ROOTS OF TARO

Welcome to join us on a legendary route, a ride that takes you through ancient villages & follows the roots of Taro.

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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.

ITINERARY

  • MORNING

  • BIKE RIDE

  • AFTERNOON

  • 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

ACTIVITY LEVEL
INCLUDED IN THE TRIP
PRACTICAL INFORMATION

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

  • Lunch at ARMA ( Agung Rai Museum of Art)
  • Water, Fresh Fruits & Snacks during bike ride
  • Mountainbike - 21 / 24 speed
  • Childrens’ bikes from height 120-140 cm
  • Services of Yatratours guides
  • Entrance fees & Donations
  • Helmet & Gloves
  • Waterproof bag
  • All transportation from pick-up to drop-off

NOT INCLUDED IN THE YATRA TOUR

Gratuity for your guides

PICK UP : Your preferred location


WEAR :


  • Comfortable shoes appropriate for riding
  • Fitness and outdoor clothing
  • T-shirt or similar that covers the shoulders. The reason for this is that we’ll enter sacred areas where shoulders need to be covered.

REMEMBER :

  • Apply sunscreen before the ride
  • Protect your eyes with sunglasses

BRING :

  • Change of clothes
  • Thicked jumper or jacket for the morning mountain chilly air

OTHER :

  • In case of rain , we will provide rain-coats

TRAVELLER PRAISE

It was my absolute best decision to participate in YATRA Tours. Such a wonderful experience with the best people to share with. I was hoping the tour would give me an insight of the Real Bali. And such a pleasant surprise! Such a good cultural experience where we saw everything you usually wouldn’t see on a typical trip to Bali. I am so glad I went on the tour.I can and will recommend YATRA Tours – for everyone who will experience the beautiful culture and nature of Bali!

~~ Mattias Malchau ~~