Ubud : Kintamani Downhill Cycling Tour with Lunch

Nothing beats Bali by bike through quiet villages. This Ubud–Kintamani downhill ride pairs easy cycling with culture stops like a local school and a temple, plus a Balinese lunch at the end. I like how the pace feels relaxed, not rushed, but one thing to consider is that the tour is timed to fit a full day of driving and sights, so it’s not for people who want total freedom over the schedule.

I also like the practical setup: you get a bicycle, bottled water, and an air-conditioned vehicle for pickup and drop-off, which makes the countryside accessible without you having to figure out roads and transport. The small group limit (up to 15) helps keep the vibe calm and manageable.

Key Points You’ll Actually Care About

• Mostly downhill route for an easier ride, even if you are not training for a triathlon
• Village culture stops including a village school and a temple at Pura Desa Malet Gusti
• Lunch included at The amertha Restaurant, with a Balinese local dish
• Small group size capped at 15 people for a more personal feel
• Air-conditioned round-trip transfers from Ubud or south Bali so you start fresh
• Bottled water + guide handled, so you can focus on riding and photos

Why This Ubud–Kintamani Bike Day Feels More Local

Most Bali trips focus on temples in the classic photo spots, then call it a day. This one spends your time where cars can’t go as easily, rolling through the parts of Bali people live in every day.

What I like is the balance: you get real countryside time and you still get guided context. The ride isn’t treated like a hardcore workout, and the cultural stops are built into the flow of the trip. That means you’re not hopping between random attractions—you’re moving through a coherent route that gradually changes from village lanes to big green views around Kintamani.

One practical bonus: the tour includes round-trip transfers in an air-conditioned vehicle. That matters in Bali, where traffic and short-distance driving can eat up your energy fast. You show up, get briefed, ride, eat, then return without having to coordinate taxis or drivers for the whole half day.

The Ride Setup: Time, Pace, and What “Downhill” Means

This cycling tour runs about 6 hours total, including the stops and transfers. The ride is described as mainly downhill, which is the main reason people find it comfortable and doable.

Here’s the way to think about it: “downhill” usually means you will coast for stretches, but you still need to stay alert, keep your balance, and follow the guide’s instructions. If you expect a fully effortless cruise the whole way, you might be surprised by occasional flatter sections or the normal need to pedal when the road demands it. Still, the overall effort level is clearly positioned as accessible for most people.

Also, the tour uses small-group pacing. With a maximum of 15 travelers, you’re less likely to feel like you’re riding in a long pack that nobody can hear over. It’s the kind of group size where the guide can actually manage the route and keep everyone together.

Stop 1 at Bayung Gede: Get Your Bearings Fast

You start in Bayung Gede (near Kintamani, Bangli Regency). The first stop is about 30 minutes, and it’s mainly about orientation.

This is not “stand around and wait” time. It’s the briefing moment. You get basic information from your guide so the rest of the day feels smoother. When a cycling tour starts with good guidance, you spend less mental energy figuring out what’s next and more energy enjoying the road ahead.

If you like photo time, this early stage is also a good time to settle in. The countryside around Bayung Gede tends to be the kind of place where every turn looks like it belongs on a postcard—rice fields, village houses, and quiet roads.

Stop 2 at Pura Desa Malet Gusti: School, Temple, and Daily Life

After the first briefing, the tour heads into one of the cultural heartbeats of the day: Pura Desa Malet Gusti, with about 2 hours set aside here.

This stop is where the tour shifts from scenic riding into local education and religion in real-life context. You’ll get to see and learn about:

• A local school (how education fits into the village rhythm)
• The temple side of Balinese community life
• A look at the kind of traditional family compound that many families still call home

This is the part I think most people enjoy because it adds meaning to what you’re seeing. The scenery alone is great, but the moment you understand the role of a school or temple in daily village life, the whole ride feels more intentional.

Practical note: temple and school visits often mean more walking around than you expect, plus time standing during explanations. If you have mobility concerns, you’ll want to move slowly and ask your guide for guidance so you don’t feel rushed.

Istana Tampak Siring and Lunch at The amertha Restaurant

The final major stop ties the day together at Istana Tampak Siring area, with about 45 minutes planned for the end portion of the tour, including lunch at The amertha Restaurant.

Lunch is included as a Balinese local dish. The benefit here is obvious: you don’t need to hunt for food at the end of a bike day when you’re hungry and tired. You also get a meal designed to fit the tour timing, instead of squeezing in lunch between long drives.

The amertha Restaurant serves as a calm finishing point before you head back. In Bali, that kind of sit-down break can make the difference between a day that feels fun and a day that starts feeling like logistics.

If you have food preferences, you’ll want to plan ahead at booking. The tour data confirms a local dish is included, but it does not specify alternatives. A quick question to the operator before you go can save you from an awkward end-of-day surprise.

Bikes, Water, and the Guide: The Small Stuff That Makes It Work

This tour includes use of bicycle, bottled water, and a professional English-speaking guide. It also includes all fees and taxes, which is helpful because you’re not doing the mental math during the day.

