In Bali, it has been said that every Balinese is an artist, whether in painting, dance, woodcarving or textiles. The question is who wouldn't find inspiration amid all this compelling culture and diverse landscape? Lush terraced rice fields, exotic temples neighboring lively villages, busy markets on the slopes of volcanic mountains, rivers tumbling down jungled gorges...And some of the most welcoming people you'll ever have the pleasure of meeting. Come find your bliss on a bike with Backroads in Bali.
Days 1-2 Unforgettable rides past rice paddies, peaceful villages and sacred pools
Delve behind the scenes with our longtime friend and local guide, Wayan Narta After spinning through rolling hills near Ubud browse its shops, filled with a dazzling array of local crafts Raft the Ayung River, keeping an eye out for bright kingfishers and giant teak trees.
Day 3 Discover an exotic culture steeped in Hindu spirituality and colorful mythology
Bike to the sacred Pura Taman Ayun temple and pay homage to the water goddess Dewi Danu at the Ulun Danu temple Ever cycled up a volcano? Pedal up and around Gunung Batur on your way to the quieter and simpler northern side of Bali.
Days 4-5 Relax at tropical beachside retreats
Spin along Bali's arid northeast coast, passing lava flows from Mount Agung's 1963 eruption Rejuvenate at the spa, or don masks and fins for a snorkel amid the wreckage of the torpedoed U.S.S. Liberty, a haven for some 400 species of colorful reef fish.
Days 6-7 Meet locals in their art studios
Impressive volcanic mountains give way to a sandy beach on an exhilarating descent past scenic rice terraces Prepare classic mie goreng in a private cooking class Visit Tenganan, known for its beautiful double-ikat textiles.
Day 8 Pedal through the small villages of Gegelang and Andakasa as school kids make their way to class.
Trip Highlights
- Explore an exotic culture steeped in Hindu spirituality and colorful mythology
- Unforgettable rides past emerald rice terraces, peaceful villages and sacred pools
- Meet locals in their art studios and vibrant temples
- Snorkel among parrot fish and giant clams in Blue Lagoon
- Relax at tropical beachside retreats
Premiere Inns
Maya Ubud Resort & Spa (2 nights): An award-winning resort perched in beautiful hillside gardens above two river valleys. (pool, spa, tennis)
Puri Bagus Lovina (1 night): Overlooking the Bali Sea, simple yet comfortable villas with traditional architecture and private gardens. (pool, spa)
Spa Village Tembok Bali (2 nights): Exuding peacefulness, a secluded retreat with views stretching from volcanic peaks to the black-sand beaches of the Bali Sea. (pool, spa)
Alila Manggis (2 nights): Reminiscent of traditional Balinese villages, a stylish seaside hideaway with palm-studded grounds. (pool, spa)
Routes For All Abilities
Every Backroads trip is designed to appeal to a wide variety of
interests and fitness levels. We know your pace may vary from one
day to the next-and your traveling companion's may differ somewhat
from yours. So we present a range of mileage options, and each
day you decide exactly what and how much you want to do.
| Daily Route Options | ||||||||||
| Day | EASYGOING | ACTIVE | AVID | |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Level 1 | Level 2 | Level 3 | Level 4 | Level 5 | ||||||
| miles | feet gain | miles | feet gain | miles | feet gain | miles | feet gain | miles | feet gain | |
| 1 | 14 | 0 | ||||||||
| 2 | 22* | 0 | ||||||||
| Rafting on the Ayung River (4 hours) | ||||||||||
| 3 | 18 | 0 | 38 | 0 | ||||||
| 4 | 22* | 0 | 30 | 0 | ||||||
| 5 | 12* | 0 | 24 | 0 | ||||||
| Snorkeling excursion to the U.S.S. Liberty wreckage (1 hour) | ||||||||||
| 6 | 16 | 0 | 33* | 0 | 42 | 0 | ||||
| 7 | Market visits (2.5 hours) and Cooking class (2.5 hours) | |||||||||
| 8 | 14 | 0 | ||||||||
To make for the most comfortable ride to this particular trip, we've outfitted our titanium road bike with slightly wider tires. You'll appreciate this on those stretches of the route with hard-packed dirt (approximately 5% dirt and 95% paved).
