Cycling Indonesia's Islands

Cycling Indonesia's Islands

419 Views
13 Days From

$3525

Cycling Indonesia's Islands

13 Days Starting in Ubud and ending in Canggu

Visiting: Indonesia

Tour operator:

Exodus Adventure Travels

Tour code:

MOI

Guide Type:

Fully Guided

Group size:

4 - 16

Physical rating:

Moderate & Challenging

Age range:

16-99

Special diets catered:

Please inform Exodus of specific dietary requirements

Tour operated in:

English

Activities:

Cycling

From: $3525

NB: Prices correct on 02-Nov-2024 but subject to change.

This tour is no longer available, please see similar tours below or send an enquiry

Tour Overview

Active volcanoes tower over paddies and coffee plantations. Jungles fringe tropical beaches on the edge of coral-rich waters. Villages and temples dot the landscape where age-old traditions are still followed in Indonesia. This is the backdrop through which we cycle up to craters and down to fishing villages, along paved roads and rainforest trails. On two wheels, we explore quieter parts of the islands of Bali and Java, uncovering a patchwork of sights, sounds and smells.

Highlights

  • Cycle through paddy fields, jungles and plantations

  • Ride up and down volcanoes and through villages

  • Discover the islands of Bali and Java

Itinerary

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Day 1 : Start Ubud

You can arrive at any time today. The bustling town of Ubud is the cultural heartland of Bali, set among the hills and paddies of the island interior. This afternoon, we have time to relax and explore the temples, shops and cafes in town, though we will go through the bike fitting to make sure all is in order before we start riding tomorrow. There is a briefing this evening with your leader about the trip.



Accommodation: Sri Ratih Cottages/Ananda Cottages/Adiwana Svarga Loka Resort (or similar)

Day 2 : Cycle Through Paddies, Villages And Temples

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

We have our first ride today as we explore the area north of Ubud, across rice fields, villages and temples. After arriving to the Tampaksiring village area, we explore Tirta Empul, a temple where Balinese come to bathe in sacred waters at least once a year in a cleansing ritual dedicated to Vishnu.



The final leg takes us along backroads to the lesser known temple of Pengukur-Ukur, where we can enjoy a refreshment before returning to Ubud.



Accommodation: Sri Ratih Cottages/Ananda Cottages (or similar)

Day 3 : Cycle To Batur Volcano; Afternoon Mountain Bike Descent

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

Starting with a ride along rice terraces, we continue by slowly climbing up the road to the Kintamani plantations area and beyond to the crater rim of Batur volcano. This is a tough climb so, after about 12.5mi (20km), we regroup for an extra briefing about the steep climb. If the steep climb is too challenging, this is a good place to jump in the support vehicle, which can take you up to the restaurant where we have lunch. Weather permitting, we get stunning views of one of the bigger volcanic lakes in Bali.



After lunch, we have a short, sharp descent to the base of the volcano where our hotel is located. You then have the option to relax at the hotel or spend the afternoon off-road cycling on narrow, sandy trails. The final part of the trail crosses a lava field and there is ample opportunity to get up close to the volcano and the otherworldly moonscapes it has created.



Accommodation: Segara Hotel (or similar)

Day 4 : Ride To Ponjok Batu Temple And Lovina Coast

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

After a short transfer to the western rim of Batur caldera, we start cycling up and down hills along small roads, crossing villages and plantations towards the northwest coast of Bali. As we cycle through the villages of Bondalem, Tianyar and Kubu, we observe the everyday life of local people. We enjoy a refreshment on the beach before continuing along flat roads to Ponjok Batu, an ocean-facing temple complex built of black stone. Finally, we pass through Singaraja town before reaching our destination in Lovina. From here, it’s a short transfer to our hotel in Bedugul.



Accommodation: Strawberry Hill Hotel (or similar)

Day 5 : A Day Of Cycling, Monkey Forests, Twin Lakes, Buddhist Monasteries And Hot Springs

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

Our day starts with a short ride up to Monkey Forest (it is possible to take a transfer to the top of the hill). From here, we enjoy a view of a twin lake before continuing downhill for the rest of the day with stunning views across the north coast. We visit the only Buddhist monastery in Bali, Bhrama Arama Vihara, and the nearby Banjar Hot Springs, where we can relax in the open-air pools. After lunch, we cycle along the coast to our beachfront hotel in Pemuteran. The rest of the day is free.