Bikes are not just a checkbox on this kind of trip. A stable, well-suited bike helps you relax and enjoy the scenery instead of fighting the equipment. The route is described as comfortable because it is mainly downhill, and a smooth bike setup supports that.

Then there’s the guide. The best part of having a strong guide is not just explanations—it’s how they manage the flow: where you stop, when you ride, and how you move as a group. The day is most enjoyable when everyone stays together and the route feels controlled, not chaotic.

Also, you’ll be riding with a group size capped at 15, which is large enough to feel social but small enough to keep things organized.

Transfers From Ubud (and South Bali): Why It’s a Big Value

You get an air-conditioned vehicle for pickup and drop-off, offered from Ubud or south Bali. That is one of the biggest hidden values in the price.

In Bali, the time cost of getting out to the countryside can be surprisingly high. When you add up taxi coordination, waiting time, and the stress of navigating unfamiliar roads, the “cheap” sightseeing plan stops looking cheap.

Here, the tour handles transportation so you can use the day for what you came for: riding, stopping, learning, and eating. You’re not spending your trip doing “how do I get there” math.

Price and Value: Is $29.90 Worth It?

At $29.90 per person, this tour is priced for a full-service day with real inclusions. For a half-day length (about 6 hours total), you get:

• Bicycle use
• Lunch (Balinese local dish)
• Bottled water
• Professional English-speaking guide
• Air-conditioned pickup/drop-off
• All fees and taxes
• Admission tickets at the cultural stops (listed as free at some stops, included where noted)

A fair way to judge value is to compare it to the cost of renting a bike, paying a driver, and then buying lunch separately. Even if you can DIY one of those pieces, you usually can’t DIY all of them at once without losing time or quality.

The also-impressive part is how the tour mixes cycling with culture stops rather than just using the bike as a way to reach a single attraction. You’re paying for a full experience, not just transportation.

Who Should Book This Tour (and Who Should Rethink It)

This works best for you if:

• You want easy cycling with a scenic route and a relaxed schedule
• You care about seeing Bali outside the biggest tourist strips
• You like getting context as you ride, not after the fact
• You want a guided day that removes transport stress

You might rethink it if:

• You want maximum flexibility to wander on your own
• You strongly dislike group pacing, even if the group is small
• You’re sensitive to walking around temple/school areas during the culture stops

Also, the tour says most travelers can participate. That phrasing usually means it is not limited to elite athletes, but it still assumes you can handle a day of cycling plus cultural walking.

Tips to Make the Day Smoother

A few practical things can make your ride more comfortable:

• Bring your own sunscreen. Sun block lotion is specifically listed as not included. Bali sun can be unforgiving, and you’ll be outside for hours.
• Wear shoes you can ride in comfortably. The tour includes a bicycle, so regular sandals might not feel great when you stop and start.
• Listen to the guide early. The first stop is brief, but getting your instructions right away pays off later.

If you’re the type who loves photos, you’ll want to keep your phone ready. The day includes village stops and temple areas, which typically offer plenty of chances to capture normal, everyday Bali—not only grand temple gates.

Should You Book This Downhill Cycling Tour?

Yes, if you want an efficient Bali day that blends downhill cycling with village culture and a real included meal. The setup is built to reduce friction: transfers are included, bikes are provided, and you don’t have to plan food or ticket pieces.

Book it especially if:

• You’re visiting Ubud and want something that actually reaches the countryside
• You prefer a tour that feels organized and calm, not chaotic
• You like the idea of learning about school and temple life while you’re riding through the area

Pass on it if:

• You want total freedom and unscheduled stops
• You hate group days, even small ones
• You are not comfortable with a mix of cycling time and on-foot cultural visits

If you’re planning your Bali time around value and authenticity, this is one of those days that makes the itinerary feel smarter, not busier.

FAQ

How long is the Ubud to Kintamani cycling tour?

The tour lasts about 6 hours (approximately).

Where does the tour start and where does it end?

It starts in Bayung Gede, Kintamani, Bangli Regency, Bali and ends in Tampaksiring, Gianyar Regency, Bali, where lunch is also provided.

Is pickup and drop-off included?

Yes. The tour includes round-trip transportation with an air-conditioned vehicle for pickup and drop-off from Ubud or south Bali.

What’s included in the tour price?

The price includes a bicycle, bottled water, lunch with a Balinese local dish, an English-speaking guide, air-conditioned vehicle transportation for pickup and drop-off, and all fees and taxes.

What’s not included?

Sun block lotion and souvenirs/personal expenses are not included.

Is the ride suitable for beginners?

The tour is described as mostly downhill and most travelers can participate, making it a good fit if you want an easier cycling day.

How large is the group?

The tour has a maximum of 15 travelers.

Are admission tickets included for the stops?

Admission tickets are listed as free for some stops, and the lunch stop includes admission ticket as included. Overall, the tour includes all fees and taxes.

What is the cancellation policy?

You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the experience starts. If you cancel less than 24 hours before, the amount paid is not refunded.