Ubud Bike Tour: Ride to Bali’s Holy Water Temple

If you’re looking for a way to combine a bit of adventure with cultural discovery, the Ubud Bike Tour: Ride to Bali’s Holy Water Temple offers an engaging option. For around $109, you get to pedal through Bali’s lush countryside, witness stunning rice terraces, and visit a sacred water temple—an experience that’s both active and spiritual.

What we love most about this tour is the chance to see Bali’s rural charm up close and personal, from the sweeping rice paddies to the skilled artisans at a glass-blowing factory. Plus, the highlight—a dip in the Holy Water at Mengening Temple—is genuinely a memorable and calming moment. However, a consideration worth noting is that the tour’s cycling portion involves some uphill and downhill riding, which might not suit all fitness levels.

This tour is best suited for travelers who enjoy modest physical activity, are interested in cultural sights, and want a full day of scenic views and meaningful experiences. If you prefer relaxing excursions or are traveling with very young children, this might not be the ideal fit.

Key Points

• Scenic cycling through Bali’s rice fields and villages provides authentic rural views.
• Visit to Bali’s steepest rice terraces highlights the island’s agricultural ingenuity.
• Cultural immersion with a stop at Mengening Temple for a Holy Water bath.
• Tasty local cuisine with a banana leaf lunch offering stunning temple vistas.
• Comfortable transportation with hotel pickup and return included.
• Suitable for active travelers, but not for those over 70 or with mobility issues.

You can check availability for your dates here:

An In-Depth Look at the Ubud Bike Tour

The Itinerary: From Countryside to Sacred Water

This 6-hour tour begins with a hotel pickup—convenient and stress-free for travelers staying in Ubud. Once you’re on your bike, the journey quickly shifts into the gorgeous Balinese countryside. As we understand from reviews and the tour description, you’ll cycle through scenic rice fields and traditional villages, giving you a genuine glimpse of rural life.

This part of Bali is nothing short of picturesque, with verdant paddies stretching in every direction and local farmers tending to their crops. Expect to see steep rice terraces—some of the most dramatic in Bali—and pass by small temples, peer into local homes, and perhaps even exchange smiles with villagers.

Visiting the Glass-Blowing Factory

A noteworthy stop is at a local glass-blowing factory. Here, you can watch artisans craft delicate pieces of art. This is more than just a quick photo op; it’s a chance to see Bali’s craftsmanship in action. Several reviews mention the factory as a highlight, appreciating the opportunity to observe skilled artisans at work in a peaceful setting.

The Sacred Mengening Temple and Holy Water Bath

Arguably the most distinctive part of this tour is the visit to Mengening Temple, known for its Holy Water. The water here is believed to have spiritual cleansing properties, and bathing in it is a meaningful experience for many visitors. The calm serenity of the temple combined with the cool, clear water offers a refreshing break from the cycling.

One reviewer states, “Taking a dip in the Holy Water was not just a physical refreshment but felt spiritually uplifting.” The temple’s lush surroundings and tranquil atmosphere make it a perfect spot for reflection and relaxation.

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Lunch with a View

After the water temple, you’ll enjoy a traditional banana leaf lunch with views of the temple grounds or the surrounding rice paddies. This meal offers a taste of local flavors in a peaceful setting, allowing time to unwind and absorb the natural beauty.

The Downhill Ride to Ubud

Post-lunch, you’ll ride downhill through the rice paddies, heading back to Ubud. This section of the ride is appreciated for its easy, downhill momentum, making for a relaxed conclusion to your cycling adventure. You’ll pass vibrant paddies and perhaps get a glimpse of Bali’s iconic subak irrigation systems.

End of the Tour and Hotel Return

A support minibus awaits to take you back to your hotel—an appreciated touch that ensures a comfortable end to your active day. Many travelers mention the smooth logistics, which let you focus on the scenery and experience rather than logistics.

What’s Included and What to Prepare

For $109, the tour covers hotel pickup and drop-off, a local guide, rental bikes, drinks, and snacks. It’s a good value considering the comprehensive experience and the inclusion of transportation—saving you the hassle of arranging your own cycling or transport.

However, any traveler should come prepared with sports shoes or outdoor sandals, shorts, a shirt, swimwear, sunglasses, sunscreen, and a camera. A few reviews mention the importance of proper footwear, especially for the uphill sections. Cycling gloves aren’t provided but may be helpful, particularly for those prone to hand fatigue.

Considerations and Tips

• The tour is not suitable for travelers over 70 years old or those with mobility issues.
• The cycling involves some uphill but also downhill stretches, so moderate fitness is recommended.
• A full six hours means packing light and wearing comfortable clothing.
• The language of the guide is English and German, so check your language preference if needed.
• As with any outdoor activity, the sunscreen and sunglasses are essential, especially during the longer cycling sections.

Authentic Experiences: What Travelers Say

Several reviews highlight the stunning views as a major plus. One traveler calls it “a picturesque route that makes you appreciate Bali’s natural beauty.” Others note the peaceful atmosphere at the water temple as a calming highlight.

Some review snippets:

• “The views of rice terraces are simply breathtaking, and the ride itself is very manageable with some uphill sections.”
• “The glass-blowing factory offered a nice break from cycling, and seeing artisans at work was quite special.”
• “Bathing in the Holy Water felt very spiritual, and the surroundings added to the sense of calm.”

The reviews collectively suggest that this tour offers a balance of active sightseeing and culture, making it a well-rounded experience.

The Sum Up: Who Should Consider This Tour?

The Ubud Bike Tour is ideal for active travelers who enjoy scenic rides and are eager to experience Bali’s rural charm firsthand. It’s perfect if you value authentic cultural moments, such as bathing in a sacred water temple, combined with the picturesque beauty of rice terraces.

For those seeking a full-day adventure with a mix of sightseeing, light physical activity, and local flavor, this tour delivers excellent value. It’s particularly suitable for those comfortable with some uphill cycling and looking for a memorable outdoor experience.

If you prefer more relaxed or hotel-based activities, or have mobility limitations, you might want to consider alternative options. But for a taste of Bali’s countryside with a spiritual twist, this tour certainly merits consideration.

FAQ

Is the tour suitable for children or elderly travelers?
The tour is primarily intended for active participants and is not suitable for people over 70 years old or those with mobility issues. The cycling involves some uphill segments, so consider your comfort level and fitness.

What should I wear for the tour?
Bring sports shoes or outdoor sandals, lightweight clothing like shorts and a shirt, swimwear for the Holy Water bath, sunglasses, and sunscreen to stay comfortable and protected during the ride.

Is lunch included, and what kind of food is served?
Yes, a traditional banana leaf lunch is included. It offers local flavors and is served amidst scenic temple views, providing a tasty and authentic meal.

How long does the tour last?
The entire experience lasts around 6 hours, from hotel pickup to drop-off, including cycling, temple visits, and lunch.

What is the main highlight of the tour?
Many say the Holy Water bath at Mengening Temple is the most memorable, offering a peaceful and spiritual experience amid Bali’s natural beauty.

Is transportation provided?
Yes, hotel pickup and return are included, ensuring a hassle-free experience.

Are the guides bilingual?
Guides speak both English and German, so check your language preference when booking.

This guided bike tour from Ubud offers a wonderful way to explore Bali’s lush landscapes, experience spiritual traditions, and enjoy local craftsmanship—all in a day packed with stunning sights and meaningful moments. It’s a mix of gentle adventure and cultural discovery that will appeal to those eager to see Bali beyond the usual tourist spots.

You can check availability for your dates here: