1 hour bali horse riding & Swim at the beach

Traveller rating 3.5 (4)Price from$82.24Operated byBali Horse Riding padang-galak beachBook viaViator

Riding horses into the sea feels surreal. This sunrise outing pairs a countryside village ride with Padang Galak Beach, then lets you wade into the water with your horse for a truly unusual Bali moment.

I love how the experience stays simple and guided, with a trainer looking after you end to end, and I also love the payoff: beach views plus the horse-in-water moment. One thing to consider is that the water can affect horse comfort, and a little extra swell can make horses skittish.

The best part, in my book, is the calm, hands-on help from the horse trainer, including guidance while the horse is led at a walking pace. I like that even beginners can join, since the emphasis is on control and safety rather than speed or fancy riding. If you’re hoping to wear your usual travel sandals, plan ahead: safety shoes aren’t included, and you’ll be on sand and around water.

What You’re Really Signing Up For at Padang Galak Beach

This is a short, private horseback excursion built around one main idea: get off the road, ride through a local village, and then take it to the beach—literally. You’ll start around the Balipantai Lembeng area near Batubulan (Ubud region), ride out with a trainer, and finish back at the stable. Total time is about 1 hour, so it’s a good choice when you want something memorable without giving up an entire day.

A few details matter because they shape how the ride feels:

  • It’s guided by a trainer the whole time, not just at the start.
  • The pace is controlled—think walking—so you’re meant to focus on the scenery and the experience, not racing the horse.
  • You’ll also have a water moment: you ride your horse in the water and wade in (so this is not just a beachfront photo stop).

The ride is designed for all levels, including first-timers, but remember: horse comfort is affected by conditions. If the sea is rougher than expected, you may feel it in the horse’s behavior.

From Your Pickup to the Stable: Getting Set for the Ride

You’ll meet at Bali Horse Riding, horse riding Balipantai Lembeng, Jl. Prof. Dr. Ida Bagus Mantra, Batubulan, Kec. Sukawati, Kota Denpasar, Bali, Indonesia. Your activity ends back at the same meeting point.

Two practical things to know upfront:

  • Your ticket is mobile, so you’re not dealing with paper.
  • This is a private activity, meaning it’s only your group. That matters if you want your trainer’s attention without the distraction of larger crowds.

The tour runs at sunrise, which usually helps with comfort and visibility—cooler air, softer light, and less glare on the sand. You won’t have to think about timing once you’re there; the experience is designed as a tight, guided loop rather than an all-day wander.

You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in Ubud

Village Riding: Why the Walking Pace Feels Like the Point

The first chunk of the experience is the ride through a local village. This is where you’ll get the most sense that this isn’t a themed ride built only for photos. You’re moving at a pace where you can actually look around—people’s daily routes, greenery along the way, and the general rhythm of the area.

What I’d call the “make or break” feature here is control. The trainer leads each horse and manages the session so you’re not fighting the animal. In practice, that often shows up as:

  • A steady walking pace
  • Rope-led handling while you’re mounted
  • Clear guidance on what to do and where to go

That’s exactly why this works for beginners. If you’ve never ridden, you don’t want chaos; you want consistency. And if you’ve ridden before, you’ll still appreciate the structure—this isn’t a stunt ride, it’s a guided experience.

A quick body check before you go

This activity asks for a moderate physical fitness level. The route is short, but you’ll still be sitting on a horse, mounting in a typical riding setup, and walking around where horses are being handled. If you’ve got mobility limits, don’t assume it’s effortless.

Padang Galak Beach at Sunrise: The Scenic Part That Actually Changes the Day

Once you reach the beach, the whole mood shifts. Sand changes footing. Open space changes sound. You’ll feel it.

Padang Galak Beach is the heart of the outing, and the sunrise timing makes a difference: light comes in cleaner and softer, and the shore often feels calmer than it does later in the day. You’ll also be able to slow down mentally, because the trainer’s job is to manage the horses while you enjoy the view.

The tour includes a safety helmet, which is a good baseline. But your comfort will depend on two factors you can’t fully control: the horse’s temperament that morning and the sea conditions.

Riding Your Horse in the Water: Where Conditions Matter

This is the signature moment: you ride your horse in the water and wade in at the beach. It’s a rare activity, and the novelty is exactly why it’s memorable.

Still, here’s the honest consideration. If the swell is larger, horses can become more alert or skittish because the water is moving and making unpredictable sounds. One caution I’d take seriously: sea swell can make horses act differently, and that can feel daunting if you’re new to riding.

So what should you do with that information?

  • Follow the trainer’s cues immediately. Don’t improvise.
  • Keep your expectations realistic. This is a controlled session, not a free-roam adventure.
  • If the horse is clearly unsettled, ask the trainer to slow things down and work with that situation rather than pushing forward.

On the flip side, the positive side is strong: the whole setup is meant to be handled carefully, and you should feel supported. Many people highlight that the attendants are friendly and that the staff guide the horses at a walking pace, which is what you want during the water portion.

