike changes the whole day. This Ubud countryside tour strings together Tegalalang Rice Terrace, Penglipuran Bamboo Forest, and village visits that cars just can’t reach, with A/C van pickup to start you off easy.

I especially like the real-life Bali feel—quiet lanes, local stops, and time with people who actually live there. I also love the included food rhythm: breakfast to get going, and lunch back in the rice paddies, plus mineral water at every stop.

One thing to factor in: it’s a long day starting at 8:00 am, and the Penglipuran Village admission is not included, so you may pay a little extra there.

Key things to know before you pedal through Ubud

• Hotel pickup plus a van transfer means less stress before you touch the bike
• A relaxed pace with frequent stops, so you’re cycling for views, not workouts
• Penglipuran Bamboo Forest (7.5 hectares) with a chance to see bamboo craftsmen working
• Village time with Balinese everyday life during the Penglipuran visit, guided in English
• Lunch in the rice paddies with a young coconut drink option
• Small group size (max 25) helps keep the day from feeling like a factory

Why cars can’t reach this part of Ubud

The point of this tour is simple: you get on a bike and go where road traffic doesn’t. After pickup, you’re guided to a quieter starting area, then you ride at a relaxed pace between major sights and less-visited corners of central Bali.

That mix matters. If you only do the big, photo-famous stops, your day can feel like a checklist. Here, you get more time moving through village surroundings and countryside paths, with your guide explaining what you’re seeing as you go.

It also helps that the day is structured around short stop-and-go segments. You’re not stuck cycling for long stretches with no context. Instead, you keep getting little “why this matters” moments, from temples to rice terraces.

Price and logistics: what $36 buys you (and what it doesn’t)

At $36 for about 10.5 hours, this is strong value for a full, guided countryside day. You’re not paying extra for the bike setup, and you’re not left to figure out transport between scattered sites—pickup is part of the experience.

What’s included is practical: bike, helmet, and a raincoat during rainy season, plus an English-speaking cycling guide. You also get mineral water at every stop, plus lunch in an authentic restaurant in the middle of rice paddies.

What’s not included is the small-but-real stuff: alcohol (available to purchase), and notably, Penglipuran Village admission is not included. If you’re budgeting tightly, add that extra cost to avoid a surprise.

Tegalalang Rice Terrace: the morning scene before you roll

You start with pickup by A/C van, then head to Tegalalang Rice Terrace. This is one of Bali’s most recognized rice-terrace areas, and the timing gives you a calmer feel before your legs fully wake up.

You get around 35 minutes here. That’s enough time to take in the terraces, snap a few photos, and understand what you’re looking at—without turning it into a long detour. Admission is included for this stop, so you’re not hunting for tickets mid-morning.

A useful expectation: rice terraces are dramatic, but they also mean uneven ground and lots of viewpoints. Your guide keeps the timing tight so you can enjoy the views and still have energy for the riding portion after.

Undisan start: breakfast and a calmer place to begin cycling

After breakfast, you transfer by van to the biking start point. The tour chooses a quiet, green countryside area for this beginning stretch, which helps you settle into the ride before you hit the more well-known sights.

This part of the day is where you feel the difference between a “see Bali” tour and a “ride through Bali” day. You’re not just hopping off for photos; you’re learning how the day moves: stop, listen, ride, repeat.

You’ll also be introduced to the pacing. The tour is designed for a relaxed ride rather than a grind. That makes it a good fit if you want something active but not exhausting.

Penglipuran Bamboo Forest: 7.5 hectares and real bamboo work

The ride gets more interesting at the bamboo stop. You cycle through an impressive 7.5 hectares of bamboo forest, and the tour includes time to observe Balinese traditional bamboo craftsmen at work inside the forest.

This is one of the most memorable parts because it’s not just scenery. You’re seeing a working tradition—how bamboo is handled and turned into something useful. It gives the bamboo a purpose beyond photos.

You get about 30 minutes here, plus the chance to slow down and look carefully. If you like crafts, local production, or simply prefer quieter, shaded areas, this stop is a strong reason to book.

Penglipuran Village: culture time, plus one ticket detail

After the bamboo forest, you head to Penglipuran Village for about 45 minutes. This is described as a very traditional village with its own way of life and a reputation for standout beauty.

