Bali, the Island of the Gods, is more than just a surfers’ paradise—it’s a bucket-list destination for mountain bikers craving adventure with a side of cultural immersion. This week-long MTB tour will take us beyond the familiar postcard-perfect beaches into the heart of the island’s wild and varied terrain. One day we’ll be tackling thrilling trails on volcanic ash, the next we’ll be riding along sandy coastal paths. Between thrilling descents and challenging climbs, the route winds through lush rice terraces, deep tropical canyons, and villages alive with the sights and sounds of traditional Balinese life. From towering volcanoes to ornate temples, Bali’s unmatched combination of natural beauty and cultural depth makes every mile of trail feel like a discovery.
Over the course of a week, this Bali mountain bike tour will take us through a variety of the island’s landscapes and some of its most iconic sights. Starting at the seaside town of Sanur, we’ll journey into Bali’s heart, tackling a thrilling mix of terrain—from volcanic ash to sandy coastal paths, all while soaking in the views that shift from tropical canyons to serene rice terraces. Along the way, glimpses of Balinese life—temples, ceremonies, and locals—enchance the experience. This adventure is all-inclusive, meaning that all accommodations, meals, rides, bike rentals, and luggage transfers are taken care of!
We will pick you up from the Denpasar airport (Ngurah Rai International Airport) and transfer you to our hotel on the east coast village of Sanur (a one-hour drive). Once there, you can relax by the pool, or, if you’re very impatient (and we’re sure you will be), you can start assembling your bike and get into the mountain-biking mindset! We meet up for a trip briefing and then head to a nearby restaurant for dinner.
Meals: Dinner
Accommodation: Sri Phala Hotel
We head up to Penulisan on the rim of the Batur crater for the start of our first ride. The first part of the trail is on a broken tarmac road with spectacular views of the Batur Volcanic cone, and, on a clear day, Mt. Abang and Mt. Agung in the distance. We turn onto jeep tracks and an easy singletrack to the village of Pinggan, where we have a well-earned lunch. A short, sharp descent takes us to the base of the volcanic cone, and we spend the afternoon riding around the base of the volcano on narrow sandy trails. With the last part of the trail crossing a lava field, there is ample opportunity to get a close up of the volcano and the strange moon-like landscape that it creates.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Riding: 35 km (22 miles)
Elevation: +233 m (764 ft), -1,249 m (4,098 ft)
Accommodation: Pramana Zahill Kintamani
This day is your chance to see what few others have seen! First, we ride from Abang to the east coast starting at the edge of the Batur Crater. From there, we head downhill on jeep tracks for 8 km before turning east and climbing steadily through 10 km of pine forests to the top of a mountain pass between Mt. Abang and Mt. Agung. At this point, lunch is served. Please be aware that this part of the island is extremely remote, and vehicle support will not be available for long stretches of the ride. The exhilarating descent to the east coast finds us cruising by dry river beds and through cashew nut plantations.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Riding: 35 km (22 miles)
Elevation: +580 m (1,903 ft), -1,212 m (3,976 ft)
Accommodation: Uyah Amed
The start of the ride manages to steer a reasonably flat route around the side of Mt. Agung via a network of single track paths which weave their way through shady coconut and bamboo groves. We continue through stone cutting and carving villages and rock quarries until we reach the ruins of a water palace at Jungutan. With incredible views over the rice paddies and a beautiful white beach (so bring along your swimming suit), we enjoy our packed lunch. The afternoon ride runs down through some of the finest rice paddy scenery in Bali ending on the stunning coastline near Perasi Beach where a cool refreshing drink awaits.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Riding: 35 km (22 miles)
Elevation: +480 m (1,575 ft), -1,820 m (5,971 ft)
Accommodation: Rama Shinta Candidasa
Today’s ride starts high up on the slopes of Mt. Agung and descends along a tarmac ridge with spectacular views along the south coast on a clear day. We then enter a large Salak fruit growing area where we weave our way through plantations and stone carving villages until we reach Muncan. We have lunch and then transfer to Ubud. The late afternoon is free to stroll around this artistic town. Dinner is on your own as there are many fine restaurants to choose from in Ubud.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Riding: 35 km (22 miles)
Elevation: +438 m (1,437 ft), -886 m (2,907 ft)
Accommodation: Anumana Hotel
In the morning, we explore the rice paddies and off-road trails around Ubud. We stop for a local lunch and return to Ubud in time for an optional rafting trip or to relax by the pool. Rafting is an extra charge but can be arranged through your guide, just let the guide know the day before. We’ll meet up for dinner in town.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Riding: 30 km (19 miles)
Elevation: +265 m (870 ft), -1,048 m (3,438 ft)
Accommodation: Anumana Hotel
After breakfast, the adventure comes to an end. If you’d like to stay longer, let us know and we can help you!
Meals: Breakfast
This Bali mountain biking tour often goes beyond the beaten track, and the countries where we ride are not always predictable. Due to these reasons, it’s occasionally necessary to re-route or update itineraries. The trip will not be changed unless for safety or improvement reasons. The listed hotels should stay the way they are, but should the hotel need to be changed, it will always be for a similar or a better one.
