Tegallalang Rice Terrace Cycling

The Tegallalang rice terraces north of Ubud are among the most photographed landscapes in all of Bali — cascading green steps carved into the hillside by generations of farmers using the ancient Subak irrigation system, a UNESCO World Heritage tradition. Cycling through this landscape, rather than viewing it from a café terrace, is an immersive experience that puts you right inside the picture.

Your guided cycling route descends from the cooler highland villages near Tegallalang through increasingly verdant countryside, passing through rice terraces at their most spectacular during the green season and equally beautiful (though differently lit) during the golden harvest months. The route is predominantly downhill, making it accessible for riders of all fitness levels — even complete cycling beginners can enjoy the experience.

The route passes through a succession of traditional Balinese villages where daily life unfolds at the same unhurried pace it has followed for centuries. You’ll ride past family temples where incense smoke rises from fresh morning offerings, observe elderly women weaving traditional cloth on backstrap looms outside their compounds, and hear the distant sound of gamelan percussion drifting from a practice session somewhere in the village.

Coffee and spice plantations are a highlight of the route. A stop at a working estate allows you to see vanilla, cacao, cloves, cardamom, and Balinese arabica coffee growing alongside each other, and to sample traditional jamu health drinks alongside the famous (or infamous) kopi luwak civet coffee.

The 15km route ends in central Ubud, where participants can explore the art market, visit the royal palace, or relax at a riverside café. Bicycles, helmets, and a support vehicle are provided. A traditional Balinese lunch at a local warung is included.