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The most scenic bike routes in Bali

Freewheel across rice paddies and mountains on the Indonesian isle

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If you’d prefer to skip the surf and seek out land-based adventures by bike instead, you will be astonished by the spectacular cycling routes on the Indonesian island of Bali, which cater to all abilities. Below we’ve cherry-picked a handful of stunning routes weaving you through beautiful rice paddies, down a volcanic mountain and along the sun-dappled coast.

 

A spiritual amble in Ubud
Difficulty: easy

Nestled in central Bali, Ubud is considered the creative and spiritual heart of the island, covered by a blanket of vivid-green rice paddy fields, ancient temples and artisan stalls and shops. At just over an hour’s drive north of our resort, it’s an easy day trip.

Thanks to its spectacular scenery dotted with exotic rice paddy fields at Tegalalang, Pejeng and Campuhan, Ubud makes a wonderful cycling tour destination after you’ve explored Mount Batur. You can cover most of the town in a day by meandering through its vibrant streets at your leisure, or if you prefer, our concierge can book you on to a guided tour to maximise your day trip.
Rice paddies in Ubud

 

Spectacular views across Bali from Mount Batur
Difficulty: moderate

Famous for its breathtaking sunrise hikes, Mount Batur soars above central Bali at 1,717 metres above sea level and is one of two active volcanoes on the island. On a clear day, from the summit you can see right across to the other one, Mount Agung.

Instead of attempting the steep cycle up the mountain, drive to the summit to enjoy a yoga class at sunrise – be sure to wrap up warm – then cycle down from the top, taking in the extraordinary panoramic views as you descend. Our concierge will be happy to arrange a car to drive you two hours 20 minutes from Jumeirah Bali to the summit to take on this adventurous route with a guided tour.
A view of Mount Batur at sunrise

 

Reconnecting with nature in the Jatiluwih Rice Terraces
Difficulty: moderate

The striking Jatiluwih Rice Terraces appear as an emerald blanket of delicate grass blades stretching across 600 hectares. The tiered fields encircle the village of Jatiluwih, nestled at the foot of Mount Batukaru, in the island’s Tabanan region. Up in the cooler highlands, the paddy fields reflect the mountain’s natural curves, creating a staggering landscape and a wonderfully soothing escape during the warmer months.

Our concierge can arrange a two-hour transfer from our resort to Jatiluwih. Once there, you can enjoy a guided cycling tour and the chance to stop at fruit and coffee plantations to soak up the local farming culture. You can also ask to include lunch at a restaurant to pause and take in the extraordinary hillside scenery.
An aerial view of Balinese rice paddies

 

Joining the annual cycling competition Triathlon for the Soul
Difficulty: challenging

If you’re an avid cycling enthusiast, you could plan your trip around an annual official competition. Dubbed the Triathlon for the Soul, Herbalife’s International Bali Triathlon is a highlight of Sanur village’s festival calendar. The race begins and finishes in Sanur, a traditional coastal village an hour’s drive north-east of our resort. The festival aims to promote the spirit of Bali’s heritage through exciting displays and events dotted along the seafront. You can get in touch with our concierge to find out more details and how to enter the contest.

After your cycling adventures, you can relieve sore muscles at Jumeirah Bali’s tranquil Talise Spa or kick back with a refreshing drink admiring intricate Ramayana wall carvings in the library or the arrival lounge. If you make it back to the resort in time for sunset, you will be treated to a truly spectacular sight thanks to Jumeirah Bali’s west-facing orientation. Settle down with a cocktail at Maja Sunset Lounge or your private villa pool deck, then refuel with a delectable flame-cooked dinner at AKASA – our signature restaurant nestled on the resort’s roof terrace. In the morning, take a mindful stroll through the resort’s landscaped grounds designed by Bali’s garden guru Made Wijaya, go enjoy a bracing dip in the sea at Dreamland Beach or follow all the surfing action from the privacy of your Panoramic Ocean Villa.
AKASA at Jumeirah Bali

 

Book your stay at our all-villa water palace paying a poetic tribute to the Golden Era of the Majapahit Empire, Jumeirah Bali, and discover all there is to know about this beautiful part of the world with our A to Z of Bali guide.