Ubud ATV Tour Review: Quad Biking Adventure & Lunch

So, you’re thinking about swapping that beach towel for a helmet and checking out Bali’s heartland on four wheels? Good call. That Ubud ATV quad bike thing, complete with lunch and transfers, is getting popular for folks who need a bit more kick than just chilling by the pool. Very few things are as satisfying as bombing around on a quad bike, yet I thought I would take a peek at just what you can expect.

What’s the Ubud ATV Adventure Really About?

Basically, this isn’t just a spin around a dirt track; rather it’s more like getting friendly with Bali’s awesome landscapes in a seriously up-close and personal way. Very often these tours say that you’re going to be shown rice paddies, and little local spots that buses just can’t get to. Sometimes it also includes hurtling through tunnels and maybe splashing across rivers depending on the tour you pick. At the end you get food so very like the perfect way to end things after playing around in the mud all day, wouldn’t you agree?

The Ride: Is it Easy? Is it Tricky?

Don’t sweat it if you’ve never sat on a quad bike; actually that’s often more than half the people trying these trips. The ATVs are typically automatic, meaning less worrying about gears and much more about not driving into a rice field – which, honestly, happens. Some brief instruction will be given to you, like your own mini lesson, so too it will ease any fears before sending you out onto the trails. In some respects, you’ll find the trails a bit tame at first but before very long the guide might add a slightly trickier terrain, nothing you can’t handle, and even children love it.

What You’ll See Along the Way

Ok, those views are pretty darn fantastic! More or less picture yourself rolling past vibrant green rice terraces, which looks particularly great early in the morning, little clusters of Balinese homes where life is happening as usual, and loads of that deep jungle everyone goes to Bali for. As I was saying, it isn’t only seeing it all, either; you’re there in it, you are smelling the earth, feeling the sun (or rain, possibly), and it definitely trumps just seeing it through a bus window.

About That Included Lunch…

At the end, you are going to have earned that grub. It is often a local warung stop, so it might not be fancy yet it is food. Think nasi goreng or mie goreng basically the staples, and certainly filling. Very often it’s also a great chance just to relax, look over the insane amount of pics you’ve taken and laugh a bit about any near misses on the trail.

Picking the right Ubud ATV tour

Tours, they aren’t all born equal! Anyway, when picking out your day of off-road shenanigans, a few things are really worthy of consideration. These considerations include the reputation and safety, tour length, checking exactly what is and is not included, and obviously the money you’ll have to part with to make this memory happen.

Operator Reputation & Safety Stuff

Ok so I’ll say it once, if there is a choice between a cheap tour and a respected, reliable tour, then go for the later! A little bit of homework is always good. Find ones that always have updated equipment, do detailed safety briefings, and look after the environment. Reading some reviews can really highlight those ones that seem more like something you want to brag about and not moan about.

How Long Do You Want to Ride?

This adventure, it could run a couple of hours to pretty much the entire day depending what sort of places you are hunting for. That is also often a correlation between time on the bikes and overall experience and the total money. Usually two to three hours actually hits a good sweet spot of fun without your butt getting tired.

What’s Included? What’s Extra?

So look closely at those details before clicking “book”. Very often tours include that free pickup/drop-off at your hotel, lunch (although we’ve touched on that already) and provide helmets and boots. Very occasionally you will be hit with things like insurance costs, picture packages (some of them are gold by the way), or needing to fork out for drinks, basically all those little things.

Is it Worth the Money?

Are those experiences worth what the tour is asking for? Actually, many think they are, particularly for a well run trip with equipment that has passed quality checks, good food and memories that will bring a smile later down the road. It might feel more pricey than doing something by yourself, very often its well worth it for that organised experience and seeing more of Bali.

Some extra things to consider

Packing appropriately is important, and a change of clothing, sunscreen, a hat, insect repellent, water shoes and money, but as I was saying, that is far from everything. Very often, those tiny moments make a difference too, such as having fun, listening and understanding the local cultures and knowing the things to avoid!

Gear Up Right

Be aware you’ll potentially get muddy or dusty so do not be pulling out your best threads! Pack a change of clothing too it can be so, so useful after a dirty ride. Slap on that sunscreen as being out in the open all day is hot and will cause sunburn. A cap or bandanna will protect you too it is as useful against the sun as it is against flying mud.

Respect the Sun, Bugs, and Environment

Bug spray! In fact you’re going to need industrial levels when in the jungle. So too, drink frequently as dehydration is easy when riding. And more importantly you need to keep your waste with you and generally just appreciate nature so everyone wins.

A Little Local Insight

Balinese people, generally, they are delightful people, basically they always have a smile. Respect any local customs; if your guide takes you into a temple or a special site then follow the dress rules. A great attitude towards supporting local economy by purchasing drinks or some handcrafts at stops isn’t just a nice thing; arguably, you are playing a little part to support the people too!

Things To Avoid?

Pushing the ATV too hard can damage it and hurt you. Going off course, can have serious impacts. Drinking before or during the ride just creates very stupid moments and always respect your guide’s directions to avoid damaging relationships!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

• Is the ATV tour safe for beginners?

  Actually, quite safe! They give you instructions, easy-to-handle bikes and most tours avoid insane paths.

• What should I wear for my ATV adventure?

  In a way you should expect mess, so just wear older gear that you won’t mind getting dirty. Actually bringing a change is also a pro move.

• Are there age or weight restrictions?

  For the most part children can join but are obviously restricted to certain tours. In fact almost all will allow smaller ones to ride with a parent.

• Do I need a driving license?

  Licenses are normally not even needed!

• Is the lunch vegetarian-friendly?

  As a matter of fact always double-check before you book. Many places can accommodate or modify to assist, that said be diligent when planning!