Cycling Indonesia's Islands

The adventure starts in the bustling town of Ubud, the cultural heartland of Bali, set among the hills and paddies of the island interior. This afternoon, we have time to relax and explore the temples, shops and cafes in town. We’ll also have our bike fitting to make sure all is in order before we start riding tomorrow. Around 6pm, say om swastiastu to your tour leader and fellow travellers, when we gather as a group for the first time to get to know each other and learn more about the adventures ahead. Your tour leader then ensures a big Indonesian welcome by arranging a group dinner. Want more time in Ubud? Secure pre-tour hotel nights through your sales representative.

Take a short transfer to the start of our first ride today: a cycle through the rice fields and villages north of Ubud. After arriving in the Tampaksiring village area, we explore Tirta Empul, a temple where Balinese come to bathe in sacred waters at least once a year in a cleansing ritual dedicated to Vishnu. The final leg takes us along backroads to the lesser-known temple of Pengukur-Ukur, where we can enjoy a refreshment before returning to Ubud.

After a short transfer, start today with a ride along rice terraces, followed by a slow climb up to the Kintamani plantations and beyond to the crater rim of Batur volcano. This is a tough climb so, after about 12.5mi (20km), we regroup for an extra briefing about the steep climb. If the steep climb is too challenging, this is a good place to jump in the support vehicle, which can take you up to the restaurant where we have lunch. Weather permitting, we get stunning views of one of the larger volcanic lakes in Bali. After lunch, we have a short, sharp descent to our hotel at the base of the volcano. You then have the option to relax or spend the afternoon off-road cycling on narrow, sandy trails. The final part of the trail crosses a lava field and there is ample opportunity to get up close to the volcano and the otherworldly moonscapes it has created.

After a short transfer to the western rim of Batur caldera, we start cycling up and down hills, along small roads, crossing villages and plantations towards the northwest coast of Bali. As we cycle through the villages of Bondalem, Tianyar, and Kubu, observe the everyday life of the local people. Enjoy lunch on the beach before continuing along flat roads to Ponjok Batu, an ocean-facing temple complex built of black stone. From here, we are back on our bikes for the last section of today’s ride. In this section, we traverse some main roads where the traffic can be busier. If you prefer to avoid the traffic, you can jump in the support vehicle after lunch and skip the last 13mi (21km) of the day’s cycle. We pass through Singaraja town before reaching our destination in Lovina. From here, it’s a short transfer to our hotel in Bedugul.

Our day starts with a steep hill (around 1.8mi/3km) to Monkey Forest (it is possible to take a transfer to the top of the hill). From here, we enjoy a view of a twin lake before continuing downhill for the rest of the day with stunning views across the north coast. We visit the only Buddhist monastery in Bali, Bhrama Arama Vihara, and the nearby Banjar Hot Springs, where we can relax in the open-air pools. After lunch, we cycle along the coast to our beachfront hotel in Pemuteran. The rest of the day is free.

After an optional flat cycle or short transfer to Labuan Luang harbour, we board a local boat and head for Menjangan Island. Meaning Deer Island, Pulau Menjangan is within the marine reserve of Bali Barat National Park and is renowned for its coral gardens and tropical fish. There is the opportunity to go snorkelling as well as the option to go diving (at an extra cost). After lunch, we can freshen up before transferring to Gilimanuk Harbour, where we catch the ferry to Ketapang Harbour in Java. From here, it’s about a three-hour drive to Bondowoso.

Today is the most challenging day as we cycle up the slopes of Ijen volcano, gaining around 4,920ft (1,500m) in elevation. Our route starts gently along flat road until we reach the base of the volcano and start climbing through coffee plantations along some steep sections on partially broken paved roads. We take our time on this climb, enjoying the scenery, and have a light lunch en route. We regroup after about 12.5mi (20km) before the steepest part of the climb. Those who feel this next section may be too strenuous may want to jump in the support vehicle as it is definitely harder than normal for an Activity Level 4 (Moderate & Challenging) graded trip. Of course, it is possible to attempt the climb and still join the support vehicle further up if needed. The support vehicle is available at any time if the cycling becomes too strenuous. On the way, we stop to visit one of the largest coffee plantations in Indonesia before ending our ride in the remote village of Jampit Catimor. Here, we spend the night in a local homestay with basic amenities within a colonial building on a coffee plantation.

Rising very early, we transfer to the start point of today’s trek. Our hike takes us to the top of Ijen crater, following a wide, packed dirt path that’s 1.9mi (3km) long. At the top is a 655ft (200m) deep crater lake filled with steaming, acidic water and surrounded by sulphur mines. Please note, poor trail conditions and toxic fumes means it is too dangerous to climb down into the crater. After returning to the start point, we get back on the bikes and ride down to our hotel in Ketapang in time for lunch. The afternoon is free to relax after the very early start this morning.

Following a transfer to the start of today’s bike ride, we get on the saddle and ride through rural villages with a mixture of off road and paved road. Our trail is about 6mi (10km) long and eventually gives way to a paved/broken surface with views of coffee, cacao and rubber plantations. We continue to Rajegwesi Beach, the gateway to Meru Betiri National Park and a fishing village, where we might spot the day’s catch being unloaded. We camp on the beach tonight. Camping equipment (tents, mats, sleeping bags) is included and there is a basic block with toilets and cold showers.

On our final day of cycling, we continue along off-road trails following the coast towards Pulau Merah. We visit Green Bay along the way, with views of another hidden beach in East Java. Today’s final ride is mostly on flat elevation with a few rolling hills. We should arrive at Pulau Merah around lunch time, where the early afternoon is free to explore the village, go for a swim or just relax before transferring (approximately two hours) to our hotel in Ketapang, where we spend our last night on Java.

After a relaxed start to the morning, we drive for 15 minutes back to Ketapang Harbour in time for our ferry (30-45 minutes) to Gilimanuk on Bali. From here, it is about a four-hour drive (with a lunch stop) to Canggu where we spend the next two nights.

Canggu is a popular stretch of beach along the south coast of Bali and a great place to relax after 10 days of cycling up and down volcanoes and through jungles and plantations. The day is free to relax or explore the area around Canggu and Seminyak, take part in optional activities or go out on the water.

The trip ends after breakfast and we begin our return journeys home. If you’d like the adventure to continue, speak to your sales representative about joining our post-trip Gili extension, where white sands and turquoise seas provide the perfect place to relax after a fun-filled cycling adventure.