Mountain biking tour of western Bali: rice paddies, volcanoes and wild coast
In summary
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Sports
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Duration12 days
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LevelIntermediate
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DestinationIndonesia / Bali
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AgeFrom 16 - 90 years
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CO₂-Emissions215.26 kg CO2
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Type of stayIndependent traveler
In a few words
Embark on a unique mountain biking adventure in the heart of Bali, the Island of the Gods. For 12 days, this exclusive itinerary guides you along the secret roads of the west, far from the tourist crowds, for total immersion.
Your journey begins with the rhythm of pedaling through the terraced rice paddies of Jatiluwih, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The route winds its way through the coffee and cocoa plantations of Belimbing before reaching the tranquil shores of Pemuteran. This trip perfectly balances sporting challenge and contemplation: you'll climb the slopes of the Bedugul and Kintamani volcanoes, then descend winding tracks lined with coconut palms.
The experience stands out for its authenticity, enhanced by the expertise of a passionate, French-speaking local team. To maximize your comfort, the use of electric mountain bikes allows you to savor every climb without exhaustion. Between stages, you'll enjoy charming accommodations selected for their unique settings, from starry nights overlooking rice paddies to the tranquility of the Sidemen Valley. A journey where sport, culture, and Balinese hospitality come together seamlessly.
The highlights
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Jatiluwih rice terraces, a UNESCO World Heritage Site
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2 nights facing the sea on the unspoiled coast of Pemuteran
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Electric mountain bike included so you can enjoy the ride without getting out of breath.
Photos
Sport
Level
Mountain biking and e-mountain biking
The expert's opinion
The West Bali Tour is designed for experienced mountain bikers comfortable on varied terrain, including 4x4 tracks, jungle trails, local roads, and technical sections on narrow paths. The route alternates between plains, valleys, and steep hills, with elevation gains approaching 1,800 meters on the Jatiluwih–Belimbing stage, the most demanding of the circuit. The average daily cycling time is 4 to 6 hours, covering distances between 17 and 55 km depending on the stage. To ensure everyone can fully enjoy the scenery, the tour includes high-performance electric mountain bikes: these allow riders to confidently tackle the most challenging climbs and enjoy every descent with ease. Two rest days are included in the program—one in Pemuteran on the northwest coast, the other in Ubud, Bali's cultural capital—to recover between the more challenging stages and to enjoy optional activities (trekking on Mount Batur, hiking in Sidemen). The pace is adjusted locally by our French-speaking guide according to the group's level and preferences, in a friendly and safe environment. Good general fitness and regular mountain biking experience are essential to fully enjoy the experience.
In figures
MOUNTAIN BIKING
- Average distance/day: 36 km
- Average daily elevation gain: 1009 m
- Average daily descent: 1160 m
Trekking
- Average duration/day: 3h30
- Exposed Passages: Yes
Management
This trip is designed around a detailed printed Roadbook, which you will receive before departure. It contains all the essential information: a day-by-day itinerary, GPS tracks, points of interest, practical advice, emergency contacts, and cultural information about the regions you will be traveling through. This gives you complete freedom to set your own pace and make your own stops while knowing exactly where you are going. Our local team is available 24/7 to answer your questions and coordinate accommodations, transfers, and activities. Each day has been carefully planned so you can enjoy the landscapes, encounters, and rich culture of Bali at your own pace, without any time constraints. The Roadbook is written in French and is easy to use, even for a first trip with some independent travel.
Program
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Welcome to Bali, transfer to Marga
- Transportation Car - 02h - 30km
- Accommodation 3-star hotel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
Arrival at Denpasar International Airport and welcome by our local team. Private transfer to your accommodation in Marga, nestled in the rice paddies of the Tabanan region. Check-in, trip briefing, distribution of the RoadBook, and your first welcome dinner to get to know the group and guides. This first evening allows you to gently acclimatize to the Balinese atmosphere before getting in the saddle.
Day 1 -
Marga → Jatiluwih, first pedal stroke in the UNESCO rice paddies
- Activity MOUNTAIN BIKING
- Distance 35 km
- Positive elevation gain 594 m
- Negative elevation 1115 m
- Accommodation 3-star hotel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
The first leg of the journey is a mountain bike ride to the exceptional Jatiluwih site, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You'll pass through traditional villages, plantations, and small temples before discovering the famous terraced rice paddies that stretch as far as the eye can see. This varied warm-up combines peaceful roads, rural trails, and exhilarating descents to the Jatiluwih heights.
