What better way to experience rural Bali, away from the tourist havens than atop a bicycle, especially when it's all downhill!
We booked ourselves onto an Eco Tours cultural, ecological and educational cycling tour. We were picked up from our resort in Sanur and driven to Kintamani where we had breakfast overlooking the active volcano Mt Batur and its crater lake... a stunning view!
We then selected our mountain bikes and began our 25 km descent towards Ubud through the heartland of Bali; witnessing typical Balinese daily life and enjoying the beautiful countryside. We rode through lush rainforests, plantations of tropical fruits, vegetables and coffee, numerous lush rice paddies and timeless villages all the time managing to yell out hellos to the delightful children playing alongside the road.
Our guide "Agoose" (real name Ketut....being the youngest boy in family) constantly provided us with insights into Balinese life often with much hilarity.
We had numerous stops along the way including a Balinese communal home or compound that revolves around their devotion to the spiritual life (most Balinese are devout Hindus), a coffee plantation to sample the uniquely produced and most expensive coffee in the world, Luwak (google it for a fascinating recount) and a walk through one of the many rice paddies that uses every available piece of land to plant.
After the breath taking ride, being very careful not to be skittled by one of the many motor cyclists that shared our narrow roads we were served a sumptuous Balinese lunch complete with the customary Bintang!
Another special day in Bali...made more special by sharing with family members!
Ian, Margaret, David, Sue, Emma, Robyn, Gracie and Rob.
eco tour bike ride
Thanks Rob, Robyn and Gracie - we loved it too. It was a special holiday. :)
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