Travelogue from Bali: amazing bicycle ride in the Kintamani Highlands

In September 2024, Ulla, our booking specialist, went to Bali. Ulla had the opportunity to experience Bali on a mountain bike (MTB). Read about her experiences below.

Finally, I was on an MTB again – but not on a ride in familiar surroundings in the woods, where you are cycling up and down. No, this was a slow downhill ride suitable for everyone, so there was plenty of time to enjoy the surroundings and experience Bali from the saddle.

We were picked up at our hotel in Ubud in the morning, and from here we drove half an hour to the starting point. We were given an MTB and a helmet. The bikes seemed new and had good suspension. The saddle height was adjusted, we were given a water bottle, and then we were ready to whizz off.

With us was a guide who cycled in front. We were lucky that we were in a small group, so it was easy to stick together – and otherwise there were also plenty of stops along the way, giving stragglers an opportunity to catch up. We started by riding on an asphalt road, but quickly turned off – and then proceeded on a mixture of small gravel roads and minor asphalt roads.

The first stop where we got off our bikes was at a small village school. Here we were allowed to walk around the schoolyard, where the children happily and curiously gave high fives in their fine school uniforms. Our guide told us about the school system – and, during our ride, he generally provided us with information about the everyday life of the Balinese.

The Balinese festival Galungan was to be held a few days later, so preparations were being made throughout Bali – and especially the preparation and erection of ‘Penjor’, which are decorated bamboo poles, could be seen everywhere. When we stopped at a family house, where we were invited inside to see, for example, the family temple and the kitchen, we saw that they were precisely preparing these ‘Penjor’ at the back of the house, where the family’s land was located.

Our bicycle ride then continued through small towns and with several stops, including at some rice fields and a cemetery. It was exciting to hear the guide tell us about the life and religion of the Balinese. In addition to being in safe hands with our guide, we had a service car with us throughout the ride. So there would be help available if someone had a flat tire or if you did not want to cycle further.

However, we continued happily, and, after about 23 km, the bicycle ride was over. The service car drove us to Mr. Wayan’s house, where we were treated to a sumptuous lunch with lots of delicious dishes to choose from. All prepared by Mr. Wayan’s wife, of course. An absolutely perfect end to a fantastic bicycle ride in the Kintamani Highlands.

Ulla,

TourCompass – From tourist to traveller