Day 2 -
Jatiluwih → Belimbing, the queen stage of the circuit
- Activity MOUNTAIN BIKING
- Distance 29 km
- Positive elevation gain 1789 m
- Negative elevation 1480 m
- Accommodation 3-star hotel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
The most demanding leg of your trip: you leave Jatiluwih and venture deep into the heart of the mountains of central-western Bali, amidst coffee, cocoa, and clove plantations. The progressive 4x4 tracks offer stunning panoramic views of wild valleys and volcanoes. An intense day, rewarded by your arrival in Belimbing, perched above the rice paddies.
Day 3 -
Belimbing → Bajera, descent towards the sea
- Activity MOUNTAIN BIKING
- Distance 17 km
- Positive elevation gain 524 m
- Negative elevation 903 m
- Accommodation 4-star hotel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
A gradual descent from the heights of Belimbing towards Bali's southwest coast. You'll pass through small, unspoiled villages, alongside plantations, and enjoy smooth, technical trails. Arrival in Bajera, where the team will welcome you and transfer you to the beachfront resort for a well-deserved end to the day overlooking the Indian Ocean.
Day 4 -
Bajera → Pupuan, back to the highlands
- Activity MOUNTAIN BIKING
- Distance 40 km
- Positive elevation gain 1205 m
- Negative elevation 1435 m
- Accommodation 4-star hotel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
Early morning transfer from the resort to the mountain biking starting point, then a ride inland to Pupuan. You'll cycle along hidden roads bordered by rice paddies, through dense forests, and climb to the cool central highlands. Late afternoon arrival in Pupuan, a hilltop hamlet where you can hear birdsong and the sound of cascading waterfalls.
Day 5 -
Pupuan → Pemuteran, the longest stage
- Activity MOUNTAIN BIKING
- Distance 55 km
- Positive elevation gain 1215 m
- Negative elevation 1372 m
- Accommodation 4-star hotel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
A long trek to Bali's northwest coast. You'll leave the mountains behind and reach Pemuteran via spectacular tracks offering panoramic views of the ocean, volcanoes, and jungle. A day of sustained effort but incredibly rewarding, culminating in your arrival at the seaside in one of Bali's most beautiful coastal villages.
Day 6 -
Free day in Pemuteran
- Accommodation 4-star hotel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
A relaxing day on the unspoiled coast of Pemuteran, famous for its coral reef and tranquil atmosphere. Enjoy the beach, the pool, or explore the underwater world with optional snorkeling and diving excursions. A trip to Menjangan Island, a jewel of Bali Barat National Park, is also possible, or you can simply unwind by the sea.
Day 7 -
Pemuteran → Ubud (passage through Bedugul)
- Transportation Car - 02h30 - 75km
- Activity MOUNTAIN BIKING
- Distance 35 km
- Positive elevation gain 786 m
- Negative elevation 1123 m
- Accommodation 3-star hotel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
A morning transfer of approximately 2.5 hours takes you to the mountain biking starting point in Bedugul, famous for its Ulun Danu Bratan lake temple. You'll then hop back on your bike for a magnificent descent through high-altitude forests, rice paddies, and plantations towards Ubud, the cultural capital of Bali. Arrival in the late afternoon in the heart of this artistic town.
Day 8 -
Free day in Ubud
- Accommodation 3-star hotel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
A free day in the heart of Ubud, Bali's cultural and spiritual capital. Explore the traditional market, royal palace, sacred monkey forest, artists' studios, temples, and fine restaurants: take your time to stroll or hike through the surrounding rice paddies. A welcome cultural interlude before the final stages of your mountain biking adventure.
Day 9 -
Ubud → Kintamani, ascent to Mount Batur
- Activity MOUNTAIN BIKING
- Distance 37 km
- Positive elevation gain 1432 m
- Negative elevation 323 m
- Accommodation 4-star hotel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
This stage involves a climb to the heights of Kintamani, dominated by the imposing Batur volcano and its crater lake. You gradually ascend the slopes through rice paddies, plantations, and hilltop villages before reaching the panoramic viewpoint of Kintamani. A challenging climb, rewarded by a spectacular sunset view.
Day 10 -
Kintamani → Sidemen, the great final descent
- Activity MOUNTAIN BIKING
- Distance 36 km
- Positive elevation gain 527 m
- Negative elevation 1525 m
- Activity Trekking
- Duration of the activity 5h
- Exposed passages Yes
- Accommodation 3-star hotel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
The final mountain biking stage is magnificent: a long descent from Mount Batur to the verdant Sidemen Valley, dominated by Mount Agung. You'll pass through traditional villages, terraced rice paddies, and small temples, with exceptional views of Bali's highest peak. Arrive in Sidemen for a final, peaceful evening in a stunning setting.
Day 11 -
Sidemen → Denpasar Airport, end of stay
- Transportation Car - 01h30 - 54km
- Activity Trekking
- Duration of the activity 2h
- Exposed passages Yes
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
Enjoy breakfast overlooking the rice paddies, then a private transfer to Denpasar International Airport according to your return flight schedule. The trip ends with a head full of memories… and already the desire to return.
