Cycling in Bali Away From Busy Roads
Cycling is a wonderful way to experience Bali, but many visitors worry about riding through busy traffic. Bali’s main roads can be crowded with cars, scooters and large vehicles, especially around popular tourist areas.
Our Cycling in Ubud route is designed to avoid busy main roads whenever possible. Instead, the journey follows quiet village lanes, rice-field paths, gravel farm tracks and peaceful countryside roads.
It allows families and relaxed riders to enjoy the scenery and local culture without spending the tour surrounded by heavy traffic.
A Quieter Side of Ubud
Central Ubud can be busy, but the surrounding countryside feels completely different. Small roads connect traditional villages, family homes, temples and rice fields.
These local routes offer a more peaceful environment for cycling. Along the way, you may see farmers working in the fields, local families preparing ceremonies and children going about their daily lives.
The experience is not only about riding a bicycle. It is also an opportunity to discover everyday Balinese life at a comfortable pace.
Does the Route Avoid Main Roads?
Yes. We plan our route to stay away from Bali’s busy main roads whenever possible.
Most of the cycling experience takes place on:
- Quiet village roads
- Rice-field paths
- Gravel farm tracks
- Small countryside lanes
- Light, non-technical off-road sections
However, we do not describe the route as completely free from traffic. These are living villages, so you may occasionally meet a local scooter, car or farming vehicle.
Away from busy main roads, with occasional local village traffic.
Our guide remains with the group and helps everyone pass through each section safely.
What Is the Road Surface Like?
The route uses a combination of paved village roads, gravel tracks and slightly uneven rice-field paths. There is also a light off-road section, but it is not an extreme mountain-biking trail.
Riders should already be comfortable balancing, braking and controlling a bicycle on mixed surfaces. If anyone feels unsure, they are always welcome to slow down, stop or walk the bicycle for a short section.
The tour is private, so your family does not need to keep up with another group.
Is the Route Completely Flat?
The route is approximately:
- 50% flat
- 25% gentle downhill
- 25% manageable uphill
The uphill sections are not a race. Guests can ride slowly, take a break or walk their bicycles whenever necessary.
The complete route is approximately 10 kilometres and usually takes around two hours of cycling. With cultural stops, explanations, photographs and rest breaks, the complete activity normally lasts between two and three hours.
Is It Suitable for Families?
The route is designed for families and guests who are already comfortable riding a bicycle.
We provide different cycling options according to the child’s approximate age, height and riding ability:
- Toddlers up to approximately five years: child seat
- Children approximately five to seven years: small bicycle, depending on ability and height
- Children approximately eight to twelve years: kids’ mountain bike
- Teenagers: youth or adult mountain bike, depending on height
Before departure, children can try their bicycles. Our guide can then check the bike size and decide whether the child is comfortable and confident enough to ride independently.
You can learn more in our guide about choosing a kids’ bike or child seat.
What Happens if Someone Gets Tired?
We keep the pace flexible and provide time for breaks. Because this is a private experience, no family member will be pressured to ride faster.
A support vehicle can assist the group on accessible roads. Some narrow rice-field and village paths cannot be reached directly by car, but the guide remains with the group throughout the cycling activity.
If a child or adult becomes tired, our team will help find the safest and most comfortable solution.
More Than a Traffic-Free Shortcut
Avoiding busy roads is only one part of the experience. The quieter route also gives guests more time to appreciate Ubud’s countryside and culture.
Depending on the route and local conditions, the journey may include:
- Traditional Balinese villages
- Rice fields and the Subak landscape
- A Balinese family home
- A local temple stop
- Peaceful countryside views
- Local activities and village life
- Indonesian lunch after cycling
The surroundings are not created only for tourists. They remain part of the community’s daily life, which makes the experience feel more genuine.
Cycling Responsibly Through Local Villages
We ask guests to respect the communities and natural areas along the route.
Please ride slowly when passing local residents, avoid blocking narrow paths and follow the guide’s instructions near homes and temples. Guests should also avoid leaving rubbish in the rice fields or countryside.
Cycling quietly and respectfully helps protect the atmosphere that makes this experience special.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the cycling route completely free from cars and scooters?
No. We avoid busy main roads whenever possible, but occasional local scooters, cars and farming vehicles may still use the village roads.
Is this an off-road mountain-biking tour?
No. The route includes light off-road and gravel sections, but it is not an extreme or technical mountain-biking trail.
Can beginners join?
Guests should already know how to balance, brake and control a bicycle. The pace is relaxed, and riders may walk any section where they do not feel comfortable.
Can children join the tour?
Yes. We provide child seats, small bicycles and kids’ mountain bikes. The best option depends on the child’s age, height, riding experience and confidence.
Does the support vehicle follow the entire route?
The vehicle follows or meets the group on accessible roads. It cannot enter every narrow village or rice-field path.
What happens if it rains?
During light rain, the tour may continue when conditions remain safe. During heavy rain, we stop at a safe, sheltered location and wait for conditions to improve.
Can we request a shorter cycling route?
Yes. A shorter route may be arranged for families with young children, guests with limited time, or anyone who prefers a gentler experience. Please discuss this when booking so we can prepare appropriately.
Discover Ubud Away From the Busy Roads
Our private cycling experience offers a quieter way to explore Ubud through villages, rice fields and peaceful countryside landscapes.
We cannot promise a route with absolutely no vehicles, but we carefully avoid busy main roads whenever possible and keep the experience relaxed, flexible and personally guided.
Ready to discover the quieter side of Bali?