* Includes a shuttle
2013 Dates & Pricing*
CLASSIC TRIPS
- 10/13-20 Price: $4298 pp dbl. occ., (+ $790 for sgl. occ.)
- 12/6-13 Price: $3898 pp dbl. occ., (+ $790 for sgl. occ.)
- 12/14-21 Price: $3898 pp dbl. occ., (+ $790 for sgl. occ.)
- 12/22-29 Price: $4398 pp dbl. occ., (+ $790 for sgl. occ.)
SINGLES-SOLOS TRIPS
- 10/27-11/3 Price: $4098 pp dbl. occ., (+ $790 for sgl. occ.)
- 12/30-1/6 Price: $4298 pp dbl. occ., (+ $790 for sgl. occ.)
*Prices may change. Once you book your trip, your price is guaranteed.
2014 Dates & Pricing*
CLASSIC TRIPS
- 2/9-16 Price: $3898 pp dbl. occ., (+ $740 for sgl. occ.)
- 3/23-30 Price: $3898 pp dbl. occ., (+ $740 for sgl. occ.)
- 4/20-27 Price: $3898 pp dbl. occ., (+ $740 for sgl. occ.)
- 10/12-19 Price: $3898 pp dbl. occ., (+ $740 for sgl. occ.)
- 12/5-12 Price: $3898 pp dbl. occ., (+ $740 for sgl. occ.)
- 12/13-20 Price: $3898 pp dbl. occ., (+ $740 for sgl. occ.)
- 12/21-28 Price: $3898 pp dbl. occ., (+ $740 for sgl. occ.)
SINGLES-SOLOS TRIPS
- 3/31-4/7 Price: $3898 pp dbl. occ., (+ $740 for sgl. occ.)
- 10/26-11/2 Price: $3898 pp dbl. occ., (+ $740 for sgl. occ.)
- 12/29-1/5 Price: $3898 pp dbl. occ., (+ $740 for sgl. occ.)
*Prices may change. Once you book your trip, your price is guaranteed.
Guest Trip Reviews
Overall, this is probably the most memorable Backroads trip I've taken. Someone has already asked me if I would do it again and without hesitation I can say yes. The blend of activities was perfect, the biking great, the culture immersion was fascinating and the knowledge and experience of our leader and guides made it an extraordinary trip.- Houston, TX
I appreciated that the biking was for all levels and the van support was fantastic for a novice biker like me! I felt I got a great work out but didn't hold up the more experienced bikers. In addition to the active part of the trip, I appreciated the cultural aspects. The meals and hotels are fantastic...I highly recommend this trip!!!- Brookline, MA
This was one of the best vacations I have ever taken. Bali is a beautiful island with so much to offer, from its beautiful geography to its culture and spirituality. The trip routes were well thought out and I was constantly amazed at the wonderful scenery we passed through. In addition, I learned so much about the country itself and its culture through our guides, I felt like I was participating in a Discovery Channel program! A very well-rounded experience, from the great activities (hiking, biking, whitewater rafting, snorkeling) to the great places we stayed, to the amazing sights we saw (volcanoes, waterfalls, forests, rice fields, coast...!), to the great food we ate, to the beautiful setting and weather, to the graciousness of the Balinese people, to the excellence of our guides and to the overall cultural experience. Writing about it makes me want to take the trip all over again!- Bellbrook, OH
Backroads got it just right! Since we had planned the trip almost a year ago, I was worried that it might not live up to my long developed expectations, but it was truly special.- Auburndale, MA
I had a fantastic time on this trip. I loved cycling through the different towns, observing different slices of Balinese life. I liked the diversity of activities. The trip left me wanting to buy a bicycle and go on more Backroads cycling trips.- Chicago, IL
This was my first Backroads trip and I was blown away. The level of service is incredible. The idea that I can take an active trip but still be pampered is so cool and I feel, as a person of only 23 years, Backroads will definitely be the first place a look when deciding on future trips. After this experience I almost feel it is the ONLY way to travel.- Quogue, NY
The best trip I've ever had! The leaders were superb and I greatly appreciated the amount of flexibility built into the trip as well as the enormous variety of activities. The trip greatly surpassed my expectations.- New York, NY
This was a great trip - very well organized with lots of options each day. This was my third Backroads trip and won't be the last! The quality of the trips, people, accommodations, meals, and activities as well as the value are superb.- Houston, TX