Cycling Indonesia's Islands

Name: Cycling Indonesia's Islands
Brand: Exodus
Rating: 4.8 (16 reviews)

16 reviews

Activity

Cycling

Overview

Cycle through rural Bali and eastern Java on roads and dirt tracks

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.

Key Information

Trip Code: MOI
Ways to Travel: Guided Group
Countries: Indonesia
Carbon Footprint: 47kg CO2e per person per day

What's Included

12 breakfasts, 10 lunches and four dinners
All accommodation
All transport and listed activities
Tour leader throughout
Group arrival and departure transfers available
Local bike hire

9 days of Cycling

Pace:

Moderately challenging. Average daily distance: 13mi (20km)

Terrain:

90 percent paved, 10 percent dirt tracks with support vehicle

Day 2: 34 km / 21.1 miles
Day 3: 50 km / 31.1 miles
Day 4: 60 km / 37.3 miles
Day 5: 68 km / 42.3 miles
Day 6: 15 km / 9.3 miles
Day 7: 40 km / 24.9 miles
Day 8: 30 km / 18.6 miles
Day 9: 50 km / 31.1 miles
Day 10: 30 km / 18.6 miles

Highlights

Cycle through paddy fields, jungles and plantations
Ride up and down volcanoes and through villages
Discover the islands of Bali and Java

Itinerary

First Destination: Ubud
Next Destination: Canggu

Meals included:Dinner

Meals included:Breakfast, Lunch

Meals included:Breakfast, Lunch

Meals included:Breakfast, Lunch

Meals included:Breakfast, Lunch

Meals included:Breakfast, Lunch

Meals included:Breakfast, Dinner, Lunch

Meals included:Breakfast, Lunch

Meals included:Breakfast, Dinner, Lunch

Meals included:Breakfast, Dinner, Lunch

Meals included:Breakfast, Lunch

Meals included:Breakfast

Meals included:Breakfast

First Destination: Ubud
Next Destination: Canggu

The adventure starts in the bustling town of Ubud, 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. We’ll also have our bike fitting to make sure all is in order before we start riding tomorrow.

Around 6pm, say om swastiastu to your tour leader and fellow travellers, when we gather as a group for the first time to get to know each other and learn more about the adventures ahead.

Your tour leader then ensures a big Indonesian welcome by arranging a group dinner.

Want more time in Ubud? Secure pre-tour hotel nights through your sales representative.

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

Meals included:Dinner

Take a short transfer to the start of our first ride today: a cycle through the rice fields and villages north of Ubud.

After arriving in 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)

Meals included:Breakfast, Lunch

After a short transfer, start today with a ride along rice terraces, followed by a slow climb up to the Kintamani plantations 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 larger volcanic lakes in Bali.

After lunch, we have a short, sharp descent to our hotel at the base of the volcano. You then have the option to relax 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)

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, observe the everyday life of the local people. Enjoy lunch on the beach before continuing along flat roads to Ponjok Batu, an ocean-facing temple complex built of black stone.

From here, we are back on our bikes for the last section of today’s ride. In this section, we traverse some main roads where the traffic can be busier. If you prefer to avoid the traffic, you can jump in the support vehicle after lunch and skip the last 13mi (21km) of the day’s cycle.

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)

Meals included:Breakfast, Lunch

Our day starts with a steep hill (around 1.8mi/3km) 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)

Meals included:Breakfast, Lunch

After an optional flat 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)

Meals included:Breakfast, Lunch

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

Meals included:Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Rising very early, we transfer to the start point of today’s trek. Our hike takes us to the top of Ijen crater, following a wide, packed dirt path that’s 1.9mi (3km) long. At the top is a 655ft (200m) deep crater lake filled with steaming, acidic water and surrounded by sulphur mines.

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

After returning to the start point, 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)

Meals included:Breakfast, Lunch

Following a transfer to the start of today’s bike ride, we get on the saddle and ride through rural villages with a mixture of off road and paved road. Our trail is about 6mi (10km) long and eventually gives way to a paved/broken surface with views of coffee, cacao and rubber plantations.

