Bali by bike beats bus tours. I like how this route pairs iconic sights like Tegalalang rice terraces with quieter stops such as the Penglipuran bamboo forest, so you feel the variety without speeding past everything. Add hotel pickup and an English-speaking guide who keeps the day running smoothly, and the tour feels built for real time outside, not just checklists.

One thing to consider: it’s a long day at about 10.5 hours, starting at 8:00 am, so you’ll want an early bedtime before you go. The good news is it’s designed with breaks—multiple stops, water at each one, and a proper lunch in the paddies.

You’ll also benefit from the group size cap (up to 25), plus an upgrade to a private option if you want more attention. There’s even a vegetarian option if you tell them when you book.

Key highlights that make this tour worth your time

• Hotel pickup + A/C van to get you out of Ubud comfortably before the ride
• Tegalalang Rice Terrace with an included ticket and a classic morning view
• 7.5 hectares of bamboo forest at Penglipuran, plus a look at bamboo craftsmen
• Penglipuran Village for traditional community life (note: admission not included)
• Subak water temple at Pura Taman Narmada Bali Raja near rice paddies and a small lake
• Lunch in rice paddies with a young coconut drink option and mineral water throughout

Getting from Ubud into the countryside without wasting the morning

This starts in Ubud with pickup at your hotel, then you’re transferred by A/C van. The tour begins at 8:00 am, so you’ll get moving early and get better light for photos at the famous rice terrace stop.

The first push is all about positioning: the van gets you to the Tegallalang area, then later it drives you to a quieter countryside starting point in Undisan. That matters because you don’t spend your morning stuck in traffic or negotiating narrow roads on a bike.

You’ll also get a mobile ticket, and the day includes mineral water at every stop. Those are small details, but they reduce stress when you’re out in the heat and on a schedule.

Tegalalang Rice Terrace: ticket-in classic views with a structured stop

Your first real sight is Tegalalang Rice Terrace (about 35 minutes). This is one of Bali’s most photographed stretches of fields, and the timing here helps—early in the day the light tends to make the emerald tones pop.

The tour includes the admission ticket for this stop, so you don’t have to hunt for payment or worry about whether you’re in the right place. You’ll be in the area north of Tegallalang village, in the gorge setting that makes the terraces feel layered and dramatic.

Practical note: terraces look close up, but you’ll likely walk around to get angles. Comfortable shoes help, especially if the ground is damp or uneven.

Undisan start: a calmer place to get comfortable on the bike

After breakfast, guides drive you to the Undisan starting area, where the bicycles are ready. The stop here is short—about 30 minutes—but it’s the moment that sets your whole ride’s tone.

This part is described as a quiet, green countryside area, which is a big deal. If you’ve ever started a cycling day straight into chaos, you know how much difference it makes when you ease into the ride through easier terrain.

Also, this is the point where you’ll get your cycling basics handled. You’re provided a bike and helmet, and a raincoat during rainy season, which is reassuring if the weather turns.

Penglipuran Bamboo Forest: 7.5 hectares of shade and hands-on craft

The real adventure starts with the Penglipuran Bamboo Forest stop (about 30 minutes). This is a long bamboo stretch—7.5 hectares—so it’s not just a quick photo corridor. The walk-through area is described as something you might remember for a long time because it feels more like a working environment than a themed attraction.

You also get a chance to see Balinese traditional bamboo craftsmen at work inside the forest. That’s the kind of detail that makes this stop feel human, not staged. It also breaks up the ride with a slower moment to take in the sound and shade.

The admission ticket is included here, so you can focus on the experience instead of planning around another purchase.

Penglipuran Village: traditional life with an extra ticket to plan for

Next is Penglipuran Village (about 45 minutes). This is a traditional village known for its distinctive culture and the feel of a community that still lives by its own rhythms.

Two practical things to know:

• The visit time is long enough to actually look around rather than just stand at a gate.
• Admission is not included, so you should expect a separate fee at the site.

The tour keeps you moving at a comfortable pace overall, but this is still a walking-and-looking stop. Bring sunglasses and a hat if you get sunburn fast.

Pura Taman Narmada Bali Raja: a Subak water temple moment in the paddies

After several kilometers of riding, you reach Taman Bali Pura Taman Narmada Bali Raja (about 30 minutes). This is a Subak water temple setting, surrounded by rice paddies and a small lake.

To access it, the description mentions walking down a coup… (the text cuts off), but the takeaway is clear: you’ll have a short descent to reach the temple viewpoint. That’s normal here, but it’s a good reason to keep your footing in mind—especially if rain has made paths slick.

This stop is listed with free admission, which is nice. You’ll get a cultural pause without paying another entry ticket.

