You’ll see Bali from the bicycle lane, not the highway. This Ubud countryside ride mixes car-free cycling with real community stops, including Tegalalang Rice Terrace and the Penglipuran Bamboo Forest. I love how the day is paced for sightseeing, with an English-speaking guide to explain what you’re seeing instead of just pointing at it.

I also like the value angle. For about $36, you get the bike setup, helmet, mineral water at stops, plus a lunch served in the middle of rice paddies. One thing to consider: it’s a long day (about 10.5 hours starting at 8:00am), and you’ll do some walking for certain sights, including steps to reach a temple spot.

Key highlights to look for

• Car-free countryside routes that buses can’t reach
• Tegalalang Rice Terrace with included entry time
• Penglipuran Bamboo Forest plus bamboo craftsmen at work
• Penglipuran Village as a true cultural pause (entry not included)
• Lunch in rice paddies with young coconut or fresh drink options

Why Bali countryside cycling from Ubud feels different than bus tours

Bali has a way of pulling you onto the main roads. This tour fights that habit. You start from Ubud, get picked up, and then spend the day moving by bike through quieter areas where cars don’t dominate.

That matters because it changes the rhythm. On a bike, you notice details—how people farm, how villages are laid out, and how water systems connect to everyday life. The route also connects big-name sights with smaller community stops, so you don’t just check boxes. You get context.

And because the tour includes a professional English-speaking cycling guide, you’re not left guessing. Guides named Wayan, Ketut, and Sandi are specifically mentioned in feedback, and that’s a good sign: the explanations are part of the experience, not an afterthought.

The 8:00am start and the “10.5-hour” reality check

The tour runs for about 10 hours 30 minutes, and the start time is 8:00am. That’s early, but it’s also smart. You’ll be riding before the day heats up too much, and you’ll hit the most popular stops while they still feel lively rather than chaotic.

Transportation is part of the plan. You’ll be taken from your accommodation by A/C van to the first major viewpoint area, and you’ll also ride again from countryside starting points where the bikes are waiting. In other words, it’s not just “bike and hope.” There’s structure.

The main consideration is the length of the day. Even at a relaxed cycling pace, you should plan for long sitting/standing breaks, some uneven paths, and the fact that you’ll switch between riding and short walks. If you’re the type who gets restless after a couple of hours, this schedule may feel like a lot.

Stop 1: Tegalalang Rice Terrace without rushing the views

Tegalalang Rice Terrace is one of Bali’s classic photo stops, and here it’s handled in a way that feels less frantic. You’re picked up by A/C van and taken up to the terraces area, with admission ticket included.

What you’ll enjoy most is the scale. The terraces sit in a river gorge north of Tegallalang village, and the view stretches in layers. Because you’re on a guided route, you’re more likely to understand what you’re looking at than just snap pictures.

Practical tip: bring sunscreen and something light for the sun. You’ll likely be out and about around viewpoints before you settle back into cycling.

Undisan: the quiet countryside start that makes the ride feel real

After breakfast, you’re taken by van to where the bikes are waiting in a quieter countryside area. This is the part that helps the whole day feel like “getting out there,” not repeating the same tourist circuit again and again.

Undisan is basically your reset moment. You start riding through greener areas and build a rhythm. Feedback highlights variety during the ride, including passing local communities and seeing how people live. The starting point being calm and green matters because it sets expectations: this isn’t an endurance ride. It’s a day for observation.

If you get motion sickness easily, still plan for the van transfers between stops. They’re short, but they’re part of the schedule.

Stop 3: Penglipuran Bamboo Forest and bamboo craftsmen at work

This is one of the most memorable segments on the route: cycling through 7.5 hectares of bamboo forest. You’ll also get a chance to see Balinese traditional bamboo craftsmen at work inside the forest.

That’s a smart combination. Bamboo isn’t just scenery here. It’s linked to craft and daily skill. You’re not only riding in nature; you’re watching how locals use local materials.

The time you spend here is short (about 30 minutes), but it’s likely to feel concentrated. Bamboo forests can be unexpectedly cooling compared to open fields, so take a moment to notice how the air changes when you enter the shade.

Admission ticket is included for this stop, so you won’t need to think about extra fees here.

Stop 4: Penglipuran Village culture stop (and the one place you may pay extra)

After the bamboo forest, you head to Penglipuran Village, described as a very traditional village with distinctive culture and a reputation for outstanding beauty. You’ll spend about 45 minutes there.

Here’s the one practical catch: entrance ticket is not included for Penglipuran Village. That doesn’t mean it’s a bad stop. It just means you should budget a little extra for access.

What makes the stop worth your time is the village focus. Unlike the terrace viewpoint, which is mostly about scenery, this part is about people, routines, and place. If you enjoy cultural settings where homes, gardens, and community layout are part of the story, you’ll likely appreciate it.

Stop 5: Pura Taman Narmada Bali Raja in the paddies

As you ride several kilometers, you’ll pass a unique water-related temple site: Pura Taman Narmada Bali Raja, described as a subak water temple surrounded by rice paddies and a small lake.

To reach the spot, you go down a short set of steps (the description mentions walking down a coup, which strongly suggests stair access). That means shoes with grip help. You don’t need hiking boots, but you do want something you’re comfortable walking in.

Admission is free for this stop. The temple itself isn’t the only lesson. Seeing how water temples connect to rice farming helps you understand Bali beyond tourism. It’s one of those stops where the guide’s explanation makes the environment click.