Here’s the practical catch: admission is not included for this village stop. So if you hate paying for surprises, keep a little cash or card budgeted for it.

This is also the part where the guide story shines. In guide feedback, the village visit includes moments that feel personal—like time connected to a Balinese family home and everyday life during the visit. If you want more than just standing around for photos, this village stop delivers.

Pura Taman Narmada Bali Raja: rice paddies, a small lake, and steps

After riding for several kilometers, you reach a unique Subak water temple stop: Pura Taman Narmada Bali Raja. It’s surrounded by rice paddies and a small lake, and the setting helps you understand Bali’s water-and-farming relationship rather than treating the scenery like decoration.

Access involves a short walk down (you’ll feel some steps or a descent). The good news: the tour builds in about 30 minutes, so you get time to take it all in without rushing.

This is the kind of stop that clicks if you like context. Temples here aren’t just architecture. They connect farming, water use, and community routines.

Jalan Bukit Batu lunch: young coconut in the rice paddies

When the riding session wraps, you head to an authentic Balinese-style restaurant located in the middle of rice paddies. This is where the day finishes strong, with about an hour for lunch.

Lunch is included, and you’ll be served food along with a young coconut drink option (and other fresh drink choices). It’s a simple “exhale” moment after cycling, and the rice-field setting gives it a real Bali feel rather than a generic meal stop.

This is also where guides often help the day come together. One guide was praised for offering Balinese fruits and small food tastes during the day, so you might find extra little samplings as you go—especially if your guide is chatty and you’re into trying local flavors.

The guides: English you can follow and stories you can use

The tour runs with a professional English-speaking cycling guide, and the best part is how they connect the sights to daily life. You might ride with a guide like Wayan, Ketut, or Sandi, and the common thread is that they’re ready to share what they know.

Wayan is described as happy to share knowledge and love of Bali, especially around village and family-life connections. Ketut is praised for looking after people and helping the day feel like more than just sightseeing. Sandi also gets credit for excellent English, plus the thoughtful touch of sharing Balinese fruits and foods to try during the day.

That matters because you’re cycling through places that don’t come with English signage. A good guide turns the day from scenery into understanding, without making it feel like a lecture.

Who should book this cycling tour (and who should think twice)

This tour is a great match if you want active sightseeing with real local stops. You’re getting major Bali highlights like Tegalalang Rice Terrace, but you’re also spending time where people live—especially in the Penglipuran area.

It’s also a solid choice for mixed travel styles: you’ll get photos, but you’ll also get explanation, food, and short stretches of riding that fit a relaxed pace. Since most travelers can participate, it’s generally approachable.

Think twice if you don’t enjoy long days or you get tired early. With a 8:00 am start and around 10.5 hours total, you need stamina for a full schedule. Also, if paying entry fees inside the day annoys you, remember that Penglipuran Village admission isn’t included.

Should you book Bali Countryside Cycling Tours?

Book it if you want Bali beyond the main roads—cycling, rice terraces, bamboo, temples, and village life, with food breaks baked in. At $36 with pickup, bike gear, guided English, water, lunch, and key admission included, it’s hard to beat for a full-day countryside plan.

Skip or compare if you’re searching for a short, low-effort tour. This is a time-and-energy commitment. And since Penglipuran Village admission isn’t included, you’ll want to budget a bit extra for that final cultural stop.

If your priority is a guided day that feels more local than typical van-only routes, this one deserves a spot on your Ubud list.

FAQ

What time does the tour start in Ubud?

The tour start time is 8:00 am, with pickup from your accommodation in the Ubud area.

How long is the Bali countryside cycling tour?

It runs for about 10 hours 30 minutes (approx.).

Is hotel pickup included?

Yes, pickup at your hotel is offered.

What’s included in the tour price?

You get a bike, helmet, and a raincoat during rainy season. The tour also includes a professional English-speaking cycling guide, mineral water at every stop, lunch at an authentic restaurant in the rice paddies, and entrance tickets for included stops.

Is there a vegetarian option?

Yes, a vegetarian option is available. You should advise the provider at booking if you need it.

Does the tour provide rain gear?

A raincoat is included during rainy season.

Can I cancel for free?

Yes. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. If you cancel less than 24 hours before the start time, the amount paid is not refunded.