Accommodation: Adi Assri Beach Cottage (or similar)

Day 6 : Pedal To The Harbour; Snorkel Around Menjangan Island; Transfer To Java

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

After an optional cycle or short transfer to Labuan Luang harbour, we board a local boat and head for Menjangan Island. Meaning Deer Island, Pulau Menjangan is within the marine reserve of Bali Barat National Park and is renowned for its coral gardens and tropical fish. There is the opportunity to go snorkelling as well as the option to go diving (at an extra cost). After lunch, we can freshen up before transferring to Gilimanuk Harbour, where we catch the ferry to Ketapang Harbour in Java. From here, it’s about a three-hour drive to Bondowoso.



Accommodation: Ijen View Hotel (or similar)

Day 7 : Cycle Up The Slopes Of Ijen Volcano; Optional Sunset Hike

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Today is the most challenging day as we cycle up the slopes of Ijen volcano, gaining around 4,920ft (1,500m) in elevation. Our route starts gently along flat road until we reach the base of the volcano and start climbing through coffee plantations along some steep sections on partially broken paved roads. We take our time on this climb, enjoying the scenery, and have a light lunch en route. We regroup after about 12.5mi (20km) before the steepest part of the climb. Those who feel this next section may be too strenuous may want to jump in the support vehicle as it is definitely harder than normal for an Activity Level 4 (Moderate & Challenging) graded trip. Of course, it is possible to attempt the climb and still join the support vehicle further up if needed. The support vehicle is available at any time if the cycling becomes too strenuous.



On the way, we stop to visit one of the largest coffee plantations in Indonesia before ending our ride in the remote village of Jampit Catimor. Here, we spend the night in a local homestay with basic amenities within a colonial building on a coffee plantation.



Accommodation: Jampit Catimor homestay

Day 8 : Early Morning Trek To The Crater Rim; Later Cycle Off The Volcano To Ketapang

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

Getting up very early, while it is still dark, we trek to the top of Ijen crater along a wide, packed dirt path that’s 1.9mi (3km) long. At the top is a large crater lake surrounded by sulphur mines and, as we hike in the dark, we should be able to see blue fire created by the hot sulphur seeping out of the crater.



After sunrise, we have time to enjoy views of the lake, which is 655ft (200m) deep and filled with steaming, acidic water. We should also witness local miners as they collect and carry sulphur blocks weighing up to 155lb (70kg) out of the crater.



Please note that poor trail conditions and toxic fumes means it is too dangerous to climb down into the crater.



After returning to camp, we get back on the bikes and ride down to our hotel in Ketapang in time for lunch. The afternoon is free to relax after the very early start this morning.



Accommodation: Ketapang Indah Hotel (or similar)

Day 9 : Cycle Through Jungle And Plantations To The Fishing Village At Meru Betiri National Park

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Following a transfer to the start of today’s bike ride, we get on the saddle and head into the jungle. Our rainforest trail is about 6mi (10km) long and eventually gives way to a paved/broken surface through coffee, cacao and rubber plantations.



We continue to Rajegwesi Beach, the gateway to Meru Betiri National Park and a fishing village, where we can see the day’s catch being unloaded.



We camp on the beach tonight. Camping equipment (tents, mats, sleeping bags) is included and there is a basic block with toilets and cold showers.



Accommodation: Camping

Day 10 : Ride Along Jungle Trails To The Beach At Pulau Merah; Free Time To Relax On The Beach; Transfer To Ketapang

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

On our final day of cycling, we continue along jungle trails following the coast towards Pulau Merah. We visit Green Bay along the way, with views of another hidden beach in East Java. Today’s final ride is mostly on flat elevation with a few rolling hills.



We should arrive at Pulau Merah around lunch time, where the early afternoon is free to explore the village, go for a swim or just relax before transferring (approximately two hours) to our hotel in Ketapang, where we spend our last night on Java.