Stop 6: Jalan Bukit Batu and lunch in the middle of rice paddies

When the riding session ends, you move to an authentic Balinese-style restaurant located in the middle of rice paddies. Lunch is served here, and the experience includes a young coconut drink or fresh nutritious drink options.

This is another value win. Many countryside tours give you a mediocre meal after a long day. Here, lunch is part of the core design: you ride, then you refuel in the place the countryside feeds.

Admission is free for the stop, and mineral water is provided at every stop. Alcoholic drinks are available to purchase, so if you want something stronger, plan to pay separately.

If you’re booking for a group, this is also your decompress moment. Even if you didn’t feel tired yet, rice-paddy lunch tends to slow the day down in a good way.

Guides make or break the day: Wayan, Ketut, and Sandi

The most praised aspect in feedback is the guides. Names you may hear include Wayan, Ketut, and Sandi, and the common thread is care plus explanation.

You’ll likely get:

• clear English guidance while cycling
• stories that connect stops (villages, crafts, farms)
• extra attention with small details during the day

One review also mentions fruit and foods being shared during pickup-to-drop-off time. That kind of add-on is exactly why a guide-based day can feel more personal than a self-guided loop.

If you want a more personalized pace, there’s also an option to upgrade for a private tour. That’s worth considering if you’re traveling with kids, if you want more photo time in specific spots, or if you prefer fewer voices in your ear.

What you get for around $36: value you can feel

At about $36 for roughly 10.5 hours, this tour offers a lot of “included” basics that reduce decision fatigue:

Included items and perks:

• Bike, helmet, and a raincoat during rainy season
• Professional English-speaking cycling guide
• Mineral water at every stop
• Lunch at an authentic restaurant in rice paddies
• Entrance tickets where specified (Tegalalang and Penglipuran Bamboo Forest)

You also have pickup at your hotel, and you’ll use a mobile ticket. For many visitors in Ubud, that combo is the main reason this style of tour is appealing: it removes logistics from the day.

What’s not included:

• Alcoholic drinks (available to purchase)
• DVD (available to purchase)
• Penglipuran Village entrance ticket

So the value equation looks like this: you’re paying mostly for the ride and guidance, while a single cultural entry (Penglipuran Village) may require extra payment.

Group size and pace: what a max of 25 means for you

The group max is 25 travelers. That’s large enough to feel social, but small enough that you’re not stuck in a giant moving crowd.

Pacing is described as relaxed, and that fits the tour style: stop, look, learn, pedal, repeat. You’re not there to prove fitness. You’re there to connect the dots between rice terraces, bamboo craft, village life, and water temple culture.

Still, keep in mind you’ll be cycling across multiple segments with transfers by van. If you’re sensitive to heat or want frequent rest stops, tell the guide early. This kind of tour works best when you communicate what you need.

Weather and what to pack for a countryside ride

Bali weather can shift fast. You don’t want to show up with flip-flops and hope for the best.

Bring:

• sunscreen
• light layers (morning can feel cooler, and bamboo shade can be cooler too)
• comfortable shoes you can walk in for temple access

You’ll have a helmet for sure, and a raincoat during rainy season, so you don’t have to buy one on arrival. But you should still plan for damp roads and slippery patches.

If you’re traveling with a vegetarian preference, there’s a vegetarian option available, and you should advise at booking time.

Who this Bali countryside bike tour suits best

This tour is a strong match if you want:

• Ubud countryside time without switching between too many taxis
• a guided day built around real stops (not just viewpoints)
• a cycling experience that’s sightseeing-first
• English explanations and a guide who shares more than facts

It’s also a good “first countryside tour” option, because it mixes famous places (Tegalalang) with less touristy feeling segments (bamboo forest, village culture, water temple).

If you’re not comfortable with long days or you hate walking at heritage sites, you might find the schedule heavy. But if you like the idea of a gentle ride tied to culture, this is exactly the sweet spot.

Should you book this cycling day in Ubud?

If you’re deciding between another car-based sightseeing loop and a day that feels more local, I’d lean this way. For the price, you’re getting a full structured day: pickup, bike gear, guided explanations, included water and lunch, and major cultural scenery.

Book it if:

• you want an easygoing countryside cycling experience
• you care about guide-led context (and you prefer English guidance)
• you like rice terraces, bamboo craft settings, and village culture stops

Skip or reconsider if:

• you want something shorter than 10.5 hours
• you don’t enjoy walking during sight stops
• you prefer fully included admission for every stop (since Penglipuran Village entrance isn’t included)

FAQ

What time does the Bali countryside cycling tour start in Ubud?

The tour starts at 8:00am, with pickup from your accommodation in Ubud.

How long is the tour?

The duration is approximately 10 hours 30 minutes.

Is hotel pickup included?

Yes. Pickup at hotel is included, and you’ll also use an A/C van for parts of the day.

What is included in the price?

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

What about entrance fees for stops?

Some stops include admission (like Tegalalang Rice Terrace and Penglipuran Bamboo Forest), some are free (like Undisan and Pura Taman Narmada Bali Raja), and Penglipuran Village entrance is not included.

Is a vegetarian lunch available?

Yes. A vegetarian option is available if you advise at booking time.

How big is the group?

The tour has a maximum of 25 travelers.

Can I cancel for a full refund?

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

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