Bali ATV Ride Review: Mud, Mayhem & Thrills
Thinking about doing an ATV ride in Bali? If you are, let me tell you, it’s definitely one heck of an adventure, but with so many tours available, you might wonder which one really delivers that raw, off-road thrill, too, so recently I put one of these “challenging terrain” ATV tours to the test, and I’m here to share absolutely all the juicy details, just like your best travel buddy would. Seriously, I’ll cover basically everything – the mud, the machines, that breathtaking scenery, and most importantly, is that whole thing even worth your precious vacation time, you know?
Gearing Up for a Wild Ride
So, the tour I chose was said to feature particularly tough terrain, that’s absolutely what caught my eye, you see, I didn’t want any simple, gentle cruise; I was hoping for something that’d get my adrenaline flowing and that might even test my skills, well the tour operators gave me that kind of confidence that their course was particularly up to the challenge, weaving through jungles, rice paddies, and even a few river crossings, actually! Right after arrival, and after a relatively bumpy van ride out into the countryside, I was greeted by a bunch of friendly staff that helped us get set up, you know, with helmets and boots, basically that usual safety talk too it’s almost the same everywhere, let’s be honest.
These ATVs looked like they could seriously take some punishment, not super brand new, mind you, but fairly solid and ready to go, you know? Now, I should mention that these rides aren’t exactly quiet so I felt like I was in a Fast & Furious movie and definitely give out some fumes. And that helmet? You might want to give it a good wipe, since it’s likely seen more heads than your local barber shop! But is that what mattered? Absolutely not!, we were all ready for this so don’t even hesitate about being on your Bali list, you know?
Conquering the Course: Mud, Sweat, and (Happy) Tears
Once out on the course, things immediately got interesting and I got myself moving. The guide, a super patient guy named Putu, led the way as we all revved our engines and then tore off into what looked like a big puddle. In this section there are flat-out mud, lots of ruts and, in some places, rather deep puddles, you know! so just try not to get too far behind the rest, but you don’t have to go crazy. Soon, that muddy puddle turned into a sort of playground, as you find yourself spinning those tires, going sliding around corners, and fishtailing, all that while I made this happy shouting. Okay I feel so happy remembering.
Right after those muddy areas came a stretch through some local rice paddies. I found it quite awesome and I was quite glad to finally have had this little break between me and that mud. I got to feel the wind and to see just green. Those views, let me tell you! Picture that quintessential Bali landscape: terraces cascading down hillsides, vivid green rice stalks swaying gently, with the occasional farmer tending to his crops. As a heads up, that ATV doesn’t really glide smoothly, so expect some serious shaking there and expect all those tiny rocks and gravel pieces flying towards you, ha!
Next up: that river crossing! Although it may depend on how much rain there’s been but it usually won’t be too deep. Still you could end up soaked, that really gave some excitement for sure!, just try not to stop there in the middle because restarting your ATV might prove more difficult.
One thing I noticed a bit, that could improve?, sometimes there isn’t a clear track to follow there at all so you pretty much have to go by gut feeling, also you kind of have to figure the whole track for yourself anyway. This, though, certainly upped that challenge a bit!
The Scenery: Beyond the Mud
Okay, it may sound as though I was just focused on the actual riding but it’s also worth talking about is what you’re seeing. Those bits of the track I just told about and particularly around those rice paddies made me calm down. I got to experience the heart of Bali, this island’s raw natural beauty away from that noise of its tourist hotspots. The views themselves were worth the money!. If it matters anyway, I’m not much of a photo person, but I would recommend everyone bring a decent action camera for this and you get that great keepsake, you see?
Who is this ATV Ride For?
Alright, let’s get real: This isn’t your grandma’s Sunday drive!. While experience could come in handy, so it isn’t totally a must, really. What you do need is a decent level of fitness and a great willingness to get covered in dirt, also not being afraid to get shaken up too, but this just is Bali at its best!. If you’re up for this type of a physical, and thoroughly dirty challenge, then seriously, go for it!. And you do get really dirty as I did.
If you want more than just some leisurely ride but an authentic adventure where you can test your grit, you just hit the motherlode, it’s almost as close as it gets!. However, in case that your idea is of a relaxed, calm sightseeing tour, it would be better for you to pick something different.
Families with kids, this actually might depend, I think I wouldn’t feel totally fine about bringing really small children there, however several operators I came across there do provide that option of a double ATV for parents with small children.
What To Bring on the ATV Ride
To prepare you better and allow you to have maximum pleasure I have a few extra tips, basically!
- Clothes you do not actually care for: Prepare beforehand knowing you will get fully splashed with mud, as in, fully. Don’t make that dumb mistake of showing up wearing your fav clothes, ha.
- Action camera: To record some sweet material for Insta – obviously!, unless if you only intend to fully immerse, so up to you!
- Sunscreen: Bali, actually, and I might stress, the sun there can be ruthless, it seems, right?
- Change of clothes with towel.
- Cash money – certain locations could accept payment with credit card, however I will stress on ‘could’.
Is This Bali ATV Tour Worth It? The Final Verdict
Absolutely yes!, like I am definitely all up for a next visit too, really! Sure, that equipment could use some improving and you will definitely be sore afterwards. But for that dose of adrenaline, for those breathtaking sights, and that genuine taste of Bali’s backcountry, well that’s basically gold. Just, be prepared for muck. Tons and tons of muck.
Would I do it again? Very.