Accommodation: Ketapang Indah Hotel (or similar)

Day 11 : Transfer By Ferry And Bus Back To Bali To Canggu

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

After a relaxed start to the morning, we drive for 15 minutes back to Ketapang Harbour in time for our ferry (30-45 minutes) to Gilimanuk on Bali. From here, it is about a four-hour drive (with a lunch stop) to Canggu where we spend the next two nights.



Accommodation: Grand Balisani Suites (or similar)

Day 12 : Free Day To Relax On The Beach Or Explore The Area Around Canggu And Seminyak

Meals Included: Breakfast

Canggu is a popular stretch of beach along the south coast of Bali and a great place to relax after 10 days of cycling up and down volcanoes and through jungles and plantations.



The day is free to relax or explore the area around Canggu and Seminyak, take part in optional activities or go out on the water.



Accommodation: Grand Balisani Suites (or similar)

Day 13 : End Canggu

Meals Included: Breakfast

The trip ends this morning after breakfast and we begin our return journeys home. If you’d like the adventure to continue, speak to your sales representative about joining our post-trip Gili extension, where white sands and turquoise seas provide the perfect place to relax after a fun-filled cycling adventure.

What's Included

  • 12 breakfasts, 10 lunches and three dinners

  • Accommodation

  • Local bike hire

What's Not Included

  • Travel insurance

  • Single accommodation

  • Visas and vaccinations

Food

There are 12 breakfasts, 10 lunches and three dinners included.



Indonesian cuisine is generally fairly simple, with rice as the main staple, though noodles are also common, accompanied by dishes enlivened with ingredients such as cloves, chilies, coconut and lemongrass. Fish is popular but other meats are also common. Peanut-based dishes are also common on Indonesian tables (if you have a peanut allergy, make sure to inform us beforehand and to inform your tour leader). Food is often spicy but you can generally avoid the spicier food if you wish.



Western food is available in Ubud and Canggu, though it is well worth trying the local cuisine.



Quite often, tea or water is drunk with a meal. Beer is often not cold and coffee is unfiltered and usually very sugary. On some days, we have a packed lunch as we cycle.



Vegetarian food is available in Indonesia; however, the concept of vegetarianism can be misunderstood, so if you are vegetarian please be clear and state you don’t eat meat, chicken or fish. Please advise at the time of booking if you have any dietary requirements.



Snacks and local fruit are provided when cycling but you may want to bring your own snacks from home too.

Accommodation

We spend 10 nights in hotels, one night in a homestay and one night camping.



The Kintamani hotel is simple and the hot-water supply can be unreliable but we use this hotel because it is best located for our exploration of Mount Batur.



When camping on Rajegwesi Beach, we stay in two-person tents; mats and sleeping bags are provided and there are basic toilets and showers with cold water.



The homestay on Mount Ijen is run by a coffee cooperative and is basic but clean. While some rooms have Western-style toilets, we cannot guarantee these.



There is no hot water at the campsite or at the homestay.



The hotel rooms generally have private bathrooms and all have air conditioning apart from the hotel in Bedugul which, being at altitude and having cooler night-time temperatures, does not normally require it. The more simple accommodations are balanced by staying in classic hotels on other nights.

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Check out our Q&As

  • Can you assist with pre or post tour accommodation?

    We are happy to assist with pre and post tour accommodation. Please enquire for detailed information.

  • Is there a supplement for solo travellers?

    If you would like to be paired with a tour member of the same gender, there is no additional charge. A single supplement can be requested if you would like your own room.

  • Are the local guides on the tour English speaking?

    Yes, our local guides are English speaking.

  • Are flights included in this tour?

    International flights are not included with this tour.

  • Who is Exodus Travels?

    At Exodus Travels, we've been exploring the world for nearly 50 years. From Walking and Trekking, Cultural and Cycling, Responsible Wildlife, to Polar and our new Premium Adventures, we are proud to offer award-winning small group and self-guided tours to 100+ countries worldwide.

  • Are children permitted to take part in the tour?

    The minimum age for this tour is 16 years old.

  • What happens if I need to change my holiday date once I’ve booked?