This is a fantastic tour exploring the trails of Bali. Each days have some challenges and we cycled through great nature and some great views. The guide lead us through small villages, beautiful rice fields and through thick forest. A great trip with at lot of experiences i will treasure for a long time
Loved the mixture of the ride in regard to the tracks and scenery. Guide had great knowledge of the local customs and country. Great way to see Bali
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This Bali mountain biking tour is ideal for mountain bikers who have experience with off-road biking. In general, you can expect to cover mixed terrain from farmland to forest, steppe to stony riverbed, and beyond.
On average, you’ll be covering 35 km (22 miles) per day, with an average elevation gain of 400 m (1,310 ft). Check out the itinerary for day-by-day distances and elevation changes. In total, you’ll cover 176 km (110 miles) over 5 days.
In terms of preparation, aim to ride, or exercise two to three times a week to keep up fitness. On the weekend, hit the trails for a few hours at a time to keep your handling skills fresh and to increase stamina. Ability to ride most Blue or S1 trails and singletrack should prepare you well for a ride with some short, steep climbs and descents and small obstacles.
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Here’s a list of the equipment you need to bring:
You will receive a more detailed packing list upon booking. Dress comfortably and for the weather in clothes you can move in. We suggest bringing clothing appropriate for the season. Layers are best and don’t wear jeans.
Because some people can’t imagine going on a trip without their own beloved bicycle, they are not provided as part of this Bali mountain biking tour. However, your guides offer bike rentals.
If you bring your own bike, please make sure it is a mountain bike, preferably with front suspension, in good mechanical order.
If you’d like to skip the hassle of bringing your own bike, you can rent a bike for $140 for the whole week (price per person)—add it upon checkout.
Basic spares and tools are carried by the guide and on the support vehicle, though having spares for every conceivable problem cannot be guaranteed. Carrying a basic tool kit, a spare tube and a pump while riding is recommended.
Wearing a helmet is required on this Bali mountain biking tour and is non-negotiable. If you do not wear a helmet, you will not be allowed to cycle. Your tour leader is trained in first aid and emergency rescue, but to a large degree you must be responsible for your own safety while riding. Therefore, it’s compulsory that you take out travel insurance that will cover you for a mountain biking tour.
Indonesia is a vast archipelago affected by a series of weather patterns, and depending on which island you are on, the weather can be hot and wet or hot and dry. Indonesia’s monsoonal climate usually means short heavy downpours rather than all-day, never-ending rain.
Located 8 degrees south of the equator, Bali is home to a tropical climate with constant temperatures during the day ranging from 28°C to 30°C at sea level, although the humidity varies throughout the year. It is highest during the rainy season which is from December to March, and gradually reduces to its lowest level from May to September, when a beautiful dry cooling breeze blows across from Australia.
Lombok also has a tropical climate similar to Bali’s, with the only variation being the rainy season starting earlier, and is from October to April.
Sulawesi has a warm tropical climate with wet and dry seasons lasting approximately six months each. The dry season is from April to October and the wet season is from November to May. Sulawesi enjoys year-round temperatures averaging at least 30°C.
Visas
Citizens of 80+ countries can enter Indonesia with a Visa-on-Arrival (VoA) which grants single-entry for up to 30 days. To be eligible for a visa-on-arrival you must meet the following criteria:
Visa-on-Arrival can be procured upon arrival in Indonesia, but if you would like to save time, then you can apply for and receive your visa by doing it online ahead of your departure. Here is the official website to do so. We suggest doing this as you will save time on arrival.
Here and here are useful links that summarize the information on visas to Indonesia.
Vaccinations
Recommended vaccinations include typhoid, polio, tetanus and Hepatitis A. A certificate for Yellow Fever is required if arriving from an infected area within the prior six days. The more remote areas may be considered malarial areas. Please check with your doctor prior to departure for the most recent information.
Group sizes and pricing
Bali mountain biking tours can be arranged for larger groups. Contact us to make arrangements.
Min. age requirements
If your group has mountain bikers under the age of 18, contact us prior to booking to make arrangements.
The starting point of your Bali mountain biking holidays is Sanur in the very south of Bali. To get there, most people fly into Ngurah Rai International Airport (DPS). Your guide offers free airport pick-up (and drop off) if you arrive on Day 1 of the tour. It takes around 25 minutes by car to reach Sanur.
We highly recommend that you cover all your bases with both medical and travel protection. To make your booking and traveling experience as carefree as possible, simply choose Redpoint—the official 57hours insurance partner!
Redpoint tailors their protection packages for adventure travel, offering a comprehensive travel program, even in remote locations. Trip cancellation, natural disasters, pandemic coverage, medical evacuation, primary medical expenses—regardless of the travel interruption that may happen, Redpoint will have you covered.
Once your booking is confirmed and your trip is paid in full, you will be offered to purchase Redpoint’s protection. If you need any help or require more information, let us know and we will be happy to help!
Deposits
You can secure one of the set dates with a 30% deposit upon booking. The remaining 70% of the trip price is to be paid 90 days prior to departure, at the latest.
Cancellations
Booking fees are non-refundable in all cases. During checkout, however, you can choose one of 57hours’ flexibility options:
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Flexible
Super Flexible
It was a special privilege to be on this tour. The Balinese people are a delight to be with and coasting through the scenery from the mountain tops to rice paddies and the villages brought a real peace and joy to my soul.