This Ubud-area bike ride goes through magnificent natural beauty spots, highlighting the unique richness of its remarkable cultural heritage.
Legends say that in the eighth-century Rsi Markendeya, used to meditate by the confluence of the two rivers, in the center of Ubud. There, close to that mystical confluence of the two rivers, he and his faithful followers constructed a temple which they called Pura Gunung Lebah, which became an auspicious pilgrimage destination for the Hindus in Bali. During ‘Round & About Ubud’, we will discover these places, as well as many more, both center and outside of Ubud. We will be getting insights into this sacred, spiritual landscape and explore the beauty of a tropical garden world. This is a world that has attracted seekers, travellers, tourists, artists, musicians, dancers and performers for generations and from all over the world.
This trip is rated Recreational, meaning it’s appropriate for travellers who enjoy going for a good ride and can handle an incline or two. The terrain we cover is varied. We’ll enjoy some gently rolling hills, with wonderful downhills and a few climbs which will be a bit more demanding. ACTIVITY LEVEL : All Levels
We begin our journey in Penestanan Kaja, a small village northwest of central Ubud. You will enjoy cycling alongside the rice fields which have inspired painters and poets for centuries.
Along the way one might see local farmers, ducks, exotic tropical birds like the kingfisher, small lizards and swarms of voracious dragonflies. One will see banyan trees, temples large and small and special sacred sites which might be wrapped in a special black and white checkered cloth called poleng.
We will pass small offerings of rice laid out on pieces of cut banana leaf topped with a single, burning stick of incense. We may see a local Balinese woman wearing a beautiful sarong, leaving an offering to the spirits of the earth; the fingers of her right hand holding a flower and following a prescribed pattern as she says a prayer in the Balinese language.
Continuing on, we enter small, narrow alleys which zigzag across stone paths, the trail then opening onto a landscape where the colors change according to the period in the cycle of local rice cultivation.
This is a water world where ducks churn the muddy bottoms of the padis searching out breakfast and barefoot farmers, mud up to their knees, tend and coax the young rice sprouts to maturity.
Keep going and turn your head to the left and you will see Gunung Lebah Temple, which is located in the confluence of two rivers, which is an auspicious devotional place in Bali, the main place for pilgrimage.
After conquering the steepest hill we are rewarded with a leisurely-paced ride through Ubud, enjoying the daily day to day details of Bali life.
Here we pass Ubud market. We will see tropical fruits and vegetables in abundance. Depending on the season, one may find diverse types of fruits available such as jackfruit, passion fruit, mangosteen, papaya, and many different types of banana, as well as many varieties of pineapple, snake fruit, dragon fruit, star fruit, mango and last, but certainly not least, the king of fruit, the mighty durian.
Of course, we will not miss the Palace! - Puri Saren Agung, which is located at the intersection of the Royal & Monkey road.
Continue a little further and you will pass the temple of the Goddess of knowledge - Devi Sarasvati.
Up the hill and we cruise along the back streets of central Ubud, along the famous Monkey Forest until we reach Desa Nyuh Kuning, where refreshing and nurturing melon & snacks will be waiting for us.
Back in our saddles for the last leg of the trip. This ride includes tracks with stunning scenery
To end this ride, we stop by the popular Cafe Ubud Healthy, where we’ll enjoy a delicious lunch!
There is more!
After a day in the saddle, why not combine the day with:
SPA
Pamper yourself with a traditional Balinese massage, Rose bath or your preferred treatment at the famous Cantika spa.
WORKSHOP
Canstika spa will personally teach you how to make your own products with herbs from the garden and the unique Çantika massage techniques. They will also explain to you how you can obtain the same results using different ingredients, available in your country. One hour of pleasure for the lovers of nature and healthy living.
PICK UP : Your preferred location.
Estimated time for ride: 2.5 - 3 hours
Please wear athletic shoes for your ride. We strongly recommend you do not wear flip flops or sandals without restraining straps.
Wear normal fitness and outdoor clothing.
Please apply plenty of sunscreen before the ride and protect your eyes with sunglasses.
A cap that fits under your helmet is recommended.
In case of rain, we will provide rain-coats
Don’t forget to bring a camera to capture the stunning vistas.
You may spot something along the way you would like to purchase, so be sure and have some pocket money.
Please inform your guides of any additional information that you think might affect the ride e.g. allergies, previous injuries etc
Our guides have long experience. In case of any injury and accident we are equipped with a basic first aid kit.
In case of more severe injury, we will transport you to the nearest highly qualified hospital, which can attend to your needs. Please make sure you have your own personal injury/ accident insurance in case of any severe accident/ injury.
Please note: The itinerary may vary slightly for your specific tour as we continuously research and develop each trip. Inclement weather may also necessitate minor alterations.