Bali by bike beats the traffic, especially when you hit Tegalalang Rice Terrace and pedal through the Penglipuran Bamboo Forest on a full countryside circuit. I like that it feels built for real morning riding, not just quick photo stops, and the day is paced with breaks plus water. One heads-up: the Penglipuran Village entrance is listed as not included, so you may pay an extra ticket at that stop.

The best part is the human touch. You ride with a professional English-speaking cycling guide, and you’re not just following a route, you’re hearing how locals live around the rice fields and temples. In past days, guides like Wayan, Ketut, and Sandi have been singled out for care and stories, including local foods and fruits along the way. The ride is most comfortable for people who are fine with a long day (about 10.5 hours) and a small group up to 25.

Key highlights worth waking up for

• A full Ubud countryside loop: rice terrace views, bamboo forest, traditional village, water temple area, and lunch in rice paddies
• Pickup and a smooth morning flow: A/C van transfer before you start cycling, plus mineral water at stops
• Real access where cars struggle: quieter lanes and footpaths that make the ride feel closer to daily Bali
• Bamboo forest stop with craftsmen: you can see traditional bamboo workers at work inside the forest
• Guides who explain what you’re seeing: English-speaking support that makes the scenery make sense
• Lunch included: you finish with a Balinese-style meal in the middle of rice paddies

Why this Ubud bike day feels different from a van tour

This is the kind of Bali day that works because it’s built around movement. You don’t just arrive, stand, and leave. You spend hours pedaling through the countryside, which naturally slows your pace and makes the scenery feel more personal.

You also get two big wins for the price. First, the tour includes the ride gear you need, bike and helmet, plus a raincoat during the rainy season. Second, the day is full without feeling rushed because you have planned stops and downtime, plus water at the stops. For a $36 tour, that combination is hard to beat, especially in Ubud.

The only tradeoff is time. At about 10 hours 30 minutes, you’re committing to a long outing. If you hate long days or you’re arriving from jet lag, this might feel like too much.

Getting started: pickup, timing, and what the morning setup means

The day starts at 8:00 am in Ubud, and pickup is offered from your hotel. That matters more than it sounds. Ubud traffic and parking can chew up your morning. Here, you’re whisked away by A/C van first, then your bicycles are waiting when you reach the starting countryside area.

You also get a mobile ticket. That helps if you don’t want to shuffle papers on vacation.

Group size is capped at 25, which keeps things from feeling like a chaotic conga line. It also supports the guide experience, since you’re more likely to get help, timing cues, and attention when you need it. And since a vegetarian option is available, you can plan ahead if that’s important to you.

Stop 1: Tegalalang Rice Terrace, famous for a reason

You begin with a drive up to Tegalalang Rice Terrace, the UNESCO-listed rice terraces north of Tegallalang village. This is one of Bali’s most recognizable rice scenes, and the time built into the stop gives you space to look around without feeling like you’re sprinting.

What makes it worth doing on a cycling tour is context. You’re not just seeing terraces from a single viewpoint. Later, you ride through countryside areas that connect the dots between what you saw and what you’re about to pass through.

The practical thing to know: this stop includes an admission ticket. So from a budgeting view, you’re not blindsided by a paywall at the entrance.

Stop 2: Undisan countryside start, where the day gets real

After a breakfast start, your guides take you by van to the cycling launch point. This is set in a quieter, greener countryside area, and the idea is simple: ease your body into the ride before the big wow moments later.

This section is where you benefit most from the relaxed pacing. If you’re new to biking tours, a slow start helps you find your rhythm, settle in with the helmet and bike fit, and get comfortable with your guide’s pace. It’s also where you feel the difference between riding and driving. Roads and paths feel closer, and you’re more aware of rice field edges, village life, and the rhythm of morning.

This stop is listed with admission ticket free, so it stays focused on cycling and scenery rather than extra entry costs.

Stop 3: Penglipuran Bamboo Forest, plus craftspeople inside

Then comes the ride highlight: a journey through a bamboo forest spanning about 7.5 hectares. This is not just a pretty walk-through. The stop includes a chance to see traditional Balinese bamboo craftsmen working inside the forest.

That craftsmanship detail is what makes this segment stand out. You’re watching how people use bamboo in real life, not just seeing it as a backdrop. It also breaks up the day visually and mentally, since a bamboo forest has that different soundscape and light that you don’t get from rice terraces.

This stop includes an admission ticket, so plan for that as part of the overall flow. If you’re the type who likes small cultural observations as much as photos, you’ll probably want extra time here.

Stop 4: Penglipuran Village, when you see how tradition is maintained

Next you visit Penglipuran, a traditional village known for its tidy layout and distinct way of life. The stop runs about 45 minutes, which is long enough to get a feel for the place and move at a calm pace.

Here’s the tradeoff: the village entrance is listed as not included. So while the bike tour itself is a strong value, you should carry a little extra cash or plan for a payment at this stop.

