Welcome to join us on a legendary route, a ride that takes you through ancient villages & follows the roots of Taro.
Taro translates to ‘Tree’ in Balinese, & one of Bali’s many ancient villages, deep rooted from when Bali was visited by the Hindu high priest and Sage Rishi Markandeya. Legends says he had a mystical revelation in the form of a light emanating from a tree. It was in that place that he built a temple; the Pura Gunung Raung, which over time became the centre of Taro village.
Your day begins with a pick up from your preferred location.
Our bikes stand ready at Temple Pura Ulun Swi, in the little traditional village desa Peludi.
At the starting-point we’ll familiarize you with your mountain bike, hand out gloves and helmets, give a short safety talk and get you ready for the Root of Taro Bike Ride where we'll visit many of the hidden jewels of this unknown area of Central Bali.
You can leave any belongings you won't need while riding in our support van, which will be close by.
Before setting off on each Yatra we hold a short Balinese ritual at the temple nearby, and then set off on our adventure.
Covering the view to the east, far in distance, but with the sensation of being so close, stands the highest and most impressive, grand mountain of Bali, Gunung Agung, which means the ‘ Great mountain’. From here, we’ll be zigzagging through the agricultural landscape of Abuan village, riding through bamboo forests and across valleys full of orange trees. We’ll see majestic durian and jackfruit trees lining our path, and also make occasional detours, to glimpse into what you would not normally see as a visitor to this beautiful island. Very soon! the sign ‘Selamat Datang ke desa TARO’ appears and you are reminded that you now are welcomed into the tranquil & traditional villages of Taro. At Pura Gunung Raung temple we take a short break, to refresh ourselves with drinks and some watery melon. As we reach Barselo village, we will pass through the rice terraces, where the cultivation of this precious staple fruit has been going on since ancient times. Along the way, with huge trees offering shade, we’ll see small, devotional shrines for the Goddess Dewi Sri, who represents all that is good and beautiful: life, wealth and prosperity. As we approach Ubud from the North, we’ll visit the traditional village of Keliki, and in particular we will visit the cultural heart of this area’s villages, which maintains a unique style of miniature painting which has been preserved by countless generations.
Our journey will finish as the table is set for a delicious lunch at Agung Rai Museum of Art (AMRA), where you also can discover exquisite Balinese art. Estimated time for bike ride: 3 - 4 hours
This ride is mainly downhill. There will be a few hills here and there but also plenty of flat or downhill slopes. The route takes mainly side tracks to rice fields and urban roads with the occasional short rough patch. Suits a wide range of ages and fitness-levels, as the ride can be designed with a variety of options. A support van is always nearby to assist you in case you prefer to step off or need a break. Suitable for families with children
Gratuity for your guides