One of the best ways to enjoy Bali’s sublime landscape must surely be from the saddle of a mountain bike. Whether it’s rice fields, volcanoes, cloud forest or huddled villages awash with flowers, mountain bikes can take you places even four wheel drives can’t and what’s more, the only sound is your own breathing.
Bali is a mountain bikers paradise, filled with endless off-road tracks and boasting some of the most magnificent scenery in the world. Archipelago Tours has extensive experience of many of these trails, some of them demanding, others leisurely. “Last week I was touring Bali with a group of seven people. It was a four day trip and a lot of fun.” says the proprietor. Most of Archipelago Tours routes take place in Bali’s diverse interior and each has its own characteristics. Beginners are often taken to Tanah Lot were there are a lot of off road trails and the going is fairly easy.
At the other end of the spectrum is Kintamani– which offers everything from beautiful landscapes to steep climbs, lots of jumps and and countless idyllic mountain villages. Bedugul and Ubud are also popular with his clients.
If you’re thinking of taking up mountain biking as a hobby, a new shop has opened on Jl. Gunung Agung selling big name brands including Scott, Polygon and Trek. Beginners, can get a quality bike for between 4 and 6 million More serious riders looking for a comp bike can spend 14 or 15 million. The staff there are experienced and can give good advice. Archipelago Tours can cater for a range of abilities and needs. The company aims to focus on mountain biking and motorbike tours taking in other Indonesian islands. Mountain Biking costs €45 per day including lunch and transfers. For more information, call Dayu on 081338 724945

For More Mountain Biking Options in Bali, go to www.balidiscovery.com and search for cycling.