Explore Bali on Two Wheels

If you want to see a lot of Bali without a glass bus or car window in the way, renting a bicycle is the best way to go. Biking allows you to experience the Balinese countryside firsthand, all while following your own schedule to see the sights. Moreover, if environmental concerns are on your mind, cycling is the most eco-friendly Bali transportation mode aside from walking.

Where to Ride

Bali offers a rich and diverse variety of terrain to explore on a bicycle, ranging from beach trails to countryside paths. Consider heading north to picturesque locations like Kintamani, Gunung Agung, and Mount Batur, or make your way to Pura Besakih to admire its grandeur. Near Ubud, don’t miss a trip to Goa Gajah Elephant Cave for an adventurous bike jaunt.

However, biking in Bali isn’t suitable for every area. Given the notorious chaos of Bali’s traffic, cycling in bustling places like Denpasar and Kuta is not recommended. Therefore, it’s best to limit your biking adventures to the tranquil countrysides surrounding Ubud and Lovina. Additionally, check the weather beforehand to avoid risks if rainy conditions arise.

Bike rental rates can be approximately IDR 25,000 per day from various tour operators. Nonetheless, if you have specific biking preferences, bringing your own bike ensures the best experience while cycling in Bali.

Tips for Biking in Bali

To enhance your biking experience in Bali, adhere to these essential rules:

• Inspect the bicycle’s condition before starting your ride: Make sure the wheels are properly aligned, the brakes function smoothly, and if it’s getting dark, ensure that a light is attached. For your safety, do not accept a bike that appears to be in poor condition.
• Bring your own helmet and gloves to maintain safety; the availability of suitable rental gear can be unpredictable.
• Evaluate the road conditions: Not every path is suitable for long-distance rides, and some inclines may prove challenging.

While riding, keep these critical safety guidelines in mind:

• Always ride on the left side of the road, as left-hand traffic rules apply in Indonesia.
• Avoid main roads; choose the side roads instead. Utilize a map like the Bali Pathfinder, easily found in Ubud, to navigate through these paths effectively.
• Do not leave valuables in the front basket if provided, as snatch-thefts by motorcyclists occasionally occur.

Organized Bicycle Tours

If a social biking experience appeals to you, consider joining one of Bali’s many organized bike tours. This option not only promotes interaction but also ensures you cover more ground with the guidance of an expert.

Organized bike tours offer an incredible opportunity to explore “real” Bali at street level, far removed from the typical tourist experience of being confined in a bus. These tours cater to a wide range of cyclists from novices to hard-core mountain biking enthusiasts. Typically, the cost covers meals, safety gear, and transportation from and to your accommodations.

Easier bike tours often follow paved roads on flat surfaces, whereas more challenging tours venture off-road along Bali’s rustic goat trails and gravel paths that lead up to scenic mountain slopes.

Some notable bicycle tour providers include:

• Banyan Tree Bike Tours
• Bali Rides
• Bali Bike Baik Tours
• Bali Ubud Cycling
• Bali Eco Cycling
• Bali Go Bike