Half-Day Electric Cycling Tour of Ubud

Discover Ubud on Two Wheels: An Honest Review of the Half-Day Electric Cycling Tour

Imagine cruising through Bali’s lush landscapes with minimal effort, soaking in views of rice terraces, passing local villages, and learning about Balinese culture—all on an electric bike. That’s exactly what this half-day Ubud e-bike tour promises, and based on countless glowing reviews, it seems to deliver more than enough to satisfy adventure seekers and culture lovers alike.

What we really love about this experience is its balance of scenic beauty, cultural insights, and ease of riding. The guides are praised for their friendliness and knowledge, making even the busiest, narrow roads feel safe and approachable. Plus, the stops at iconic spots like the Tegalalang Rice Terrace and a traditional Balinese swing are genuinely memorable. However, a consideration worth noting is that some sections do involve riding on actual roads with traffic, which might be a concern for very nervous bikers or families with young children. This tour is well-suited for active travelers who want a relaxed yet immersive way to explore Ubud’s countryside.

Who is this tour perfect for? It’s ideal if you’re looking to cover a lot of ground without exhausting yourself, want a guided experience with cultural insights, and prefer small-group adventures. It’s also a fantastic choice for those who aren’t confident cyclists but still want to see Bali’s scenic outskirts comfortably.

Key Points

• Accessible for most riders with easy-to-use e-bikes and helpful guides
• Stunning scenery at the UNESCO-listed rice terraces and peaceful rice paddies
• Cultural stops including temples, traditional houses, and a coffee plantation
• Hassle-free logistics with hotel pickup and drop-off within Ubud
• Authentic insights shared by guides passionate about Balinese culture
• Good value for money at $43, including food, water, and transportation

Exploring the Itinerary: What to Expect

This tour kicks off at the eBikes Bali office in Ubud, where your guides will equip you with a well-maintained e-bike and helmet. The staff is friendly and eager to show you the ropes, making this a good choice even for those new to electric bikes. Most reviews mention how the bikes are in excellent condition, with gel-padded seats for extra comfort, and many appreciate how effortless the ride feels—thanks to the electric assistance.

First Stop: Tegalalang Rice Terrace

The highlight for many travelers is the Tegalalang Rice Terrace. As a UNESCO World Heritage Site, these terraces are nothing short of breathtaking. Our reviews describe them as “majestic” and “painterly,” with some travelers noting that they are perfect for photos or just soaking in the serenity. Guides often share fascinating details about traditional rice farming methods and the importance of these terraces to Balinese life. Expect a good 30-minute stop here, plenty of time to wander and capture the scenery.

Second Stop: Ubud Jungle Swing

Next, you’ll head to a local coffee plantation and the Ubud Jungle Swing. The swing offers a thrill—high above the rice fields—and is often described as a “highlight,” especially for those visiting with kids or adrenaline lovers. The guides will tell you about local coffee production, including a stop at a civet coffee farm, which some reviewers caution might be less appealing for animal welfare reasons. Still, the experience adds cultural depth to your ride, and many find the view from the swing simply unforgettable.

Optional Cultural and Local Village Stops

Depending on your tour choice, you might also visit a traditional Balinese temple, a family compound, or a community center. One reviewer called it “a nice glimpse into Balinese life,” with guides sharing stories about local customs and daily routines. A few travelers appreciated the chance to learn about local offerings and ceremonies, making the journey more meaningful.

Lunch or Dinner

The tour ends with a delicious meal, often at a restaurant featuring a jungle swing or rice terrace views. Feedback from travelers notes the food quality is good, with options to suit most tastes, and the relaxed setting rounds out the day beautifully.

The Ride: Practical Details

The entire experience lasts approximately 3 hours, including stops and transfers. Transport is arranged via air-conditioned minivan, with hotel pickup and drop-off within Ubud—saving you from navigating Bali’s busy streets on your own. Group sizes are capped at 20, ensuring a personal experience, and most reviews highlight the guides’ attentiveness.

Ride Experience and Safety

Most riders find the e-bikes straightforward to operate, even if they haven’t ridden in a while. The electric assistance makes climbing hills and navigating uneven paths much easier, allowing you to enjoy the scenery rather than sweat it out. Guides are praised for their friendly approach and for stopping traffic when necessary, making the ride feel safe and controlled.