We continue to Rajegwesi Beach, the gateway to Meru Betiri National Park and a fishing village, where we might spot 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

Meals included:Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

On our final day of cycling, we continue along off-road 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)

Meals included:Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

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)

Meals included:Breakfast, Lunch

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)

Meals included:Breakfast

The trip ends 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.

Meals included:Breakfast

Dates & Prices

Skip the hassle: We’ll handle your trip from start to finish, with competitive flight prices, dates that suit you, 24-hour support, loyalty discounts, and peace of mind for delays or disruption.

Call us on 1 844 462 4317

Your Group, Your Adventure

Want to choose your travel companions? Gather your family and friends and let us create a Private Adventure just for you.

View Details

Accommodation

Hotels, homestay and camping

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.

Post-trip Extensions

Exclusive Add-ons

Bali Island Extension

Extend your adventure with additional nights on your chosen island: Gili Trawangan, Gili Meno or Nusa Penida.

Whichever you choose, a tropical paradise awaits: white sands, palm trees, and warm waters teeming with rays, sharks and other marine life.

Spend your time snorkelling, diving or just relaxing by the turquoise sea and taking in the atmosphere. Our extensions include hotel pick up, transfer, fast boat and meet and greet services at each ferry port, plus as many days accommodation as you wish.

On your return, hotel pick up, fast boat transfers and a meet and greet service are included, either taking you to Ubud, a south Bali hotel, or to Denpasar Airport. If you have a same day flight connection, we advise this to be after 8pm.

Speak to your sales representative for more information and to discuss accommodation choices.

Essential Information

This trip is rated Activity Level 4 (Moderate & Challenging) and classified Road. For more information on our trip gradings please visit the Activity Level Guidelines page. If you have any queries about the difficulty of the trip please do not hesitate to contact us.

Nine days of cycling
Average daily distance: 31mi (50km)
90 percent vehicle support

Terrain and route: The trip is 85 percent paved, 15 percent dirt tracks. The sealed sections vary in condition from relatively smooth paved roads 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 towns. There is vehicle support on most rides, including the harder mountain rides; however, there may not be vehicle support on a couple of the shorter rides on days 9 and 10. The heat and humidity can also make some of the rides tougher.

Suitability: Most rides are moderately challenging with mostly flat terrain. There are, however, two potentially very challenging days. The harder routes include the ride to the top of Batur volcano (Day 3) and, especially, the ride up Mount Ijen (Day 7). The daily elevations are listed on each day of the itinerary so you can be the judge of your ability. There is the opportunity to jump in the bus at any point if necessary so there is no pressure to complete these two rides.

Traffic: There will be some traffic on this adventure (notably on Day 4 and the early morning of Day 5). If you don’t want to ride in the traffic, you can always hop in the support vehicle

Local tourism: The trip ventures into some of the lesser visited areas of East Java and West Bali, where the accommodation can be more basic, in particular when we stay with a local family for one night where there are squat toilets and bucket showers. 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 rarely fails to deliver.

Transfers: There are some vehicle transfers but journey times are usually one to three hours maximum apart from when transferring from Ketapang, Java, to Canggu, Bali, which is a longer journey by ferry and private minibus.

Key information

Start hotel: Sri Ratih Cottages, Jl. Campuhan 1, Penestanan Kelod, Ubud, Sayan, Ubud, Bali, 80572, Indonesia
Phone: +62 361 975638
Recommended arrival time: In the morning. There will be a bike fitting this afternoon and a welcome meeting with your leader around 6pm this evening.
Airport: I Gusti Ngurah Rai International Airport (DPS)

Getting to the start hotel

The start hotel is approximately a 1hr 30min drive from the airport. We provide one group transfer from the airport to the hotel, which you can join at no extra cost, provided you can be at the airport before the transfer leaves. Speak to your sales representative for the transfer times or to arrange a private transfer.

Catching your return flight

There’s one group transfer to the airport, which you can join at no extra cost. Please speak to your sales representative for the time of the transfer. If the group transfer does not suit your flight time, speak to your sales representative to arrange an alternative.

