- Cycle through rice paddies, jungles and plantations
- Ride up and down volcanoes and through villages
- Discover the islands of Bali and Java
Cycling Indonesia's Islands
13 Days from
15 Days from
Incl. taxes Excl. flights
Cycling
Essential Info
Weather
Indonesia has an equatorial monsoon climate with the weather remaining similar throughout the year. It is hot and humid; temperatures range from 23-33ºC during the day and rarely drop below 20ºC at night. In the mountains, temperatures are much cooler and on the coast sea breezes usually keep temperatures comfortable. In most parts of Indonesia the long rainy season falls between late October and early May, though rain occurs throughout the year. Rain tends to come in sudden tropical downpours.
Weather Charts
Denpasar
Is this trip for you?
This trip is rated Activity Level 3 (Moderate) and classified Road.
- Nine days of cycling
- Average: 31mi (50km) per day
- Average daily distance: 31mi (50km)
- 90% vehicle support
Terrain and route: This trip is graded as moderate as the vast majority of the rides are moderate with mostly flat terrain. There are, however, two potentially very challenging days. The harder rides include the ride to the top of Batur volcano (day 3) and, especially, on the ride going up Mt. Ijen (Day 7). The daily elevations are listed on each trip day so you can be the judge of your ability here.
There is, however, always the opportunity to jump in the bus at any point if necessary so there is no pressure to complete these two rides. The trip is 85% tarmac, 15% dirt tracks. The sealed sections vary in condition from relatively smooth asphalt to partially broken stone. The dirt tracks can be muddy if it has recently rained. Most of the roads are fairly quiet but you should be comfortable riding in traffic as we approach some towns. There is vehicle support on most rides, including the harder mountain rides, however there may not be vehicle support on a couple shorter rides on days 9 and 10. The heat and humidity can also make some of the rides tougher.
The trip ventures into some of the lesser visited areas of East Java as well as West Bali where the accommodation can be more basic, in particular when we stay with a local family where there are squat toilets and bucket showers for one night only. When travelling in some areas of the country, service may not be as fast or reliable as you are used to in other countries and Indonesian attitudes towards certain things such as animal welfare and food may differ from your own. That said, if you come ready for an experience the country's rewards will not fail to deliver. There are some vehicle transfers but journey times are usually 1-3 hours maximum apart from when transferring from Ketapang in Java to Canggu in Bali which is a longer journey by ferry and private minibus.
Reviews
Add your own reviewAmazing 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.
Most Inspirational Moment
Reaching the top of the highest climb in Java
Thoughts on Group Leader
Wira and his team did an amazing job. Everything was perfectly organised for us all the time, we felt spoilt by the support team's attentiveness while they all made their hard work look so effortless and fun. Wira thought of everything, briefed us all the time on the next segment, the next program, the next day.
Advice for Potential Travellers
Do this trip! And pack enough spare clothes so won't need to rely on washing/drying opportunities as they are scares due to the schedule and the humid weather
Suggestions
I would have a free day in the middle if it's logistically possible instead of at the end of the trip. The itinerary is very busy and the tour contains some tougher rides, would be nice to have some spare time in between.
Great downhills
Cycling the hills – both up and down – was a thrill. And the last two days the flat village riding was charming. Traffic was a too heavy to properly enjoy the connecting sections. Accommodation was varied. Some lovely hotels. One rather damp and unpleasant hotel ( acknowledged as a fudge after covid closures). The homestay however was dire. Only 2 hours sleep after inconsiderate guests partied until 2 and then from 4 for an early start. Even without them however the homestay was going to to cause problems. Walls were quant but thin bamboo and the the whole place was seriously delapidated but still offering ~ 25 rooms.
Most Inspirational Moment
Reaching the caldera rim on day 2.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Wira was keen, helpful and very efficient. Very personable. The whole team was too.
Advice for Potential Travellers
I hope you like rice! Vegetarians well catered for - I was nearly converted! Easy to avoid or indulge in chilli and spice.