    If you wish to make any changes to your booking, particularly if you need to alter any flights booked through us, please let us know as soon as possible. There is a booking or flight amendment fee of £40 per change and flight amendments often incur extra airline costs depending on the changes to be made and if the ticket has been issued or not.

  • How long has the tour company been trading?

    Exodus has been trading since 1974

  • What documents will I receive before I travel?

    Your final joining instructions and flight details, if booked with us, will then be sent out 2 to 3 weeks before departure. If you would like a hard copy posted, or if you require these any earlier, please contact the customer operations team. We advise that if you are booking connecting travel before receiving these, please ensure you leave plenty of time.

  • Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?

    Travellers are welcome to opt to share a room with a tour member of the same gender for no additional charge. If you'd like your own room, we can request a single supplement so that you will have your own room throughout.

  • Can I join the tour once it has departed?

    You are welcome to meet the group after the tour has departed however there is no reduction in rate for joining a tour after the departure date.

Reviews from travellers on this tour

A Little Gem

This is an absolute gem of a cycling trip. There is something for every cyclist; from undulating and flat roads to tough climbs up two volcanoes (particularly the 2nd climb up Mt Ijen); plus a little off-road riding thrown in, most interestingly through an old lava field (from the 1963 eruption of Mt Batur). Every day was something different and interesting. Outside the South East corner (Denpasar area), Bali is a beautiful island, lush and vibrant, with flowers and tropical plants abundant everywhere. Some of the hotels we stayed in were incredible. I particularly liked the ones in Ubud and Menjangan (quiet location, infinity pool, hot tub, great food, etc), but all the accommodation was very good quality bar a couple of exceptions that could not be avoided. Plenty of opportunities to swim in volcanic hot pools, swimming pools and the sea. We went in May and experienced a couple of rain showers. Fortunately, most days were cloudy and ideal for cycling, as the sun near the equator is very strong. Indonesia is a lovely country to visit and quite a revelation.

Amazing time in Bali and Java

Another brilliant trip with Exodus visiting the beautiful islands of Bali and Java. Breath-taking views, welcoming locals, delicious food and sometimes breath-taking climbs were the highlights of the two weeks. The fantastic support team made this already amazing adventure truly unforgettable.

Fabulous holiday, lovely country and people!

A great holiday. I'm not a sit-on-the-beach type and this trip was anything but that (though the beaches are beautiful!) It was all so interesting. Huge variety - cycling through villages and coffee plantations, snorkeling, camping, temples, rice paddies, mountains, volcanoes, craters, old colonial homes... Exodus packs a lot into this trip! And such friendly people. Yes, there are a couple of really big hills, but if you're reasonably fit, they're doable. We had plenty of breaks and went at the pace of the group. (Please see my note below on trip rating.) One thing I really liked was that the distances weren't as long as on some Exodus trips I've done. That meant a more relaxing start (7am breakfast not 7am start!) And we generally got to the hotel at the end of the day in time to read a book or go for a swim. Made for the perfect holiday.

Fabulous!

This was a fantastic trip, one of the best that I've done. I'd always (wrongly) been a bit dismissive of Bali, thinking it was a place of resorts. How wrong was I?! We went to some beautiful places in both Bali and Java. The scenery was incredible, the people lovely, the food great. It is quite hilly with some very demanding climbs on the 2nd and 7th day but the support vehicle is always there. I've done a number of cycling trips and would say that this is more moderate/challenging. Even the trek up Ijen was a toughie but with spectacular views and the most toxic lake in the world at the top. On the second day there was an optional cycle around Batur which was off road. I think this needed to be explained how difficult it was, as unfortunately one of the group had an accident. Maybe an optional activity could be arranged, such as boating on the lake. I'd been diagnosed with a condition before leaving which has caused some mobility issues but the team couldn't have been more considerate or caring, from lowering the saddle when I stopped so I could swing my leg over, to helping me on and off the bus and down steps - all without asking; even giving me a push up the hills when it was too uncomfortable!