This stop also tends to work best if you enjoy respectful cultural viewing. Dress modestly and keep your behavior low-key. If you’re hoping for a hands-on workshop experience, the data doesn’t promise that, but you should still come away with a clearer sense of how a traditional village functions day to day.

Stop 5: Taman Bali and the Subak water temple area

After riding for a while, you head into the temple zone at Pura Taman Narmada Bali Raja. The description notes it as a Subak water temple surrounded by rice paddies and a small lake.

This stop is valuable because Subak connects water, farming, and community. Even if you just take in the setting visually, it helps explain why rice cultivation in Bali is tied to local systems, not just fields and irrigation lines. It’s also a nice change of pace after bamboo and village viewing, since it shifts you toward spiritual and agricultural infrastructure.

This is listed with admission ticket free. Access involves a walk down from the area, so bring shoes you’re comfortable with for uneven ground and steps. The tour doesn’t spell out the exact number of steps, so plan for some footwork rather than assuming it’s flat.

Lunch at Jalan Bukit Batu: where the day ends in rice paddies

Once the riding session wraps up, you go to an authentic Balinese-style restaurant located in the middle of rice paddies. Lunch is included, and you’ll also get mineral water at stops throughout the day.

The meal includes a young coconut drink option and a fresh, nutritious offering. Even without knowing every menu detail, you can count on this being a proper sit-down finish, not a snack-and-go ending.

This is the moment that makes the long day feel worth it. You’ve spent hours in the sun and on the bike, and then you land somewhere scenic with food and time to recharge. It’s also where you can ask your guide questions about what you saw earlier, rice, bamboo, village life, and how the temple sites connect to farming rhythms.

The ride itself: pace, gear, and comfort tips that matter

The tour is described as a relaxed pace between major countryside attractions. You’re not being pushed for speed, which is good news for most visitors. Still, you should prepare like this is a real half-day outing on a bike, not a casual stroll.

Gear is included: bike, helmet, and a raincoat during rainy season. That’s a practical plus, because Bali rain can show up fast and soak regular clothing. If you’re going in dry season, the helmet still matters for comfort and safety.

Here’s what I’d bring:

• Comfortable closed-toe shoes for temple areas and any walk-down sections
• Sunglasses or a hat, because rice terrace viewing and bamboo light can be bright
• Light sunscreen and a small bag for water and personal items

If you’re sensitive to a long day, consider your stamina. About 10.5 hours means you’ll want to start the tour feeling fueled, and you’ll want to keep your pace steady rather than trying to “race” the group.

Price and value for $36, plus what might cost extra

At $36, this is strong value for a day that includes pickup, guide support, cycling gear, lunch, mineral water at stops, and multiple major sights.

The included items make the math easier:

• Bike, helmet, and raincoat (rainy season)
• Professional English-speaking cycling guide
• Lunch at an authentic restaurant in rice paddies
• Mineral water at every stop
• Admission tickets for several key stops

The main potential extra is the Penglipuran Village entrance, listed as not included at that stop. Alcohol is also not included, though it’s available to purchase. So if you want a drink with lunch or later, budget for it.

Also, consider what you’re paying for: you’re getting transport by A/C van on both ends and between portions of the route, which is a big cost driver. And you’re paying for guidance in English, which turns the scenery into context.

This tour is best for couples, small friend groups, and solo travelers who want countryside access without needing to plan routes or navigation. If you’re traveling with kids or you’re unsure about cycling comfort, this might still work because the tour says most travelers can participate, but you should match your own comfort level to the long day length.

Should you book Bali Countryside Cycling Tours?

I’d book this if you want Bali countryside time with real access and a structured day. The combination of rice terrace viewing, a bamboo forest with craftsmen, a traditional village, a Subak water temple area, and an included rice-paddy lunch is a lot to fit into one outing for $36.

Skip it or think twice if you know you dislike long, timed days. At about 10 hours 30 minutes, it’s not a short scenic detour. And if you’re trying to keep every cost locked in, remember Penglipuran Village admission is not included.

If you like being outside early, prefer guided context over a simple sightseeing checklist, and want the countryside to feel closer than a car window ride, this is a smart choice.

FAQ

How long is the Bali Countryside Cycling Tour?

The tour runs about 10 hours 30 minutes.

Where does the tour start and when?

It starts in Ubud, Gianyar Regency, Bali, Indonesia, with a start time of 8:00 am.

Is hotel pickup included?

Yes, pickup at your hotel is included.

What does the tour include?

The tour includes a bike, helmet, and raincoat during rainy season, a professional English-speaking cycling guide, lunch at an authentic restaurant in the middle of rice paddies, mineral water at every stop, and listed admission tickets.

Are entrance tickets included for every stop?

Not for every stop. For example, the Penglipuran Village entrance is listed as admission ticket not included, while other stops are listed as included or free.

Is there a vegetarian option?

Yes, a vegetarian option is available. You should advise the provider at booking.

How big is the group?

The tour has a maximum of 25 travelers.

What is the cancellation policy?

You can cancel for free up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.