Suggestions
The team were great. A special mention for Wayan and his cycling support. The bikes were good - some brand new. Exceptionally well maintained. Water bottles magically refilled themselves whenever we stopped! Generous snacks available throughout ride.
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.
Most Inspirational Moment
The best moment for me was camping on the beach in East Java - so quiet and remote considering we were on one of the most populous Islands in the world. I also loved the quiet achievement of cycling up the volcanoes.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Wira, our guide was exceptional. He was patient, looked after all our needs and was always keen to answer any questions we had. He was a good cyclist and encouraged us to ride at our own pace which made for an enjoyable cycling experience. We could go as fast or as slow as we wanted. The rest of the Exodus team were equally efficient, making sure we always had refreshments, a hearty lunch and a well stoked supply of my favourite Beng Beng chocolate bars.
Advice for Potential Travellers
It is the engagement with the people and the culture that is the standout and produce the strongest memories. Take time to look around and learn as much as possible. I would also advise to do some cycle training beforehand as there are quite a few hills.
Suggestions
The only negative of the trip was a very challenging participant whose negative and disruptive attitude made the experience less than ideal for the remainder of the people in the group. It would be good if guests could be rated by the guide and if certain people are seen to be substantially impacting the tour and other guests then they should be discouraged from future travel with you.
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! 🙂
Most Inspirational Moment
Climbing the Ijen volcano. The landscape was beautiful and the view of the lake from the top was simply stunning. Seeing the sulphur mine workers carrying such heavy loads on their shoulders up that steep route was simply an eye opener. Riding on the old lava field (very rough off-road) was quite amazing too.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Wira was an excellent leader. He was always calm, friendly and carried a beautiful smile. He was very knowledgeable and explained to us about people/farmer's lifestyle and customs. Every day he explained to us how the route would be in terms of points of interests as well as the challenging parts. The support teams also contributed to the success of the trip. They were very helpful and every little detail was taken care of, eg every time we had a break, they would fill up our water bottles without us even noticing it which was a nice touch.
Advice for Potential Travellers
Make sure you do your homework ie training! :) There are some tough uphills as well as very steep downhills with sharp corners and also some quite rough off-roads.
Suggestions
I would recommend this trip.
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.
Most Inspirational Moment
Making it to the top of Mt Ijen, camping under the starry skies
Thoughts on Group Leader
Wira is calm, knowledgeable, organised, always motivating and giving us notice before treacherous or difficult stretches. His team were perfect, worked very well together, cooking delicious lunches, preparing refreshments, fixing bikes and catering for our needs.
Advice for Potential Travellers
Train before this trip and expect to cycle in temperatures of 30-35C on a daily basis. The accommodation was very good standard, however be prepared for very basic facilities at camping and homestay sites.
Suggestions
Go for it!
One of my favourite trips
This cycling trip is up there as one of my favourites. There are some challenging sections of cycling but you are rewarded by great views as you cycle up volcanoes, through coffee plantations, past rice fields, and watch farmers harvest spices with the pungent smell of cloves as they are dried on the roadside. The mix of other activities makes the trip a real holiday adventure. Snorkelling off Mengangan Island was fantastic, with the colours and variety of fish breathtaking. We even were lucky enough to see a turtle. The.camping on the beach at Rajewesi Beach was a highlight, watching the sun set and rise over the beach was magical.
Wira and his team were extremely well organised, cooked lovely food, very encouraging on the tougher sections and nothing’s too much trouble for them. Their love of their country is very evident.
Most Inspirational Moment
Sun rise over Rajewesi beach
Thoughts on Group Leader
Wira is an excellent leader. Organised, knowledgeable, handles whatever incidents thrown at him with expertise and sensitivity. He also makes the trip great fun.be
Advice for Potential Travellers
Be prepared for basic facilities at the beach and coffee plantation home stay but their locations more than make up for it.
Suggestions
Just go on the trip.
Beautiful Bali ..
