Downhill Cycling in Bali Review

For those that like cycling but are not keen on putting in too much effort whilst on holiday, this may be the activity for you. A driver picks you up, takes you to one of the highest points in Bali where a bike is ready and you cruise downhill and finish four hours later many kilometres away with lunch.

There are a number of companies that do just that. We went with Bali Bintang. They pick up in Kuta, Nusa Dua, Sanur and Ubud. The shortest transfer is from Ubud where we started.

On the drive up our very friendly and knowledgeable guide, Eddy told us about Bali and answered all our questions with plenty of humour.

At the first coffee stop we sampled the world’s most expensive coffee, Luwak coffee. Given to us for $5, a saving of $45 from what we would pay in Melbourne. Coffee berries are first eaten by the Asian Palm Civet. The digestive juices do things to the coffee berries, all a bit technical but the practical result is that the beans are excreted! The dung covered beans are then roasted in small quantities and all ready for us to drink, resulting in a smooth coffee with no acidic taste.

Roasting Luwak coffee in Bali

We then head further up the mountain to Kintamani which overlooks Lake Batur where we had our second coffee and bananas.

On to the bikes and down the hill we went. Eddy leading with us following at varying speeds, some very fast, others more cautious. Behind was our breakdown vehicle that fixed chains and protected our rear.

Stopping on the way to see temples, rice fields and villages. With our guide interpreting all the daily events we became reasonably knowledgeable on rural life in Bali.

Stumbled across this cremation ceremony on our bikes

There was so much to see and on a bike you see much more than driving. At one point we left the road and onto little paths alongside the irrigation ditch. The author nearly coming off but managed to keep it all rolling. All along the ride kids shouted “hello”.

For the last part of the journey we did have to expend some energy and pedal a little but considering for 3 hours we had only touched the brakes, not a bad deal.

Final stop was lunch in a local house.

Overall a very enjoyable experience and an excellent way to see rural Bali. And lots of fun. This trip we do recommend.