Day 12
Note
The program itinerary is provided as a guide and may be adjusted locally by the tour team based on weather conditions, trail conditions, local logistical constraints, transportation schedules, the group's physical condition, or any event beyond our control. Certain stages may be modified, shortened, reversed, or replaced with alternatives of equivalent difficulty to ensure safety, comfort, and the overall quality of the trip. The accommodations mentioned are indicative and may be replaced with establishments of a similar category depending on local availability. Travel times, distances, and durations may vary depending on local conditions. Optional sporting activities (trekking on Mount Batur, hiking in Sidemen) remain particularly dependent on natural conditions and accessibility at the time of travel.
Accommodation
Access
You will be met upon arrival at Denpasar International Airport (Bali) and transferred to your accommodation in Marga, the starting point of your trip. At the end of the tour, you will be transferred from Sidemen back to Denpasar Airport according to your return flight schedule. Transfer times may be adjusted to accommodate participants' domestic and international flights to ensure a comfortable journey. Our local team will be there to assist you upon arrival and ensure a smooth transition from the plane to the start of your Balinese adventure.
Go to the starting point
Ngurah Rai International Airport in Denpasar (IATA code: DPS) is one of Southeast Asia's best-connected airports, accessible from numerous European cities via direct flights or with a short stopover in Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, Dubai, or Doha. From France, major airlines offer connections through these hubs with a total flight time of between 14 and 18 hours, depending on the chosen itinerary. Upon arrival, a private transfer is arranged from the airport to your departure accommodation in Marga. It is recommended to arrive in Bali the day before the tour departs to allow time for the briefing, equipment familiarization, and a restful night before the start of your trip.
Price details
The price includes
- French-speaking welcome and assistance upon your arrival at Denpasar airport
- The private transfers mentioned in the program (airport ↔ accommodations and planned inter-stage connections: Bajera, Gadja Minah, Pemuteran, Bedugul, Sidemen)
- Accommodation for 11 nights in selected charming establishments (or equivalent category)
- Breakfasts every morning
- The provision of a high-quality, well-maintained electric mountain bike, adapted to your body type, for the entire duration of the tour
- The helmet and the repair kit
- The detailed printed RoadBook in French (routes, GPS tracks, points of interest, contacts)
- Supervision by an experienced French-speaking local guide and his Balinese team during the cycling stages
- 24/7 logistical coordination throughout the stay
- Local taxes and service charges related to the included services.
The price does not include
- International flights (round trip) to Denpasar and any related airport taxes
- The Indonesian entry visa and associated fees
- Lunches and dinners (except for breakfast, which is included each morning)
- Drinks (mineral water, sodas, alcoholic beverages)
- Tips for guides, drivers and hotel staff
- Optional activities not mentioned in the program (Batur volcano trek, Sidemen trek, optional dinners, Ubud cultural visit, daily luggage service, single room supplement)
- Personal expenses (souvenirs, laundry, communications)
Options
- Half board: Balinese dinners included every evening : CHF105.20 / person
- Single room supplement : CHF809.60 / person
- Luggage service: your belongings delivered at every stage : CHF347.62 / reservation
- Ubud Cultural Discovery Day : CHF59.46 / person
- Flex fare and insurance
Practical information
Specific formalities
Specifics
Before your departure, check with the embassy or consulate regarding the entry and stay requirements for your destination country. You can also find this information on the France Diplomatie website ( https://www.diplomatie.gouv.fr/fr/dossiers-pays/ ).
In the case of flights with stopovers operated by different airlines, also check the entry requirements of the countries you are transiting through.
It is your responsibility to ensure you are in compliance, particularly regarding the validity of your identity documents (for example, some countries require your passport to be valid for at least six months after your return) , visa requirements, necessary vaccinations, and health recommendations. And don't forget to consider any customs restrictions and other potential requirements of your destination or transit country.
ℹ️ Information may change up to the departure date, remember to regularly check official websites.
Equipment
Equipment to bring
Effective mosquito repellent—essential in Bali, especially in the evenings. High-SPF sunscreen. Sunglasses. Water bottle or hydration pack. Small daypack for your essentials. Headlamp for early morning starts. Your own pedals and saddle if you wish. Camera—the terraced rice paddies and wild coastlines of western Bali are breathtaking.
Clothing to bring
Lightweight, breathable cycling clothing suitable for Bali's tropical heat and humidity. A change of clothes for evenings—nights at altitude around the volcanoes can be cool. A lightweight windbreaker or pocket rain jacket is recommended, as tropical downpours can occur at any time of year. Swimsuit for coastal stages. Walking or hiking shoes for sections on foot across volcanic sites and terraced rice paddies.
