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.