Lunch in rice paddies at Jalan Bukit Batu

Once you finish the riding session, you head to an authentic Balinese-style restaurant located in the middle of the rice paddies at Jalan Bukit Batu (about 1 hour).

Lunch is a highlight because it’s not rushed. The day is structured with sights first, then a long enough meal window to reset. The menu includes a special touch: a choice like young coconut plus other fresh, nutritious options (the description truncates, but coconut is specifically called out).

This stop also lines up with what people love most about this tour: it feels like food is part of the experience, not just fuel. In the day’s earlier riding breaks, you may also get small fruit and food tastings guided by your cycling host (I like this because it adds context when you see local agriculture up close).

Your guide and the pace: what “professional” really means on this ride

A big reason this tour earns high marks is the guide factor. English-speaking guides handle the route, timing, and small moments that keep you from feeling lost. You’ll see that in the way guide names come up often—people specifically mention Ketut, Wayan, and Sandi for taking good care from pickup to drop-off and sharing knowledge in clear English.

What stands out from that feedback style is the practical warmth:

• You get help navigating the day, not just a list of stops.
• You’re encouraged to try small bits of local food and fruit.
• The guides explain what you’re seeing in a way that fits the pace of cycling.

The tour is described as relaxed, and the schedule supports that. You’re not riding nonstop for hours. You’ve got multiple stop lengths (30–45 minutes) that make the day feel manageable, especially for anyone who doesn’t ride bikes every weekend.

Price and value: $36 is low, but you still need to plan for extras

At $36, this is one of the more affordable ways to string together multiple countryside experiences from Ubud. The value comes from what’s bundled.

Included items:

• Bike, helmet
• Raincoat during rainy season
• Professional English-speaking cycling guide
• Mineral water at every stop
• Lunch at an authentic restaurant in rice paddies
• Entrance ticket(s) where listed as included

There are also extra costs to watch for:

• Penglipuran Village admission is not included
• Alcoholic drinks are available to purchase
• A DVD is available to purchase

If you’re budgeting, the main wildcard is the Penglipuran Village ticket. Everything else you’ll plan for—water, lunch, and the major paid entry points—should already be covered.

What to bring for a smooth 8:00 am start

I’d treat this like a full-day active tour rather than a casual stroll. You’ll want:

• Sunscreen + hat (you’re outside most of the morning)
• Comfortable closed shoes for walking around terraces and temple access areas
• A small dry bag for phone and wallet (you’ll want them protected while cycling)
• If you’re visiting in rainy season, you’re covered with a raincoat, but you’ll still feel better with something for your shoes and a backup layer

Also, since you’ll be on a schedule that begins at 8:00 am, plan to eat a solid breakfast before pickup if you tend to get hungry early—or follow the day’s breakfast timing, which is built into the flow.

Who should book this countryside cycling tour

This fits best if you want:

• A bike day outside Ubud without dealing with complicated logistics
• You enjoy mixing famous places (like Tegalalang Rice Terrace) with less crowded stops (like bamboo and a traditional village)
• You like guided cultural context, especially when it comes with food tastings and clear English explanations

It’s also a good match for mixed experience levels. The tour notes that most travelers can participate, and the schedule includes enough breaks that you’re not punished for not being a hardcore cyclist.

If you’re traveling with a group and want flexibility, the private upgrade can be worthwhile. More personalized attention usually matters on longer days with lots of sights.

Should you book Bali Countryside Cycling Tours?

I think this is a smart pick if you’re in Ubud and you want a day that feels genuinely local—rice terraces, bamboo forest, a traditional village, temple scenery, and lunch in the paddies. The best part is the balance: big-name Bali sights plus quieter community-based stops, all tied together by a guide who handles the details and keeps the day moving.

I’d skip it or choose a different format if you hate early starts or you’re looking for a short, purely scenic outing. At 10.5 hours, this is a commitment. And if you’re on a strict budget, plan for Penglipuran Village admission since it’s not included.

FAQ

What time does the Bali Countryside Cycling Tour start, and how long is it?

The tour starts at 8:00 am and runs for about 10 hours 30 minutes.

Is hotel pickup included?

Yes. The tour includes pickup at your hotel.

What’s included with the bike and safety gear?

You get a bike and helmet. A raincoat is included during the rainy season.

Are entrance tickets included?

Some are included and some are not. Tegalalang Rice Terrace and the Penglipuran Bamboo Forest have entrance tickets included. Penglipuran Village is listed as not included, while other temple/area stops are listed as free.

Is lunch provided, and can you accommodate vegetarians?

Yes, there is lunch at an authentic restaurant in rice paddies. A vegetarian option is available if you request it when booking.

How many people are in the group?

The tour has a maximum of 25 travelers.

Can I cancel for free?

Yes. Free cancellation is offered if you cancel at least 24 hours in advance for a full refund.