Indonesia

Many nationalities can apply for a 30-day visa on arrival at Jakarta, Medan, Surabaya, Batam, Bali and Yogyakarta at a cost of 500,000 Indonesian rupiah (approximately US$33). Please note, visa requirements often change and it is your responsibility to obtain any required visas for this trip. Therefore, we recommend that you check with the nearest embassy or consulate of your chosen destination(s), including any countries you may be transiting or transferring through.

Some local governments provide guidance on what visas their citizens need. To help, we’ve gathered a selection of useful links below.

All Indonesia Arrival Card

The All Indonesia Arrival Card is a health and customs declaration that must be completed three days (72 hours) prior to arrival.

• Visit allindonesia.imigrasi.go.id
• Switch the website to English → select “Foreign Visitor”
• Fill in the required details:
– Personal: nationality, full name, date of birth, passport number & expiry date, contact information
– Travel: arrival/departure dates, e-Visa (if applicable)
– Transport & Accommodation: airport/port of arrival, flight/ship details, hotel or residential address
– Health & Customs: recent symptoms/travel history, items to declare (e.g., animals, electronics, baggage)
• Submit the form to receive a QR code
• Present the QR code (printed or digital) along with your passport upon arrival

Travelers must still obtain the appropriate visa for their stay. Travelers with visa exemptions are still required to complete the All Indonesia Arrival Card.

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 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.

Indonesia has an equatorial monsoon climate with the weather remaining similar throughout the year. It is hot and humid; temperatures are 23C-33C (73F-91F) during the day and rarely drop below 20C (68F) at night. In the mountains, temperatures are much cooler; 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.

As a certified B Corp, we’re on a mission to improve our social and environmental impact across all our adventures.

We do this through our innovative Thriving Nature, Thriving People plan.

This ‘nature positive’ approach is designed to help nature and communities thrive in harmony through practical solutions, such as reducing carbon and waste on our trips, supporting conservation projects through the Exodus Adventure Travels Foundation, and rewilding 100 square metres for every Exodus traveller.

You’ll also find Thriving Nature, Thriving People moments across our trips. These experiences are often a highlight of your adventure, while also benefiting the natural world or local communities.

On this trip, we:

Stay in a homestay on a coffee plantation in Jampit Catimor, supporting local hosts while learning about coffee cultivation and rural life.

Reviews

Cycling Indonesia's Islands

Activity Level

Comfort Level

Activity

Overview

Cycle through rural Bali and eastern Java on roads and dirt tracks

Key Information

What's Included

9 days of Cycling

Highlights

Itinerary

Dates & Prices

Skip the hassle: We’ll handle your trip from start to finish, with competitive flight prices, dates that suit you, 24-hour support, loyalty discounts, and peace of mind for delays or disruption.

Your Group, Your Adventure

Accommodation

Hotels, homestay and camping

Post-trip Extensions

Bali Island Extension

Essential Information

Key information

Getting to the start hotel

Catching your return flight

Indonesia

Reviews

I’m still breathless

Most Inspirational Moment

Thoughts on Group Leader

Advice for Potential Travellers

We only cycled on Bali and Java

Most Inspirational Moment

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Suggestions

Fabulous holiday, lovely country and people!

Most Inspirational Moment

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Advice for Potential Travellers

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A trip to remember

Most Inspirational Moment

Thoughts on Group Leader

Advice for Potential Travellers

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Amazing time in Bali and Java

Most Inspirational Moment

Thoughts on Group Leader

Advice for Potential Travellers

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Great downhills

Most Inspirational Moment

Thoughts on Group Leader

Advice for Potential Travellers

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Great memories of a fascinating country

Most Inspirational Moment

Thoughts on Group Leader

Advice for Potential Travellers

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Beautiful trip

Most Inspirational Moment

Thoughts on Group Leader

Advice for Potential Travellers

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Unique

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Advice for Potential Travellers

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One of my favourite trips

Most Inspirational Moment

Thoughts on Group Leader

Advice for Potential Travellers

Suggestions

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