Cycling Kintamani-Ubud - bali tour

                              Cycling Kintamani-Ubud

Cycling Tour Kintamani-Ubud by Bali Sobek (Sastri / detikTravel)

Ubud - Ubud is a tourist destination that wants to retreat from the beach crowd like Kuta. But, how fun to enjoy Ubud not only by foot. Traveler can cycle from Kintamani, through the beautiful country roads.


My neck hair stood in the middle of Kintamani winds in Bangli regency, Bali. Lake Batur is clearly visible from above here, close to the wide-open Mount Batur caldera. But this time, I will not visit the lake or caldera that is included in UNESCO's Global Geopark Network (GGP).

The same agenda is waiting: cycling from Kintamani to Ubud. No, not through the lane of the car with an endless up and down field. I will traverse a rustically dominated country road, 25 Km, for a 3 hour trip.

"We will go through the village road, if we have a mountain bike, we will be taught how to move our bikes," said Budi, Tour Leader from Bali Sobek as the organizer of Kintamani-Ubud Cycling Tour.

There were some participants that day, the majority of foreign tourists. But the rules that apply in Bali Sobek, different entourage means different again Tour Leader him. Although the participants are just two like me now, the Tour Leader is only 1 person to maintain exclusivity. Traveler was immediately picked up by car Bali Sobek in hotel where to stay, morning at around 07.00 Wita.

But before gowes the bike, it's time to fill the stomach with breakfast. Various foods ranging from rice with side dishes, fried noodles, to fried bananas are served in the restaurant Madu Sari, Kintamani. I also devoured a few pieces of fried bananas and a cup of Balinese coffee.

The car drove to Padpadan Village, starting point cycling tour Kintamani-Ubud. Each participant lent a mountain bike. In addition to teaching bicycle to change way, Mr. Budi also lend a helmet and give a bottle of mineral water for supplies on the road.

The journey begins. About 6 Km first, the streets down but broken and full of gravel. Traveler must be extra careful on this road, no need to speed up. Once the road is broken, the panoramic view of rice fields stretches. Mountain air fills the lungs.

"In front of us will turn left, climb quite steep, ready to change gear," said Mr. Budi.

Need an adjustment for the traveler who rarely uses mountain bikes, I for example. Although I had fallen, I finally found the right teeth to climb it. The first stop is Pura Jagaraga, the most sacred in Jagaraga Village.

"This temple is 130 years old, it is seen from the moss at the front gate, it is still a place of prayer, but we can not go in the gate alone," said Mr. Budi.

Still crossing the village road, the journey continues to Gianyar. Apparently I followed the Cycling Tour at the right time, 1 day before Nyepi. I found many ogoh-ogoh, a great statue of spirit representation. The shape and color vary, although all of his face is ugly.

"Gianyar is famous for his artist's shrewdness, which can be seen from the ogoh-ogoh they made," said Pak Budi.

The journey continues through the settlements and paddy fields with a beautiful temple by his side. According to Pak Budi, each village has at least 3 temples. Each one to worship God Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva.

It's been 2 hours I menggowes bike. Before arriving at the finish point of Sanding Village, Ubud, Pak Budi invited me to stop at one of the Balinese house. The house is located in the village of Cagan, Gianyar. While looking at the components of traditional Balinese house that has 5 buildings, the owner of the house brought me a young coconut. Fresh!

Before reaching the finish point, I passed one of the Presidential palace of Tampaksiring. Although I can only peek from the front gate, I can see pine trees lined up pretty like Europe in the summer.

Did not feel 3 hours already I menggowes bike. At the finish point, a cold towel is provided to refresh the body. The car then drove me to Saren Indah restaurant for lunch. There is salad & soup as an appetizer, Balinese mixed rice for main course, also fried banana & fresh fruit for dessert.