Some reviews mention that a moderate level of riding experience is recommended, especially when navigating narrow rice field paths or busy streets. The guides are quick to help and provide clear instructions, which helps ease any nerves. Riding through rice paddies, local villages, and alongside small roads is a peaceful alternative to busy tours or vehicle rides, giving you a real sense of life outside Ubud’s main streets.

Group Size and Personal Attention

The tour typically accommodates up to 20 participants, but several reviews mention solo travelers or small groups enjoying private experiences, especially when only two riders are booked. Guides like Ketuk, Wid, and Gina are singled out for their knowledge and friendliness, often sharing details about Balinese traditions, agricultural practices, and local life that enrich the experience.

The Value Proposition: Is It Worth the Price?

At $43 per person, this tour offers excellent value, especially considering inclusions like bike rental, helmet, bottled water, hotel pickup and drop-off, and a meal. The reviews consistently praise the guides’ knowledge, friendliness, and the quality of the bikes, all of which enhance the overall experience.

Compared to other activities in Ubud, this experience balances scenic beauty, cultural insight, and ease of participation, making it a smart choice for travelers who want more than just sightseeing from afar. It’s particularly attractive for those who prefer active experiences over bus tours—plus, it’s a great way to stay cool and avoid the Bali heat with electric assistance.

Additional Considerations

While most reviews highlight the safety and comfort of the ride, a few note that riding on actual streets requires attentiveness. If you’re nervous about traffic, let your guides know—most are very accommodating. Also, some reviewers advise avoiding the coffee plantation visit if animal welfare concerns bother you, as the civet coffee farm is a tourist-heavy site with questionable ethics.

The timing can be flexible, with options for morning or afternoon rides, allowing you to choose based on your sightseeing schedule. The tour’s cancellation policy is straightforward—free if canceled at least 24 hours in advance—adding peace of mind should your plans change.

Who Should Book This Tour?

This experience is perfect for travelers who want a relaxed but immersive way to explore Ubud’s countryside without the exhaustion of long hikes or cramped bus rides. If you enjoy cycling or are curious about Bali’s rice terraces, temples, and local way of life, this tour ticks all the boxes.

It also suits families with older children or teenagers, as reviews highlight that even nervous bikers felt safe and entertained. Solo travelers or couples seeking a shared adventure will find the small-group setup intimate and personalized. And if eco-conscious travel is important to you, you’ll appreciate the electric bikes and the focus on authentic, sustainable experiences.

The Sum Up

The Half-Day Electric Cycling Tour of Ubud offers an engaging, scenic, and culturally rich way to spend half a day. With knowledgeable guides, comfortable bikes, and stunning views, it balances adventure with accessibility—making it a worthwhile addition to your Bali itinerary.

Whether you’re a first-time visitor or looking to see a different side of Ubud away from busy streets, this tour delivers a memorable experience. It’s ideal for those who value comfort, cultural insights, and natural beauty, all at a reasonable price point.

While some parts involve riding on narrow paths or busy roads, the guides’ professionalism and safety measures make this manageable even for less experienced riders. The combination of scenic stops, cultural stories, and a delicious meal makes it more than just a bike ride—it’s a well-rounded, authentic glimpse into Bali’s heart.

FAQs

Is the tour suitable for beginners? Yes, most riders find the e-bikes easy to operate, and guides are helpful. Some technical skill may be needed for narrow paths, but the electric assistance makes it manageable.

What is included in the price? The price covers bike and helmet use, guides, bottled water, hotel pickup and drop-off within Ubud, and a meal (lunch or dinner depending on your tour time).

Are there any safety concerns? Guides are attentive, and traffic is stopped when crossing busy roads. Riding on actual roads requires awareness, so some cycling experience is recommended.

Can children join this tour? Children must be accompanied by an adult and are usually suitable if they are comfortable riding bikes. The minimum height requirement is 150cm.

What about the coffee plantation visit? It’s included in some tours, but reviewers advise avoiding civet coffee farms due to animal welfare concerns. The traditional house visit is a good alternative if you prefer.

How long does the tour last? Approximately 3 hours, including stops, with direct pickup and drop-off from Ubud hotels.

What should I wear? Covered shoes and sunscreen are highly recommended to stay comfortable and protected during the ride.

This tour combines comfort, culture, and scenery into a well-paced adventure that offers genuine insights into Balinese life. Perfect for a half-day escape from the busy town, it’s an activity that provides great value and memorable moments with friendly, knowledgeable guides.