Friends, ready to trade beach traffic for mud tracks and rainforest tunnels? ATVing in Bali is a fast track to hidden waterfalls, small villages, and rice terraces you won't reach on a scooter.
Here's a crisp, honest guide—costs, safety, what's included, and the two tours that deliver big action with smart logistics.
Why Go
Bali's interior is a playground of dirt paths, paddies, and cool, shaded jungle. On a guided ATV, you'll splash shallow creeks, pass rural compounds, and roll to a photogenic waterfall—no navigation stress, just throttle and views.
Top Tour
The most-loved option is a 1.5-hour ATV adventure north of Ubud with tandem rides from $38 USD per person (solo also available). Expect a thorough briefing, practice time, helmets, boots, and a simple included lunch. Pickup can be added from Seminyak, Canggu, Kuta, Ubud, Sanur, Uluwatu, and Nusa Dua for an extra fee. Free 24-hour cancellation is typically offered.
Combo Option
Maximize the day with a raft + ATV combo: morning on the Ayung River (gentle rapids, waterfalls, jungle walls), lunch by the river, then the same ATV route in the afternoon. The add-on is usually $20 USD more than the ATV alone—great value if you want two headliners in one ticket.
What's Great
- Scenery: rice fields, forest tunnels, and a waterfall section where you can stop for photos.
- Unique features: a short natural tunnel adds cinematic thrills without technical skill.
- Guides: friendly, safety-first, and good at pacing mixed-ability groups.
- Access: no need to ride a scooter; door-to-door transfers are easy to arrange.
Is It Safe?
Yes—if you ride your pace. Tours start with a clear safety briefing and practice loop. Guides spread along the group to coach and manage spacing. You'll wear helmet and boots, and terrain is designed for first-timers. Go steady through puddles and corners; let the bike do the work.
What's Included
- ATV + fuel
- Helmet, boots, and basic protective gear
- Briefing, practice, and guided route
- Insurance (operator policy)
- Lunch (simple, filling)
- Optional hotel pickup (extra fee)
Usually not included: action-cam rentals, photo packages, gratuities, and personal drinks. Bring a small cash stash.
Expect The Route
Total time on site is about 3–4 hours: signup and gear-up (30–40 mins), briefing/practice (15–20 mins), riding (90 minutes), post-ride lunch (30–40 mins). Surfaces range from hardpack and light mud to shallow water crossings. Clothes will get splashed—dress accordingly.
What To Wear
Quick-dry T-shirt, athletic shorts or long light pants, and socks for the loaner boots. Pack a change of clothes, small towel, and a waterproof pouch for your phone. Sunscreen for the open rice-field sections; a light rain shell in wet season.
Who Should Go
- First-timers: great intro; the briefing and practice settle nerves fast.
- Adventurous couples/friends: tandem keeps costs low and ups the laughs.
- Families with teens: check the minimum age/height with your operator.
Booking Tips
Choose morning when trails are quieter and cooler. Confirm your pickup window the day before (Bali traffic is real). Look for operators offering free cancellation up to 24 hours, "reserve now, pay later," and recent high ratings.
Where To Stay
- Canggu — Chesa Canggu: boutique stay near cafés, shopping, and the beach; rooms from $124 USD. Pool and on-site dining.
- Uluwatu — Anantara Uluwatu: cliffside resort with panoramic views, multiple restaurants, infinity pool, spa, and fitness center. Rooms $320–$1,500 USD.
- Ubud — Abipraya: quiet garden setting a short walk from town; pool facing rice fields, breezy rooms, breakfast included, from $50 USD.
Practical Tips
Hydrate before and after; bring a reusable bottle. Leave jewelry at the hotel. If using your own camera, carry a chest mount or wrist strap. Motion-sensitive folks should take it easy through the tunnel and water features—guides will advise options.
Sample Half-Day
7:30–8:30 am pickup → 9:15 gear-up + briefing → 9:45 practice loop → 10:00–11:30 ride → 11:40 lunch → 12:20 change + depart → 1:30–2:00 drop-off.
Bottom Line
Bali ATV tours blend lush scenery with just-right thrills, standout guiding, and fair pricing—especially the raft + ATV combo. Friends, are you leaning toward the quick 1.5-hour ride or the full adrenaline double? Share your pick and any questions so fellow Lykkers can fine-tune their off-road plan!