Beautiful trip

I really enjoyed this trip. Wira (our guide) and the support team worked very hard and ensured it all went smoothly. I had little knowledge about Indonesia and I feel that this trip has opened a new world to me. I learned a lot about the culture, history and customs of this beautiful country and Wira contributed a lot to this. Bali is covered with temples and statues and for me it felt like an open museum. Another interesting point that caught my eyes were the architecture of the mosques in East Java. It has influences of temples and shows that the two cultures have been integrated which was very interesting to see. Everywhere we went people were very friendly and smiling and greeting us. There were some tough rides, a few nasty uphills, some very steep and rough downhills and off roads which made this trip even more interesting. Wira explained the detail of the route and what to look out for which was very helpful. The hiking up the Ijen volcano and watching how the sulphur miners work was the highlight of the trip for me. The other activities such as hot spring, snorkelling and swimming (pool and the sea) were all very enjoyable. Most hotels had a swimming pool so swimming after a hard cycling day under a hot humid condition felt like heaven! :)

Great memories of a fascinating country

Cycling Indonesia was a brilliantly organised trip which offered a glimpse into a good cross section of Indonesian, from the quiet East Javanese beaches to the bustling cultural centre of Ubud. The countryside was wonderful and the traffic did not pose a problem as they seemed to navigate around us. The terrain was hilly but none of the climbs were extreme and all in our group made it up both volcanoes in their own time. The local people were so welcoming and friendly and our guide and his crew were equally outstanding.

I’m still breathless

We’ve been cycling with Exodus for 10 years or so and the last couple of trips have disappointed but this one restored my faith. It’s pretty full on, with a varied program, and we were pretty exhausted by the end, but happily so. Bali has a reputation as the Aussies’ Blackpool and certainly the areas around the airport and Ubud are choked with traffic and full of tourist tat. The great thing about this trip was that we ventured into areas where westerners rarely go - the central mountains and the north coast were particularly quiet and gorgeous. The east of Java was, possibly, even lovelier.

Unique

An amazing and varied cycling adventure spent with a really lovely group and a fantastic local support team. This trip is filled with cycling challenges while riding both up and downhill on various terrain, cultural stops at temples and through villages as well as well deserved downtime by beautiful beaches. Wholeheartedly recommended to the adventurous curious minded cyclist.

Fantastic trip!

This is a fantastic cycling trip around Bali and Java - two beautiful islands in Indonesia. The Exodus team of guides/driver were brilliant and ensured that everything ran very smoothly. They often went above and beyond. The cycling is great - each ride different but equally stunning. Be prepared for a lot of uphill climbing, but this also means a lot of very fun down hill rides! Some of which are very steep. Because of how many climbs there are on this trip (especially day 2 and day 7 that are very difficult), I would argue this trip should be graded as Moderate/Challenging. There are also a few off-road rides (mostly on the last day). There is an optional ride in the afternoon of day 2 around Batur volcano; our expectations of the challenging terrain on this ride were not quite set accurately enough. Although beautiful, it is incredibly challenging and was harder than expected. It should be made clear that this is definitely optional and should only really be done if you are an advanced cyclist. Cycling 9 days in a row without a rest break is quite tiring, but each day brings a new highlight. The itinerary, overall, is very good. Trekking up to the top of Ijen volcano is amazing, as is snorkelling in northern Bali. Every accommodation is amazing in its own way - camping on the beach was absolutely incredible! An experience I won't forget. This was one of my favourite cycling trips and I would wholeheartedly recommend it.

?

The trip was slightly different from previous Exodus cycling trips I've been on in that the distances travelled were shorter than usual. As a result, there were plenty of opportunities to stop off at local shrines, hot springs, cottage industries, climb craters, cycling the many downhills, cycling across a river etc. as well as regular welcome breaks from the heat. There was more off road cycling than usual. I don't usually like off road cycling but I coped with it OK, especially with the advice and encouragement I got from the cycling team. The group was smaller than usual (6 only) which meant that we all had a lot of time to get to know each other and enjoy the uphill challenges together! The overnight hotels varied from the luxurious to the very basic.. The Dutch homestead in East Java had a toilet but no toilet paper or towel. It was situated quite close to a mosque which celebrated Ramadan using loud speakers to summon the faithful for hours on end, including during the night. There was one very long day in a bus (over 9 hours) which was unavoidable given the itinerary but which was not the most pleasant experience in my life.

Read all 16 reviews

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