As the top rated activity for Bali on TripAdvisor.com, the half-day experience with Banyan Tree Bike Tours is one of the few things that lives up to the hype. The day starts off with breakfast at a hilltop restaurant with a spectacular view of Ubud. Participants chose between a Western style breakfast of banana pancake or an Indonesian style breakfast of nasi goreng, which is a delicious fried rice topped with an egg and seasoned with a little local spice to kick things up a notch. The carb-heavy breakfast ensures that everyone has enough energy to last through roughly a 15-mile bike ride.
Bagi, the owner and tour guide, started Banyan Tree with the hopes of introducing the "real" Balinese life to the many tourists that trickle through his town. The tour takes cyclists through village streets and vast rice paddies, with stops at a plantation and temple, where Bagi educates riders about traditional Balinese customs. Upon reaching the final destination, bikers are rewarded with a lunch prepared by Bagi's wife at his own plantation (save room for dessert!).
For those whose knees wobble at the thought of 15 miles, fear not; Bagi's gang of helpers are always nearby to help push your bike through mud and rice terraces. Also, there's an air-conditioned vehicle following each group to ensure an exit plan for those who do not wish to continue.
Banyan Tree Bike Tours allows vacationers to change it up a bit from the endless spa treatments and massages that Bali offers. In addition to the magnificent landscape, the connections that you will make with the fellow trekkers, villagers, and Bagi's team is what makes the experience unforgettable.
For those whose knees wobble at the thought of 15 miles, fear not; Bagi's gang of helpers are always nearby to help push your bike through mud and rice terraces. Also, there's an air-conditioned vehicle following each group to ensure an exit plan for those who do not wish to continue.
Banyan Tree Bike Tours allows vacationers to change it up a bit from the endless spa treatments and massages that Bali offers. In addition to the magnificent landscape, the connections that you will make with the fellow trekkers, villagers, and Bagi's team is what makes the experience unforgettable.
Tips:
- All you'll need is ample sunscreen, a camera and sunglasses. The tour provides transportation to and from your hotel, breakfast, lunch and water throughout the ride.
- As the genius who did the tour in sandals (who brings anything but flip flops to Bali??), I can attest that it can be done, but it is NOT recommended. Most of the ride is not strenuous, however, wearing sneakers will make things much easier on you, especially when you're schlepping your bike through mud.
- Be flexible with dates. Check the weather report to book a date without rain.
- Make sure you use the bathroom at the breakfast restaurant to avoid having to use nature's bathroom.
- If cycling isn't your thing, Bagi is available for custom tours throughout Bali, including snorkeling, hiking and white water rafting.
Banyan Tree Bike Tours
banyantreecyclingtours@gmail.com
www.banyantreebiketours.com/
★★★★★
- As the genius who did the tour in sandals (who brings anything but flip flops to Bali??), I can attest that it can be done, but it is NOT recommended. Most of the ride is not strenuous, however, wearing sneakers will make things much easier on you, especially when you're schlepping your bike through mud.
- Be flexible with dates. Check the weather report to book a date without rain.
- Make sure you use the bathroom at the breakfast restaurant to avoid having to use nature's bathroom.
- If cycling isn't your thing, Bagi is available for custom tours throughout Bali, including snorkeling, hiking and white water rafting.
Banyan Tree Bike Tours
banyantreecyclingtours@gmail.com
www.banyantreebiketours.com/
★★★★★
additional photos:
 |
| Banyan Tree Bike Tours |
Posts