Here's some more things to do in Ubud

Footwear tip (based on what’s not included)

Safety shoes are not included. Since you’ll be on sand and near water, I strongly suggest you bring closed-toe footwear with grip (or water shoes). Bare feet can be fine for some people, but the practical choice is something you can trust on uneven ground.

Safety and Staff: What to Look For During the Ride

A few key themes come up about how staff run this experience:

  • The trainer accompanies you for the full ride, not just at the beginning.
  • Horses are led and managed, often keeping riders at a walking pace.
  • Helmets and post-ride hydration are included, which signals they want you to finish feeling okay.

That said, there is one serious caution worth mentioning. There are reports of unsafe riding practices and horses with an aggressive attitude in some situations. I can’t dismiss that as a “small issue,” because safety should never be negotiable.

So here’s the practical way to handle it without guessing:

  • Pay attention to horse handling right away. If something feels off, say something immediately to the trainer.
  • If you see rushing or unsafe behavior, stop the situation and ask for a slower, more controlled approach.
  • Use the helmet and stay seated as instructed.

Your best experience comes from a calm, well-managed ride—and that depends on both sea conditions and the specific horses working that morning.

Price and Value: Is $82.24 for 1 Hour Fair?

At $82.24 per person for about 1 hour, this isn’t a cheap thrill. But it’s also not just “sit on a horse for photos.” You’re paying for:

  • A private guided experience (your group only)
  • A trainer who stays with you throughout
  • Helmets included
  • Drinking water provided after the ride
  • Access to the village route plus Padang Galak Beach and the water moment

In Bali, prices can range wildly depending on whether you’re booking a simple beach attraction or a staff-led, controlled activity with equipment. Here, you’re paying for the staff time and horse management—especially because the water portion requires more care.

If your goal is a short, memorable, well-supported horseback experience that includes the sea water moment, the price can feel fair. If you’re expecting long ride times or advanced riding, you might feel shorted. This is about controlled fun, not distance or speed.

Who Should Book This Horse + Beach Combo?

This is a great fit if you want:

  • Beginner-friendly guidance (the pace is controlled and the trainer is with you)
  • A nature-and-countryside experience mixed with beach time
  • A unique Bali activity that goes beyond a standard sightseeing stop
  • A private outing you can tailor to your comfort level, since it’s your group only

It’s also a reasonable choice if you can handle moderate physical activity, since the experience is short but includes mounting and riding.

Where I’d be cautious:

  • If you’re very nervous around horses, especially when water conditions change
  • If you dislike uncertainty in how animals react to swell
  • If you show up without appropriate footwear for sand and water edges

One more note: service animals are allowed, which can matter for planning if you travel with an assistance animal.

And weather is key. The experience requires good weather, and if it’s canceled due to poor conditions, you should be offered a different date or a full refund.

Quick Reality Check: What the Timing Feels Like

Because it’s about an hour, don’t expect a long, leisurely itinerary. Think of it as a concentrated hit of:

  • Village riding first
  • Beach arrival with scenic time
  • The water-wading moment
  • Return to the stable and wrap-up, with water provided

If you want a full day of Bali, this is probably not your only plan. But if you want one “I’ll remember that” activity that doesn’t eat your entire schedule, it fits nicely.

Should You Book This Bali Horse Riding at Padang Galak Beach?

Book it if you want a short, private, trainer-led horseback experience with the rare bonus of wading into the sea. The helmet and hydration are included, and the walking pace approach makes it friendlier for beginners than you might expect. Sunrise also adds a lot—cooler, calmer, and better light for the beach scenery.

Skip or carefully reconsider if you’re uncomfortable with horses acting differently in water conditions, or if you’re looking for advanced riding. And once you arrive, watch how the staff handle the situation. If anything looks rushed or unsafe, speak up and insist on controlled handling.

If you’re the type who likes genuine, hands-on experiences over checklist tourism, this one can deliver. Just show up with the right mindset: you’re riding through Bali, not dominating it.

FAQ

How long is the horseback riding and beach swimming experience?

It runs for about 1 hour.

Is this a private tour?

Yes. It’s a private tour/activity, and only your group participates.

Where do I meet and where does it end?

You meet at Bali Horse Riding, horse riding Balipantai Lembeng on Jl. Prof. Dr. Ida Bagus Mantra in Batubulan, Kec. Sukawati, Kota Denpasar, Bali. The activity ends back at the meeting point.

What’s included in the price?

The tour includes a safety helmet and drinking water after the ride.

What is not included?

Safety shoes are not included.

Do I need prior horse riding experience?

No. The excursion is described as suitable for all levels, including beginners.

Does the tour include going into the water?

Yes. You ride with your horse in the water at the beach and wade into the sea.

Are service animals allowed?

Yes, service animals are allowed.

What happens if weather is poor?

The experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

What is the cancellation policy?

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. If you cancel less than 24 hours before the start time, the amount paid isn’t refunded.

More 1-Hour Experiences in Ubud

More Horses in Ubud

Scroll to Top

Explore Ubud

The temples, terraces and jungle days, and every way to spend them.