I loved this trip, Bali and Java are fabulous destinations and although cycling doesn’t always lend itself to achieving a full appreciation of local cultures, this trip certainly whet my appetite for a return visit. The accommodation was excellent, even those classed as basic had a certain charm and I enjoyed the coffee plantation ‘homestay’, it was in a great location, if a little lacking in amenities. The trip allowed for some welcome downtime sat around the pool or on the beach, but each day was packed full of great food, awesome scenery, fun and laughter, cultural insights and physical activity.
Most Inspirational Moment
Snorkelling off the Coast of Menjangan Island, it was fabulous! Also camping on Rajewesi Beach and the lovely dinner we enjoyed under moonlight was special, looking out onto the horizon with the soft lights of the lobster boats twinkling in the distance. Magical.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Wira is an absolute gem. Organised, knowledgeable, smiley, patient, great fun, unflappable, fit, and an excellent cook! The way he handled the earthquake we experienced on our first day and subsequent aftershocks demonstrated exceptional leadership. Ably assisted by Wayan who single-handedly kept me alive when cycling through busy city streets, anticipating all dangers and guiding me safely to our final destination. The whole crew were brilliant, sorting out our luggage, repairing the bikes when required, preparing snack breaks and picnic lunches, filling water bottles. A great team!
Advice for Potential Travellers
I found the cycling hard; some days were fast paced and I felt that the group I travelled with were quite competitive. This was my first cycling holiday and I wasn't prepared for the culture of cycling compared to my usual hiking holidays. Some sections of the countryside, including fabulous photo opportunities simply passed by in a blur. I sat out of 4 or 5 sections over the length of the trip. Not just up hills, but very steep downhills and some off-road sections. Wira was very supportive of my decisions, however in hindsight I was far too ambitious choosing to do a ‘moderate’ graded trip for my first outing on a bike. I consider myself to be fit, however my fitness level did not compare favourably with some other members of the group. This in no way affected my overall enjoyment of the trip, but it is worth considering before booking.
Suggestions
If you enjoy souvenir shopping, especially clothing and textiles, don’t leave it until Canggu, the road leading up to Banjar Hot Springs had a far better selection of goodies.
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.
Most Inspirational Moment
The challenging climb up to the crater rim of Mt Ijen was rewarding, and inside the volcano the acid lake and steam were impressive as was the sulphur mining by some exhausted locals. The Snorkelling was great and I was amazed they provided a mask for short sighted people like me so I could actually see all the various tropical fish. Overall it was the people of Bali and Java that stood out, very friendly, always smiling, so kind.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Wira was outstanding. An excellent communicator, extremely informative about all the flora and fauna, politics, etc; and a great sense of humour. This was my 8th Exodus cycle trip and Wira is the best Tour leader I have met Indeed, the whole Indonesia team were faultless, as though they had done it hundreds of times (even though it was quite a new trip). Everything ran very smoothly. They were the A-Team.
Advice for Potential Travellers
The climb up Mt Ijen is tough so get in some hill miles unless you want to take the bus. Snorkels and masks are provided (even for short sighted people) so you don't need to bring them. Take some toilet paper. Also, swimming gear, as there are numerous places to take a dip. You will sweat a lot as it is very hot & humid.
Suggestions
This is one of the best Exodus trips I have been on and one of the few that I would happily do again
?
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.
Most Inspirational Moment
Climbing up the Ijen Volcano to see the blue acidic lake and the sulphur miners at work. The glorious beaches in Java and the sunsets over rhe beach at Kuta (after the trip was over)
Thoughts on Group Leader
Wira was an excellent leader fitting in well with the various personalities on the trip. He was cheerful throughout with a sense of humour which we could all appreciate. He had an exceptional knowledge of the route we cycled each day. His local knowledge about Bali/East Java, both current and the past, was extensive. He managed the other members of the team with skill to provide a seamless trip for us without any hitches or unforeseen circumstances. Wayan, his no 2, was a superb, gentle giant of a man with an astonishing grasp of Balinese legends as well as infinite patience in dealing with me when, from time to time, I was bringing up the rear of the " peleton" Wira and all his team contributed significantly to the enjoyment of the trip.
