Sanur: Horse Riding at the Bali Beach 30 minute ride

If you’re dreaming of riding a horse along the shimmering sands of Bali’s coast, the Sanur Beach horseback riding experience might just be the highlight of your trip. While we haven’t personally saddled up ourselves, this tour consistently earns a solid 4.4 out of 5 from travelers, and for good reasons. It promises a quick yet memorable escape onto Bali’s black sand beaches, offering scenic views, friendly guides, and a taste of local adventure.

What sets this experience apart? First, we love the opportunity to ride along Bali’s unique black sand shores, which creates a striking contrast with the ocean. Second, the view of Penida Island in the distance adds a touch of tropical magic. Third, the private group setting ensures personalized attention and a more relaxed pace. On the downside, some travelers mention that the 30-minute duration can feel a tad short—especially considering the travel time to and from the beach. But overall, if you’re seeking a straightforward, scenic horseback ride, this tour hits the right notes and suits anyone looking for a scenic, beginner-friendly activity.

Key Points

• Unique Beachside Riding: Experience Bali’s rare black sand beaches on horseback.
• Beautiful Views: See Penida Island and enjoy the ocean breeze.
• Private Group: More personalized and relaxed experience.
• Guides & Horses: Friendly, well-cared-for animals with helpful guides.
• Duration & Flexibility: 30-minute ride, with options for early morning or afternoon.
• Considerations: Short ride, and some reviews mention beach cleanliness issues.

You can check availability for your dates here:

What to Expect from the Sanur Horseback Ride

Getting ready for your 30-minute adventure begins at Muara Adventure, where you’ll meet your guide and the horses. The experience is designed to be accessible, even for first-timers, though advanced riders can gallop and canter along the coast if they wish. The guides, who communicate in English, are known to be friendly and helpful, providing a quick briefing on safety and horse handling before setting off.

The Ride Itself

Once mounted, you’ll head onto the black sand beaches of Sanur, a distinctive feature in Bali. Unlike typical white-sand beaches, Bali’s black sand creates a dramatic backdrop that photographs beautifully—especially with your horse in the foreground. As you ride, you’ll enjoy the gentle sound of waves and the fresh ocean air. The scenery is particularly captivating when you look out toward Penida Island, which appears as a distant silhouette across the water.

Travelers have reported that more experienced riders can take advantage of the opportunity to gallop or canter, adding a bit of excitement to the otherwise leisurely pace. For those new to riding, the guides ensure a steady, comfortable experience, and the horses are described as friendly and well-cared-for.

Photos & Photo Stops

Many riders love snapping photos with their horses on the beach. The black sand, combined with the blue ocean and distant islands, creates a picture-perfect moment. Some reviews mention that the ride is suitable for capturing memorable images, making it a good choice for holiday photos or even social media posts.

The Beach & Surroundings

While the ride’s primary focus is the beach scenery, travelers should note that the beach can be somewhat polluted—a point raised by some reviewers. Plastic debris and other litter may be present, which slightly diminishes the pristine feel. However, this doesn’t detract from the overall beauty of the experience; it’s just something to keep in mind if you’re particularly sensitive to environmental issues.

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The End of the Ride

After the ride, you’ll typically be taken back to the starting point, where you can enjoy a drink and review photos taken during your time on horseback. This short but sweet adventure is perfect if you’re short on time but still want a memorable outdoor experience.

Practical Details

The tour is organized by Surya Adventure, a reputable provider with flexible booking options, including free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance and the ability to reserve now and pay later. The activity lasts approximately 30 minutes, and starting times vary based on availability, so it’s good to check ahead.

Meeting Point & Accessibility

Your meeting point is at Muara Adventure (coordinates -8.6545, 115.2654). The location is easy to find if you follow the directions provided by the operator. The tour is offered as a private group, ensuring a more intimate experience compared to large, crowded rides.

Suitability & Restrictions

While the experience is generally accessible, it’s not suitable for children under 3 years, babies under 1 year, or people over 95 years or over 209 lbs (95 kg). Plus, the activity is best suited for those comfortable around animals and with a reasonable level of mobility.

What to Bring & Wear

Comfortable clothing suitable for riding is recommended, along with sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat for sun protection. Closed-toe shoes are advisable to ensure safety while handling the horses.

Insights from Reviews

Several reviews offer practical insights that are useful for prospective riders. One mention from a Netherlands traveler noted the beach’s pollution and the fact that horses need to traverse over plastic and debris, so don’t expect a pristine beach. Conversely, a reviewer from Italy highlighted how “Tutto perfetto” (everything perfect), though they noted the beach was a bit dirty, which seems to be a common theme.

Another interesting insight comes from a German traveler who found the 30-minute ride a bit short, especially with the travel time involved, but appreciated the beautiful photo opportunities. A Saudi Arabian reviewer commented on the animals’ temperament, mentioning that the horses don’t seem particularly “beginner-friendly” and appeared to lack enthusiasm at times—a reminder that the experience can vary based on individual horses and guides.

Comparing to Similar Experiences

If you’re looking for more options, there are several other Bali horseback riding tours, including those on Seminyak Beach, Saba Beach, or for sunset rides by Kedungu Beach. These locations often offer additional features like transportation, sunset views, or visits to temples, but Sanur’s ride is praised for its spectacular views of Penida and the black sand coastline.

Final Thoughts

This 30-minute horseback riding experience in Sanur offers a straightforward but scenic way to enjoy Bali’s coastline, especially for those wanting a quick adventure and memorable photos. The combination of black sand beaches, ocean views, and friendly guides makes it a solid choice for beginners and experienced riders alike.

While the short duration may leave some wanting more, the personalized, private group setting ensures a relaxed and intimate outing. The main considerations are the beach cleanliness and the ride duration—but overall, the experience is good value, especially when you consider the stunning scenery and photo opportunities.

This tour is best suited for travelers seeking a unique outdoor activity that combines nature, animals, and coastal views. It’s particularly appealing to those wanting to tick horseback riding off their Bali bucket list or looking for a relaxing activity amid their busy itinerary.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for children?
It’s not recommended for children under 3 years, and children under 1 year are not suitable. The activity is better suited for older kids who can handle being around horses and riding comfortably.

How long is the ride?
The ride lasts approximately 30 minutes, which is a good amount of time for a scenic beach adventure without being too exhausting.

Can experienced riders gallop during the ride?
Yes, experienced riders can take advantage of the opportunity to gallop and canter along the beach if they wish.

What should I wear for this activity?
Comfortable clothing suitable for riding, along with closed-toe shoes, is recommended. Sun protection like sunscreen and a hat is also advisable.

Is the beach clean during the ride?
Some reviews mention that the beach can be quite polluted with plastics and debris, which might affect the aesthetic experience, but not the overall enjoyment of the ride.

What is included in the tour?
The main activity is the horseback ride. Generally, you’ll meet your guide, receive a safety briefing, and have the chance to take photos. Transfers and refreshments might be available depending on the package.

In all, if you’re looking for a scenic, beginner-friendly horse riding experience that offers memorable coastal views and the chance to see Penida Island, this Sanur ride is worth considering. Just be prepared for the short duration and some beach litter — it’s a small price to pay for the stunning scenery and a fun outdoor escape.

You can check availability for your dates here: