Indonesia cycling map & highlights

Bali is a hugely popular tourism destination – and let’s be honest, it’s not hard to understand why – but as a result, some of the island’s hotspots are incredibly crowded, and some have unfortunately lost the ring of authenticity. That’s why we recommend cycling vacations in Indonesia, with broadly circular routes that take you around central Bali, into the highlands and of course down to the beautiful coast, occasionally venturing onto neighbouring Java or Lombok, too. If you want to see the real Bali, see it on two wheels.

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1. Canggu
2. Ijen Volcano
3. Jatiluwih Rice Terraces
4. Lovina
5. Mount Batur
6. Pulau Menjangan
7. Tanah Lot
8. Ubud

Canggu

1. Canggu

Any round-up of the world’s best beaches is certain to feature a handful from Bali, and those of Canggu on the island’s south coast are likely suspects. Swathes of black volcanic sand backed by stylish villas and terraced rice paddies are enormously photogenic, while the barreling waves are paradise for surfers. Enjoy days on the beach or in the surf and evenings in Canggu’s restaurants.

Canggu

Ijen Volcano

2. Ijen Volcano

Tackling the steep slopes of the Ijen Volcano is a demanding section of cycling on Java. Its lower slopes are fringed with coffee plantations and you can enjoy a night in a village homestay near the top. In the early morning, leave the bike behind and hike to the crater rim, illuminated by the blue fire of hot sulphur seeping out of the crater.

Jatiluwih Rice Terraces

3. Jatiluwih Rice Terraces

Bali’s most dramatic scenery is not restricted to the coast – the verdant rice terraces of Jatiluwih in the highlands of west Bali are a must-see and have earned UNESCO listing. The terraces follow the topography of the mountains, using traditional irrigation methods, and are one of the island’s most notable fragments of cultural heritage.

Jatiluwih Rice Terraces

Lovina

4. Lovina

Laidback Lovina is a pleasant spot to relax in, between cycling. Biking from Bedugul to Lovina provides the chance to stop and explore one of the main temples in Bali, along the way – 500-year-old Ulun Danu Baratan, which appears to float on a lake. The route also takes you to markets, past crater lakes and to bathe in the stunning Munduk waterfall before jumping back in the saddle.

Mount Batur

5. Mount Batur

Mount Batur is an active volcano with a crater lake, and villages dotting its caldera. Cycling up involves tackling a steep ascent, which some people opt to skip, by riding in the support vehicle instead. However you get to the summit the views are spectacular, over one of Bali’s bigger volcanic lakes, and you can see the rocky black lava fields left by the 1968 eruption.

Mount Batur

Pulau Menjangan

6. Pulau Menjangan

Pulau Menjangan, or ‘Deer Island’, lies just off the coast of Pemuteran in the marine reserve of the Bali Barat National Park, and is an idyllic spot to relax for a while in-between rides. The snorkelling and diving here, over coral gardens where an abundance of tropical fish flutter around, is simply fantastic.

Tanah Lot

7. Tanah Lot

One of Bali’s most impressive ‘sea temples’, Tanah Lot perches on a large rock jutting out into the ocean on the south coast of Bali. Best viewed just before dusk, when crowds of people come to capture the sunset, the temple is a short ride from another iconic Bali landmark, the Belimbing Rice Terraces.

Tanah Lot

Ubud

8. Ubud

Bali’s cultural capital, and the place where cycling trips in Indonesia typically get underway, is surrounded by picturesque mountains and rice terraces. Before and after getting fitted for your bike it’s an exciting place to spend a day getting acquainted with its temples, cafes and artists’ studios. A visit to Gianyar night market is a great way to taste the local culture and cuisine.