Advice for Potential Travellers
Be prepared for some fairly hard (for me) cycling both uphill and on the extended, quite technical downhills.
Suggestions
I appreciated the opportunity to visit East Java. It provided an excellent cultural contrast to Bali. We did, however, seem to be zig zagging all over the place. This resulted in a very long last day in the bus travelling from deep in East Java to southern Bali. The constant loudspeaker activity celebrating Ramadan was intrusive. A trip to Java outside Ramadan would have made it much more enjoyable.
The best cycling trip I've done!
Although this is a relatively new trip, its extremely well organised and the tour leader and support team were incredibly friendly.
The cycle grading is accurate and although two days have some challenging hills included, the team were always there for anyone who did not want to continue. I had never really ridden a mountain bike before off road, but I felt like I had achieved something by the end of the two weeks. There are some roads with broken tarmac but the leader always lets you know when these sections are coming up. The rest of the roads were in really good condition.
Most of the hotels were a really good standard compared to other trips I have done and Indonesia is a beautiful country to cycle through.
Most Inspirational Moment
Making it to the top of the Ijen cycle climb!
Start
Finish
Availability
Adult Price From
Optional Single Supplement
Sunday Saturday
18 Jun 2023 17 Jun 2023
Friday Saturday
30 Jun 2023 01 Jul 2023
Availability Guaranteed (On Request)
Adult Price From Usually CAD 4,099Now CAD 3,545Saving CAD 554 Usually CAD 6,194Now Saving CAD 554
Optional Single Supplement +CAD 656
Available upon Request
Availability
This departure is guaranteed to go ahead and can be booked, although some components will need to be requested. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.
View Trip NotesSunday Saturday
15 Oct 2023 14 Oct 2023
Friday Saturday
27 Oct 2023 28 Oct 2023
Availability Available
Adult Price From CAD 4,095
Optional Single Supplement +CAD 656
Availability
This departure is available for new bookings, and will be guaranteed to go ahead once it reaches minimum numbers. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.
View Trip NotesSunday Saturday
12 May 2024 11 May 2024
Friday Saturday
24 May 2024 25 May 2024
Availability Available
Adult Price From CAD 4,375
Optional Single Supplement +CAD 713
Availability
This departure is available for new bookings, and will be guaranteed to go ahead once it reaches minimum numbers. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.
View Trip NotesSunday Saturday
16 Jun 2024 15 Jun 2024
Friday Saturday
28 Jun 2024 29 Jun 2024
Availability Available
Adult Price From CAD 4,375
Optional Single Supplement +CAD 713
Availability
This departure is available for new bookings, and will be guaranteed to go ahead once it reaches minimum numbers. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.
View Trip NotesSunday Saturday
04 Aug 2024 03 Aug 2024
Friday Saturday
16 Aug 2024 17 Aug 2024
Availability Guaranteed (Available)
Adult Price From CAD 4,475
Optional Single Supplement +CAD 713
Availability
This departure is available for new bookings and has reached the minimum number of passengers required to go ahead. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.
View Trip NotesSunday Saturday
15 Sep 2024 14 Sep 2024
Friday Saturday
27 Sep 2024 28 Sep 2024
Availability Available
Adult Price From CAD 4,375
Optional Single Supplement +CAD 713
Availability
This departure is available for new bookings, and will be guaranteed to go ahead once it reaches minimum numbers. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.
View Trip NotesWould you like to include flights with your booking?
- ATOL protected
- Competitive flight prices
- Full refunds in the event of FCDO cancellations or major disruption at your UK departure airport
- Specialist support to rearrange flights and transfers
- Regional flights available from many UK airports
You may also like
The Adventure Begins Here
Get regular inspiration straight to your inbox from Exodus' experts.
Cycling Indonesia's Islands
13 Days from
15 Days from
Incl. taxes Excl. flights