Day 1: Arrive in Ubud, Bali
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. We will also conduct a bike fitting to ensure 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: Explore North Ubud by Bike (Cycling)
We have our first ride today as we explore the area north of Ubud, cycling across rice fields, through villages, and past temples. After arriving in the Tampaksiring village area, we will explore Tirta Empul, a temple where Balinese people 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: Ubud to Kintamani (Cycling)
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 12.5 miles (20 km), we regroup for an extra briefing about the steep ascent. 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 will have lunch. Weather permitting, we will 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: Kintamani to Bedugul (Cycling with Transfer)
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 will 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: Bedugul to Pemuteran (Cycling)
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: Pemuteran (Snorkeling) and Transfer to Java
After an optional cycle or short transfer to Labuan Luang harbor, 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 snorkeling as well as the option to go diving (at an extra cost). After lunch, we can freshen up before transferring to Gilimanuk Harbor, where we catch the ferry to Ketapang Harbor in Java. From here, it’s about a three-hour drive to Bondowoso.
Accommodation: Ijen View Hotel (or similar)
Day 7: Cycling Ijen Volcano Slopes (Challenging Cycling)
Today is the most challenging day as we cycle up the slopes of Ijen volcano, gaining around 4,920 feet (1,500m) in elevation. Our route starts gently along a flat road until we reach the base of the volcano and begin 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 12.5 miles (20 km) 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: Ijen Crater Trek and Downhill Cycling
Getting up very early, we trek to the top of Ijen crater along a wide, packed dirt path that’s 1.9 miles (3 km) long. At the top is a large crater lake surrounded by sulfur mines. After the volcano summit, we may feel the sunrise; however, the view is usually blocked by the mist and surrounding valley. We have time to enjoy views of the lake, which is 655 feet (200m) deep and filled with steaming, acidic water. We should also witness local miners as they collect and carry sulfur blocks weighing up to 155 pounds (70 kg) out of the crater. Please note, poor trail conditions and toxic fumes mean 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: Rural Java Cycling and Beach Camping
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 concrete asphalt roads. Our trail is about 6 miles (10 km) 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 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: Coastal Cycling to Pulau Merah and Transfer
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 lunchtime, 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: Free Day in Ketapang / Optional Activities
Enjoy a free day in Ketapang for relaxation, local exploration, or optional activities like a visit to a local market or further beach time.
Accommodation: Ketapang Indah Hotel (or similar)
Day 12: Departure
Activities: Free time for shopping and relaxing. Depart from Bali. (Note: This assumes departure from Bali, with a flight from Ketapang to Bali. If departing directly from Java, the itinerary would need adjustment.
