Explore Bali by Bike: Discovering Hidden Gems Beyond the Tourist Coast

Two Ways to Explore Bali: The Luxe Slouch vs. the Adventurous Cycle

Ah, Bali! The paradise that attracts both the sunbathing sloths and the adventurous daredevils. If you’re anything like me, you’ve been there – squinting through the sunglasses at the beach with the inevitable nightclub bags forming beneath your eyes, wondering why the sun doesn’t just curl up and take a nap. Or, you could do the smart thing and grab a bike, peddling through the verdant landscapes and feeling like a fitness guru on two wheels! Spoiler alert: that’s the fun way.

Credit: Jamie Brown

Now let’s face it: there’s nothing more invigorating than freewheeling through quaint villages, where a rooster’s cackle sounds the battle cry for your next adventure. You hear palm leaves rustling like an audience in suspense, and even the friendly village children convert their curious looks into a dialect all cyclists know: “Where you from? Where you go? Why you bike?”

These kids are like miniature philosophers. As they scribble their existential queries into the air, I can’t help but ponder the meaning of life and my choice of cycling over lounging. Why bike, you ask? It’s simple: I prefer the aromatherapy of incense drifting from village temples over the smell of car exhaust and spilled beer – although after a few too many nights out, perhaps they do share a certain magic.

Why Cycling is the Best Idea

On your bike, you zip past women in brightly colored sarongs that practically scream “Instagram me!” You inhale the sweet scent of cloves wafting through lush plantations rather than the sweaty, regret-laden smell of the pub you just stumbled out of. The world transitions from a blurry beach brawl to flawless blue hydrangea hedges and resplendent green rice terraces with volcanoes looming majestically in the distance – just a warm-hearted reminder of your lesser fitness levels.

Bali’s interior moves to a different rhythm.

My daily ritual? It starts with a gentle pedal out of Ubud, where we all know the breakfast options taste like a million dollars but weigh about three ounces. What could be tastier than that? This slow drift eastward isn’t a thigh torture session but rather a scenic route that rewards you with culturally rich spots like Goa Gajah, where sacred caves invite you to ponder if meditation truly helps with thigh burn.

History and Highlights

Just a stone’s throw away, Yeh Pulu greets you with significant rock carvings while Pura Penataran boasts a bronze kettledrum that would have made Indiana Jones weep with joy. You think you’re in a history lesson when suddenly, someone yells, “Where you go mister? Why you bike?” The quest for answers is unending!

If you’re feeling ambitious after warming up, the hills of Bali beckon. Cycling can be hot, sweaty work, but it’s made delightful when you can dismount and sit on wooden benches outside roadside stalls, where sips of cool drinks and slabs of juicy watermelon await like a tropical oasis in your sweaty adventure. Forget the beach body; I’m here for the watermelon body!

The Verdict

So, there you have it! Bali beckons with two invitations: one to recline in beachside mediocrity, and the other to wheeze your way through picturesque happenings. Choose wisely, dear reader. Do you want to taste the vibrant essence of village life or do you dare to live the luxury of portside lounges overladen with sunscreen? Either way, don’t forget the essential: always pack the sarcasm!

The article is self-aware yet cheeky, perfect for travelers looking to shake off the jet lag and dive into Bali’s rich culture while keeping a sense of humor to match. With this sharp tone and observational quips, the reader is quietly encouraged to wave goodbye to the excessive sun lounges and embrace the beautiful bike paths of Bali!

When it comes to exploring the enchanting island of Bali, you have two distinct approaches to choose from. One could easily indulge in the luxury of a beach resort, endlessly going from one souvenir shop to another, while succumbing to the fatigue of nightlife escapades. Alternatively, you can venture beyond the bustling tourist coast and embark on an invigorating cycling journey that not only keeps you fit but also immerses you in the breathtaking landscapes, local village cultures, and ancient temples that tell the island’s rich history.

Credit: Jamie Brown

I belong to the second school of thought. Pedaling through Bali’s interior is a sensory experience like no other; it awakens your senses to the vibrant life around you. The sound of roosters crowing, the gentle rustling of palm leaves, and the melodic clatter of xylophones provide a delightful soundtrack as I glide through quaint villages. Along the way, I might spot a craftsman meticulously chiseling a pot-bellied stone guardian from soft black volcanic rock, each steady chip echoing the artistry of the island.

Village children’s faces light up at the sight of cyclists, eagerly waving, giggling, and asking the only English phrases they have learned: “Where you from? Where you go? Why you bike?” Their simple questions resonate with a depth that often feels philosophical.

Why do I bike? I bike so I can glide past women adorned in brightly colored sarongs, vibrant fabrics fluttering around them in the breeze. I bike to inhale the fragrant incense wafting from village temples and the sweet scent of cloves drifting from lush plantations. It’s a refreshing alternative to the clamor of car exhaust and the heavy odor of spilled beer that so often accompanies tourist hotspots.

I bike to pedal through lush blue hydrangea hedges, shimmering green rice terraces, and to admire majestic volcanoes rising gracefully on the horizon. Occasionally, I’ll pause and lean my bike against the sturdy trunk of a banyan tree to wander through a sacred temple, where the resonant sounds of gamelan musicians practicing their art may greet me, or I may encounter local men settling down for a dice game beneath the shade of the trees.

My first day on this cycling adventure typically involves a leisurely ride from Ubud, allowing my legs to acclimatize gently to the day’s journey. The slow journey eastward does not strain my thighs but leads me to the legendary Goa Gajah, a site known for its magnificent caves intricately carved with sacred elephants that have served as a serene retreat for Hindu priests for almost a millennium.

Bali’s interior moves to a different rhythm.Credit: iStock

Nearby Yeh Pulu is home to stunning rock carvings, while the region’s most sacred temple, Pura Penataran, houses an ancient bronze kettledrum that dates back 2000 years, the largest ever cast in history.

Cycling in Bali is undeniably a hot and hilly endeavor, yet I seize the opportunity to take breaks on wooden benches at roadside stalls, relishing refreshing drinks or refreshing slices of watermelon. Local vendors are quick to inquire, “Where you go, mister? Why you bike?”